San Jose Opens Door For More Co-living, Other Housing Projects

SAN JOSE, CA -- Tackling the most perplexing issue in the Silicon Valley, Mayor Sam Liccardo and the City Council approved several proposals that will enable development of co-living apartments in downtown and establish an additional hearing each year to expedite approval of affordable housing communities.

“City Hall can do much to address our affordable housing crisis by simply getting out of the way and enabling development of housing that is affordable by design,” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said. “The Council actions will not only enable development of co-living communities in our downtown, but also streamline efforts – particularly for schools and churches – to provide a safe, secure place for homeless families and individuals to sleep at night and expedite the approval of much-needed affordable housing construction.”

Under Liccardo’s leadership, the city continues to find new and innovative ways to help residents struggling to keep up with the high cost of living in the region.

The Council approved Tuesday:

• Co-living Ordinance: Establishes new rules and regulations for the creation of co-living communities in downtown San Jose. In these communities, one or two tenants would rent a single bedroom in multi-unit complexes with shared-use kitchens, baths, and common living spaces with other tenants.
• Expedite Approval for 100 percent affordable housing projects: Delays in land use approvals have had a disproportionate effect on affordable housing. Councilmember Dev Davis’ proposal adds an additional hearing for a general plan amendment in the spring of each year to help expedite the approval of publicly-funded affordable housing communities. This will enable the construction of more affordable homes.

Earlier in February, San Jose's housing department announced a $100 million investment in 11 affordable housing projects. Upon the completion of the 11 projects, the city’s investment will yield more than 1,140 new affordable homes - nearly 300 of which will provide supportive homes for low-income households.