Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]. Bay City News [BCN].
The measures R and Y ?two opposing measures addressing density limits, height limits and inclusionary housing policies in the City of San Mateo's general plan have yet to reach the majority of votes needed for either to pass.
Unofficial election results released by the County of San Mateo 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.
Results will be updated Thursday at 4:30 p.m., and could differ from the final tally on election night, as there are still ballots to be counted.
If passed, Measure Y would extend existing citywide density and height limits through 2030 and prevent developers from opting out of the inclusionary housing requirement to provide at least 10 percent affordable housing units - i.e., below market rate (BMR) units.
Supporters of Measure Y include a coalition of residents, former city planning commissioners, and several neighborhood associations. They argue that Measure Y will allow for balanced growth in the city, avoid high-rises, and support affordable housing by eliminating alternatives to inclusionary housing policy.
If the Measure R, would also extend current height and density limits through 2030 with some exceptions: it would allow the City Council to increase 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 the current density and height limits are not sufficient to meet the need for affordable housing, Measure R would allow for efficient growth near roadways, allowing residents to maximize the use of public transportation.
If both measures end up passing, the measure with more votes in favor will go into effect.
Currently, San Mateo's Measure P dictates density and height limits. Building heights are limited to 55 feet (about five stories), and 75 feet (about seven stories) 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.
