In response to revisions requested by the state Department of Housing and Community Development, San Mateo County has made significant changes to its housing plan. The updated plan, known as the ‘housing element,’ addresses concerns about housing access for disadvantaged groups, water supply, and sewage issues. Among the notable additions to the plan are an expanded farmworker labor housing study and strategy, as well as a community plan for Pescadero, an area with a significant migrant worker population. The county has been advocating for more housing units for agricultural workers, particularly after a mass shooting exposed their substandard living conditions. The revised housing element targets the construction of 2,833 homes by 2031, with a focus on providing affordable options for very-low to moderate income earners. The county plans to rezone 126 parcels in unincorporated areas to allow for residential development, with densities ranging from 60 to 100 units per acre. This move is expected to increase the availability of multifamily housing and improve access to public transportation. However, residents from the midcoast area have raised concerns about the proposed rezoning, arguing that the infrastructure is inadequate to support the planned housing density and would exacerbate congestion. Despite these concerns, the Board of Supervisors remains confident that the updated housing element will meet the requirements for state certification and ensure compliance with housing laws.
San Mateo County Adopts Revised Housing Plan Aiming for Compliance
