Berkeley Approved Higher Zoning for San Pablo Avenue
The City Council increased height limits to seven stories along a 2.3-mile stretch of West Berkeley.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Commercial
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Berkeley City Council members voted unanimously to raise building height limits from three to seven stories along the San Pablo Avenue corridor in West Berkeley. The move aims to increase the local housing supply, though the council rejected a separate proposal to cap development at five stories.
Why it matters
Proponents believe the zoning overhaul will boost housing affordability in an area where homes currently sell for over $1 million. Critics fear the policy could accelerate gentrification and lead to the displacement of existing small businesses.
The new seven-story limit applies to 2.3 miles of West Berkeley, a significant increase from the previous three-story cap. Developments under the new plan are projected to typically reach eight stories, while five designated commercial nodes prohibit ground-floor housing.
The players
Berkeley City Council
This is the primary legislative body responsible for managing municipal ordinances, zoning laws, and budget allocations for the city of Berkeley.
Rent Stabilization Board
This local agency oversees rent control measures and evaluates policies aimed at preventing tenant displacement within the city.
The details
Developers can utilize California density bonus laws to exceed established height caps by incorporating affordable units into their projects. New buildings will be required to provide open space, which can be satisfied through the construction of public plazas or wider sidewalks.
Timeline
Tuesday night: The City Council voted on the San Pablo Avenue zoning changes.
2022: The Rent Stabilization Board commissioned a report on displacement protections.
Later this year: The council may consider similar height limit increases for other city avenues.
Roadmap
This policy change reflects a broader movement by California cities to densify urban corridors near existing transit routes. By pivoting away from low-density residential caps, the city is aligning its local development framework with state-level mandates designed to address the ongoing housing crisis.
Residents in West Berkeley can expect a shift in the local skyline as developments are now permitted to rise up to seven or eight stories. Homeowners and renters may see changes in neighborhood density and commercial accessibility as the city implements these new zoning regulations.
The takeaway
The move signifies a significant shift in Berkeley's approach to density, prioritizing new construction to address high costs despite community concerns. Residents looking to understand future neighborhood changes should monitor upcoming council discussions regarding other city corridors.
What happens next
The City Council is scheduled to review potential zoning height increases for College, Solano, and northern Shattuck avenues later this year.
Further reading
For additional context on local development projects, visit the Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Berkeleyside.
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