San Mateo approves new townhome development to boost housing inventory

The project would add a modest dent to the city’s state-mandated housing goals, or Regional Housing Needs Allocation, as it must approve 7,015 housing units between 2023-31. But most of the city’s robust development pipeline — currently at about 6,800 units as of the end of March — comprises rental, not for sale, units, making the project particularly appealing for many city leaders who have lamented the lack of ownership opportunities.

“I appreciate the applicant finding a creative way to find a solution to the other missing piece of housing, which is affordable housing,” Commissioner Maxwell Schaumkel said during the commission meeting. “There’s that middle housing for those who are looking for home ownership, and this addresses that. I think this is an opportunity for families that are looking to grow and grow into a home.”

Some of the commissioners referred to the townhomes as “luxury units” and expressed concern over the site’s design. Each townhome would comprise a two-car garage, second-floor patios and four units also feature ground-floor media rooms.

Commissioner Margaret Williams raised concern about the lack of greenery and landscaping, saying that the state density bonus laws were used to bypass those elements.

“They’ve used this to maximize and build 10 very large homes and utilize the density bonus laws to just max out the site with big homes,” she said.

Chair Seema Patel had some concerns about site design, including the relatively limited outdoor space.

“When I look at these homes that have, in some cases, five bedrooms or four bedrooms plus a media room … these are luxury homes,” she said. “If I was investing in a five-bedroom home … I would expect a place to walk my dog that’s more than a couple feet wide.”

The commission still approved the project, which does not need City Council review.