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San Anselmo Takes a Bold Step to Reduce Housing Costs
In an effort to combat the rising cost of housing and facilitate new construction, the San Anselmo Town Council voted unanimously on May 13 to repeal the requirement mandating that utility lines be placed underground for new buildings and significantly remodeled homes. Mayor Tarrell Kullaway expressed relief at the decision, stating, "This just feels really good. It feels like we’re going to be making an impact on our housing requirements." This change is particularly aimed at reducing financial barriers for residents looking to construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are becoming increasingly vital in addressing housing shortages.
The Impact of Utility Undergrounding Costs
Utility undergrounding can be prohibitively expensive. In recent years, San Anselmo issued 25 construction permits from 2022 to 2024—17 of which were for accessory dwelling units. Of the 25, utility undergrounding was required for 15 permits, but only four were completed, with many applicants citing the undergrounding costs as a significant barrier. The planning director, Heidi Scoble, highlighted that while hardship exemptions were available, they were infrequently granted, leaving homeowners to navigate a complex financial landscape. This often resulted in expired permits rather than completed projects.
Supporting the Housing Element Goals
The decision to repeal the ordinance aligns closely with the town’s broader housing element strategy. This strategic move aims to alleviate construction-related financial pressures, thereby encouraging the creation of more housing units. Councilmember Yoav Schlesinger notably referenced the importance of accessory dwelling units in meeting the town’s housing goals, stating, "ADUs are a big driver in our strategy." With San Anselmo facing growing housing demands, this repeal is seen as a critical step towards sustainability and meeting state regulations regarding housing unit additions.
Community Reaction to the Repeal
Local residents have reacted positively to the repeal, viewing it as a necessary adjustment to outdated regulations. Adrian Macneil, who recently undertook a major home remodeling project, voiced his support by explaining the burdensome costs associated with the undergrounding requirement, which included a hefty $41,400 expense. He described other regulatory hurdles he faced during his remodeling process, underscoring the need for a thorough reassessment of existing municipal regulations. "Some of the regulations we ran into in the town, including this one, were crazy," he stated, potentially hinting at a broader movement for regulatory reform in the area.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Before reaching their decision, the town council thoroughly examined data relating to construction permits and the scope of undergrounding requirements. Councilmember Chantel Walker commented on the value of this data, expressing her initial skepticism but indicating that the numbers revealed a clear justification for the repeal. The decision illustrates how effective policy-making can utilize data to rationalize significant shifts in local governance.
The Future of Housing in San Anselmo
This repeal does not eliminate all undergrounding requirements; new subdivisions and underground utility districts will still adhere to these regulations. However, by eliminating the undergrounding necessity for existing homes and ADUs, San Anselmo signals a willingness to adapt to its current housing crisis, encouraging developers and homeowners alike to invest in their properties. As the town looks to balance its growth and address housing shortages, this decision may also inspire similar responses in neighboring areas such as Fairfax, Larkspur, and Mill Valley that are facing their own housing challenges.
Take Action in Your Community
If you are a local resident interested in supporting housing initiatives in your area, consider attending town hall meetings, voicing your opinions, and engaging with local governance. Participating in these discussions can help shape policies that reflect the needs of the community. Your voice matters!
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