Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]. Bay City News [BCN].
The measures R and Y -two opposing measures that address density limits, height limits and inclusive housing policies in the City of San Mateo's master plan-have yet to achieve the majority of votes needed for either to pass.
Unofficial election results released by San Mateo County at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday show that Measure Y had 49 percent of votes in favor whilst Measure R had 47 percent of votes in favor, less than the required majority for either of them to be approved.
The results will be updated Thursday at 4:30 p.m., and may differ from the final count on election night, as there are still ballots to be counted.
If Measure Y is approved, it would extend existing citywide density and height limits through 2030 and prevent developers from choosing not to meet the requirement for inclusion of housing to provide at least 10 percent affordable housing units - that is, below market rate units (BMR).
Supporters of Measure Y include a coalition of residents, former urban planning commissioners and several neighborhood associations. They argue that Measure Y will allow balanced city growth, avoid skyscrapers and support affordable housing by eliminating alternatives to inclusive housing policy.
If the Measure R, would also extend the current height and density limits until 2030 with some exceptions: it would allow the City to increase the limits in designated areas near Downtown, Hayward Park and Hillsdale Caltrain stations.
The Measure R would also allow for alternatives to inclusionary housing policy, such as entrance fees or expanded building spaces. Supporters of Measure R include the San Mateo County Housing Leadership Council, several housing developers, and a variety of nonprofits, among other organizations.
Supporters of Measure R argue that current density and height limits are not sufficient to meet the need for affordable housing, Measure R would allow efficient growth near roads, allowing residents to maximize the use of public transportation.
If both measures end up being approved, the measure with the most votes in favour will enter into force.
Currently, the San Mateo P measure dictates density and height limits. Building heights are limited to 55 feet (about five floors), and 75 feet (about seven floors) in exceptional cases.
Residential projects are limited to 50 units per acre. Measure P is scheduled to expire at the end of 2020.
If Measures R and Y are rejected, with no further action, the City Council would go through a general plan update process to amend density and height limits as well as inclusionary housing policies. The general plan update process is expected to be completed in 2023.
