In a decisive step to address the student housing crisis and the broader housing shortage, the City of Berkeley has taken a groundbreaking decision to rezone nearly 30 city blocks in the Southside neighborhood, located just below the UC Berkeley campus. This move, unanimously voted by the Berkeley City Council, marks a significant shift in the city's approach to urban development and housing policy.

A New Era for Southside

The rezoning initiative will transform the Southside neighborhood, a region known for its dense population and historic buildings. The new zoning regulations will permit buildings to reach heights of up to 12 stories, a substantial increase from previous limits. This change is expected to add approximately 2,652 homes to the area, bounded by Bancroft Way, Prospect Street, Dwight Way, and Fulton Street.

Councilman Rigel Robinson, representing the Southside, expressed his relief and excitement at this development. He highlighted the dire student housing crisis at UC Berkeley, which has become a defining aspect of the student experience. With UC Berkeley providing housing for only 23% of its students – the lowest rate among UC campuses – this rezoning is seen as a crucial step in alleviating the pressure.

The Impact of New Zoning

The new zoning will not only increase the housing capacity but also relax open space requirements. This change is particularly significant on streets like Telegraph Avenue, Bancroft Way, and Durant Avenue. Developers who include affordable housing in their projects can now build up to 12 stories under state density bonus rules. Furthermore, if they incorporate both affordable and middle-income housing, they could be eligible to construct buildings as high as 16 stories, as per AB 1287, which will be effective next year.

This decision aligns with the state requirement to build more housing and represents a balancing act between the urgent need for housing and the campaign to preserve historic sites like People's Park. The City Council is also considering changes to create affordable housing for middle-income households and to address single-family zoning next year.

A Wave of Development

Developers are already leveraging new state housing laws to build taller apartment buildings across Berkeley. With more than a dozen multifamily projects in the pipeline, the city's landscape is set for a significant transformation. One notable project is by Atlanta-based Niles Bolton Associates, proposing an eight-story, 111-unit apartment building near the UC Berkeley campus, replacing Main Street-style storefronts in Downtown Berkeley.

Conclusion

Berkeley's bold move to raise height limits in the Southside neighborhood is a significant step towards addressing the housing shortage, particularly for students. This decision not only impacts the immediate area but sets a precedent for urban development and housing policy in the broader Bay Area. As we witness these changes unfold, the city of Berkeley stands at the forefront of innovative solutions to urban housing challenges.

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