Housing Programs

Fair Housing Programs

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Expanding Housing Options (EHO) Initiative
On May 19, 2025, the City Council approved an agreement with Dyett & Bhatia and Economic Planning Systems for services related to the completion of eleven Housing Element implementation programs including 1.I, 1.K, 1.N, 1.T, 3.E, 3.G, 4.J, 4.K, 5.B, 5.H, and 5.K. This scope of services is entitled “Expanding Housing Options” initiative or “EHO.”

At a EHO study session on November 10, 2025, the Piedmont Planning Commission provided feedback on information regarding Housing Element program 3.G, Inclusionary Zoning. The Planning & Building Department team of staff and consultants presented slides introducing the EHO initiative and inclusionary zoning.

At another EHO study session on January 12, 2026, the Planning Commission provided feedback on possible new EHO subdivision approaches, including possible changes to the City Code required by new State laws such as SB 9, SB 684, SB 1123, and AB 130. Further subdivision regulations and incentives, Programs 1.I and 1.T of the Housing Element, are tentatively scheduled for Planning Commission review in April 2026.

At a EHO study session on March 9, 2026, the Planning Commission provided feedback on EHO home sharing programs, including those utilized in comparable jurisdictions to Piedmont.

The Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled to make recommendations to City Council at a public hearing in May 2026.

Partnerships with Alameda County
The City of Piedmont partners with the Alameda County Housing and Community Development Department's programs to further fair housing. Piedmont staff participate in the Point-in-time Count of people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County. Alameda County HCD has published an analysis of countywide impediments to fair housing. To access the draft and provide public comment, please visit:
Publication Draft - Google Drive Comments can be emailed to Jennifer Alpha at [email protected]

Through Alameda County HCD, the City partners with ECHO Housing to provide housing counseling services. Counseling and mediation are available to both tenants and landlords. If you are experiencing discrimination because of your race, national origin, family or marital status, disability, sexual orientation or gender, call toll free 855-ASK-ECHO or email ECHO at [email protected]

Housing Element Implementation
On February 20, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing to consider and adopt amendments to the Piedmont General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and to consider an environmental impact report and related actions. These items further implementation of the 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element. The staff report is published to the City website here. Please find the staff report, attachments, and reference documents, below.

-Staff Report for February 20, 2024
-Attachment A - EIR Resolution
-Attachment B - Revised General Plan Amendments Resolution
-Attachment B - General Plan Amendments Resolution
-Attachment C - Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code
-Attachment D - Redline Edits of the Zoning Ordinance Amendments
-Attachment E - Final Environmental Impact Report
-Attachment F - Public Correspondence
-Attachment G - CalFIRE Approval
-Attachment H - Housing Element Programs Associated with Zoning Amendments
-Attachment I - Summary List of New and Amended General Plan Policies
-Attachment J - Draft Meeting Minutes of Planning Commission, January 29, 2024

Resources:
-East Bay Housing Organization Virtual Tour of Affordable Housing
-Environmental Impact Report for the 2023-2031 Housing Element Implementation Project
-2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element
-Video of Study Session and Staff Briefings at Planning Commission and City Council meetings via KCOM page of the City website
-2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
-2024 Rental Survey
-2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
-2023 Rental Survey

On March 20, 2023, the City Council adopted the 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element. The staff report and attachments are available on the City website here. Additional documents related to this important meeting are as follows:

New Fair Housing Programs
The components of the new housing programs include development of objective design standards for apartment buildings, as well as incentives to increase the production of accessory dwelling units (ADUs and JADUs) in Piedmont. On September 5, 2023, the City Council approved amendments to the City Code and the Piedmont Design Standards and Guidelines to establish objective standards for apartment buildings and pre-approved plans for ADUs that meet eligibility criteria. On February 2, 2026, the City Council revised and streamlined Objective Design Standards for ADUs, 1-4 unit developments, multifamily housing and shelters.

Density Bonus
Discussions about multifamily housing development often will describe development potential provided by a “density bonus.” State of California law permits relaxation of some City zoning regulations for new housing developments, including but not limited to waivers of requirements for height, parking, residential density, setbacks, etc., in multifamily and mixed-use zoning districts, in return for housing units in the development that are reserved for low-income households. The Piedmont City Code allows for a density bonus in accordance with State law.

Housing Assistance Programs
Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley offers a program in Piedmont to make repairs that directly improve a homeowners health, safety, and quality of life. Home repair projects over $15,000 may be eligible for loans through the Renew Alameda County (RenewAC) program, funded by Measure A1 Bond funds and administered by Habit for Humanity. Home repair projects can include Accessory Dwelling Units. Additional home repair grants are available to eligible households earning incomes 80% or less of the area median income (AMI) through CDBG-funded countywide programs from Alameda County. More information is available on the Alameda County website here. In addition, Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley offers financial assistance for repairs to eligible homeowners. More information is available here.

RenewAC Brochure--English

The City of Piedmont is part of AC Boost, a $50 million countywide down payment assistance loan program funded by Alameda County's 2016 Measure A1 Housing Bond. The program offers shared equity loans of up to $150,000 to first-time home buyers who live, work, or have been displaced from Alameda County. The program is administered by Hello Housing, a local affordable housing non-profit organization. There are also specific loan programs to help first responders and educators in our community. Learn more by clicking on the flyers below.

AC Boost Educator Flyer
AC Boost First Responder Flyer
AC Boost General Flyer
AC Boost Press Release

Individuals or firms with questions are invited to contact Senior Planner Pierce Macdonald at (510) 420-3063.