Berkeley City Council
January 20, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL
VITAL RECORDS: ESTABLISH FEE SCHEDULE AND CURRENT FEE INCREASE The public may participate in this hearing by remote video or in-person.

Notice is hereby given by the City Council of the City of Berkeley that a public hearing will be conducted by said city council of the City of Berkeley at which time and place all persons may attend and be heard upon the following:

The Department of Health, Housing, and Community Services is proposing to increase by $2.00 the fees for the issuance of each birth, death, and fetal death certificates, effective February 1, 2026, pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 64 and Health and Safety (H&S) Code § 103625(f).

Item Current Fee Proposed Fee
(Effective 02/01/2026)
Birth Certificate Public $31.00 $33.00
Birth Certificate County $24.00 $26.00
Death Certificate Public/County $26.00 $28.00
Fetal Death Certificate $23.00 $25.00
Stillbirth Certificate $23.00 $23.00
Disposition Permit $12.00 $12.00
Transit Letter $4.00 $4.00
The hearing will be held on, January 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the School District Board Room, located at 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley CA 94702.

For further information, please contact Alexandra Deitch at 510-981-5379.

A copy of the agenda material for this hearing will be available on the City’s website at https://berkeleyca.gov/ as of January 8, 2026. Once posted, the agenda for this meeting will include a link for public participation using Zoom video technology, as well as any health and safety requirements for in-person attendance.

Written comments should be mailed or delivered directly to the City Clerk, 2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, or e-mailed to
[email protected] in order to ensure
delivery to all Councilmembers and inclusion in the agenda packet.

Communications to the Berkeley City Council are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to the City Council, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact

information to be made public, you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service or in person to the City Clerk. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication. Please contact the City Clerk at (510) 981-6900 or [email protected] for further information.

If you challenge the above in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Berkeley at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Background information concerning this proposal will be available at the City Clerk Department and posted on the City of Berkeley webpage at least 12 days prior to the public hearing.

Published: January 2 and January 9, 2026 – The Berkeley Voice Published pursuant to Government Code Section 6062a
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I hereby certify that the Notice for this Public Hearing of the Berkeley City Council was posted at the display case located near the walkway in front of the Maudelle Shirek Building, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, as well as on the City’s website, on January 8, 2026.

Mark Numainville, City Clerk

Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.CityofBerkeley.info/Manager

PUBLIC HEARING
January 20, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Scott Ferris, Director, Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront Subject: Changes to Selected Recreation and Camps Facilities and Program Fees

RECOMMENDATION
Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution approving new fees and increasing current fees for select recreation programs and facility rentals; and rescinding Resolution No. 71,833-N.S. and all amendatory resolutions.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
The proposed new fees and fee increases will provide additional revenue to offset the operation and maintenance costs associated with Facility Rentals, Nature Center & Adventure Playground Programs, Echo Lake, Berkeley Tuolumne and Berkeley Day Camp Programs, and Youth Hoops League. Funding for recreation programs and facilities comes from the General Fund, Camps Fund, and Marina Fund. Proposed fee increase revenue will be deposited into the appropriate fund as described below.

These fee increases would raise an estimated $361,856 in FY 2027 to help offset program and facility maintenance costs (see Table 1). The revenue assumptions below are based on resident fees; non-resident fees are generally 20% higher, except, for example, at the Berkeley Waterfront, where there is no residency requirement.

These fee adjustments will factor into budget reduction plan discussions. The Marina Fund fees were discussed at the October 28, 2025 Council Budget & Finance Policy Committee meeting1, as part of broader efforts to raise $100k in new Waterfront recreation program revenue. (Note that the table below only includes revenue from new or increased fees; it does not include revenue from expansion of afterschool programs and camps to the Waterfront.) Camps Fund fees are needed to offset a projected $300k operating deficit. The balance will be raised via additional changes in programming. General Fund fee revenue will be applied toward Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department budget reduction plans. If not adopted, the department will need to generate alternate measures that will result in reductions to programs and services.
1 See https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/legislative-body-meeting-attachments/2025-10- 28%20Item%2003%20Marina%20Fund%20Update%20Presentation.pdf

Changes to Selected Recreation and Camps Facilities and Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

Table 1 - Summary of Estimated Annual Increase in Revenue Fee General Fund
(011)
Camps Fund
(125)
Marina Fund
(608) Total
Adventure Playground Party Package $20,225 $20,225
Nature Center Party Package $8,394 $8,394
Naturalist Classroom Program $4,300 $4,300
Community Center Rentals $21,467 $9,584 $31,051
Camps (Echo Lake, BTC, Day Camp) $245,909 $245,909
Youth Hoops League $9,200 $9,200
Summer Fun Camps $22,777 $22,777
YouthWorks Accelerator Program $20,000 $20,000
TOTAL $73,444 $255,493 $32,919 $361,856

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
On June 17, 2025, Council adopted an updated fee schedule for the Recreation Division programs (Resolution No. 71,833-N.S.) The City regularly reviews all recreation fees in an effort to keep programs and facilities accessible to residents while accounting for increased costs to deliver those services. Proposed fee changes described below are proposed to go into effect January 21, 2026.

Adventure Playground Birthday Party Package
Over the past years, City staff have received community feedback requesting expanded access to birthday party packages that align with existing field trip experiences. Families have expressed a desire for convenient, on-site celebrations that allow them to enjoy Adventure Playground and programmed activities while also securing nearby amenities such as picnic spaces and tables. While many residents currently reserve group rates for Adventure Playground and then relocate outside facility boundaries for picnic use, the proposed birthday party package consolidates all activity needs in one area, ensuring equitable access for all users and improving operational efficiency.

The proposed birthday party package with a fee of $325 will offer families a 2-hour reservation, a group orientation and their own covered space with picnic tables. Additional add-on is available for $150 and will include 1-hour of structured activity facilitated by trained recreation staff, access to designated private space, and curated equipment options depending on the activity type. Revenue from the Adventure Playground Birthday Party Package will be deposited in the Marina Fund.

Program Unit Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
AP Birthday Party Package 2-Hour N/A $325 N/A N/A
AP Birthday Party Package Add-On 1-Hour N/A $150 N/A N/A Naturalist Birthday Party Package
The Nature Center has received many requests over the years to offer birthday party packages. This new birthday party package will include a three-hour picnic reservation with tables and chairs under the trellised area between the Nature Center and the Nature Center Classroom, including a one-hour naturalist program from trained City staff.

Changes to Selected Recreation and Camps Facilities and Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

The proposed fee is $425. The proposed Program packages will include structured activity blocks facilitated by trained recreation staff, access to designated private space, covered picnic tables, and curated equipment options depending on the activity type. Revenue from the Naturalist Birthday Party Package will be deposited in the Marina Fund.

Program Unit Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
Naturalist Birthday Party Package 3-Hour N/A $425 N/A N/A Naturalist Classroom Program
Shorebird Park Nature Center has garnered a reputation for delivering a broad range of exceptional science and environmental education programs for the public. For decades we have offered 3-hour field trips to local school groups, however, the current fee of $200 has not changed since 2017. The proposed fee increase to $300 is needed due to the rising costs associated with specialized equipment and materials, facility maintenance and staffing. Staff are also proposing a fee increase from $65 to $100 for our one-hour long Naturalist Classroom Program for the same reasons listed above. Revenue from the Naturalist Classroom Program will be deposited in the Marina Fund.

Program Unit Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
Naturalist Classroom Program 3-Hour $200 $300 N/A N/A
Naturalist Classroom Program 1-Hour $65 $100 N/A N/A
Community Center Facility Rental Fees
The City has not increased community center facility fees since 2017. Over the past several years, operational costs associated with maintaining and staffing recreation centers, gymnasiums, and shared-use facilities have steadily increased. There is significant demand for rentals, particularly in gymnasiums and multipurpose rooms. Fees for these facilities are proposed to increase 20% to offset costs of facility maintenance and staffing for these rentals.

Revenue from community center facility rental fees will be deposited in the General Fund and the Camps Fund.

Facility Rental Unit Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-
Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
Youth, Senior, Disabled –
Regular Hours Hour $41 $49 $49 $59
Youth, Senior, Disabled –
Non-Regular Hours Hour $61 $65 $73 $78
Auditorium/Social Hall –
Regular Hours Hour $67 $80 $80 $96
Auditorium/Social Hall – Non-
Regular Hours Hour $82 $100 $98 $120
Fireside Room/Community
Room – Regular Hours Hour $52 $62 $62 $74
Fireside Room/Community
Room – Non-Regular Hours Hour $67 $78 $80 $94
Game Room/Arts &
Crafts/Meeting Room –
Regular Hours
Hour $46 $55 $55 $66

Changes to Selected Recreation and Camps Facilities and Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

Facility Rental Unit Resident
(Current)

Resident
(Proposed)

Non-
Resident
(Current)

Non-Resident
(Proposed)

Game Room/Arts &
Crafts/Meeting Room – Non-
Regular Hours
Hour $62 $69 $74 $83
Gym – Regular Hours Hour $64 $77 $77 $92
Gym – Non-Regular Hours Hour $75 $96 $90 $115
Camps Fund Programs
PRW operates self-sustaining camp and recreation programs through the Camps Fund, a self- supporting fund, with revenues expected to cover expenditures. The Camps Fund (CF) is comprised of five programs:
 Day Camp, a summer day camp program in Berkeley;
 Cazadero Camp, operated by Cazadero Performing Arts Camp and offering music and performing arts programs, located in Sonoma County;
 Echo Lake Camp, offering Family Camp, Youth Camp, Counselor-in-Training and other programs, located near South Lake Tahoe; and
 Tuolumne Camp (BTC), offering Family Camp, Counselor-in-Training, and other programs, located near Yosemite National Park.
 Fee Classes, including internal and contractor-run classes in health and fitness, martial arts, youth enrichment, sports, and education.

Prior to the 2013 Rim Fire, which caused the destruction of BTC, the Camps Fund revenue consistently outpaced expenses. Since that time the fund has operated in a deficit. While the CF has made significant strides since BTC reopened four years ago, the operational deficit of approximately $300,000, which is reduced from previous years, still exists. The proposed fee increases will raise an estimated $245,909 in revenue in FY26 to help offset these costs.

Additional changes in programming at Echo Lake Camp and BTC are anticipated to offset more of this deficit.

To cover rising costs in staffing, utilities, food, equipment and supplies, and transportation- related expenses, fee increases are proposed of 10% in 2026 and 5% in 2027 for Echo Lake Youth Camp and Counselor-in-Training (CIT), Berkeley Tuolumne Camp CIT, and Berkeley Day Camp Core, AM, PM and CIT Programs (see table below). Attachment 2, Tables 9-12 compare proposed fees to those of similar programs in the region.

Program Unit
Res
Current
Res
Proposed
1/21/26
Res
Proposed
1/1/27
Non-Res
Current
Non-Res
Proposed
1/21/26
Non-Res
Proposed
1/1/27
Echo Lake Youth Camp 1-Week $846 $930 $977 $1,015 $1,117 $1,172 Echo Lake CIT 1-Week $323 $355 $373 $389 $428 $449
Echo Lake CIT 2-Weeks $470 $517 $543 $565 $622 $653
Tuolumne CIT 1-Week $323 $355 $373 $389 $428 $449
Tuolumne CIT 2-Weeks $488 $537 $614 $586 $645 $677
Day Camp 1-Week $282 $310 $326 $339 $373 $392
Day Camp AM Care 1-Week $60 $66 $69 $71 $78 $82

Changes to Selected Recreation and Camps Facilities and Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

Program Unit
Res
Current
Res
Proposed
1/21/26
Res
Proposed

1/1/27
Non-Res
Current
Non-Res
Proposed
1/21/26
Non-Res
Proposed

1/1/27
Day Camp PM Care 1-Week $92 $101 $107 $111 $122 $128
Day Camp CIT 2-Weeks $228 $251 $263 $273 $300 $315
Adult Backpacking 4-days - $600 $660 - $720 $792
Berkeley Day Camp
Increased fees are required to offset costs of staffing, supplies and materials, field trip expenses, and equipment related to operations. The proposed fee increase will help cover costs, while maintaining program fees below market rate pricing compared to similar style camps that are operating out of Berkeley and surrounding cities.

Berkeley Echo Lake Camp
Echo Lake Camp is embarking on its 102nd season of providing high quality, inclusive, recreation opportunities for the Berkeley community. Echo Lake programming has grown consistently since 2022 and fills all sessions with waitlists throughout the summer. Both personnel and non-personnel costs have increased in recent years, and fee increases are needed to offset the costs for youth camp and the counselor-in-training (CIT) programs. In addition, fees are proposed for a new adult backpacking program at Echo Lake. This will be an extension of our current Youth Backpacking program and will allow us to build a foundation for Fall and Spring programming.

Berkeley Tuolumne Camp
The proposed increased fees for Berkeley Tuolumne Camp are needed to offset increasing personnel and non-personnel costs associated with the CIT program. With these changes, our program continues to be lower cost than similar programs in the region.

Fee Classes
The Recreation division offers various fee class programs, in partnership with contractors, who offer specialized classes for the Community. Revenue from these classes is shared with the contractor in various percentages based on the offering and the overall costs to the City.

Youth Hoops League
The City of Berkeley Youth Hoops Sports Program has had a longstanding history of offering fun, competitive programs and leagues for the Berkeley youth community grades K-5th. Since 2017, we have sold out each program with extensive waitlists. Each season, we offer participants over 12 practices once per week and 8 regular season games, with the chance to make playoffs. Each practice is led by volunteer coaches, with city staff present to provide support. Games are officiated by our sports official staff along with city staff who work our book and scoreboard to ensure that teams are providing equal playing time to all players. All equipment and gym space is provided by the City to teams for both practices and games. Prior to the season we run observation nights to help ensure that teams are as balanced as possible and we also run mandatory trainings for all our volunteer coaches. All players receive a reversible jersey that they get to keep, as well as a small goodie bag at the end of the season.

Since 2022, there has been a 20% increase in supply costs as well as a 12% increase in personnel costs. Increased fees are required to offset the growing cost of the programs,

Changes to Selected Recreation and Camps Facilities and Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

including sports personnel, materials and equipment costs. Revenue from the Youth Hoops League will be deposited in the General Fund.

Program Unit Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
Youth Hoops League Season $30 $100 $36 $120
Summer Fun Camps
Summer Fun Camps are community center-based, subsidized programs offered during the summer for youth ages 5-12. These programs provide a range of enriching activities including outdoor play, games, arts and crafts, dance and drama, swimming, and field trips.

Fees for these programs have not increased since 2020. Since then, operational costs for Summer Fun Camps have increased by more than 18%. Fee increases are needed to offset the increased costs of staffing, equipment, supplies and additional participants. Revenue from our subsidized Summer Fun Camps will be deposited in the General Fund.

Program Unit Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-
Resident
(Current)
Non-
Resident
(Proposed)
Summer Fun Camp
Core Session $150 $165 $180 $198
AM Care Session $25 $27.50 $30 $33
PM Care Session $75 $82.50 $90 $99
YouthWorks Accelerator Program
The City is launching a new program within YouthWorks to place interns in professional businesses. The Accelerator program will provide a limited number of local businesses with the opportunity to have a summer intern (for a seven week period over the summer), who is a trained City employee, who is new or relatively new to employment and who is versatile, capable and ready to learn and support. The Accelerator interns get placed in a professional level internship where they can receive a pre-career professional experience. The proposed fee for professional businesses is up to $2,500, depending on the number of hours that their intern works, to offset the City’s cost of employing the intern.

This will be in addition to the existing YouthWorks internship program, which provides employment opportunities and life skills training that help participants transition into the workforce. The YouthWorks program focuses on historically underserved communities and aligns with the City of Berkeley’s commitment to racial equity, recognizing systemic barriers and working to expand access to education, employment and self-sufficiency.

Scholarship Program
In 2025, the City provided over $300k in scholarships to Berkeley residents. The City offers 50% and 100% scholarships for a variety of programs in both the General Fund and the Camps Fund, including Afterschool Programs, Swim Lessons, Summer Camps, Echo Lake Youth Camp and BTC Family Camp.

City of Berkeley residents can apply annually to qualify for a scholarship. Scholarship percentages are determined using HUD income guidelines. To qualify for a 100% scholarship,

Changes to Selected Recreation and Camps Facilities and Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

applicants must meet HUD’s current “Very Low Income Limits.” To qualify for a 50% scholarship, applicants must meet HUD’s current “Very Low Income Limits” plus the difference of “Low Income Limits” and the “Very Low Income Limits.” These thresholds were increased by Council from “Extremely Low Income” in 2022 to expand the number of eligible families.

BACKGROUND
The Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department’s annual operational budget (excluding capital improvement projects) is approximately $42 million. It is primarily supported by four funds: the Parks Tax Fund, the Marina Fund, the Camps Fund, and the General Fund. The Recreation Division relies predominantly on the General Fund and the Camps Fund to support its programs. Program fees offset the costs associated with program delivery, facility operations, and ongoing maintenance. Fees for programs and reservations tied to the self- supporting Camps Fund, Parks Tax Fund, and Marina Fund are used to cover the costs of providing these services.

The proposed fees were brought before the Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Commission on November 12, 2025 at their regular meeting, and no action was taken. The Nature Center and Adventure Playground fees were included as part of a broader set of fee increases to address the projected Marina Fund deficit in a presentation to the Council Budget & Finance Policy Committee on October 28, 2025.2

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
The proposed fee increases will support sustainability in these recreation programs which provide direct and indirect environmental benefits. Recreation programs connect the community with the environment, emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship, and teach youth and community members about our local environmental resources and how to preserve them.

CONTACT PERSON
Scott Ferris, Director, Parks, Recreation & Waterfront 510-981-6711 Attachments:

1. Resolution
Exhibit A: Recreation Fee Schedule
Exhibit B: Scholarships and Special Use Rental Policy

2. Recreation Fee Schedule: Current vs. Proposed

3. Recreation Fee Schedule: Fee Comparisons

4. Notice of Public Hearing
2 See https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/legislative-body-meeting-attachments/2025-10- 28%20Item%2003%20Marina%20Fund%20Update%20Presentation.pdf.

2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.CityofBerkeley.info/Manager

RESOLUTION NO. ##,###-N.S.

CHANGES TO SELECTED RECREATION FACILITIES AND CAMPS PROGRAM FEES AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 71,833-N.S
WHEREAS, on June 17, 2025, Council adopted the new Fee Schedule for Recreation Division programs (Resolution No. 71,833-N.S.); and
WHEREAS, the proposed Echo Lake Camp, Tuolumne Camp, and Berkeley Day Camp new fees and fee increases will provide additional revenue to the Camps Fund which will help cover the cost of delivering programs; and
WHEREAS, the facility and program fee increases will provide additional revenue to the General Fund (011), Camps Fund (125), and Marina Fund (608), which will help cover the cost of delivering services and maintaining facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Youth Works Accelerator program will provide for an expanded program offering to the Youthworks Internship Program in a fiscally responsible manner; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that the rates and charges set forth in Exhibit A are hereby fixed and established for the Parks and Recreation programs and facilities and shall be effective January 21, 2026, unless otherwise noted in Exhibit A.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Resolution No. 71,833 N.S.; and all amendatory resolutions are hereby rescinded effective January 20, 2026.

Exhibits
A: Recreation Fee Schedule
B: Scholarships and Special Use Rental Policy

Resolution - Exhibit A: Recreation Fee Schedule
Effective January 21, 2026 (unless otherwise noted below) Program Area Unit of Measure Resident Non-Resident
I. DIRECTOR’S AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT NEW FEES
The Director of Parks Recreation and Waterfront, or his/her designee, reserves the right to establish fees for new Recreation programs based on comparison with other municipalities.

New Programs Various Up to $450 Up to $540
II. FACILITY RENTAL CHARGES

1. Room Rentals: Regular Hours (1-Hour Minimum); Non-Regular Hours (2-Hour Minimum) James Kenney (JK), Live Oak (LO), Frances Albrier (FA), Martin Luther King (MLK), Willard (W) A. Youth, Senior, Disabled
Regular Hours Hour $49 $59
Non-Regular Hours Hour $65 $78
B. All Other
Auditorium (FA), Social Hall (LO),
Community Room – Full (W)
Regular Hours Hour $80 $96
Non-Regular Hours Hour $100 $120
Fireside Room (LO), Community Room (JK, YAP),
Community Room – Half (W)
Regular Hours Hour $62 $74
Non-Regular Hours Hour $78 $94
Game Room (MLK), Arts & Crafts Room (FA, JK, LO, YAP)
Meeting Room (JK, LO, MLK, FA)
Regular Hours Hour $55 $66
Non-Regular Hours Hour $69 $83
Outdoor Patio (W) Hour $40 $48
Outdoor Patio (W) 4-hours $150 $180
C. Multi Room Discount
2nd room Rental 25% discount 25% discount
3rd room, each additional room Rental 50% discount 50% discount D. Gym Rentals (JK, MLK)
Regular Hours Hour $77 $92

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
Non-Regular Hours Hour $96 $115
E. Filming Fee
Parks and Facilities ½ Day $400 $400
Full Day $800 $800
F. Surcharges
Table & Chair Set-Up Rental $63 $76
Kitchen Use Rental $86 $103
Small Storage Room Month $21 $25
Large Storage Room Month $31 $37
Stage Use w/Room Rental Hour $26 $31
P/A system & staff operation Hour $42 $50
Cleaning/Damage Deposit All Rentals (Refundable) Rental $200 $200

2. City Athletic Fields
A. Cedar Rose, Codornices, Glendale-La Loma, Grove, James Kenney, Ohlone, Rosa Parks, San Pablo, Thousand Oaks,
Willard

Youth non-profit leagues 2-Hours $36 $43
Adults, for-profits, private schools 2-Hours $72 $86
Maintenance Deposit 40% of Fee 40% of Fee
B. Gabe's Fields at Harrison Park, Natural Turf
Youth non-profit leagues 2-Hours $36 $43
Adults, for-profits, private schools 2-Hours $83 $100
Youth, for-profits, private schools, with lights 2-Hours $66 $80 Adults, for-profits, private schools, with lights 2-Hours $113 $136 C. Gilman Fields, Natural Turf
Youth non-profit leagues, no lights 2-Hours $36 $43
Adults, for-profits, private schools, no lights 2-Hours $83 $100 Youth non-profit leagues, with lights 2-Hours $66 $80
Adults, for-profits, private schools, with lights 2- Hours $113 $136 D. Gilman Fields, Synthetic Turf
Youth non-profit leagues, no lights 2-Hours $50 $60

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
Adults, for-profits, private schools, no lights 2-Hours $104.50 $125.50 Youth non-profit leagues, with lights 2-Hours $80 $96
Adults, for-profits, private schools, with lights 2- Hours $134.50 $161.50 E. Sports Field User Fines (Policy Violations: Applicable to All Athletic Fields)
Playing on Closed Grass Fields 1st Offense $250 $250
2nd Offense $500 $500
Running practices in main goal areas 1st Offense within 12 mo $50 $50 2nd Offense within 12
mo $100 $100
3rd Offense within 12
mo $200 $200
Dogs, Alcohol, Trash, Wheeled vehicles Incident $100 $100 Field Monitor Hourly $25 $25
F. Additional Rules (Applicable to All Athletic Fields) Weekday slots used before 3:30pm throughout the year are discounted 50% Weekday slots 5:30pm-7:00pm are charged as full two-hour slot All other slots are pro-rated in 30-minute increments

3. Skate Park Rental
Rental (includes 2 staff members) Hour $250 $300
Birthday Party Rental (includes 2 staff members & lesson) Hour $350 $420 Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $200 $200

4. Outdoor Court Reservations
Tennis Courts, Pickleball Courts, Basketball Courts
A. Day Use
Adult Hour $8 $10
Youth, Senior, Disabled Hour $6 $7
B. Night Use/Lighted Courts
Adult Hour $12 $14
Youth, Senior, Disabled Hour $10 $12
C. Pickleball Courts (Striped, without nets)
Adult Hour $5 $6

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
Youth, Senior, Disabled Hour $4 $5

5. Swim Centers (1-hour minimum)
King Pool, West Campus Pool
1-35 people Hour $100 $120
36-70 people Hour $145 $174
71-100 people Hour $177 $212
101-150 people Hour $217 $260
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $200 $200

6. Picnic Areas (4-hour minimum)
Aquatic Park Area 1 4-hours $50 $60
Aquatic Park Area 2 4-hours $54 $65
Aquatic Park Area 3 4-hours $54 $65
Aquatic Park Area 4 4-hours $54 $65
Berkeley Way Mini Area 1 4-hours $33 $40
Cedar Rose Area 1 4-hours $36 $43
Cedar Rose Area 2 4-hours $36 $43
Cedar Rose Area 3 4-hours $36 $43
Cesar Chavez Area 1 4-hours $50 $50
Cesar Chavez Area 2 4-hours $220 $220
Cesar Chavez: Area 3 4-hours $70 $70
Codornices Park Area 1 4-hours $83 $100
Codornices Park Area 2 4-hours $66 $79
Codornices Park Area 3 4-hours $50 $60
Codornices Park Area 4 4-hours $50 $60
Cragmont Area 1 4-hours $50 $60
Cragmont Area 2 4-hours $50 $60
Cragmont Area 3 4-hours $50 $60
Glendale La Loma Area 1 4-hours $40 $48
Greg Brown Park Area 1 4-hours $33 $40
Grove Area 1 4-hours $50 $60
Horseshoe Park 1 4-hours $75 $75

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
James Kenney Area 1 4-hours $50 $60
James Kenney Area 2 4-hours $50 $60
John Hinkel Area 1 4-hours $40 $48
John Hinkel Area 2 4-hours $50 $60
King School Area 1 4-hours $33 $40
Live Oak Park Areas 1 4-hours $66 $79
Live Oak Park Areas 2 4-hours $66 $79
Ohlone Park @ McGee Area 1 4-hours $50 $60
San Pablo Park Area 1 4-hours $33 $40
San Pablo Park Area 2 4-hours $33 $40
San Pablo Park Area 3 4-hours $33 $40
San Pablo Park Area 4 4-hours $33 $40
San Pablo Park Area 5 4-hours $33 $40
Strawberry Creek Area 1 4-hours $50 $60
Strawberry Creek Area 2 4-hours $33 $40
Shorebird Park Area 1 4-hours $75 $75
Shorebird Park Area 2 4-hours $75 $75
Shorebird Park Area 3 4-hours $45 $45
Shorebird Park Area 4 4-hours $75 $75
Willard Park Area 1 4-hours $50 $60
Bounce House Permit Per Use $30 $36

7. Parks & Open Space (not athletic fields)
A. Special Events
1-99 Participants Day $180 $350
100-249 Participants Day $270 $500
250-499 Participants Day $350 $700
500+ Participants Day $550 $1,000
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Day $700 $700
B. Special Events – Additional Days
1-99 Participants Day $170 $340
100-249 Participants Day $230 $460

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
250-499 Participants Day $250 $600
500+ Participants Day $450 $900
C. John Hinkel Amphitheater
Rental 4-hours $200 $240
Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $75 $90
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $500 $500
Add-on: Picnic Area 2 - Lower Level 4-hours $15 $20
Multi-Day Discount – Applies to reservations that are greater than 3- days (Applies to the Full Permit) 4-hours 20% discount 20% discount D. Camp Day Use Fee
1-50 Participants Day $50 $50
51-100 Participants Day $100 $100
101-150 Participants Day $150 $150
E. Small Turf Areas in Parks (Ages 8 yrs & under; Mon-Fri only; Max 3 days per week)
Aquatic Park, James Kenney Park, Live Oak Park, Ohlone Park 2-Hours $25 $30

8. Weddings & Events (4-hour minimum)
A. Rose Garden
Rental 4-Hours $1,000 $1,200
Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $170 $204
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $700 $700
B. Cragmont, Live Oak Park
Rental 4-Hours $450 $540
Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $75 $90
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $350 $350
C. John Hinkel (Outside Areas)
Rental Hour $450 $540
Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $75 $90
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $350 $350
Add-on: Picnic Area 2 - Lower Level 4-hours $15 $20
Multi-Day Discount – Applies to reservations that are greater than 3- days (Applies to the Full Permit) 4-hours 20% discount 20% discount

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
D. Horseshoe Park (Small Park)
Rental 4-Hours $450 $540
Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $75 $90
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $350 $350
E. Old Ferry Dock
Rental 4-Hours $450 $540
Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $75 $90
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $350 $350
F. Spinnaker Way Vista
Rental 4-Hours $750 $750
Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $170 $170
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $700 $700
G. Yacht Club Point
Rental 4-Hours $750 $750
Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $170 $170
Cleaning/Damage Deposit (refundable) Rental $700 $700

9. Mini-Amphitheater/Outdoor Classroom (4-hour minimum) Codornices Park #A1 (Next to Picnic Site #2) 4-hours $40 $48 Live Oak Park #A1 4-hours $50 $60
Shorebird Park #A1 (Near Nature Center Playground) 4-hours $50 $50 III. SWIM CENTER FEES

1. Admissions
Lap Swim, Family Swim, Recreation Swim, Independent Exercise Adult (Drop-in) Swim $7 $8
Adult (10-Swim Card) 10-Swims $58 $70
Adult (Monthly) Month $85 $102
Youth, Senior, Disabled (Drop-In) Swim $4 $5
Youth Senior Disabled (10-Swim Card) 10-Swims $33 $40
Youth Senior Disabled (Monthly Card) Month $49 $60

2. Red Cross Swim Sessions
A. Group Lessons (Subsidized)

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
Adult 4-Class Session $40 $48
Adult 8-Class Session $79 $95
Youth, Senior, Disabled 4-Class Session $38 $46
Youth, Senior, Disabled 8-Class Session $76 $91
B. Group Lessons (Cost Recovery)
Adult 4-Class Session $48 $58
Adult 8-Class Session $96 $115
Youth, Senior, Disabled 4-Class Session $44 $53
Youth, Senior, Disabled 8-Class Session $88 $106
C. Organized Youth Groups (Residents Only)
10-15 participants Session $65 $65
16-21 participants Session $62 $62
22-32 participants Session $54 $54
33-43 participants Session $48 $48
44-54 participants Session $39 $39
55+ participants Session $37 $37

3. Premium Classes
Continuous & Coached Workouts: Water Aerobics, Parent/Tot, Stroke Technique, Master Swim

Adult (Drop-in) Swim $8 $10
Adult (10-Swim Card 10-Swims $75 $90
Adult (Monthly) Month $94 $113
Youth, Senior, Disabled (Drop-In) Swim $6 $7
Youth Senior Disabled (10-Swim Card) 10-Swims $56 $67
Youth Senior Disabled (Monthly Card) Session $70 $84

4. Private Swim Lessons
(1/2 hour session)
Individual (One-on-One) Lesson $30 $36
Semi-Private Lesson (2 or more Participants) Lesson $50 $60 IV. RECREATION PROGRAMS

1. Sports
A. Adult Softball League

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
4 Game Season Team $376 $451
8 Game Season Team $752 $902
10 Game Season Team $940 $1,128
B. Adult Basketball League
8 Game Season Team $800 $960
Individual $120 $144
10 Game Season Team $1,000 $1,200
Individual $150 $180
C. Adult Volleyball League
8 Game Season Team $360 $432
10 Game Season Team $450 $540
12 Game Season Team $540 $648
15 Game Season Team $675 $810
D. Open Gym Volleyball
Drop-In Drop-In $5 $5
E. Youth Baseball
Individual Session $51 $61
F. Youth Hoops League
Individual Session $100 $120
G. Youth Twilight Basketball
Individual Session $27 $32
H. Youth Flag Football League
Individual Session $30 $36
I. Tennis Lessons
Youth Session $73 $88
Adult Session $107 $128
J. Skate Park Lessons & Classes
Full Day Session $258 $310
1/2 Day Camp Session $195 $234
Park Introduction Session $11 $13
Trick Clinic Session $11 $13

Program Area Unit of Mea
sure Resident Non-Resident
Private Lessons Hour $43 $52
Group Lessons Session $108 $130

2. Programs at Centers
A. After School Program (Subsidized)
Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten Day $14 $17
1st Grade – 5th Grade Day $12 $14
B. After School Program (Cost Recovery)
Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten Day $18 $22
1st Grade – 5th Grade Day $16 $19
C. Summer Fun Camps
Core Session $165 $198
AM Extended Care Session $27.50 $33
PM Extended Care Session $82.50 $99

3. Waterfront Programs
A. Adventure Playground
Child Admission (anyone between 1 and 14 years old) Day $5 N/A Group size 5-10 2-hours $75 N/A
Group size 11-20 2-hours $105 N/A
Group size 21-30 2-hours $158 N/A
Group size 31-40 2-hours $210 N/A
B. Education Programs
Naturalist Classroom Program 3-hours $300 N/A
Naturalist Classroom Program 1-hour $100 N/A
Docent Training Session $65 N/A
C. Nature Center & Adventure Playground Rentals
AP Birthday Party Package 2-hours $325 N/A
AP Birthday Party Package Add-On 1-hour $150 N/A
Naturalist Birthday Party Package 3-hours $425 N/A

Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
V. Camp Programs

1. Berkeley Day Camp
Youth Core Program 5-Day $310 $326 $373 $392
AM Extended Care 5-Day $66 $69 $78 $82
PM Extended Care 5-Day $101 $107 $122 $128
Counselor-In-Training 10-Day $251 $263 $300 $315
Cancelled Reservation Session 25% of reservation not to exceed $150

2. Echo Lake Camp
A. 50 & Better Camp
50 & Better Camp Tent (up to 2 campers) 5-Day $818 $981 50 & Better Camp Tent (up to 2 campers) 4-Day $650 $780 50 & Better Camp Tent (up to 2 campers) Weekend $515 $618 50 & Better Camp Additional Camper 1-Day $55 $66
B. Counselor-In-Training
Counselor-In-Training 2-Week $517 $543 $622 $653
Counselor-In-Training 1-Week $355 $373 $428 $449
C. Family Camp Sessions
Full-Week Standard Tent (up to 3 campers) 7-Day $1,843 $2,212 Full-Week Low-Occupancy Tent 7-Day $1,595 $1,914
Nightly Rate: Mon, Tues, or Wed 1-Night $450 $540
Weekend Standard Tent (up to 3 campers) 4-Day $1,397 $1,676 Weekend Low-Occupancy Tent 4-Day $1,226 $1,471
Mid-Week Standard Tent (up to 3 campers) 4-Day $1,210 $1,452 Mid-Week Low-Occupancy Tent 4-Day $1,062 $1,274
Additional Camper Fee (1-Day) 1-Day $90 $108
Additional Camper Session-Based Daily Rate 1-Day $80 $96 D. Day Use Fees
Adult (15+) Day Use 1-Day $108 $129.60
Youth (7-14) Day Use 1-Day $72 $86.40
Child (3-6) Day Use 1-Day $54 $64.80

Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
E. Group Rental Rates
Adult (15+) 1-Day $85 $102
Youth (7-14) 1-Day $71.50 $85.80
Child (3-6) 1-Day $52.80 $63.36
Infant (0-3) 1-Day $0 $0
Cleaning / Damage Deposit Rental $2,000.0 $2,000
F. New Camper Welcome Weekend Weekend $195 $234
G. School Outdoor Education
Teachers & Adult Chaperones 1-Day $60 $72
Youth Participants 1-Day $45 $54
H. Work Weekend Weekend $0 $0
I. Youth Camp
6-Day Program 6-Days $930 $977 $1,116 $1,172
J. Wedding Rental
Wedding Rental 4-Hours $750 $900
Wedding Rental - Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $125 $150 Cleaning / Damage Deposit Rental $2,000 $2,000
K. Backpacking Program
Beginning Backpacking 6-Day $1,275 $1,339 $1,529 $1,605 Advanced Backpacking 6-Day $1,680 $1,764 $2,016 $2,117
Adult Backpacking 4-Day $600 $660 $720 $792

3. Tuolumne Camp
A. 50 & Better Camp
50 & Better Camp Tent (up to 2 campers) 5-Day $1,008 $1,210 50 & Better Camp Tent (up to 2 campers) 4-Day $806 $967 50 & Better Camp Tent (up to 2 campers) Weekend $605 $726 50 & Better Camp Additional Camper per day 1-Day $60 $72 B. Leaders-In-Training (LIT) 4-Day $941 $1,129
C. Counselor-In-Training (CIT)
Counselor-In-Training 2-Week $537 $614 $645 $677

Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
Counselor-In-Training 1-Week $355 $373 $428 $449
D. Family Camp
Full-Week Standard Tent (up to 3 campers) 1-Week $2,195 $2,633 Full-Week Low-Occupancy Tent 1-Week $1,887 $2,264
Weekend Standard Tent (up to 3 campers) 4-Day $1,664 $1,997 Weekend Low-Occupancy Tent 4-Day $1,459 $1,751
Mid-Week Standard Tent (up to 3 campers) 4-Day $1,430 $1,716 Mid-Week Low Occupancy Tent 4-Day $1,210 $1,452
Nightly Rate: Mon, Tues, or Wed 1-Day $525 $630
E. Family Camp Day Use Fees
Adult (15+) Day Use 1-Day $135 $162
Youth (7-14) Day Use 1-Day $90 $108
Child (3-6) Day Use 1-Day $68 $81.60
Additional Camper Fee (1-Day) 1-Day $100 $120
Additional Camper Session-Based Daily Rate 1-Day $90 $108 F. Group Rental Rates
Adult (15+) 1-Day $110 $132
Youth (7-14) 1-Day $93 $111.60
Child (3-6) 1-Day $78 $93.60
Infant (0-3) 1-Day $0 $0
Cleaning / Damage Deposit Rental $2,000 $2,000
G. New Camper Welcome Weekend Weekend $195 $234
H. School Outdoor Education
Adult Chaperones 1-Day $75 $90
Youth Participants 1-Day $56 $67.20
I. Work Weekend Weekend $0 $0
J. Youth Camp
5-Day Program 5-Day $840 $1,008
6-Day Program 6-Day $1,008 $1,210
7-Day Program 7-Day $1,176 $1,411

Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
Per Day Fee 1-Day $168 $202
K. Wedding Rental
Wedding Rental 4-Hour $1,000 $1,200
Wedding Rental - Each Additional Hour (after 4 hours) Hour $150 $180 Cleaning / Damage Deposit Rental $2,000 $2,000

4. Resident Camp Surcharges
Family Camp Program Deposit Payment (Non-
Refundable) Reservation $500 per reservation
Late Fee Reservation $75 per reservation if balance is not paid by dates specified Changes to Reservation resulting in reduction in length of stay (30 days or more before arrival) Reservation $100 Cancel Reservation (30 days or more before arrival) Reservation 25% of reservation not to exceed $150 (after $500 non- refundable deposit)
Cancel Reservation (due to emergency or illness, with
Doctor’s Letter) Reservation No Charge
Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
VI. Youth Works Program

1. Accelerator Program
Summer Intern at Business Site 7-Weeks - Up to $2,500 N/A N/A

2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: https://berkeleyca.gov/ Resolution - Exhibit B: Scholarships and Special Use Rental Policy Effective January 21, 2026
I. Scholarships/Low-Income Fee Support
Eligibility
Scholarships are available to Berkeley Residents who meet Federal low-income guidelines. The City of Berkeley offers partial (50%) or full (100%) scholarships to Berkeley Residents for a wide variety of Recreation Division Programs. Scholarship eligibility is based upon Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income thresholds, and applicants must submit documents to verify their proof of residency and gross household income or submit a low-income affidavit form to qualify.  100% Scholarship: Applicants must meet HUD’s current “Very Low Income Limits.”
 50% Scholarship: Applicants must meet HUD’s current “Very Low Income Limits” plus the difference between the “Low Income Limits” and the “Very Low Income Limits.”
The most up-to-date version of HUD’s Income Limits can be found here:
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html
Annual Renewal Process
Following initial approval for a scholarship, applicants must renew their scholarship eligibility annually by submitting current proof of Berkeley residency and income.

City of Berkeley Recreation Administration Staff will reach out to scholarship recipients annually to request renewal documentation.

II. Special Use Rental Policy

1. A primary goal of the City's Community Centers is to become a "hub" of resources and referrals for neighborhoods by establishing a relationship of mutual support and trust. Through this trust, we promote safe neighborhoods and opportunities for families and youth to be engaged in activities that enhance the community and support the goals of the Parks Recreation and Waterfront Department. Each year the Parks Recreation and Waterfront Department receives numerous requests from community groups to meet at its Community Centers as well as the Berkeley Marina Conference Room for no fee. As a way to cultivate community relationships and respond to community requests for free meeting space, the City has created a policy whereby qualified local groups (e.g., neighborhood, Community Agency Contract, or non-profit groups that comply with this policy) are allowed to hold meetings, free of charge, at the City's

Community Centers and the Berkeley Marina Conference Room during normal business hours.

2. Application Process
A completed application and attachments must be submitted before a reservation is confirmed. Groups applying for a Special Use Rental must support and benefit the goals of the City of Berkeley Parks Recreation and Waterfront Department ("PRW"). The department is committed to administering excellent recreation programs at our community centers, camps, marina and parks; developing new programs that improve access for 18 Exhibit В historically underserved participants; maintaining our trees and municipal urban forest, landscaping and infrastructure; and, developing Capital Projects with community input to improve and enhance residents' park and facility experience.

All interested groups must submit a completed Special Use Rental application on an annual basis, with all of the following attached:
 Proof that membership has approved meetings (either by providing a Board resolution, Agendas, or Minutes).
 A $200 Cleaning/Damage Deposit (Refundable).
 A written statement that the group/non-profit organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, veterans' status, disabilities (physical and mental), and medical condition (including cancer and HIV status).
 A written statement describing the group's goals and how they support and benefit the goals of the City of Berkeley Parks Recreation and Waterfront Department.

In addition to the above requirements that apply to all interested groups, Community Agency Contract and non-profit groups must also submit:
 List of membership roster with names, addresses, and phone numbers  Proof of non-profit status (required for non-profit groups)  At least 14 days before the date of the first meeting, qualified groups must provide a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) containing the City's minimum liability requirements, and naming the city of Berkeley as additional insured on separate Endorsement. This COI must cover all of the group's reserved dates for the year. If the COI is not provided at least 14 days prior to the first reserved date, the reservation will be cancelled.

PRW will not begin to review the application until the application is complete, including all required information and attachments. A reservation is not confirmed until the applicant receives written notice of approval from PRW.

Applications may be picked up at: 1) any Recreation Center; 2) Recreation Division Office, 1720 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710; 3) Berkeley Marina Office; or 4) City of Berkeley website: www.cityofberkeley.info/parks.

Approval of applications is at the discretion of the Recreation and Youth Services Manager or designee; a decision denying the application is final and not subject to appeal. If PRW denies the fee waiver application, the interested group may apply to rent the room for the standard fee.

Qualified Groups: In order to qualify for this policy, groups must comply with all of the requirements set forth above in section I. In addition, groups must support and benefit the goals of the City of Berkeley Parks Recreation and Waterfront Department and groups must be one of the following:
 Neighborhood Groups: Any group living in a specific area of Berkeley that comes together to either exchange ideas for neighborhood improvement and community building, or to help solve neighborhood problems or issues.
 Non-profit Groups: Any organized non-profit group that meets at least quarterly.
 Community Agency Contract Groups: Any City of Berkeley Community Agency Contract group that serves youth under 18 years of age.

There must be adult leaders, advisors and/or chaperones attending each meeting.

3. Limitations
 Qualified groups may hold a regular meeting of up to two hours at a specified meeting room ro in a Community Center or the Marina Conference Room for up to eight (8) times per year during regular operating hours.
 Exception: The Community Room, Auditorium, or Social Hall at each Community Center may be used for one additional "larger scale" meeting, such as a banquet or social event, each year.
 Meetings must be open to the public.
 Regular Business Operating Hours are when the Community Center or Marina Office is open (Hours may vary for each facility based on its regular schedule of use).

 Qualified groups may not conduct the following activities: for-profit business or commercial activities; campaign activities; private instruction; or fundraising (unless fundraising proceeds are devoted solely to municipal recreation and park improvements, which must be demonstrated with a written request to the Recreation and Youth Services Manager/designee).
 A reservation for the qualified group may be scheduled a maximum of 180 days in advance and a minimum of 14 days in advance, and must not conflict with ongoing programs, paid rentals, or classes.  A qualified group is required to do set-up, takedown and clean up.  Any additional fees other than the waived rental fee (e.g., kitchen use, stage, setup/take down, etc.) shall apply and are the sole financial responsibility of the qualified group.
 The City has the right to cancel a reservation at any time.  Groups cancelling a reservation must give at least 72-hours-notice. If proper notice of cancellation is not given, the City reserves the right to revoke the group's reservations for the entire year, or any part of the year.

The City may revoke the group's reservations for the entire year, or any part of the year for any of the following reasons: if the group fails to abide by any of the information in its application; the group fails to comply with any of the Rules and Regulations of the City's Facility Rental Policy.

Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026
ATTACHMENT 2: Recreation Fee Schedule: Current vs. Proposed Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
II. FACILITY RENTAL CHARGES

1. Room Rentals: Regular Hours (1-Hour Minimum); Non-Regular Hours (2-Hour Minimum) James Kenney (JK), Live Oak (LO), Frances Albrier (FA), Martin Luther King (MLK), Willard (W) A. Youth, Senior, Disabled
Regular Hours Hour $41 $49 $49 $59
Non-Regular Hours Hour $61 $65 $73 $78
B. All Other
Auditorium (FA), Social Hall (LO),
Community Room – Full (W)
Regular Hours Hour $67 $80 $80 $96
Non-Regular Hours Hour $82 $100 $98 $120
Fireside Room (LO), Community Room (JK, YAP),
Community Room – Half (W)
Regular Hours Hour $52 $62 $62 $74
Non-Regular Hours Hour $67 $78 $80 $94
Game Room (MLK), Arts & Crafts Room (FA, JK,
LO, YAP) Meeting Room (JK, LO, MLK, FA)
Regular Hours Hour $46 $55 $55 $66
Non-Regular Hours Hour $62 $69 $74 $83
D. Gym Rentals (JK, MLK)
Regular Hours Hour $64 $77 $77 $92
Non-Regular Hours Hour $75 $96 $90 $115
IV. RECREATION PROGRAMS

1. Sports
F. Youth Hoops League
Individual Session $30 $100 $36 $120

2. Programs at Centers
C. Summer Fun Camps
Core Session $150 $165 $180 $198
AM Extended Care Session $25 $27.50 $30 $33

Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026
Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
PM Extended Care Session $75 $82.50 $90 $99

3. Waterfront Programs
B. Education Programs
Naturalist Classroom Program 3-hours $200 $300 N/A N/A
Naturalist Classroom Program 1-hour $65 $100 N/A N/A
C. Nature Center & Adventure Playground
Rentals
AP Birthday Party Package 2-hours - $325 N/A N/A
AP Birthday Party Package Add-On 1-hour - $150 N/A N/A
Naturalist Birthday Party Package 3-hours - $425 N/A N/A Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
(Proposed)
Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
(Proposed)
Non-
Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
(Proposed)
V. Camp Programs

1. Berkeley Day Camp
Youth Core Program 5-Day $282 $310 $326 $339 $373 $392
AM Extended Care 5-Day $60 $66 $69 $71 $78 $82
PM Extended Care 5-Day $92 $101 $107 $111 $122 $128
Counselor-In-Training 10-Day $228 $251 $263 $273 $300 $315

2. Echo Lake Camp
B. Counselor-In-Training
Counselor-In-Training 2-Week $470 $517 $543 $565 $622 $653 Counselor-In-Training 1-Week $323 $355 $373 $389 $428 $449 I. Youth Camp
6-Day Program 6-Days $846 $930 $977 $1,015 $1,116 $1,172 K. Backpacking Program
Adult Backpacking 4-Day - $600 $660 - $720 $792

3. Tuolumne Camp
C. Counselor-In-Training (CIT)

Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026
Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
(Proposed)
Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
(Proposed)
Non-
Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
(Proposed)
Counselor-In-Training 2-Week $488 $537 $614 $586 $645 $677 Counselor-In-Training 1-Week $323 $355 $373 $389 $428 $449 Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
VII. Youth Works Program

2. Accelerator Program
Summer Intern at Business Site 7-Weeks - Up to $2,500 N/A N/A

Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026
31 ATTACHMENT 3: Recreation Fee Schedule: Fee Comparisons Table 1: Adventure Playground Birthday Party Package – Per Hour Note: This analysis compares the fee per hour for birthday parties at a destination park with rental space both in Berkeley and in the surrounding cities. City of Berkeley’s Recreation proposes to offer a new program.

Agency Fee (Per Hour)
Tilden Merry Go Round $120.00
City of Berkeley (Proposed) $162.50
Swings and Wings (Indoor Trampolines) $183.75
Sticky Art Lab $190.00
Fairyland $205.00
Table 2: Naturalist Birthday Party Package – Per Hour Comparison Note: This analysis compares the fee per hour for birthday party packages with a naturalist program and rental space in the surrounding cities. City of Berkeley’s Recreation proposes to offer a new program.

Agency Fee (Per Hour)
Sulphur Creek Nature Center – Hayward (HARD) $140.00
City of Berkeley – Cost Recovery (Proposed) $142.00
Lindsey Wildlife Museum $220.00
Chabot Space & Science Center $240.00
CuriOdyssey $312.00
Aquarium of the Bay $425.00
Things that Creep $499.00

Table 3: Naturalist Classroom Program
Note: This analysis compares the rates per hour for naturalist programs at a nature (or science center) for groups.

Agency Fee (Per Hour)
City of Berkeley – Cost Recovery (Current) $65.00
City of Berkeley – Cost Recovery (Proposed) $100.00
Hayward – HARD (Wetland Ecology) $119.00
KIDS for the Bay $125.00
Chabot Space & Science Center $150.00
CuriOdyssey $156.25
Hayward - HARD (Naturalist) $165.00
Lindsey Wildlife Museum $188.00

Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026
32 Table 4: Auditorium/Social Hall/Willard Community Room – Per Hour Fee Comparison Note: This analysis compares the fees per hour at similarly sized auditoriums, social halls, and community room spaces in Berkeley and in the surrounding cities.

Agency Resident Rate Non-Resident Rate
City of Berkeley (Current) $67 $80
City of Berkeley (Proposed) $80 $96
City of Oakland (DeFremery Social Hall) $90 $90
City of Oakland (Arroyo Social Hall) $120 $140
City of Albany $132 $171
City of Piedmont – Veteran’s Memorial Building $135 $213 City of Richmond – Nevin Community Center $139 $139
City of Richmond – Richmond Rec. Complex $158 $158
City of Piedmont – Community Hall $176 $407
City of El Cerrito $231 $231
City of Lafayette – Live Oak Room $250 $250
City of Lafayette – Jennifer Russell $275 $275

Table 5: Fireside Room/Community Room/Willard Community Room (Half) – Per Hour Fee Comparison
Note: This analysis compares the fees per hour at similarly sized community room spaces in Berkeley and in the surrounding cities.

Agency Resident Rate Non-Resident Rate
City of Oakland – Bushrod $50 $60
City of Berkeley (Current) $52 $62
City of Berkeley (Proposed) $62 $74
City of Oakland – Charles Porter Multipurpose $65 $80
City of Oakland – Carmen Flores $75 $75
City of Albany $78 $78
City of Lafayette – Sequoia Room $100 $100
City of Richmond $104 $104
City of El Cerrito $117 $117

Table 6: Game Room/Arts & Crafts/Meeting Rooms – Per Hour Fee Comparison Note: This analysis compares the fees per hour at similarly sized community room spaces in Berkeley and in the surrounding cities.

Agency Resident Rate Non-Resident Rate
City of Oakland – Carmen Flores Meeting Room $40 $50
City of Oakland – deFremery $40 $50
City of Berkeley (Current) $46 $55
City of Berkeley (Proposed) $55 $66
City of Albany $58 $58
City of Richmond $83 $83
City of El Cerrito $94 $94
City of Lafayette $100 $100

Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026
33 Table 7: Gymnasium – Per Hour Fee Comparison
Note: This analysis compares the fees per hour at similarly sized gymnasiums in Berkeley and in the surrounding cities.

Agency Resident Rate Non-Resident Rate
BUSD – Other Gyms $54 $54
City of Oakland (Practices) $60 $80
City of Berkeley (Current) $64 $77
City of Berkeley (Proposed) $77 $92
Berkeley Youth Alternatives $85 $125
City of Oakland (Games) $125 $145
City of Richmond (Social Rentals) $150 $150
UC Berkeley $200 $200
BUSD – BHS Gym $202 $202
City of Richmond (Sports Rentals) $259 $259

Table 8: Youth Camp Program Fees – Per Session Comparison Note: This analysis compares the per camper rate for a Youth Camp Enrollment during primary program periods for a 6-day, 5-night session. Other camps have varied schedule models and fees have been adapted for comparative purposes. Where camps include additional surcharges or operational fees in addition to the base rate, such rates have been calculated for comparison. Session fees are pro-rated or extended where applicable.

Agency Fee
YMCA Camp Ravencliffe $638
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp (Current) $846
YMCA Camp Loma Mar $925
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp (Proposed) $930
Cazadero (Young Musicians) $1,110
Camp Concord $1,500
Sierra Nevada Journeys $1,250
Camp Winnarainbow (1 week) $1,375
Camp Augusta $2,014
Mountain Camp $2,600
Table 9: Counselor-In-Training – Per Session Comparison for Echo Lake Note: This analysis compares the per camper rate for a Counselor-In-Training Program during primary program periods for one week, two-week and three-week sessions.

Agency Fee
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp (One Week; Current) $323
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp (One Week; Proposed) $355
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp (Two Week; Current) $494
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp (Two Week; Proposed) $593
Camp Concord (One Week) $1,050
Sierra Nevada Journeys (Two Week) $2,500
Mountain Camp (Two Week) $5,350
Camp Winnarainbow (Two Week) $1,375

Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026
34 Table 10: Counselor-In-Training – Per Session Comparison for Berkeley Tuolumne Camp Note: This analysis compares the per camper rate for a Counselor-In-Training Program during primary program periods for one week, two-week and three-week sessions.

Agency Fee
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp (One Week; Current) $323
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp (One Week; Proposed) $355
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp (Two Week; Current) $488
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp (Two Week; Proposed) $537
Camp Krem (10-Days) $800
Camp Concord (One Week) $1,050
Sierra Nevada Journeys (Two Week) $2,500
Camp Tawonga (Four Week) $6,995

Table 11: Day Camp Program Fees- Per Session Comparison Note: This analysis compares the per session rate for a single Day Camp Enrollment during primary program periods for a 5-day session Monday through Friday. Agencies are all comparative in hours of services, activities and locations provided per registration.

Agency Fee
Berkeley Day Camp (Current) $282
Berkeley Day Camp (Proposed) $310
Alameda Recreation and Parks Department $340
Camp JCAS $450
MOCHA $450
UC Berkeley Summer Camps $472
CAMP 510 $525
Galileo Camp $525
Kids for the Bay Summer Camp $540
Sees the Day Summer Camp $550
Redwood Day $575
Steve & Kate's Camp $620
Monkey Business $669
Table 12: Day Camp Counselor-In-Training Program Fees- Per Session Comparison Note: This analysis compares the per session rate for a single Day Camp Counselor-in-Training Program Enrollment during primary program periods for 5-day sessions, Monday through Friday. Agencies are all comparative in hours of services, activities and locations provided per registration.

Agency Program Length Fee
Berkeley Day Camp (Current) 5-Day $114
Berkeley Day Camp (Proposed) 5-Day $125.50
Camp 510 5-Day $225
Sees The Day Summer Camp 5-Day $300
Monkey Business 5-Day $309
Redwood Day 5-Day $400
UC Berkeley Summer Camp 5-Day $431
Camp JCAS 5-Day $450
Steve & Kate's Camp 5-Day $470
Kids for the Bay 5-Day $490
Galileo Camp 5-Day $560

Changes to Selected Recreation Facilities and Camps Program Fees PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026
35 Table 13: Youth Hoops League Fees – Per Session Comparison Note: This analysis compares the total combined fee for Youth Basketball games during primary program periods for Winter and Spring play. Other Youth Basketball Sports programs have fee models that differ from the City of Berkeley’s, which may include various league play, recovery surcharges, and or other special accommodations. This analysis assumes base Youth Basketball program accommodations. Game fees are pro-rated or extended where applicable.

Agency Fee
Youth Hoops League (Current) $30
Youth Hoops League (Proposed) $100
Hayward (HARD) $167
City of Dublin (Jr. Warriors) $191
City of San Ramon $199
City of Concord $209
City of Albany $225
City of Pleasanton $286
City of San Jose $375
Walnut Creek Youth Athletic Association $395

Table 14: Summer Fun Camp Program Fees- Per Session Comparison Note: This analysis compares the per session rate for a single Summer Fun Camp enrollment during primary program periods for a 5-day session Monday through Friday. Agencies are all comparative in hours of services, activities and locations provided per registration.

Table 15: Adult Backpacking Fees - Per Session Comparison Note: This analysis compares the per camper rate for Adult Backpacking Programs operating in the Sierra Nevada.

Agency Fee
City of Berkeley (Proposed) $600
Sierra Club Outings $925
Sierra Mountain Trekking $1,150
Wildland Trekking $1,660
Agency Fee
City of San Pablo $90
Summer Fun Camp (Current) $150
Oakland Town Camp $158
Summer Fun Camp (Proposed) $165
City of Hercules (Adventures Unlimited) $188
City of Emeryville $194
City of Richmond $207
Friendship Summer Camp (Albany) $390

36 ATTACHMENT 4

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL

CHANGES TO SELECTED RECREATION FACILITIES AND CAMPS PROGRAM FEES
The public may participate in this hearing by remote video or in-person.

Notice is hereby given by the City Council of the City of Berkeley that a public hearing will be conducted by said city council of the City of Berkeley at which time and place all persons may attend and be heard upon the following:

The Department of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront is proposing to increase selected fees and policies, as contained in the attached Recreation Fee and Policy Schedule and excerpted below:

Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-
Resident
(Current)
Non-
Resident
(Proposed)
II. FACILITY RENTAL CHARGES

1. Room Rentals: Regular Hours (1-Hour Minimum); Non-Regular Hours (2-Hour Minimum) James Kenney (JK), Live Oak (LO), Frances Albrier (FA), Martin Luther King (MLK), Willard (W) A. Youth, Senior, Disabled
Regular Hours Hour $41 $49 $49 $59
Non-Regular Hours Hour $61 $65 $73 $78
B. All Other
Auditorium (FA), Social Hall (LO),
Community Room – Full (W)
Regular Hours Hour $67 $80 $80 $96
Non-Regular Hours Hour $82 $100 $98 $120
Fireside Room (LO), Community
Room (JK, YAP),
Community Room – Half (W)

Regular Hours Hour $52 $62 $62 $74
Non-Regular Hours Hour $67 $78 $80 $94
Game Room (MLK), Arts & Crafts
Room (FA, JK, LO, YAP) Meeting
Room (JK, LO, MLK, FA)

Regular Hours Hour $46 $55 $55 $66
Non-Regular Hours Hour $62 $69 $74 $83
D. Gym Rentals (JK, MLK)
Regular Hours Hour $64 $77 $77 $92
Non-Regular Hours Hour $75 $96 $90 $115
IV.RECREATION PROGRAMS

1. Sports

37 Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-
Resident
(Current)
Non-
Resident
(Proposed)
F. Youth Hoops League
Individual Session $30 $100 $36 $120

2. Programs at Centers
C. Summer Fun Camps
Core Session $150 $165 $180 $198
AM Extended Care Session $25 $27.50 $30 $33
PM Extended Care Session $75 $82.50 $90 $99

3. Waterfront Programs
B. Education Programs
Naturalist Classroom Program 3-hours $200 $300 N/A N/A
Naturalist Classroom Program 1-hour $65 $100 N/A N/A
C. Nature Center & Adventure
Playground Rentals
AP Birthday Party Package 2-hours - $325 N/A N/A
AP Birthday Party Package Add-On 1-hour - $150 N/A N/A
Naturalist Birthday Party Package 3-hours - $425 N/A N/A Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
(Proposed)
Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
(Proposed)
Non-
Resident
(Current)
Non-
Resident
(as of 1/21/2026)
(Proposed)
Non-
Resident
(as of 1/1/2027)
(Proposed)
V. Camp Programs

1. Berkeley Day Camp
Youth Core Program 5-Day $282 $310 $326 $339 $373 $392
AM Extended Care 5-Day $60 $66 $69 $71 $78 $82
PM Extended Care 5-Day $92 $101 $107 $111 $122 $128
Counselor-In-Training 10-Day $228 $251 $263 $273 $300 $315

2. Echo Lake Camp
B. Counselor-In-
Training
Counselor-In-Training 2-Week $470 $517 $543 $565 $622 $653 Counselor-In-Training 1-Week $323 $355 $373 $389 $428 $449 I. Youth Camp
6-Day Program 6-Days $846 $930 $977 $1,015 $1,116 $1,172 K. Backpacking
Program
Adult Backpacking 4-Day - $600 $660 - $720 $792

3. Tuolumne Camp
C. Counselor-In-
Training (CIT)
Counselor-In-Training 2-Week $488 $537 $614 $586 $645 $677 Counselor-In-Training 1-Week $323 $355 $373 $389 $428 $449

38 Program Area Unit of
Measure
Resident
(Current)
Resident
(Proposed)
Non-Resident
(Current)
Non-Resident
(Proposed)
VI. Youth Works Program

1. Accelerator Program
Summer Intern at Business
Site 7-Weeks - Up to $2,500 N/A N/A
The hearing will be held on January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the School District Board Room, located at 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley CA 94702.

For further information, please contact Scott Ferris at 510-981-6711.

A copy of the agenda material for this hearing will be available on the City’s website at https://berkeleyca.gov/ as of January 8, 2026. Once posted, the agenda for this meeting will include a link for public participation using Zoom video technology, as well as any health and safety requirements for in-person attendance.

Written comments should be mailed or delivered directly to the City Clerk, 2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, or e-mailed to [email protected] in order to ensure delivery to all
Councilmembers and inclusion in the agenda packet.

Communications to the Berkeley City Council are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to the City Council, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact information to be made public, you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service or in person to the City Clerk. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication. Please contact the City Clerk at (510) 981-6900 or [email protected] for further information.

If you challenge the above in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Berkeley at, or prior to, the public hearing. Background information concerning this proposal will be available at the City Clerk Department and posted on the City of Berkeley webpage at least 12 days prior to the public hearing.

Published: January 2, 2026 and January 9, 2026 – The Berkeley Voice Published pursuant to Government Code Section 6062a
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I hereby certify that the Notice for this Public Hearing of the Berkeley City Council was posted at the display case located near the walkway in front of the Maudelle Shirek Building, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, as well as on the City’s website, on January 8, 2026.

Mark Numainville, City Clerk

Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: https://berkeleyca.gov/

PUBLIC HEARING
January 20, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Jordan Klein, Director, Planning and Development Department Subject: Amendments to Title 23 (Zoning) to permit by-right approval of qualifying housing projects on sites identified in previous Housing Elements, and revisions related to Design Review

RECOMMENDATION
Conduct a public hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a first reading of an ordinance amending Title 23 (Zoning) to permit by-right approval of qualifying housing projects on sites identified in previous Housing Elements, and revisions related to Design Review for such projects and for residential projects in the Multi-Use Residential (MU-R) zoning district.

SUMMARY
The amendments in the proposed ordinance (Attachment 1) include:
 Implement Program 32 of the Housing Element, and bring the Zoning Ordinance into compliance with State law, by permitting by-right approval of qualifying housing projects on sites identified in previous Housing Elements; and  Revise Design Review requirements for such projects, and for residential projects in the Multi-Use Residential (MU-R) zoning district. These revisions would preserve staff-level design review, include an advisory visit to the Design Review Committee (DRC), and would remove a right of appeal for these projects based on Design Review-related decisions.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
The proposed Ordinance amendments, which would allow by-right approvals for projects in certain locations and would also partially streamline the Design Review process for some projects, may result in marginal savings of staff time and related costs. Such savings would be offset by reduced fee revenues.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
By-Right Approval of Projects on Previous Housing Element Sites

Housing Element Program 32 and Design Review PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c), a non-vacant site that has been identified as a housing opportunity site in a prior Housing Element, or a vacant site that has been included in two or more consecutive Housing Element planning periods, must allow residential uses by right (i.e., with a Zoning Certificate) for housing developments in which at least 20% of the units are affordable to lower income households. The City Council committed to amending Title 23 to conform with this requirement in Program 32 (By-Right Approval on Reused Sites for Affordable Housing) of the City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element Update.1
There are currently 14 sites on which projects that include at least 20% affordable housing would be approved by right under the proposed amendments. They are listed below and included in the map in Attachment 2.

1. 2108 Allston Way (C-DMU)

2. 2104 Dwight Ave. (C-AC)

3. 1049 Gilman Street (C-W)

4. 1111 University Ave. (C-U)

5. 1819 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

6. 2040 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

7. 2197 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

8. 2400 San Pablo Ave.(C-W)

9. 2424 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

10.2546 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

11.1451 Shattuck Ave. (C-NS)

12.2450 Shattuck Ave. (C-DMU)

13.2627 Shattuck Ave. (C-AC)

14.2821 Shattuck Ave. (C-SA)
As future Housing Elements are adopted, the list of eligible parcels could change. Any developed parcels would no longer qualify, and any new parcels which meet the requirements of the proposed ordinance would be added in future Housing Element cycles.

Government Code Section 65583.2(i) provides jurisdictions the option of applying Design Review to Program 32 projects. Pursuant to state law, Design Review for projects that qualify under Government Code Section 65583.2(i) would not be considered a project for the purposes of CEQA.
1 2023-2031 Housing Element Update, pp. 150-151.
https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Berkeley_2023-2031%20Housing%20Element_02- 17-2023v2_0.pdf

Housing Element Program 32 and Design Review PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

Design Review Requirements and Program 32 Sites
BMC Section 23.406.070 subjects all projects in Non-Residential zoning districts to Design Review. All of the sites that currently meet the Program 32 requirements are in Commercial (that is, Non-Residential) zoning districts, and are therefore subject to Design Review. The California Government Code provides jurisdictions with the option of subjecting eligible projects on Project 32 sites to existing design review requirements.

Existing Design Review requirements include a right to appeal decisions of the DRC, as well as staff-level design review determinations, to the ZAB and to the City Council.

Therefore, projects on Program 32 sites that would otherwise be approvable with a Zoning Certificate may be subject to procedural delays based on appeals of design review decisions.

Design Review Requirements and Middle Housing in the MU-R Zoning District BMC Section 23.406.070 subjects all projects in Non-Residential zoning districts to Design Review. The Mixed Use-Residential (MU-R) zoning district is classified as a Manufacturing District and therefore a Non-Residential District, and projects proposed on MU-R sites are subject to Design Review. In July 2025, the City Council adopted the Middle Housing zoning standards, which granted ministerial approval for residential uses in the MU-R zoning district that comply with objective development standards.

Notably, the Middle Housing zoning standards did not include a pathway for appeals of code compliant projects.

Before the Middle Housing zoning changes, residential projects in the MU-R required a Use Permit, which included a required hearing before the DRC. However, projects with fewer than five units in the MU-R district were approvable with an Administrative Use Permit (AUP), which did not require a hearing before the DRC, but were subject to staff- level design review. Existing Design Review requirements include a right to appeal decisions of the DRC, as well as staff-level design review determinations, to the ZAB and to the City Council. Therefore, Middle Housing projects in the MU-R zoning district that would otherwise be approvable with a Zoning Certificate may be subject to procedural delays based on appeals of design review decisions.

BACKGROUND
Planning Commission Meeting: December 3, 2025
At its meeting on December 3, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on Zoning Ordinance changes to implement Program 32 of the Housing Element and to consider changes to Design Review requirements for Program 32 projects and residential projects in the MU-R zoning district.

The Planning Commission expressed support for the intent of both Program 32 and the Middle Housing zoning changes to streamline approvals of new housing. The Planning Commission acknowledged the benefits of Design Review in improving project design

Housing Element Program 32 and Design Review PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

but did not want to subject Program 32 and residential projects in the MU-R to potential delays and additional costs related to possible design-review related appeals. While design review appeals are permitted under the BMC, they are rare; staff recall fewer than five such appeals over a 20-year period. However, as nearly all residential projects in previous decades have required Use Permits and Public Hearings, appellants may have been more likely to utilize the Use Permit appeal pathway than the one offered by Design Review. With ministerially approved projects, the design review appeal pathway would be the only appeal pathway available to those with concerns or opposition to proposed projects. Therefore, there may be more instances of design review-based appeals moving forward.

After discussion, the Planning Commission recommended:
 Retain staff-level design review for projects that meet Program 32 requirements and for residential projects in the MU-R zoning district.  For Program 32 projects and for residential projects in the MU-R zoning district of five units or more, require a single visit to the DRC for non-binding input on design related issues. Such input would not be considered a “decision,” for the purposes of appeal rights.

As noted above, before the Middle Housing zoning changes, projects of fewer than five units in the MU-R were not required to be heard before the DRC. The Planning Commission therefore exempted these projects from the requirement to visit the DRC, as that would constitute an additional procedural step that was not required prior to the Middle Housing zoning changes.
 Exempt staff-level Design Review conducted under this section from appeal.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
The proposed Ordinance would require by-right approval (i.e., no discretionary review process) of certain qualifying housing development projects on specific sites. An action that does not include agency discretion does not meet the definition of a project (California Public Resources Code §21065) under CEQA. Therefore, projects approved pursuant to the proposed Ordinance would not be subject to CEQA. Additionally, development on these sites was analyzed as part of the Final EIR for the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update.

The proposed Ordinance includes a provision applying design review to qualifying projects. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(i), such design review would not constitute a project under CEQA.

Housing Element Program 32 and Design Review PUBLIC HEARING January 20, 2026

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION
The proposed Ordinance amendments to codify Program 32 were included in the 2023- 2031 Housing Element Update and are required under State law.

The proposed Ordinance amendments related to Design Review would preserve the existing benefits of staff-level and DRC consultation on design-related issues, without resulting in process-related delays, or providing an appeal pathway for projects that are otherwise approvable ministerially.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
Staff recommended that the Planning Commission consider exempting Project 32 projects from Design Review entirely, as permitted under State law.

CONTACT PERSON
Justin Horner, Principal Planner, Planning and Development, 510-981-7476 Attachments:
1: Ordinance
2: Map of Program 32 sites
3: Planning Commission Staff Report and Adopted Planning Commission Resolution, December 3, 2025.
4: Public Hearing Notice

ORDINANCE NO. -N.S.

AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 23 (ZONING) TO PERMIT BY-RIGHT APPROVAL OF

QUALIFYING HOUSING PROJECTS ON SITES IDENTIFIED IN PREVIOUS HOUSING

ELEMENTS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Berkeley as follows:

Section 1. That the lines “Multi-Unit Residential” and “Mixed-Use Residential” in Table 23.204-1 in BMC Section 23.204.020 be amended to read as follows:

COMMERCIAL DISTRICTSZC = Zoning
Certificate
AUP =
Administrative
Use Permit
UP(PH) = Use
Permit
NP = Not
Permitted
-- = Permitted
with AUP, see

23.204.020(B)
[#] = Table
Note Permit
Requirement
* Use-Specific
Regulations
Apply

C-C C-U C-N C-E C-NS C-SA C-T C-SO C-DMU C-W C-AC

USE-SPECIFIC

REGULATIONS
Residential Uses
Multi- Unit
Residential
UP(H)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* 23.204.060.B.3;

23.302.070.H

23.302.070(M)
Mixed-Use
Residential
UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* UP(PH)* 23.204.060.B.3;

23.302.070.H

23.302.070(M)
Section 2. That BMC Section 23.302.070(M) be added to read as follows:

M. Housing Element Opportunity Sites. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c), a non-vacant site that has been identified as a housing opportunity site in a prior housing element and a vacant site that has been included in two (2) or more consecutive housing element planning periods shall be allowed residential use by right (with approval of a building permit) for housing developments in which at least twenty percent (20%) of the units are affordable to lower income households. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(i), the development shall comply with all objective development standards and a proposed subdivision of the property shall be subject to all laws, including, but not limited to, city ordinances implementing the Subdivision Map Act. If applicable, such projects shall be subject to staff-level design review pursuant to BMC Section 23.406.070(C)(2)(D).

Section 3. That the line “Multi-Unit Residential” in Table 23.206-1 in BMC Section

23.206.020 be amended to read:

M MM MU-LI MU-R M-RD Use-Specific
Standards
Multi-Unit
Residential
NP NP NP ZC* NP 23.206.090(B)(8)

23.406.070(C)(2)(d)

Section 4: That BMC Section 23.406.070(C)(2) be amended to read as follows:

2. Projects Not Requiring a Use Permit.
(a) For a project that does not require a Use Permit, Department staff conducts Design Review before the Zoning Officer takes action on the required permit or approval. (b) The Zoning Officer will consider the Design Review recommendations when acting on the required permit or approval. The Zoning Officer may require modifications to the project design as a condition of approval.
(c) The Department will verify conformance with Design Review recommendations and design-related conditions of approval when issuing a building permit, sign permit, or Zoning Certificate for the project. Final Design Review is not required. (d) Multi-Unit Residential in the MU-R, and Housing Element Opportunity Site Projects (BMC Section 23.302.070(M)):

1. For projects including 5 or more units, staff shall schedule a single consultation meeting of the Design Review Committee for non-binding input on design-related issues; and

2. Staff-level design review conducted under this section shall not be subject to the Appeal provisions of 23.406.070(O).

Section 5: Copies of this Ordinance shall be posted for two days prior to adoption in the display case located near the walkway in front of the Maudelle Shirek Building, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Within 15 days of adoption, copies of this Ordinance shall be filed at each branch of the Berkeley Public Library and the title shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation.

Parcels currently subject to proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment Item 10A ATT 2:Program 32 Sites Map
Planning Commission
December 3, 2025
Attachment 2

Planning and Development Department
Land Use Planning Division

STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 3, 2025
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Justin Horner, Principal Planner
Subject: Amendments to Title 23 (Zoning) to permit by-right approval of qualifying housing projects on sites identified in previous Housing Elements, and revisions related to Design Review for such projects and for Middle Housing projects in the Multi-Use Residential (MU-R) zoning district.

RECOMMENDATION:

Conduct a public hearing, receive public comment, and upon conclusion, make a recommendation to the City Council on proposed amendments (Attachment 1) to the Zoning Ordinance to:
• Implement Program 32 of the Housing Element, and bring the Zoning Ordinance into compliance with State law, by permitting by-right approval of qualifying housing projects on sites identified in previous Housing Elements; and • Revise Design Review requirements for such projects, and for Middle Housing projects in the Multi-Use Residential (MU-R) zoning district.

BACKGROUND
By-Right Approval of Projects on Previous Housing Element Sites Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c), a non-vacant site that has been identified as a housing opportunity site in a prior Housing Element, or a vacant site that has been included in two or more consecutive Housing Element planning periods, must allow residential uses by right (i.e. with a Zoning Certificate) for housing developments in which at least 20% of the units are affordable to lower income households. The City Council committed to amending Title 23 to conform with this requirement in Program 32 (By-Right Approval on Reused Sites for Affordable Housing) of the City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element Update.1
1 2023-2031 Housing Element Update, pp. 150-151.
https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Berkeley_2023-2031%20Housing%20Element_02- 17-2023v2_0.pdf
Attachment 3

Design Review and By-Right Development for Affordable Housing Project Planning Commission December 3, 2025

There are currently 14 sites on which projects that include at least 20% affordable housing would be approved by right under the proposed amendments. They are listed below and included in the map in Attachment 2.

1. 2108 Allston Way (C-DMU)

2. 2104 Dwight Ave. (C-AC)

3. 1049 Gilman Street (C-W)

4. 1111 University Ave. (C-U)

5. 1819 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

6. 2040 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

7. 2197 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

8. 2400 San Pablo Ave.(C-W)

9. 2424 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

10. 2546 San Pablo Ave. (C-W)

11. 1451 Shattuck Ave. (C-NS)

12. 2450 Shattuck Ave. (C-DMU)

13. 2627 Shattuck Ave. (C-AC)

14. 2821 Shattuck Ave. (C-SA)

The proposed ordinance would remain part of the Zoning Ordinance. As future Housing Elements are adopted, the list of eligible parcels could change. Any developed parcels would no longer qualify , and any new parcels which meet the requirements of the proposed ordinance would be added in future Housing Element cycles.

Middle Housing in the Multi-Use Residential (MU-R) Zoning District In July 2025 the City Council adopted changes to the Zoning Ordinance to allow ministerial approval of most residential projects in Berkeley’s historically low-density residential zoning districts. Under these Middle Housing zoning changes, residential projects that comply with objective development standards are approvable with a Zoning Certificate and are not subject to appeal or any discretionary hearings. These changes applied to Single -Family Residential and Multi -Family Residential uses in the MU -R zoning district.

Design Review (BMC Section 23.406.070)
The Zoning Ordinance includes Design Review requirements. BMC Section

23.406.070(A) includes the purpose of Design Review:

A. Purpose. Design Review is a discretionary process to ensure that exterior changes to buildings comply with the City of Berkeley Design Guidelines and other applicable City design standards and guidelines. The purpose of Design Review is to:

1. Encourage excellence in building and site design;

Design Review and By-Right Development for Affordable Housing Project Planning Commission December 3, 2025

2. Ensure that development is compatible with its urban context; and

3. Provide a pleasing urban environment for persons living, working, or visiting the city.

Pursuant to BMC Section 23.406.070(B), Design Review is required for:
• Projects in all Non-Residential Districts.
• Mixed use and community and institutional projects in the R-3 district within the Southside Plan area; and
• Commercial, mixed-use, and community and institutional projects in the R-4, R-SMU, and R-S districts.

All of the sites that meet the requirements of Government Code Section 65583.2(c), and all of the sites located in the MU -R district, are in Non -Residential Districts and are therefore subject to Design Review. Government Code Section 65583.2(i) provides jurisdictions the option of applying Design Review to such projects. Pursuant to state law, Design Review for projects that qualify under Government Code Section 65583.2(i) would not be considered a project for the purposes of CEQA.

Projects that meet the requirements of Government Code Section 65583.2(c), as well as Multi-Unit Residential uses in the MU-R zoning district, would be approvable with a Zoning Certificate. Therefore, the Design Review pathway for these projects would be BMC Section 23.406.070(C)(2) – Projects Not Requiring a Use Permit . Under this section, staff-level Design Review is conducted before the Zoning Officer acts on the approval .

Pursuant to BMC Section 23.404.040(D), a Notice of Design Review must be posted at least 14 days before the staff-level Design Review decision.

Pursuant to BMC Section 23.410.020, staff-level Design Review decisions are appealable to the Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) if the appeal is received within 14 days of posting of a Notice of Design Review. Action taken by the ZAB on the Design Review is appealable to the City Council within 14 days of the mailing of a Notice of Decision.

While Design Review appeals are permitted under the BMC, they have hitherto been very rare. Staff has recalled fewer than five such appeals over a 20-year period. However, as nearly all residential projects in previous decades have required Use Permits and Public Hearings, appellants may have been more likely to utilize the Use Permit appeal pathway than the one offered by Design Review. With ministerially-approved projects, the Design Review appeal pathway would be the only appeal pathway available to pro ponents with concerns or opposition to proposed projects. Therefore, there may be more instances of Design Review-based appeals moving forward.

Planning Commission Meeting: November 5, 2025

Design Review and By-Right Development for Affordable Housing Project Planning Commission December 3, 2025

At its meeting on November 5th, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on Zoning Ordinance changes to implement Program 32 of the Housing Element and to decide whether such projects would be subject to Design Review. Staff proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments that included subjecting such projects to Design Review, but the staff report included a discussion of exempting such projects entirely from Design Review.

After discussion, the Planning Commission directed staff to return to the Planning Commission with revisions to the BMC which would capture the following:
• Retain staff -level Design Review for projects that meet Government Code requirements;
• Require a single visit to the Design Review Committee (DRC) for non-binding input on design related issues. Such input would not be considered a “decision,” for the purposes of appeal rights; and
• Exempt such staff-level Design Review from appeal.

DISCUSSION

Attachment 1 includes Zoning Ordinance amendments that:
• Implement Program 32 of the Housing Element, and bring the Zoning Ordinance into compliance with State law, by permitting by-right approval of qualifying housing projects on sites identified in previous Housing Elements; and • Revise Design Review requirements for such projects, and for Middle Housing projects in the Multi-Use Residential (MU-R) zoning district, per Planning Commission’s direction from its November 5, 2025 meeting.

Projects in the MU-R Zoning District. At the time of its November meeting, the Planning Commission was scheduled to hear a n item at its December meeting related to Design Review for middle housing projects in the MU -R zoning district. The middle housing zoning changes apply to projects in the Residential Multi-Unit 1 (R-1), Residential Multi- Unit 2 ( R-2), Residential Multi-Unit 2A ( R-2A), and MU -R zoning districts. As explained above, Design Review only applies to projects in non-residential zoning district s, and there was no City Council action to expand Design Review, or require any design standards, for residential projects in residential zones as part of the middle housing zoning changes. As also noted above, Design Review provides an appeal pathway for residential projects. Given City Council’s clear direction in the middle housing zoning changes to provide ministerial approval, without appeal or discretionary hearing, for qualifying housing projects, staff had initially planned to bring forward amendments to completely exempt Multi-Unit R esidential projects in the MU -R district from Design Review.

Design Review and By-Right Development for Affordable Housing Project Planning Commission December 3, 2025

However, given the Planning Commission's discussion at its meeting of November 5th , 2025, staff instead prepared zoning ordinance amendments to treat residential projects in the MU -R similarly to the projects subject to the requirements of Government Code Section 65583.2(c).

Before the middle housing zoning changes, residential projects in the MU-R required a Use Permit, which included a required hearing before the DRC. However, projects with fewer than five units in the MU-R district could be approved through an Administrative Use Permit (AUP), which did not require a hearing before the DRC and was subject to staff-level Design Review. As the purpose of the proposed amendments is to streamline the Design Review process for the MU-R district, the amendments propose exempting smaller residential projects from the new provision that requires a visit to the DRC. Without this exemption, these projects would face an additional step—an advisory visit to the DRC—that was not previously required.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed ordinance would require by-right approval (i.e. no discretionary review process), of certain qualifying housing development projects on specific sites. An action that does not include agency discretion does not meet the definition of a project (California Public Resources Code §21065) under CEQA. Therefore, projects approved pursuant to the proposed ordinance would not be subject to CEQA.

The proposed ordinance includes a provision applying design review to qualifying projects. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(i), such design review would not constitute a project under CEQA.

NEXT STEPS

Staff recommend that the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing, receive public comment, discuss the proposed ordinance amendments, and forward a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the amendments, including any modifications identified through Commission discussion and action.

CONTACT PERSON
Justin Horner, Principal Planner, Planning and Development, 510-981-7476 Attachments:

1. Resolution;
Att. A: Ordinance Amendments
2: Map of Eligible Sites under Government Code Section 65583.2(c). 3: Public Hearing Notice.

Design Review and By-Right Development for Affordable Housing Project Planning Commission December 3, 2025

ATTACHMENT 1

PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-10

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BERKELEY PLANNING COMMISSION

RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 23 (ZONING) TO PERMIT BY -RIGHT APPROVAL OF QUALIFYING

HOUSING PROJECTS ON SITES IDENTIFIED IN PREVIOUS HOUSING

ELEMENTS, AND REVISIONS RELATED TO DESIGN REVIEW FOR SUCH

PROJECTS AND FOR MIDDLE HOUSING PROJECTS IN THE MULTI -USE RESIDENTIAL (MU-R) ZONING DISTRICT.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article

10.6. Housing Elements Section 65583.2(c), a non-vacant site that has been identified as a housing opportunity site in a prior Housing Element and a vacant site that has been included in two or more consecutive Housing Element planning periods shall be allowed residential use by right for housing developments in which at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households; and
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2023, the City Council adopted the 2023 -2031 Housing Element Update, which included Program 32 ( By-Right Approval on Reused Sites for Affordable Housing), committing the City Council to amend Title 23 to codify the requirements of Government Code , Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 10.6.

Housing Elements Section 65583.2(c); and
WHEREAS, on December 3, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and considered all public comments received, the presentation by City staff, the staff report, and all other pertinent documents regarding the proposed request; and WHEREAS, a public hearing notice was published in the Berkeley Voice and posted in three public places pursuant to California Government Code Section 65090 on October 17, 2025, for the public hearing held on November 5, 2025.

WHEREAS, all documents constituting the record of this proceeding are and shall be retained by the City of Berkeley Planning and Development Department, Land Use Planning Division, at 1947 Center Street, Berkeley, California.

WHEREAS, The proposed ordinance would require by-right approval (i.e. no discretionary review process), of certain qualifying housing development projects on specific sites. A by-right approval does not meet the definition of a project (California Public Resources Code §21065) under CEQA. Therefore, projects approved pursuant to the proposed ordinance would not be subject to CEQA.

Design Review and By-Right Development for Affordable Housing Project Planning Commission December 3, 2025

NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED that the Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the City Council of the City of Berkeley to: adopt the proposed Title 23 amendments included in Attachment A.

Pursuant to Berkeley Municipal Code Section 23.412.060, the Planning Commission makes the following findings to support its recommendation for the zoning ordinance amendments:
(1) The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan or area plan . The proposed amendments were included in the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update to the General Plan.
(2) The proposed amendment is consistent with state law. The proposed amendments would codify the requirements of Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 10.6. Housing Elements Section 65583.2(c). (3) The proposed amendment will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare . The proposed amendments serve the public interest by facilitating additional housing capacity and bringing Title 23 into legal conformance.
(4) The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance . The proposed amendments create no inconsistencies with other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance; and

BE IT FURTHERED RESOLVED, the amendments do not change the designation of any parcel to reduce the intensity of use allowed under the existing General Plan or zoning pursuant to Gov. Code section 66300(b)(1).

I HEREBY CERTIFY the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Berkeley, at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 5th day of November 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: Commissioners Merker, Vincent, Kahn, Two, Hauser and Wang NOES: Commissioner Oatfield

ABSENT: Commissioner Owens and Chairperson Marthinsen

ABSTAIN: None

Design Review and By-Right Development for Affordable Housing Project Planning Commission December 3, 2025

_________ _

JUSTIN HORNER, SECRETARY TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION

Design Review and By-Right Development for Affordable Housing Project Planning Commission December 3, 2025

Attachment 4

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BERKELEY CITY COUNCIL
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 23 (ZONING) TO PERMIT BY-RIGHT

APPROVAL OF QUALIFYING HOUSING PROJECTS ON SITES

IDENTIFIED IN PREVIOUS HOUSING ELEMENTS, AND REVISIONS

RELATED TO DESIGN REVIEW FOR SUCH PROJECTS AND FOR

RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS IN THE MULTI-USE RESIDENTIAL (MU-R) ZONING DISTRICT.

The public may participate in this hearing by remote video or in-person.

Notice is hereby given by the City Council of the City of Berkeley that on TUESDAY, January 20, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. a public hearing will be conducted to consider the Planning and Development Department proposal to amend BMC Titles 21 (Subdivisions) and 23 (Zoning) Section 23.204.020 to implement Senate Bill 684 (small- lot subdivisions).

The hearing will be held on January 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the School District Board Room, located at 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley CA 94702.

For further information, please contact Justin Horner, Principal Planner at (510) 981-7472 or
[email protected].

A copy of the agenda material for this hearing will be available on the City’s website at https://berkeleyca.gov/ as of January 8, 2026. Once posted, the agenda for this meeting will include a link for public participation using Zoom video technology, as well as any health and safety requirements for in-person attendance.

Written comments should be mailed or delivered directly to the City Clerk, 2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, or e-mailed to
[email protected] in order to ensure
delivery to all Councilmembers and inclusion in the agenda packet.

Communications to the Berkeley City Council are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to the City Council, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact information to be made public, you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service or in person to the City Clerk. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication. Please contact the City Clerk at (510) 981-6900 or [email protected] for further information.

Published: January 9, 2026 – The Berkeley Voice

Public Hearing required by BMC 23.412.050 and Govt Code 65853; notice provided according to Govt Code 65090 and BMC 23.404.040.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I hereby certify that the Notice for this Public Hearing of the Berkeley City Council was posted at the display case located near the walkway in front of the Maudelle Shirek Building, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, as well as on the City’s website, on January 8, 2026.
__________________________________
Mark Numainville, City Clerk

Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: https://berkeleyca.gov/

INFORMATION CALENDAR
January 20, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Scott Gilman, Director, Health, Housing, and Community Services Subject: Small Sites Program Update

INTRODUCTION
City Council approved the Small Sites Program (SSP) in 2018. As individual loan applications do not require Council approval, Council directed staff to provide the Housing Advisory Commission and Council with SSP updates. This report includes an update on the SSP and information on the newest project awarded SSP loan funds.

SUMMARY
The Department of Health, Housing, and Community Services’ (HHCS) / Housing and Community Services Division (HCS) staff shared two information reports – one in December 2019, after the approval of the first SSP project, Stuart Street Apartments (1638 Stuart) and a second in January 2024, after the approval of Solano Avenue Cooperative (1685 Solano). This report includes an update on the SSP and information on the third project awarded SSP loan funds, California Street Apartments (2627 California).

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The City issued its third SSP Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in July 2024 and received one application from Bay Area Community Land Trust (BACLT) for the acquisition and renovation of the 12-unit California Street Apartments. BACLT requested $3,599,348 for the project. BACLT acquired the occupied property in November 2024 and completed the project’s first phase, focusing on abatement and mold remediation. BACLT’s second phase of renovations will address the building envelope, major systems, and unit interiors, based on a scope substantiated by a third- party physical needs assessment.

The proposed project meets the SSP goals by protecting existing tenants from Ellis Act evictions and restricting units for long-term affordability.

Contingent upon resident support, BACLT intends to operate the 12-unit property as a non-equity or limited-equity cooperative serving households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income, with shared management responsibilities between the residents and BACLT. In either model, BACLT will retain ownership of the land and lease the

Alliance for Health Provider Recruitment Initiative INFORMATION CALENDAR January 20, 2026

improvements to the residents. The California Street Apartments application is available online at the City of Berkeley website. HCS staff’s project review is attached.

The City issued its fourth SSP NOFA for $2.5 million in August 2025. The NOFA includes $1.4 million unallocated through the 2024 SSP NOFA process and $1.1 million in new funding adopted by Resolution 71,861-N.S. for FY2026. At the time of drafting of this report, no applications have been received, though two local organizations indicated they are pursuing potential SSP projects.

BACKGROUND
The SSP was created in 2018 by Resolution No. 68,623-N.S., adopted on October 2, 2018. The program serves as an over-the-counter application process with projects approved by the City Manager. SSP proposals do not go to the Housing Advisory Commission or City Council for approval. Projects that meet the program criteria receive funding, if funding is available.

There is no permanent funding source for the Small Sites Program. Staff release NOFAs after Council allocates funds to the program. To date, HHCS/HCS has released four SSP NOFAs and funded three projects.

Summary of SSP NOFAs

SSP NOFA
Released
Project Awarded Units City Funds
(SSP
Loan)
SSP
Funds
Per
Unit
Year Rehab
Completed
2019 Stuart Street Apartments 8 $2,102,500 $263K 2022
2020 Solano Avenue
Cooperative
13 $3,900,000 $300K 2023
2024 California Street
Apartments
12 $3,599,348 $300K TBD
2025 $2.5M NOFA released in August 2025. To be updated when a project is funded.

If the City receives multiple proposals concurrently in response to a NOFA, staff would prioritize the application that best meets the SSP goals. The proposals are reviewed based on the SSP Guidelines posted on the City’s website.

Renovations are inherently riskier than new construction, as building deficiencies are often uncovered in the course of the project and may exceed the required construction

Alliance for Health Provider Recruitment Initiative INFORMATION CALENDAR January 20, 2026

contingency. To help mitigate the risk, the City requires SSP developers to hire third- party construction managers if they cannot demonstrate sufficient in-house capacity.

SSP projects require significant HHCS/HCS staff involvement, relative to new construction projects carried out by higher capacity developers with multiple other lenders and layers of oversight.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
BACLT’s rehab scope for California Street Apartments includes replacing all windows with double-paned insulated windows and upgrading all lighting to LED and kitchen appliances to energy-star grade. BACLT will consider switching from gas heating to heat pump electric heaters as part of the electrical upgrade of the property.

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
HHCS is accepting applications for the Small Sites Program under its active NOFA for $2.5 million. The funding is anticipated to support one new SSP project.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
The number and size of feasible projects varies with the amount of SSP funds available; therefore, the fiscal impacts will depend on Council’s future actions. A significant expansion of funds available for SSP projects would require additional staffing, since the program anticipates an expedited timeline and requires close staff involvement.

CONTACT PERSON
Asavari Devadiga, Community Development Project Coordinator, HHCS, 510-981-5426 Attachments:

1. 2627 California Street Project Review Form

Small Sites Program - Project Review
Applicant:

Project Name:

Pr
oject Address:

SSP Funds Requested:

Project Summary:

Program Objectives:
yes
yes
53%
299,946
12 yes
Subsidy per unit:

Number of affordable units proposed:

Proposed conversion to LEHC?:

If yes, describe vulnerable population, below.
yes
Among the existing residents there are three households with elderly people, one with a disabled household member, and one family with minor children.

Are residents at imminent risk of Ellis Act evictions?
Is the property occupied?
Do the existing residents include vulnerable populations (i.e. families with minor children, elderly, disabled, and catastrophically-ill persons)? Average AMI of current residents:
2627 California Street
California Street Apartments
Bay Area Community Land Trust
BACLT is in the process of acquiring an occupied, 12-unit property at 2627 California Street.

The building consists of two studio units, three 1-BR units, six 2-BR units, and one 3-BR unit.

BACLT is planning to renovate the property to upgrade the buiding envelope, major systems, and unit interiors. BACLT will work with the existing residents in transitioning the rental property into either a limited equity housing cooperative (LEHC) or a resident operated nonprofit (RON, a type of non-equity cooperative). BACLT will educate and train residents in cooperative management, and the residents will choose the model they prefer. 3,599,348

California Street Apartments
Developer Experience and Capacity
Developer must have completed one comparable project, and have the demonstrated capacity to undertake the proposed project.

Developer Capacity
BACLT is a small, Berkeley-based nonprofit developer. In recent years, the organization has worked to increase its organizational and development capacity, thanks in part to capacity building grants from the City of Berkeley. BACLT grew form one part-time staff person in 2018 to having six staff in 2024. The development team will consist of two BACLT staff: the Organizational Director and Project Manager who have experience in managing projects and cooperatives similar to the proposed project. BACLT will also hire a third-party construction manager to oversee the project renovation, and keeping that consultant on through the renovation process will be a condition of the City's loan.

The organization's financial indicators are mixed. The current ratio is a little low (1.6 compared to the preferred 2.0 or higher), but their cash ratio and days cash (number of days BACLT can fund operations with current resources) are strong. A small organization such as BACLT is more impacted by changes in income and expenses than a larger organization with more financial resources. The City awarded another $200k in capacity building support for BACLT in FY2025, and BACLT's developer fee will help support the organization's growth.

Developer Experience
Since the approval of the Small Sites Program in 2018, the City has awarded two loans to BACLT for two projects: an 8-unit property at 1638 Stuart and a 13-unit property at 1685 Solano. Both projects are completed and occupied. BACLT faced significant budget challenges with the Stuart project, due to the extremely poor condition of the buildings and inadequate initial estimates for the construction scope and budget. BACLT requested additional funding from the City in 2020, 2021, and 2022 to support the renovation work. The Solano project was partially occupied, and BACLT worked closely with the tenants to coordinate the acquisition and renovation. In addition to the Berkeley projects, BACLT owns two properties in Oakland, including one that is under renovation and substantially complete.

California Street Apartments
Property Eligibility
Total number of units: 12
Do all residential units meet the City's definition of 'dwelling unit'? yes Is the majority of the property residential? yes
Project Scope
yes
yes
Project Budget
yes
yes
yes
yes
no, see note
no, see note
yes
15%
13%
Do the reserves comply with the following?
Operating: 25% of budgeted 1st year operating expenses yes Replacement: Greater of $2,000 per unit or the amount necessary to pay replacement costs for the next 10 years, as
specified in the PNA.
no, see note
Vacancy: The monthly rent for units (residential and commercial) vacant at acquisition, multiplied by the number of
months expected to remain vacant during renovation
and lease-up.
yes
Does the proposed renovation meet the health and safety needs of the Is the renovation scope and budget supported by a physical needs assessment (PNA) of the property?Is the proposed City loan leveraged with private financing? Is the proposed per unit subsidy under the program limits? Is the acquisition price substantiated by an appraisal showing both the fair market value and the anticipated restricted value?
Are fees charged to the project reasonable?
Is the developer fee less than the program limit of $80,000 plus $10,000 per unit, not to exceed 5% of project costs (excluding the developer fee)? Are construction management fees less than $25,500?
Does the renovation budget include sate prevailing wage rates? The property's physical needs assessment (PNA) identified $874,400 in immediate capital needs, all of which are included in the proposed renovation scope and budget. The rehab scope will involve new roof installation, window replacement, electrical system upgrades, and installation of new drainage. In addition, there will be general upgrade of the units, including new appliances, heaters, kitchen and bath upgrades and flooring. Some longer term scope itesm identified in the PNA will be addressed during operations, and will be paid for out of the replacement reserves.

Construction contingency (must be 15% or higher)
Soft cost contingency (must be 15% or higher)

California Street Apartments
Operating Proforma
yes
yes
Do the reserve deposits comply with the following:

Operating: None unless balance drops below 25% of prior year's operating expenses TBD
Replacement: The higher of a) the amount needed according to the approved 20-year PNA, or b) $400 per unit per year
($350 per unit for projects with 11+ units)
no, see note
Is there a positive cash flow for 15+ years after project completion? Do the vacancy rates meet or exceed program requirements (5% residential, 20% commercial)
Developer Fee and Construction Management Fee:

Under the SSP, BACLT is eligible for a $200k developer fee. BACLT requested $284k, which is approximately 6% of the total project costs. BACLT also requested a higher construction management fee, to reflect industry standards.

Financing:

The City loan is contingent upon BACLT securing private financing. BALCT provided an LOI from Bay Area LISC, indicating their intent to lend up to $1,270,000 to the project. BACLT's budgets indicated a need for $1,499,491 from LISC. BACLT will need to secure its commitment from LISC in the amount needed to make the project feasible .

Contingencies:

BACLT's hard and soft cost contingencies are slightly lower than the 15% required by the SSP. The construction contingency is about $23k short, and the soft cost contingency is a little over $6k short. With careful oversight and cost controls, these deficiencies should not impact the feasibility of the project.

Replacement Reserves:

The capitalized replacement reserve is budgeted at $2K per unit ($24K), which falls short of the $36k PNA estimate of what is required for anticipated capital needs in the first ten years of operations.

Reserve Deposits:

As
part of annual compliance monitoring, staff will review the project's reserves to determine whether additional deposits are required.
- The operating budget currently shows no annual deposits to the operating reserve. - BACLT budgeted $350 per unit per year for replacement reserve deposits, which is not sufficient to keep up with the projected capital needs identified in the PNA. BACLT plans to supplement the reserve with a property tax refund, and deposits from the project's cash flow.

California Street Apartments
yes
yes
yes
ye
s
Limited Equity Housing Cooperative
Does the project have an average affordability of 80% of the area median income (AMI)?
Have 75% of existing households acknowledged their agreement to participate (in the conversion to restricted affordability and cooperative conversion, if applicable)?
Do 66% or more of the existing households income-certify, with incomes averaging up to 80% AMI? Up to 34% of households may be over-income (above 120% AMI) or refuse to certify.

Is applicant proposing to convert the property to a limited equity housing cooperative (LEHC)?
Applicant experience with LEHC conversion:

BACLT is proposing some level of resident management (LEHC or RON). BACLT has extensive experience working with resident communities on cooperative conversions, including providing education, technical assistance, and oversight. The existing tenants have expressed support for this effort.

Existing Tenants:

Ten out of 12 units are occupied, with a total of 19 residents. Household sizes vary from 1 to 4 members, and incomes range from 4% of the area median income (AMI) to 100% AMI. All units will be restricted at 80% AMI. The two existing households that are over 80% AMI are eligible to stay, and new residents moving in will need to meet the income qualifications.

Existing Tenants and Affordability

California Street Apartments
Exceptionts to the Program Guidelines
yes
Funding Recommendation
Fund the project at $3,599,348, conditioned on BACLT complying with the following:
- Securing a first mortgage in an amount sufficient to complete the project - Retaining a construction management consultant to oversee the renovations - Submitting a City-approved relocation plan prior to construction start - Meeting the City's requirements for converting the property to a cooperative - Securing CEQA and NEPA approvals, as applicable
Note: Separate from this process, the City will enter into a contract for FY2025 capacity building funds that will include performance standards to support BACLT's continued growth.

Did the Applicant request or does the project require any exceptions to the program guidelines?
Describe exceptions, below.

Developer Fee and Construction Management Fee:

Under the SSP, BACLT is eligible for a $200k developer fee. BACLT requested $284k, which is approximately 6% of the total project costs. BACLT also requested a higher construction management fee, to reflect industry standards. Housing staff think both are acceptible, given the amount of project management and oversight required for an acq-rehab project.

Contingencies:

BACLT's hard and soft cost contingencies are 13% instead of the 15% required under the Small Sites Program. While not a significant shortfall, BACLT will need to demonstrate cost control strategies during the renovations to stay within the budget. The City subsidy is nearly at the maximum allowed under the program for a project of this size.

Replacement Reserves:

The construction budget, capitalized replacement reserve, and ongoing replacement reserve deposits are sufficient to address the project's immediate capital needs as identified in the PNA, but not the anticipated repairs that will fall within the first 10-20 years of project operations. BACLT has a plan to supplement the replacement reserve in anticipation of future repair needs, and CIty staff will reveiw progress towards that goal as part of its annual monitoring.

Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.berkeleyca.gov/manager

INFORMATION CALENDAR
January 20, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Jordan Klein, Director, Planning and Development Department Subject: Landmark Preservation Ordinance Notice of Decision: 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way /#LMIN2025-0002

INTRODUCTION
The attached Landmarks Preservation Commission Notice of Decision (NOD) is presented to the Mayor and City Council pursuant to Berkeley Municipal Code/Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (BMC/LPO) Section 3.24.160, which requires that “a copy of the Notice of Decision shall be filed with the City Clerk and the City Clerk shall present said copy to the City Council at its next regular meeting.”

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC/Commission) has designated the subject property as a Landmark. This action is subject to a 15-day appeal period, which began after the notice was mailed on January 5, 2026.

BACKGROUND
BMC/LPO Section 3.24.190 allows the Council to review any action of the Commission in granting or denying Landmark, Structure of Merit, or Historic District status. For Council to review the decision on its merits, Council must appeal the Notice of Decision.

To do so, a Council member must move this Information Item to Action and then move to set the matter for hearing on its own. Such action must be taken within 15 days of the mailing of the Notice of Decision, or by January 20, 2026. Such certification to Council shall stay all proceedings in the same manner as the filing of an appeal.

If the Council chooses to appeal the action of the Commission, then a public hearing will be set. The Council must then rule on the designation within 30 days of closing the hearing, otherwise the decision of the Commission is automatically deemed affirmed.

Unless the Council wishes to review the determination of the Commission and make its own decision, the attached NOD is deemed received and filed.

Notice of Decision: 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way /#LMIN2025-0002 INFORMATION CALENDAR January 20, 2026

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE IMPACTS
Landmark designation and discretionary alteration reviews by staff and LPC provide opportunities for the adaptive re-use and rehabilitation of historic resources within the City. The rehabilitation of these resources, rather than their removal, achieves construction and demolition waste diversion, and promotes investment in existing urban centers.

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
The Council may choose to appeal the decision, in which case it would conduct a public hearing at a future date.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
There are no known fiscal impacts associated with this action.

CONTACT PERSON
Marytonae Sanchez, Assistant Planner, Planning and Development, 510-981-7419 Attachments:
1: Notice of Decision – #LMIN2025-0002/1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

Attachment 1, Part 1

L A N D M A R K S

P R E S E R V A T I O N

C O M M I S S I O N
N o t i c e o f D e c i s i o n
DATE OF BOARD DECISION: November 6, 2025
DATE NOTICE MAILED: January 5, 2026
APPEAL PERIOD EXPIRATION: January 20, 2026
EFFECTIVE DATE (Barring Appeal or Certification): January 21, 20261 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way – The KPFA
Radio Building
Landmark application #LMIN2025-0002 for the consideration of City Landmark or Structure of Merit designation status for a commercial building constructed in 1991 (APN: 057-2059-013-01).

The Landmarks Preservation Commission of the City of Berkeley, after conducting a public hearing, APPROVED the following designation:
 City Landmark Designation
 Applicant: Carol Wolfley
2713 Ellsworth Street
Berkeley, CA 94702
Candice Schott
1420 Kains Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
 Property Owner: Stephanie Wells, Executive Director
The Pacifica Foundation Inc.
1 Pursuant to BMC Chapter 3.24, the City Council may “certify” any decision of the LPC for review, which has the same effect as an appeal. In most cases, the Council must certify the LPC decision during the 15-day appeal period. However, pursuant to BMC Section 1.04.070, if any portion of the appeal period falls within a Council recess, the deadline for Council certification is suspended until the first Council meeting after the recess, plus the number of days of the appeal period that occurred during the recess, minus one day. If there is no appeal or certification, the Use Permit becomes effective the day after the certification deadline has passed.

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF DECISION
#LMIN2025-0002
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Mailed: January 5, 2026

1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
ZONING DISTRICT: Downtown Mixed-Use District (C-DMU)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STATUS: The project is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to the Class 8 exemption for “actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves the procedures for protection of the environment.” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 “Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment.”) Here, the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (BMC 3.24) is a local ordinance to ensure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, and/or protection of historic structures, which are part of the environment under CEQA. (See Pub. Res. Code § 21084.1.) None of the exceptions to this exemption apply here: (1) this Project is not exempt under Class 3, 4, 5, 6, or 11, so the location exception does not apply; (2) this Project does not involve cumulative impacts from successive projects of the same type in the same place; (3) there is not a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances; (4) the Project will not result in damage to scenic resources; and (5) the Project is not located on a site which is included on a list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code. (See CEQA Guidelines 15300.2.) The application materials for this project is available online at:
https://berkeleyca.gov/construction-development/land-use-development/zoning-projects or https://aca-prod.accela.com/BERKELEY/Default.aspx

FINDINGS AND APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE ATTACHED TO THIS NOTICE

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF DECISION
#LMIN2025-0002
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Mailed: January 5, 2026

COMMISSION VOTE: 6-0-0-0
YES: CRANDALL, FINACOM, ORBUCH, SCHWARTZ, LEUSCHNER,

MONTGOMERY
NO: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
TO APPEAL THIS DECISION (see Section 3.24.300 of the Berkeley Municipal Code):

To appeal a decision of the Landmarks Preservation Commission to the City Council you must:

1. Submit a letter clearly and concisely setting forth the grounds for the appeal to the City Clerk, located at 2180 Milvia Street, 1st Floor, Berkeley. The City Clerk’s telephone number is (510) 981-6900.
a. Pursuant to BMC Section 3.24.300.A, an appeal may be taken to the City Council by the application of the owners of the property or their authorized agents, or by the application of at least fifty residents of the City aggrieved or affected by any determination of the commission made under the provisions of Chapter 3.24.

2. Submit the required fee (checks and money orders must be payable to ‘City of Berkeley’):
a. The basic fee for persons other than the applicant is $3,000. This fee may be reduced to $1,000 if the appeal is signed by persons who lease or own at least 50 percent of the parcels or dwelling units within 300 feet of the project site, or at least 25 such persons (not including dependent children), whichever is less. Signatures collected per the filing requirement in BMC Section 3.24.300.A may be counted towards qualifying for the reduced fee, so long as the signers are qualified. The individual filing the appeal must clearly denote which signatures are to be counted towards qualifying for the reduced fee.
b. The fee for all appeals by Applicants is $6,000.

3. The appeal must be received prior to 5:00 p.m. on the "APPEAL PERIOD EXPIRATION" date shown above (if the close of the appeal period falls on a weekend or holiday, then the appeal period expires the following business day).

If no appeal is received, the Landmarking will be final on the first business day following expiration of the appeal period.

NOTICE CONCERNING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:

If you object to this decision, the following requirements and restrictions apply:

1. If you challenge this decision in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Landmarks Preservation Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF DECISION
#LMIN2025-0002
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Mailed: January 5, 2026

2. You must appeal to the City Council within fifteen (15) days after the Notice of Decision of the action of the Landmarks Preservation Commission is mailed. It is your obligation to notify the Land Use Planning Division in writing of your desire to receive a Notice of Decision when it is completed.

3. Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6(b) and Government Code Section 65009(c)(1), no lawsuit challenging a City Council decision, as defined by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6(e), regarding a use permit, variance or other permit may be filed more than ninety (90) days after the date the decision becomes final, as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6(b). Any lawsuit not filed within that ninety (90) day period will be barred.

4. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(d)(1), notice is hereby given to the applicant that the 90-day protest period for any fees, dedications, reservations, or other exactions included in any permit approval begins upon final action by the City, and that any challenge must be filed within this 90-day period.

5. If you believe that this decision or any condition attached to it denies you any reasonable economic use of the subject property, was not sufficiently related to a legitimate public purpose, was not sufficiently proportional to any impact of the project, or for any other reason constitutes a “taking” of property for public use without just compensation under the California or United States Constitutions, your appeal of this decision must include the following information:

A. That this belief is a basis of your appeal.

B. Why you believe that the decision or condition constitutes a "taking" of property as set forth above.

C. All evidence and argument in support of your belief that the decision or condition constitutes a “taking” as set forth above.

If you do not do so, you will waive any legal right to claim that your property has been taken, both before the City Council and in court.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Communications to Berkeley boards, commissions or committees are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website.

Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to a City board, commission or committee, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact information to be made public, you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service or in person to the secretary of the relevant board, commission or committee. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication. Please contact the secretary to the relevant board, commission or committee for further information.

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION

NOTICE OF DECISION
#LMIN2025-0002
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Mailed: January 5, 2026

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Questions about the project should be directed to the project planner, Marytonae Sanchez, at (510) 981-7419 or [email protected]. All project application materials may be viewed at the Permit Service Center (Zoning counter), 1947 Center Street, 3 rd Fl., during regular business hours.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Findings for Approval

2. Application Materials
ATTEST:

Allison Riemer, Secretary
Landmarks Preservation Commission
cc: City Clerk
Stephanie Wells, Executive Director of The Pacifica Foundation Inc., 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

Attachment 1, part 2
Landmarks Preservation Commission Findings for
Designation

ng & Zo
Staff Report
Quick Facts Project Description:

The applicant is seeking consideration of City Landmark or Structure of Merit designation for a commercial building constructed in 1991 (APN: 057-2059-013-01).

Permits Requested:

Landmark or Structure of Merit Designation. To designate a property as a City Landmark or Structure of Merit, pursuant to Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 3.24.110.

Staff Recommendation:

Initiated by: 50 Berkeley resident
petitioners
Application Author: Carol Wolfley
Property Owner: Pacifica Foundation
Inc., represented by Maria Negret
Project Address: 1929 Martin Luther
King Jr. Way
GP Land Use: Downtown
Zoning: Downtown Mixed-Use (C-DMU)
District
Historic District: N/A
CEQA: Categorically exempt, pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 “Actions by
Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the
Environment.”
Submittal Date: April 2, 2025
Date Deemed Complete: August 20, 2025
Project Planner: Marytonae Sanchez
Staff recommends that LPC:

1. Receive public testimony and close the hearing on this matter.

2. Consider the extent to which the property meets the criteria for local designation under BMC Section 3.24.110.

3. Make findings as deemed appropriate for final
action.
1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (KPFA Radio
Building)
Landmark Initiation – #LMIN2025-0002

November 6, 2025

Page | 2

CEQA FINDINGS
The project is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to the Class 8 exemption for “actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves the procedures for protection of the environment.” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 “Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment.”)
Here, the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (BMC 3.24) is a local ordinance to ensure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, and/or protection of historic structures, which are part of the environment under CEQA. (See Pub. Res. Code § 21084.1.) None of the exceptions to this exemption apply here: (1) this Project is not exempt under Class 3, 4, 5, 6, or 11, so the location exception does not apply; (2) this Project does not involve cumulative impacts from successive projects of the same type in the same place; (3) there is not a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances; (4) the Project will not result in damage to scenic resources; and (5) the Project is not located on a site which is included on a list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code. (See CEQA Guidelines 15300.2.)

LANDMARK PRESERVATION ORDINANCE FINDINGS

1. Pursuant to Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 3.24.110 (A) (2-4) of the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance (LPO), the Landmarks Preservation Commission of the City of Berkeley (Commission) finds that the property at 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way meets the criterion for City Landmark designation based on its cultural, educational, and historical value as the home of KPFA Radio for nearly half its life, the first listener-supported radio station in the United States and a pioneer of public broadcasting, its location within the Civic Center core, and one of the few postmodern buildings in Berkeley.

FEATURES TO BE PRESERVED

Page | 3
This designation shall apply to the subject property, and the following distinguishing features of the property shall be preserved, and missing features shall be restored to the extent possible:
 The Martin Luther King Jr. Way façade, including the overall composition, arrangement of architectural features, the balcony, and the broadcast speaker  The original front glass entry doors, to remain transparent, and the postmodern decorative metal grille above
 The exterior cladding of Heath ceramic tiles
 The skylit interior core, including its spatial configuration and massing  The overall form and massing of the building
 The embossed “KPFA” and “Pacifica” signage on the exterior  The scuppers on the north facade

Planning and Development Department Land Use Planning Division City of Berkeley Ordinance #4694 N.S.

LANDMARK APPLICATION
_______________________________________________________________

KPFA RADIO BUILDING
1929 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR WAY
BERKELEY 94704 ALAMEDA COUNTY
Figure 1. KPFA Radio Building facade
Figure 2. KPFA Radio Building 2nd floor
Attachment 1, Part 3

2. Assessor's Parcel Number: 057 205901301 57-2059-13-1 Block and Lot: 2059
Tract: Twitchel
Dimensions: L-shaped - Main Lot: 50’ x 124.65’, Pkg Area: 53.85’ x 35’ plus 2 x 10.6 Cross Streets: Berkeley Way and University Ave

3. Is property on the State Historic Resource Inventory? NO Is property on the Berkeley Urban Conservation Survey? NO

4. Application for Landmark includes:
a. Building: YES Garden: N/A Other features: View of Radio Tower b. Landscape and Open Space: N/A
c. Historic Site: NO
d. District: NO
e. Other: Entire Property

5. Historic Name: KPFA Radio Building
Commonly Known Name: KPFA Radio

6. Date of Construction:
a. Factual: 1991 b. Approximate:

Source of Information: Architect’s website:
https://trachtenbergarch.com/project/pacifica-radio-kpfa-94-1-fm/

7. Architect: Denny Abrams, Principal Abrams Millikan and David Trachtenberg Project Architect

8. Builder: Oliver & Company

9. Style: Regional Modernism

10. Original Owners: The Pacifica Foundation Inc. (KPFA Radio) Original Use: Community radio station

11. Present Owners: The Pacifica Foundation Inc. (KPFA Radio)

12. Present Use: Community radio station and media resource center Commercial: Office
Institutional: Training center
Other: Radio station
Current Zoning: C-DMU Buffer
Adjacent Property Zoning: C-DMU Buffer

2

13. Present Condition of Property:

Exterior: Good
Interior: Good
Grounds: Good
Has the property's exterior been altered? NO

14. Description: Built in1991, the KPFA Radio Building is a two story building that includes state of the art production studios, historic music library, conference rooms, offices, archives, roof garden and support facilities. It is bound by Martin Luther King, Jr. Way on the west, Berkeley Way on the north, Bonita on the east and University Ave on the south.

Figure 3. Detail of Assessors Map Block 2059

Figure 4. Detail from City of Berkeley zoning map
3

Figure 5. Detail of Alameda County Parcel Viewer map

Figure 6. Immediate neighborhood from Google Earth

Features to be preserved
Retractable roof
West Facade facing Martin Luther King, Jr. Way

15. History:
“The Twichell Tract, in which the current KPFA building sits, “was part of Rancho San Antonio, a 44,800-acre Spanish land grant given to Sergeant Luís María Peralta (1759–1851) in 1820 by the last 4

Spanish governor, Don Pablo Vicente de Sol, in recognition of Peralta’s forty years of military service to the Spanish king. The rancho included lands that form Oakland, Alameda, Piedmont, Emeryville, Berkeley, and parts of San Leandro and Albany.

Figure 7. The northern blocks of the Twichell Tract were not subdivided until June 1889. Book 19 page 47

In 1842, Luís Peralta divided the rancho among his four sons. Domingo and José Vicente were given the land that now comprises Oakland and Berkeley.

Within less than a decade, squatters overran the Peraltas’ properties, stole their cattle, and sold it in San Francisco. Worse, parcels of ranch land were sold without legal title. Domingo and Vicente Peralta fought the appropriations in the courts. In 1856, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed their title, but by then the brothers had been forced to sell most of their lands to cover legal costs and taxes. The various buyers engaged cartographer Julius Kellersberger1 to map the Peralta Ranchos for subdivision purposes.

Plot 79, which contained the future Twichell Tract, was a 160-acre parcel located just north of Francis K. Shattuck’s land. Its boundaries were today’s M.L. King, Jr. Way to the west, Cedar Street to the north, Arch Street to the east, and Addison Street to the south. Like so much of the Peraltas’ lands, Plot 79 was acquired by the French-born, San Francisco–based financier Fran çois Louis Alfred Pioche.

Pioche apparently sold it to Joshua Hathaway, who died without paying, as one surmises from Pioche’s 1857 lawsuit to recover the 160 acres from the Hathaway estate….” The neighborhood north of University Avenue, between Shattuck Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Way (formerly Grove Street), was mostly farmland during the second half of the 19th century.

Subdivision into building lots began in a piecemeal fashion after train service from Oakland to downtown Berkeley was inaugurated in 1876.

The earliest of the four tracts in the area between University Avenue and Delaware Street were the Clapp Tract (1876) and the College Tract (subdivided in 1876, map filed in 1877). Block A of the Twichell Tract was subdivided in 1877, the rest of the tract in 1889. Sea View Park was subdivided in 1890.

With the arrival of electric streetcars in 1891, the area’s development received a boost, accelerating as the line was extended from University Avenue to Cedar Street in 1902. By 1911, the neighborhood was almost fully built, and primarily residential.
5

Included in the architectural mix were Victorian houses built in the earlier years of settlement, but the dominant building style was Colonial Revival, fashionable between 1895 and 1905.

Figure 8. The dilapidated former house of Samuel Heywood, 1929 Grove Street, in 1967. KPFA now occupies the site. (Donogh files, BAHA archives) courtesy Daniella Thompson No appreciable change occurred in the neighborhood’s character until the mid-20th century. From the 1950s until the early ‘70s, older houses on nearly every block were demolished, giving way to large, boxy apartment blocks. This trend was halted with the passage of the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance in 1973.

During the 1960s, BART construction resulted in the loss of nearly all the houses along the north side of Hearst Avenue between Milvia and Sacramento streets. In response to citizen action, Ohlone Park was created instead of the apartments that BART had intended to construct on top of the train tube.

Today, the west side of M.L. King, Jr., Way between Berkeley Way and Hearst Avenue is entirely commercial, as is the east side of the street between Hearst Avenue and Delaware Street. All four corners on the intersection of M.L. King, Jr., Way and Hearst Avenue have changed dramatically since 1950.”1
The previous Victorian style home of Samuel Heywood is the current site of KPFA Radio Building SAMUEL HEYWOOD and family - occupants at 1929 Grove St 1897- From Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association
https://berkeleyheritage.com/eastbay_then-now/heywood4.html

“Sam
uel Heywood (1833–1903) was Zimri Brewer Heywood’s fourth son, the first Heywood to have settled in Berkeley, and the one most closely associated with the family’s West Berkeley lumber yard…..

1 Daniella Thompson Landmark application for the Charles H. Spear House, 1905 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way (2017). 6

….When Jacobs retired around 1876, Sam Heywood took over as sole manager. …..His 1874 marriage to Emma Frances Dingley would produce five children, and in 1880, the U.S. census recorded Emma’s mother and two teenaged sisters in the household. ……It was time to provide ampler quarters for the growing family. Samuel responded by building a large, two-story house on a double lot at 812 Delaware Street. The Heywood lived here until 1897, when they moved to a turreted Queen Anne house at 1929 Grove Street (current location of KPFA)…

Property Sold
In 1967 property was listed for $125,000 as 1921-1931 Grove and 1906-1908 Berkeley Way - “2 stores, 2 apartments…Adjacent old house on a 50 x 124 lot should be torn down...”2 It is likely that the house was torn down around that time, since the property was described as an empty lot when work began on the KPFA building in 1991.

Figure 9. Berkeley Board of Realtors 4/18/1967 courtesy of BAHA

Alameda County Assessor's website:1991 and earlier, 1929 MLK Jr Way is listed as code 3000 (Vacant Commercial Land). Starting in 1992, it is listed with code 9400 (One to five story office building). The property was subsequently purchased by the Pacifica Foundation.

2 Courtesy of Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association 7

KPFA’s new headquarters

RICHARD WOLINSKY - from KPFA Program Guide Dec 1990
“First came the hole, then the slab. And now the framework. The new KPFA building is on the rise… Construction began in October 1990…After the empty lot was excavated…the move to the new building required applying to the FCC for a construction permit…COB permits were secured… We have line of site microwave access from the station to our transmitter atop Grizzly Peak. The new building requires a giant tower for the microwave as well as for the KPFB antenna and a satellite dish…KPFB antenna must be raised ten feet so it meets the stricter Russian standard (rather than the US standard to which the COB adheres to (no jokes please)...Designed for energy efficiency, with skylights, window-treatments and quiet air conditioning for the studios. Cool in summer and warm in winter…Long a haven in a heartless world for radicals, KPFA now has a haven of its own.”3

Figure 10. KPFA Program Guide by Richard Wolinsky 1990
3 KPFA Program Guide by Richard Wolinsky 1990

8

Figure 11. San Francisco Chronicle February 17, 1992 Improved Headquarters by Allen Temko

16. Significance: Cultural Value consistent with Chapter 3.24.110 A.2 The KPFA building is a site of historic cultural significance, for its pioneering role as the first listener sponsored community radio station in the United States. KPFA is the crown jewel of the Pacifica Foundation Inc. which expanded from one Berkeley station to an interconnected network of 5 metropolitan area stations and 213 affiliate stations nationally. With the exception of the 500-watt UCB college radio station, KPFA’s building houses the only broadcast studio in Berkeley and it reaches a wide audience across the Bay Area and Northern California with its powerful 59,000 watt transmitter.

KPFA and the Pacifica Foundation Inc. are nationally recognized as symbols of the social and political movements that have shaped Berkeley and the wider world.

KPFA’s Mission is to:

To promote cultural diversity and pluralistic community expression.

To contribute to a lasting understanding between individuals of all nations, races, creeds and colors.

To promote freedom of the press and serve as a forum for various viewpoints.

To maintain an independent funding base.

KPFA’s building as a home site for independent listener sponsored media has made significant contributions to Berkeley’s and California’s historic culture of investigative inquiry, leadership in diversity, and informed social and political action.
9

Figure 12 & 13.City of Berkeley Proclamation Recognizing KPFA’s Contributions/Alameda County Proclamation of KPFA Day - photos by Lan Wolfley

Figure 14. Congressional Recognition from Representative Ron Dellums 8th Congressional District

10

The Pioneering Culture of Listener Sponsorship
KPFA, was the first Pacifica Foundation Inc. listener-supported, progressive media radio station and has been in existence for more than 75 years. Pacifica is the oldest independent community radio network in the US. KPFA was founded in 1949 by conscientious objector, Lewis Hill and a group of like-minded friends. His vision was to establish a medium that promoted pacifism and that was completely independent from advertisers. “He refined his idea to create a commercial-free radio station, one that would be an oasis for dialogue and a healthy exchange of ideas. He came to believe that pacifists, if they were going to have an influence in the world, needed to stand for specific ideas, not narrowly against the status quo, and that this public engagement might be an example of non-violent direct action.”4

In 1949, FM radio was in its infancy having been created in 1933 by American engineer Edwin Armstrong. FM radio offered a “higher fidelity-more accurate reproduction of the original program sound… less susceptible to common forms of interference, having less static and popping sounds than are often heard on AM.” 5 KPFA was an early adopter of the FM band and because so few people had FM radios, KPFA offered FM radios as a premium to their listeners in their early fundraisers.

Figure 15. Early FM radio courtesy of KPFA
The station preserves its editorial integrity by protecting the journalistic freedom of its staff and diverse management team and KPFA operates as an independent listener supported organization with over 11,000 donating members.

Figure 16. Capital Campaign Builders in KPFA Lobby - photo courtesy of Lan Wolfley 5 Wikipedia on FM Broadcasting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FM_broadcasting 4 From Pacifica Network Pacifica Remembers Its Pacifist Roots 11

Historic Cultural Value: consistent with Chapter 3.24.110 A.4 The building at 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way has been witness to many historic events and recordings:

In 1999, over ten thousand community members mobilized and rallied in front of the station and around Berkeley for almost five months, to protect KPFA and support KPFA members’ rights. The demonstrations made nation-wide news, garnered support from the City of Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco, including a resolution passed by the Berkeley City Council calling on Pacifica to unlock the doors, rehire dismissed staff and institute local control of programming. These events garnered national attention in addition to local support from the Berkeley City Council, the City of Oakland, Alameda and Marin Counties, and the California State Legislature, highlighting the building's role as a historical community resource and its historical importance.

Figure 17 and 18. Daily Cal 8/3/1999 and Protesters at MLK, Jr Park at Berkeley Civic Center

Brian Edwards-Tiekert, Host of UpFront had this to say: “I had a strong first impression of the building: the evening I was scheduled to begin training in KPFA's News Department was the day the US started the invasion of Iraq. The station had played a crucial role in broadcasting the voices of dissidents and critics of the rush to war at a time where there were few other platforms available to them. KPFA had broadcast live from the historic anti-war demonstrations in the lead-up to the invasion. When I arrived at KPFA's front door on a cold, dark evening, there was an impromptu vigil of around a dozen people who collected around the speaker that overhangs KPFA's entrance, playing what's on air. In a time of great crisis, people were instinctively drawn to KPFA -- and the building itself was designed to accommodate that connection.”6

6 From a recent communication from Brian Edwards-Tiekert 12

The building is a living testimony to the evolution of non-commercial radio from its pioneering FM broadcasting to its multi-media platforms for investigative news, diverse music and discussions on social justice, environmental sustainability, economics, global peace and more.. In December of 2018, The Nation magazine’s Progressive Honor Roll honored KPFA as the Most Valuable Radio Station and KPFA has been recognized by the City of Berkeley for its significant contributions. 7 Historic Cultural Dates for the KPFA Building
● 1946 - Lewis Hill began creating the first listener-supported non-commercial radio station in the United States.
● 1949 - April 15, Pacifica first went on the air as KPFA 94.1 FM in Berkeley, ● In the 1950’s, Elsa Knight Thompson helped build a news and public affairs department. Her many groundbreaking broadcasts included a 1958 program covering civil liberties for homosexuals, recognized as the first documentary regarding gay rights. ● The tradition of covering newsworthy issues continued into the 1960’s covering the House on Un-American Activities Committee in San Francisco including the protests in what later would be turned into a documentary. In the 1970s KPFA coverage of the Vietnam War, conflicts in the Middle East, and reporting of the 1972 Democratic and Republican conventions provided independent perspectives of historic significance. Over the decades, KPFA’s coverage of the Iran-Contra Hearings earned the station a George Polk award and further established KPFA's reputation for unbiased reporting. ● 1964 KPFA covered the UC Berkeley Free Speech Movement with live broadcasts from Sproul Plaza, rallies and sit-ins.
● In the seventies, KPFA played a key role in covering the kidnapping of Patty Hearst. “A group calling themselves the “Symbionese Liberation Army: Western Regional Unit” sent Berkeley radio station KPFA their first public communiqué… The SLA announced their involvement with an “arrest warrant” sent to Berkeley radio station KPFA and received by station manager Paul Fisher. The document announced that Hearst had been “arrested” as a result of a “warrant issued by: The Court of the People.” It went on to state that Hearst had been “removed to a protective area of safety” and that any attempts to rescue her would lead to her execution…the SLA sent an audio taped communiqu é on
February 12, 1974, again via radio station KPFA. In this second message, both Cinque and Patricia spoke. Patricia’s role was to reassure her family that she was still alive and in good condition… ● 1991 - September KPFA moved to its specially constructed ADA compliant multi-media center building at 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way from its former upstairs space at 2201 Shattuck Ave. ● 1999 - Over the course of five months, up to an estimated 15,000 Bay Area concerned citizens demonstrated at the KPFA station building and throughout Berkeley in support of independent community media, demanding the reopening of KPFA after a conflicted and disputed shutdown. These events garnered national attention and support from local governments in Berkeley, Alameda County, and California and embodied the social, cultural, and political fabric of the region.

In describing KPFA’s history for the 75th birthday KPFA Host/Producer Kris Welch talks about the events of 1999 and the powerful community response in defense of the station in a video posted on KPFA’s YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcfWO5xTGd8 ● KPFA has been a longtime FCC emergency alert station and has served as a historic community resource during Berkeley and Northern California earthquakes, fires, floods and power outages mobilizing to broadcast and post information for evacuations, bulletins, and supplies. KPFA has provided programming and engineering support for Pacifica sister stations and helped during the recent 7 The Nation Magazine December 20, 2018: https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/2018-progressive-honor-roll/ 13

LA fires, immigration raids and No Kings Day. News producer Vanessa Tait reported: “KPFA’s transmitter was knocked off the air by the Oakland firestorm on October 20, 1991. But in the station’s recently opened studios, the newsroom was a hive of activity. The news team broadcast hourly updates and reports from KPFA journalists on the ground via local channel KPFB, which was still on the air.” ● KPFA’s upstairs news studio was the birthplace of Free Speech Radio News, an independent newscast created during the 2000 democracy fight at Pacifica Radio. The network's striking freelance journalists founded FSRN as a worker-run collective, doing much of its production and distribution at KPFA in the early years.
● KPFB, a smaller KPFA associate station, also housed at 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way has historically broadcast City of Berkeley City Council and School Board meetings where on many occasions, hundreds of residents overflowed onto the steps outside meetings when historic decisions were made.
● In 2013 a few blocks away from KPFA’s building, producers from the station covered community efforts to help protect the Berkeley Post Office from being sold and commercialized. ● In 2025 - KPFA celebrated its 76th birthday
For a more comprehensive history of KPFA and the Pacifica network: https://kpfa.org/about/history/

Figure

19. Larry Bensky and Daniel Ellsburg 1999
An Archive of Historic Cultural Treasures
The KPFA building is not only a home for production but also serves as an historical archive for a wide range of political, social, musical and cultural events captured over decades by KPFA producers, hosts and staff members from 1949 to the present. From its beginning with FM broadcasting to its multi-media platforms of today KPFA holds the history of the evolution of independent media.

Over its 76 year history, KPFA has drawn such luminaries as Daniel Elsberg, Joan Baez, Dolores Huerta, Noam Chomski, May Angelou, Jane Fonda, Oliver Stone and many more in interviews and 14

recordings, Jerry Brown’s, We the People was broadcast daily from the KPFA studios at 1929 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way from 1994 to 1997. In the 1990’s Democracy Now!, a breaking news and public affairs program was created and continues to be broadcast on KPFA, and Pacifica stations today..

Some of KPFA’s award winning programs include; Letters and Politics with Mitch Jeserich–spanning historical explorations from Ancient Greece, to the history of the United States and now, Flashpoints with Dennis Bernstein; Democracy Now!, with Amy Goodman; A Rude Awakening with Sabrina Jacobs; This Way Out, the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program; and Rising Up with Sonali Kolhatkar.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, KPFA provided essential community support information while addressing the social and economic impacts of the crisis. KPFA covers national conventions and elections.

Short list of nationally and internationally recognized voices heard from KPFA’s studios at 1929 MLK, Jr. Way:

Maya Anjelou, American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist Margaret Atwood, Canadian novelist, poet, literary critic and an inventor Joan Baez, American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist Phillis Bennis, American Jewish writer, activist, and political commentator Larry Bensky, KPFA broadcaster, literary and political journalist Jerry Brown, Former CA Governor We the People show from 1994 to 1997 Richard Chamberlain, American actor and singer
Noam Chomsky, American professor and public intellectual Angela Davis, American Marxist and feminist political activist, philosopher, academic, and author Joy DeGruy, American author, academic, and researcher
Donovan, Scottish musician, songwriter and record producer Daniel Ellsberg, American activist, economist, & United States military analyst, the Pentagon Papers Jane Fonda, American actress and activist
David Graeber, anthropologist, anarchist, and one of the initiators of Occupy Wall St Chris Hedges, American journalist, author, commentator and Presbyterian minister Seymour Hersh, American investigative journalist and political writer bell hooks, American author
Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and feminist activist Molly Ivans, American newspaper columnist, author, and political commentator Erica Jong, American novelist, satirist, and poet
Ro Khanna, American politician and lawyer serving as the U.S. representative from CAs 17th congressional district since 2017
Barbara Lee, American politician who has served as the 52nd mayor of Oakland Gabor Mate, Canadian physician who specializes in the study and treatment of addiction Bill Means, American Indian Movement (AIM) activist and co-founder Rashid Khalidi, Palestinian-American historian of the Middle East Naomi Klein, Canadian author, social activist, and filmmaker Tony Kushner, American author, playwright, and screenwriter Peter Kuznik, professor of history and director of the award-winning Nuclear Studies Institute at American University, co-writer of Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United State Alexander McCall Smith, Scottish legal scholar and author of fiction 15

Keith McHenry, American activist, best known as the co-founder of Food Not Bombs.

Bill McKibbin, author, educator, environmentalist, and Co-founder of 350.org Ralph Nader, American lawyer and political activist involved in consumer protection, environmentalism, and governm
ent reform causes, The Ralph Nader Radio Hour
Thich Nhat Hanh, global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist Johnnie Otis, Greek American singer, musician, composer, bandleader, record producer, talent scout, and preacher, host of the Johnny Otis Show on KPFA k2004-2007 Greg Palast, author and free lance journalist
Ilan Pappe, Israeli historian, political scientist, and former politician Ari Shaw, Senior Fellow and the Director of International Programs at the Williams Institute, specializing in international human rights, LGBTQ+ law and policy Norman Solomon, American journalist, media critic, activist, National Director of Roots Action Oliver Stone, film director Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican bishop and theologian John Updike, American novelist, poet, short-story writer, art critic, and literary critic Gore Vidal, American writer
Alice Waters, American chef, restaurateur, food writer, and author Alice Walker, American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist Richard D. Wolff, American Marxian economist, professor emeritus, weekly Economic Update show

Figure 20. Jane Fonda in conversation with Sasha Lilley of Against the Grain in 2005

Figure 21. Donovan with Dirk Richardson of The Hear & Now in 2004

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News
At a time when independent news is under attack, KPFA’s news department covers Berkeley, Bay Area, California national and international news with updates throughout the day on weekdays, and on weekend evenings. Over the years KPFA news has provided a voice for marginalized communities while covering breaking news, economic, health, environmental, and political events.

A Radio Media Champion for Berkeley's Cultural Diversity Movements KPFA programming has honored and reflected the changing historical demographic and geographic cultural diversity of Berkeley, the Bay Area, California and the United States During the Civil Rights Movement KPFA sent reporters to the South and If it were not for KPFA and other Pacifica stations the public would not have access to many recordings of the speeches of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Malcolm X.

The station building has served as a media center for hosting historic interviews on The Farmworkers Movement, Black Lives Matter, Me Too, Immigrant rights issues and the many important movements of the times.

Diverse Programming Include
Africa Today is a weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner.

Apex Express is a collective member of AACRE, Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality.

AACRE focuses on long-term movement building, capacity infrastructure, and leadership support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders committed to social justice.

Bay Native Circle is a weekly program presenting special guests and explores today’s Native issues, peoples, cultures, music & events with rotating hosts Morning Star Gali, Tony Gonzales, Eddie Madril and Janeen Antoine. The station covered Indigenous community events including the Occupation of Alcatraz, and protests at Standing Rock. The KPFA building supports the preparation for annual live broadcasts on Alcatraz for Indigenous People’s Day and Thanksgiving sunrise ceremonies.

Hard Knock Radio went on the air in 2001. The show hosted by Davy D and Anita Johnson explores local hip hop culture and politics.

La Onda Bajita is a bilingual, Xicano/a/x Indigenous collective and radio program on KPFA 94.1 fm in the SF Bay Area. Since the late 1970s we have held a strong, steadfast commitment to give voice to Spanish-speaking & native communities. We use the power of words as a tool for change. We also continue to bring that Lowrider soul. This long running lowrider cruising show continues to creep along with a mix of barrio oldies and raza knowledge.

La Raza Chronicles is a weekly Latino affairs magazine program with a local and international focus, highlighting the social, political and cultural events affecting the Latino community. 17

Law & Disorder exposes the cracks in our system, agitates for resistance and collectively builds a new world where all of us thrive. Hosted by Cat Brooks. Produced by Jesse Strauss.

Making Contact is a radio program and podcast on KPFA Radio that focuses on social justice issues and the people involved in movements for change. The weekly show is hosted by Amy Gastelum, Salima Hamirani, Anita Johnson, and Lucy Kang
Pushing Limits provides critical coverage of disability issues and brings insight into the grassroots disability movement to the general public. Host-Producer of Pushing Limits, Adrienne Lauby had this to say “Pushing Limits could not have existed in the old building. We would have had to picket outside for access. LOL. Berkeley played an historic role in the Disability Rights Movement but one activist-producer* of KPFA’’s “Disability Rap” had to be carried upstairs. 1929 MLK Dr. has an elevator and has aired Pushing Limits, a disability program, since 2003.” She also listed some luminaries in the disability movement associated with the program: Judy Heumann, Jana Overbo, Mary Lou Breslin and Pam Walker.

This Way Out is the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, currently airing on some 200 local community radio stations around the world. The award-winning half-hour magazine-style program features a summary of some of the major news events in or affecting the queer community (NewsWrap), in-depth coverage of major events, interviews with key queer figures, plus music, literature, entertainment — all the information and culture of a community on the move! Women's Magazine is an hour long radio program that presents and discusses women’s lives and issues globally and locally from a radical, multiracial, feminist, mujerist, womanist perspective.

Voices of the Middle East and North Africa airs once a week and is a richly diverse and fascinating world of culture and politics of the Middle East and North Africa, co-hosted by Khalil and Malihe.

Environmental Programming
Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature An award-winning series featuring social and scientific innovators with creative solutions to the most pressing challenges we face.

Terra Verde delivers news and views about the most critical environmental issues across California and globally.

A Rude Awakening is an award-winning climate crisis and environmental justice radio show with interviews and commentary – hosted and produced by Sabrina Jacobs

Education
Education Today is a radio show hosted by Kitty Kelly Epstein and Jaron Epstein that airs weekly Choose to Be Curious is a show all about curiosity. We talk about research and theory, but mostly it’s conversations about how curiosity shows up in work and life. Hosted by Lynn Borton.

Music
The KPFA music studio has hosted local and nationally acclaimed musicians in live performances across a wide range of music genres including: jazz, Latin jazz and rhythms, blues, hip hop, classical, country, indigenous, bluegrass, world music, avant-garde compositions and more. KPFA’s extensive music library 18

offers diverse listening experiences and ensures that the musical traditions of our local communities and beyond are preserved and celebrated.

Figure 22. Historic Music Library - photo courtesy of Lan Wolfley

The station's cultural programming includes historic book reviews, poetry, and discussions on theater and film, making KPFA a significant cultural resource for the community.

KPFA’s programming supports the Bay Area’s caring culture by providing resources and information about community responses to urgent and life threatening challenges, affecting individuals and families. .

Cultural Value as an Educational Institution
The KPFA building is a historic media training center that has offered decades of students and interns opportunities to acquire broadcasting and production skills through KPFA’s News Department and other training and apprenticeship programs. The station has built strong relationships with local educational institutions including Berkeley Community College, UC Berkeley, Berkeley Media Center, and community organizations by providing collaborative hands-on learning in a real-world environment.

KPFA as an educational resource helps to ensure that the knowledge and skills needed to understand, and participate in the production of independent media are passed onto future generations.

National YES State YES County YES City YES Neighborhood: YES. 19

KPFA 94.1 FM. has been a significant historical resource over a wide signal range across Northern California from well above Santa Rosa to as far south as the San Jose area. KPFA programming is also heard on KPFB 89.3 FM in Berkeley, KFCF 88.1 FM in Fresno, and KU Satellite intergalactically.

KPFA content is shared with Pacifica’s 200 affiliate stations across the United States and KPFA.org listeners world-wide. KPFA also posts on KPFA Facebook @KPFA94.1 and Twitter, YouTube, Instagram,Tik Tok @kpfaradio

Architectural Value: consistent with Chapter 3.24.110 A.1(c) In 1991 when the building first opened, San Francisco Chronicle’s architecture critic, Allan Temko remarked: “So KPFA is a modest instant landmark, unprepossessing but with clear identity” and “Station KPFA’s new building has a distinct Berkeley flavor”

Award winning building:: The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association’s 1991 Honor Award; and the Berkeley Design Advocates’ 1993 Best Commercial Building.

David Trachtenberg was the licensed Project Architect for this project while an associate at Abrams Millikan & Associates.”

Denny Abrams had this to say recently: “The style is mainly expressed in the facade of the building.

The remainder of the building gets its form from functions and need. The inspiration for the style of the facade is in part the legacy of John Hudson Thomas. His use of stucco on well-proportioned facades that rise above the roof line was always inspiring. Embossing the stucco with decorative elements are also part of his legacy. When David [Trachtenberg] and I were finalizing the details of the facade we realized that this was truly a very specialized historical work of architecture that deserved to be memorialized by embossing the facade.”

Architect Denny Abrams added that “The KPFA building is an outstanding example of Post Modernism and Regional Modernism, a style that blends the functional demands of a radio station with the aesthetic considerations of its surrounding environment……. The building's design is not only architecturally significant but also serves as a prototype of how media-related architecture can be both functional and artistically expressive. The two-story structure houses essential broadcasting facilities, with production, administrative and communal spaces, interconnecting with interior windows which enhance communication and collaboration among staff. The design was shaped with the input of KPFA's stakeholders, ensuring that the building met the unique demands of community radio broadcasting.” 8

Architect David Trachtenberg writes “The Pacifica Radio/ KPFA 94.1 FM building provides an efficient, economical, and memorable home for two venerated Berkeley institutions. As community-based and listener-supported radio producers, Pacifica and KPFA depend on professional staff, as well as a diverse group of volunteers and contributors, to facilitate their day-to-day operations. Accordingly, the design process engaged all the stakeholders by way of consensus-building meetings and extensive personal interviews. The resulting schematic renderings were used to galvanize a significant capital campaign and give new focus, energy and identity to both organizations.

The facade evokes a temple in its simple three-part, symmetrical composition. We recall that during the design process, some voices criticized the design of the facade for being too “historicist” and not being enough “of our own time,” ie a design that would evoke the chaotic, asymmetrical, modern, challenging, or uncomfortable condition of our own moment in history. However, such an approach was not of interest to us. We[In] hindsight, we believe we made the right call. The iconography of KPFA as a 8 Denny Abrams- email correspondence July 23, 2024
20

temple has a certain logic for Pacifica KPFA embodies a set of values and beliefs as deeply held by its adherents as any religious order.

KPFA’s previous digs, a ramshackle warren of rooms above Eddie’s [Edy’s} Soda Fountain on Shattuck Avenue, had terrible acoustics— and worse equipment. The new building would be a state-of-the-art facility with a fairly complex mix of sound studios, mixing rooms, conference spaces, and offices.

Through [Though] counter-intuitive, Pat Scott, General Manager during the period when we were designing the building, directed us to place the most sound-sensitive rooms adjacent to and visible to the large central atrium and stairway. She wanted her staff to see the guts of the operation as they moved about the building and never to forget that they were in the building to create great radio content. We also recall, with delight, that the building, at its inauguration, was dubbed “The People’s Cadillac”.

Figure 23. Conference Room - photo courtesy of Lan Wolfley

Architect S. Ross Bogen further describes the building style with “The architecture of the building is emblematic of its time: while not necessarily intended as such by its designers, it is part of the New Urbanism of the late 20th century, fitting into its surroundings and respecting the historical context of its neighbors. It does this by “holding the street”, building up to the sidewalk to maintain the unity of the street wall of commercial storefronts that about it, and abiding by the conventions that govern their early-20th century design: overall form reflecting traditional human-scaled elements, use of craft-based ornament, and limited (abstracted in KPFA’s case) references to historical architecture. In this respect it is also related to the Postmodernism of the previous decade and the broader Regional Modernism of the latter half of the 20th century.

The basic organization of the facade - described by its designer, architect David Trachtenberg - as “evoking a temple” via a simplified, symmetrical three-bay form, could be described as following a Roman “basilica” form, with a raised and arched central bay bordered by narrower ones, divided 21

horizontally to reflect the two internal stories behind them. This is the convention adopted throughout the post-Roman west for church architecture, so familiar in Romanesque churches (often referred to as “basilicas”) and reaching their peak in the Gothic cathedrals of the late middle ages. There is no more fundamental historical precedent in Western architecture, other than the actual greco-roman temple front, and this building does its modest part, in a reformation of sorts contrary to earlier 20th century modernist dogma, to reinstate it for an important public institution.

In addition, the arched central bay-plus-side-windows also references a late Renaissance figure, the serliana, named for 16th C. Venetian architect Sebastiano Serlio. It is more popularly known as the “palladian window”, for Andrea Palladio, Serlio’s much better known Venetian contemporary, who employed it to much broader and visible effect in northern Italy, and whose published design work was taken up by 18th century English and then American architects. So ubiquitous as to be almost a cliche in residential architecture of the late 19th-early 20th century (not to mention late 20th C. post-Modern and current day historicist pastiche rampant in suburban commodity housing), here it is employed at what is termed “giant scale” in classical architecture to emphasize the basilica form that organizes the interior, as it should in any proper work of public architecture. It is set within a gabled parapet that forms a counterpoint to the arched opening, reflects the roof beyond and evokes historical conventions employed by early-20th C. Bay Area architects such as John Hudson9 Thomas.

The facade performs the essential function of expressing the overall concept of the building, which reflects the basilica form in its interior organization, with a high central space bordered by two-story aisles. Where the building departs from classical precedent is in the space above the aisles, which classically (or gothically) would have high clerestory windows. Here there is a marvelous gabled skylight, retractable ala the more dramatic applications in new athletic stadiums, that is visible through the facade’s arched central window, and is as much a part of the design as anything else on the outside of the building.

The seriliana is minimally detailed, almost to the point of abstraction, but the facade employs text in a decorative way to evoke ornament and communicate the building’s purpose, and add fine-grained detail to relate it to its older neighbors. Over the central arch, letters in a classical serif font spelling out “Pacifica” are incised in the plaster surface, a device cited by the architects as inspired by the work of John Hudson Thomas. Over the entry, a balcony forms a canopy, and a recessed band at the lower edge forms a marquee of sorts, with applied metal letters - in an almost Art Deco sans-serif font - spelling out the radio station’s call sign and frequency. It’s a subtle nesting of historical allusions to the different eras combined in the building: its philosophical foundations in the early-20th C. Progressive Movement and the technological promise of the Radio Age.

The entry itself is the more highly detailed and ornamented section of the facade, as appropriate to the part most closely encountered by anyone visiting the building. Teal craft tiles with gold accents form a wainscot and surround for the glazed bronze doors, which are topped by a transom light. A decorative flourish from the classicized language of the Progressive Era are romanized bronze grilles applied to the transom and doors that, unfortunately, have had to be removed from the doors due to unaccounted-for structural stress on the frames, but may be reinstalled after the frames have been reengineered and reinforced. Enlivening the wall space on either side of the doors are display cases designed for announcements.

The other exposed elevation of the building is on the north, overlooking a parking lot but visible from Berkeley Way. This wall is restrained and even plain, as expected for a minor side, but it has a careful composition of evenly spaced second story windows, with a notched parapet - alternate notches holding roof overflow scuppers - reinforcing the rhythm of the windows below.”10

Architect: David Trachtenberg
10 S. Ross Bogen, AIA, Landmarks committee chair, Tracy Historical Museum 9 Denny Abrams- email correspondence July 23, 2024
22

Stackhouse De La Pena Trachtenberg Architects - Founding Principal “His Harvard design thesis was the design of a Jewish Community Center in Berkeley, California.

Thesis Advisor: Moshe Safdie. He returned to the Bay Area and worked for various architects, builders, and developers for a couple of years. David started Trachtenberg Architects in 1991 and has been running his own firm for 28 years. The office has designed over two hundred buildings, the majority of which are in or around Berkeley.

Local projects include buildings for KPFA Radio, The Trust for Public Land, ACLU Headquarters, The Berkeley Bowl Marketplace, Saul’s Deli, Comal Restaurant, Backroads, MIG Headquarters, Jung Institute, Pathways Homeless Shelter, SYDA Meditation Temple, Acme Bread Company, Cody’s Books, Kermit Lynch offices, Peet’s Coffee Headquarters, and about fifty private residences. Most of the projects these days are large multi-family projects. They have built 300 units so far in Berkeley and have another 1,500 in the pipeline.”

He continues to influence the face of Berkeley with his many works throughout the city - from single-family homes, to multi-family structures, many Berkeley businesses and well-loved Berkeley institutions.”11

“What do Berkeley Bowl, the Rose Grocery project and the new Read Building on Fourth Street have in common? Their architect is David Trachtenberg, known for responding to the historical feel of Berkeley architecture while creating structures with a distinctive look.

His architectural forebears include Bernard Maybeck and Julia Morgan, founders of the Bay Region style of architecture, which emphasized building with natural materials and featured rooms that interacted with the outdoors. But he also brings a contemporary sensibility to his work and bridges the gap between past and present - sometimes in a single building…

Trachtenberg, 50, grew up in Pittsburgh as a triplet in a family with five children. He received a bachelor's degree in architecture from UC Berkeley before earning a master's degree in architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

He lives in a century-old Berkeley brown shingle house and has run Trachtenberg Architects in the same city since 1991. Robert Nishimori, the other principal, and project architects Isaiah Stackhouse and Neven Krickovich work there with him. Examples of the firm's residential and commercial work can be found from Petaluma to San Jose, including several San Francisco projects. But Trachtenberg's primary accomplishment is helping to shape the look of Berkeley with commercial buildings such as Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen, the former Cody's Books on Fourth Street, and the mixed-use building that houses La Farine bakery on Solano Avenue.

Berkeley architect David Snippen said, "What Trachtenberg has contributed to Berkeley is a legacy of very fine architecture that hopefully will be understood and admired for a long time. It's added a lot to the cultural inventory." A member of the city's Design Review Committee, Snippen adds, "When we see him come in with a project, we take a breath and relax."...

He's known for creating spaces with a terrific sense of flow and pleasing proportions. His buildings feel inviting, and although that partly derives from his Bay Region predecessors, another key influence is Christopher Alexander (formerly of Berkeley and now in England), who wrote prolifically about the design process and produced many insights about why certain spaces feel right and even timeless.”12

12 David Trachtenberg: Refining that Berkeley look
https://www.sfgate.com/homeandgarden/article/David-Trachtenberg-Refining-that-Berkeley-look-3186496.php Architect David Trachtenberg's projects adapt to the times but are inspired by the Bay Region style By Eve Kushner, Special to The Chronicle Nov 5, 2008
11 From Urban Adamah “David Trachtenberg - Urban Adamah” https://urbanadamah.org/team/david-trachtenberg/

23

Architect: Denny Abrams
Abrams/Millikan & Associates
Urban Ecology

“Graduate UC Berkeley joint program City and Regional Planning & Urban Economics. Worked as City Planner for Hud 1968, Planner at Sasaki Walker 1969, Research in Architecture and Urban Design with Christopher Alexander at Center for Environmental Structure. 1968 - 1974. Started Abrams Millikan & Kent design build firm 1974 to present. Designed & built many residential projects. Notable projects are Fourth Street, Berkeley 1978 to present and Bancroft Center 1989 to present, Northface Headquarters 1983, KPFA & WBAI production radios studios. Lectures ULI, UC Berkeley Haass, UC Berkeley Architecture, NYU City planning, Princeton University City Planning”13

“Denny Abrams made his mark on Berkeley by transforming Fourth Street from a rundown strip of warehouses into a walkable urban idyll that remains one of the region’s most inviting commercial districts. He’s still pursuing projects with Abrams/Millikan & Associates, his Fourth Street-based design/build development firm, but he’s also found a very different field to play in, backing some of the most creative artists in jazz.”14

Figure 24. Skylight courtesy of David Trachtenberg

Builder
“Lloyd H. Oliver and Charles E. Coburn founded Oliver & Coburn in 1946—just 9 years after Lloyd Oliver helped complete the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Today we are Oliver & Company: a hands-on, full-service construction company. We have completed over 2,000 buildings across Northern California; all have been completed to the full satisfaction of our clients.

We handle the work ourselves—we are not a construction broker. Our crew includes over seventy-five carpenters and experienced field staff supported by a twenty-five person in-house project management team. We all work together, solving problems daily to keep each project moving forward.

Our ability to execute stems from the long-term relationships we have with our employees; the average tenure for an employee of Oliver & Company is over seventeen years, with some employees staying with us their entire careers. Simply put, we believe we have the best team in the industry.

We are highly selective about our projects and clients. A founding member of the Construction Employers Association, we are known for our integrity and commitment to working closely with our clients and successfully bringing their projects to completion.”15 15 Oliver and Company - About https://oliverandco.net/company/about-us/ 14 Berkeleyside - Denny Abrams, creator of Fourth Street, has a jazzy second life By Andrew Gilbert May 26, 2021 https://www.berkeleyside.org/2021/05/26/fourth-street-denny-abrams-jazz-music

13 Denny Abrams LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/denny-abrams-a94a518 24

17. Is the property endangered? YES.

The KPFA Radio Building is being used as collateral on a loan made to the Pacifica Foundation Inc.

Pacifica owns KPFA and 4 other stations. KPFA may be at risk of being sold and converted for a different use. Other Pacifica buildings have been sold to pay off debt. The original purchase of the KPFA site included the buildings at 1921-1925 MKJ Jr Way, adjacent to the KPFA building on the north side. See Figure 16. In 2019, Pacifica was forced to sell those properties to reduce loan balances. In 2024, the Los Angeles KPFK station building was also sold.

Today, the importance of KPFA and Pacifica is not missed by the authors of Project 2025. On pages 245-247 of Project 2025, not only are they going after NPR and PBS but Pacifica Radio as well. Over the last few decades news media has been reduced to a few large conglomerates who control what we hear and read. Their primary motive is profit. Information is reduced to sound bites by highly-paid pundits with repetitious stories omitting details that might shed light on corruption, civil rights abuses and threats to our democracy. KPFA, listener-supported since 1949, is beholden to no one but the listeners and is committed to providing thorough coverage of local, national and world events.

KPFA is the flagship station of the Pacifica network. It is the most financially sustainable station with a valuable and historic mission worthy of support. Once lost, it could not be reconstructed. Because of the KPFA building’s unique value as a treasured community resource we strongly urge that the KPFA building at 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. Way be designated as an historic landmark to protect it now and for future generations and to celebrate its many and major contributions to the City of Berkeley and beyond.

18. Photographs: from the KPFA photo archives and staff members Date: see photos Repository: KPFA photo archives, Attn. Peter Stickney
Photographer: see photos

19. Bibliography:

Architects: https://trachtenbergarch.com/project/pacifica-radio-kpfa-94-1-fm/ and http://www
.urbanecology.org/portfolio/abrams.html

Descriptions of building: S. Ross Bogen, AIA, Landmarks committee chair, Tracy Historical Museum

Neighborhood Historic Information: Daniella Thompson, Architectural Historian

KPFA: https://kpfa.org/

KPFA
Facilities: https://kpfa.org/facilities/

KPFA
Programs: https://kpfa.org/programs/ s of radio production / broadcasting

The History of KPFA: https://kpfa.org/about/history/

Kris W
elch - 50 Years at KPFA - Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLTDekq6qR8

KPFA
Presents the 75th Birthday Special - Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcfWO5xTGd8

Paul Robeson
- KPFA Interview, February 8 1958: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDb9nM_iiXw

25

Wikipedia, KPFA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KPFA

20. Recorder:

Date:

Organization:

References

1. Charles Burress (July 15, 1999). "Battleground at KPFA -- Employees Locked Out: Hundreds of fans protest changes at Berkeley radio station". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2012-02-22.

2. Charles Burress, Janine DeFao (July 16, 1999). "Legislators Step Into KPFA Clamor: Hearing demanded as protesters besiege Berkeley station a third night". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2012-02-22.

3. M
ichael Taylor (July 17, 1999). "Berkeley Gets Radical Over KPFA Lockout: Anyone with a cause welcome to protest". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2012-02-22.

26

Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.CityofBerkeley.info/Manager

INFORMATION CALENDAR
January 20, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Jennifer Louis, Chief of Police
Subject: Surveillance Technology Ordinance Report Update

BACKGROUND
On November 10, 2025, the City Manager submitted the 2025 Annual Surveillance Technology Report to the City Council, pursuant to Chapter 2.99 of the Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC). Following the submission of that report, the City received a request to provide additional context regarding the “effectiveness” of the reported technologies. Due to the proximity of the reporting period’s close to the submission deadline, there was insufficient time to fully analyze and include the most recent data in the original document. This Information Item is intended to provide additional information on the 2025 Annual Surveillance Technology Report regarding the effectiveness of technology for community assessment.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
Under BMC 2.99.020(2)(f), a Surveillance Technology Report must include:
“Information that helps the community assess whether the Surveillance Technology has been effective in achieving its identified outcomes.”
Effectiveness in public safety is a multifaceted concept that cannot be captured by a single metric. While statistical data is a critical component, the Department evaluates the utility of these tools through a variety of lenses to ensure a holistic assessment of their value to the community.

The identified outcomes for fixed ALPRs are to aid criminal investigations and recover stolen property. During the reporting period, the technology was effective in meeting these outcomes: the system was instrumental in at least 55 arrests, assisted in over 100 other investigations, including those for homicides, robberies and commercial burglaries, and led to the recovery of at least 43 stolen vehicles. Additionally, robbery closure rates jumped 10 percentage points in the nine months after ALPR implementation compared to the previous nine month period.

CONTACT PERSON
Jen Louis, Chief of Police, (510) 981-5700

Communications

All communications submitted to the City Council are
public record. Communications are not published directly to the City’s website. Copies of individual communications are available for viewing at the City Clerk Department and through Records Online.

City Clerk Department
2180 Milvia Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 981-6900

Records Online
https://records.cityofberkeley.info/

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