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File #: 21-053    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Memo Status: Passed
File created: 12/14/2020 Departments: COUNTY MANAGER
On agenda: 1/12/2021 Final action: 1/12/2021
Title: Approve the Board of Supervisors' response to the 2019-2020 Civil Grand Jury Report, "Second Units: Adding New Housing In The Neighborhoods".
Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority

To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Manager
Subject: Board of Supervisors' Response to the 2019-2020 Civil Grand Jury Report "Second Units: Adding New Housing In The Neighborhoods"

RECOMMENDATION:
title
Approve the Board of Supervisors' response to the 2019-2020 Civil Grand Jury Report, "Second Units: Adding New Housing In The Neighborhoods".

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BACKGROUND:
On October 28, 2020, the 2019-2020 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury issued a report titled "Second Units: Adding New Housing In The Neighborhoods." The Board of Supervisors is required to submit comments on the findings and recommendations pertaining to the matters over which it has some decision-making authority within 90 days. The Board's response to the report is due to the Honorable Danny Chou no later than January 26, 2021.

DISCUSSION:
The Grand Jury made 8 findings and 4 recommendations in its report. Staff has collaborated with cities, where applicable, on the County's response to the Grand Jury Report. The Board responses follow each finding and the 4 recommendations that the Grand Jury requested that the Board respond to within 90 days.

FINDINGS

Finding 1:
The number of jobs in San Mateo County has grown beyond the number of new housing units available. More housing is needed and Second Units are one solution.

Response: The County of San Mateo agrees with this finding.


Finding 2:
From 2016 to 2020, the number of Second Units constructed annually within the County dramatically increased by 450% (823) after related State laws were enacted in 2017. Effective January 1, 2020, several additional new State laws were enacted in order to make the construction of new Second Units easier for homeowners.

Response: The County of San Mateo agrees with this finding.

Finding 3:
There are about 155,000 single-family homes in San Mateo County with only 4,000 Second Units on those p...

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