Town of Atherton
Office of the Mayor
80 Fair Oaks Lane
Atherton, California 94027
Phone (650) 752-0500
May 21, 2025
The Honorable Scott Wiener
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Suite 3330
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Opposition to Senate Bill 677 – Housing Development: Streamlined Approvals Dear Senator Wiener,
On behalf of the Town of Atherton, I write to express our strong opposition to Senate Bill 677, which proposes significant amendments to existing housing laws, including SB 9 and SB 423.
While we acknowledge the pressing need to address California’s housing shortage, we believe that SB 677 undermines local governance, disregards community character, and imposes one-size-fitsall mandates that are ill-suited to the diverse needs of our municipalities.
Key Concerns:
1. Erosion of Local Control:
SB 677 mandates ministerial approval for housing developments containing up to two residential units on lots zoned for single-family use or up to four units, irrespective of local zoning ordinances or community input. This blanket approach diminishes the authority of local governments to make land-use decisions that reflect the unique characteristics and needs of their communities.
2. Infrastructure and Environmental Constraints:
The bill’s provisions fail to account for existing infrastructure limitations and environmental considerations. For instance, increasing density without corresponding investments in transportation, water, and sewage systems can strain resources and degrade the quality of life for existing residents. Moreover, the bill’s exemptions for developments in areas affected by natural disasters could inadvertently encourage construction in highrisk zones.
3. Impact on Community Character:
Atherton is characterized by its low-density residential neighborhoods, which contribute to its unique identity and appeal. SB 677’s provisions could lead to developments that are SB 677 – Letter of Opposition
May 21, 2025
incongruent with the town’s established character, potentially affecting property values and community cohesion.
4. Financial Implications:
By prohibiting the imposition of impact fees on developments under 1,750 square feet and requiring proportional fees for larger units, SB 677 limits the ability of local governments to fund necessary infrastructure improvements and public services that accommodate increased density.
5. Precedent for Future Legislation:
The bill sets a concerning precedent by overriding local ordinances and homeowner association covenants. This could pave the way for future legislation that further erodes local autonomy and disregards the voices of community stakeholders.
In light of these concerns, the Town of Atherton respectfully urges you and your legislative colleagues to reconsider SB 677. We advocate for solutions that address the state’s housing crisis while preserving the integrity of local governance and respecting the distinct identities of our communities.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Lewis
Mayor
Town of Atherton
cc: Senator Josh Becker
Assemblymember Diane Papan
League of California Cities
Atherton City Council