ORINDA —The city of Orinda could soon be in compliance with state housing law requirements for the first time if officials agree to rezone a piece of land to accommodate more affordable housing.
State law requires that cities and towns have a certified housing element for meeting housing needs for residents of all income levels.
According to the Regional Housing Need Allocation, the city must show it can accommodate a certain number of very low-, low-, moderate- and market-rate housing units.
Some Orinda residents on Monday, worried about the housing plan, told the council an influx of residents could change the city’s “semirural character,” affect schools and impact property values. Others questioned the state mandates, and urged the council to “push back” on housing requirements.
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