Project
A detailed retrospective and forward-looking article by RCPC board member Annette Floystrup describes multiple housing opportunity sites identified in the 2023 General Plan Update housing process: the former California College of the Arts (CCA) campus; the triangle lot at College and Claremont; the second phase of the Ridge Project at Broadway and Pleasant Valley; the Rockridge BART station; the old Safeway site at Claremont and Clifton (potential high-density housing); and exploration of moving the Claremont DMV downtown and developing part of that site for affordable housing.
Multiple sites: former CCA campus; College Ave & Claremont triangle; Broadway & Pleasant Valley (Ridge phase 2); Rockridge BART; old Safeway at Claremont & Clifton; Claremont DMV site
Oakland launched Phase I of its General Plan Update, focusing on the Housing Element, which must be completed by 2023. Under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), Oakland must plan for 26,000 new housing units across all income levels. RCPC called on residents to sign up for updates, identify development opportunity sites, and attend a public workshop on March 12, 2022.
Oakland's approved Housing Element (2023–2031) is being implemented through zoning changes that would significantly affect Rockridge. Proposed Phase I amendments would upzone much of Lower Rockridge from RM-1 to RM-4 (allowing 4+ units on lots >4,000 sq ft), increase College Avenue maximum building heights from 35 ft to 55 ft, allow up to 175 ft (15-17 stories) on the Rockridge BART station parcel, and allow higher density near Trader Joe's. A Planning Commission hearing was scheduled for April 15 and public comments accepted through May 5.
The Oakland Planning Commission held a public hearing on the General Plan 2045 Update, with components affecting Rockridge. Key items include: an Affordable Housing Overlay Zone, a Housing Sites Overlay Zone for mixed-income projects on Housing Element sites, By-Right Approvals for small developments with 20% affordable units, and 'missing middle' upzoning allowing up to 4 units on lots over 4,000 sq ft. Height limit increases from 60 to 65 feet (with provisions up to 95 feet) are also included.
Oakland City Council gave preliminary approval to housing components of the General Plan 2045 Update. Councilmember Kalb introduced an amendment reducing the proposed height limit for future development at Rockridge BART from 175 feet to 100 feet (~ten stories), while increasing limits in other nearby areas. RCPC submitted a comment letter supporting the amendments with conditions, including a call for further feasibility analysis before any zoning changes at the Rockridge BART site.
A detailed retrospective and forward-looking article by RCPC board member Annette Floystrup describes multiple housing opportunity sites identified in the 2023 General Plan Update housing process: the former California College of the Arts (CCA) campus; the triangle lot at College and Claremont; the second phase of the Ridge Project at Broadway and Pleasant Valley; the Rockridge BART station; the old Safeway site at Claremont and Clifton (potential high-density housing); and exploration of moving the Claremont DMV downtown and developing part of that site for affordable housing.
“On the BART station property, the maximum height would go to 175 feet (15-17 stories). Zoning for some other nearby areas, such as the Trader Joe's parcel, would also allow higher and denser construction.”2023_04 - RCPC Board Member Ronnie Spitzer and Stu Flashman, Housing Element article
“these zoning changes don't address affordability. A separate affordable housing overlay district attempts to incentivize affordability.”2023_04 - RCPC Board Member Ronnie Spitzer and Stu Flashman, Housing Element article
“The currently proposed Phase I zoning amendments may significantly transform Rockridge.”2023_04 - RCPC Board Member Ronnie Spitzer and Stu Flashman, Housing Element article
“As to development on the Rockridge BART site, we believe the evidentiary record needs to be augmented with further analysis of the financial and market feasibility as well as neighborhood views regarding different height and density limits before adoption of any zoning changes.”2023_10 - RCPC comment letter, September 12 2023
“The Rockridge Community Planning Council is supportive of the General Plan's proposed code amendments to implement the Housing Element and build much-needed housing in Rockridge, provided the above implementation steps are prioritized.”2023_10 - RCPC comment letter, September 12 2023