Berkeley, once known for pioneering restrictive single-family zoning, is now leading California's charge toward more inclusive housing policies that could help address the state's severe affordability crisis.
The Berkeley City Council is set to review final "missing middle" zoning reforms in 2024 that would fundamentally reshape the city's housing landscape. The proposed changes would allow multi-unit housing in nearly all neighborhoods, except those at highest wildfire risk, while streamlining approvals and relaxing restrictions on height limits and lot coverage.
These reforms represent a dramatic shift from Berkeley's historical stance. The city that originated exclusionary single-family zoning is now working to permit diverse housing types across previously restricted areas. The changes aim to expand housing supply in transit-accessible locations, enabling more people to live closer to jobs while supporting climate goals through reduced commuting.