In an unanimous decision by the Sacramento City Council last Tuesday, the state's capital now leads California in housing reform by allowing multi-unit structures in all single-family neighborhoods. According to Sacramento City Express, this move follows Sacramento's recognition as California's first Prohousing Designation recipient, and places it at the forefront of progressive, inclusive housing policies nationwide.
The dubbed Missing Middle Housing (MMH) Ordinance focuses on residential buildings up to 2.5 stories, with unit size and density being dictated by the existing lot size and its proximity to public transit rather than strict density limits. This ordinance, which allows for four-plexes, six-plexes, eight-plexes, ten-plexes, and cottage/bungalow courts among others, seeks to facilitate diverse housing forms that integrate with current single-family zones. "This overall policy is profoundly positive for our city," Mayor Darrell Steinberg was quoted in the announcement on Sacramento City Express, he sees this policy setting Sacramento apart from other cities by "encouraging more housing and innovative types of housing in traditionally single-family neighborhoods."
A main component of the new ordinance includes objective development and design standards that aim to maintain neighborhood aesthetics. Moreover, it introduces requirements ensuring the availability of open spaces and the planting of new shade trees, steps taken in alignment with the city's ambitious climate targets. Associate Planner Nguyen Nguyen, in his remarks to Sacramento City Express, noted the communal effort spanning three years that led to this legislative success, acknowledging the many, "young and old," who wish to remain in their community but grapple with affordability.
The ordinance also strategizes on making housing attainable for middle-income households, providing a solution to the persistent demand for affordable housing in Sacramento. It promotes the preservation of low-cost options for vulnerable residents, while simultaneously fostering new avenues for homeownership. As this policy is a part of the City's 2040 General Plan, which was recognized for its ingenuity and inclusivity with the Award of Excellence by the American Planning Association, California Chapter— Sacramento appears to be at the vanguard of reshaping urban housing. The City Council plans to gauge the efficacy of this interim ordinance, over a year, and will bring necessary updates before its transition to a permanent status.
On October 17, the ordinance will officially take effect, which is when the City will begin processing applications for multi-unit developments.
