City Council Agenda Report
Agenda Item No. 5.b
May 6, 2025
• Requiring one parking space per bed, bedroom, or dwelling unit, whichever is less, rather than whichever is greater; and
• Removing the guest parking requirement.
The Commission expressed concern that this proposal could result in more drastic parking reductions than intended, often requiring only one space for the entire facility, if it were considered a single “dwelling unit.” The Commissioners requested that staff bring back alternatives that would address this concern while meeting the intent of Housing Element Program 16.2. The Commission continued the item to a date uncertain by a vote of 5-0 (Laub, Mizutani, Barbour, Corio, Kaushal).
On February 19, 2025, staff brought forward a revised parking requirement of 1 space per bedroom, removing the reference to beds and dwelling units (as shown in Attachment 1, Exhibit A). In general, Commissioners were supportive of the updated language, expressing that it would maintain adequate parking while still addressing the intent of Program 16.2. Commissioner Mizutani expressed concern that there still may be inadequate parking for the use, while still supporting the recommendation. The Commission voted 5-0 (Laub, Kaushal, Barbour, Corio, Mizutani) to adopt Resolution No. 25-02 PC recommending that City Council approve the proposed Development Code amendment.
Analysis
The proposed amendments to CMC Table 18.160.040 are as follows:
• Amend the parking requirement for group housing to 1 space per bedroom, removing the reference to beds and dwelling units; and
• Remove the guest parking requirements for group housing.
Although the amendment language deviates from the exact wording of Program 16.2 by removing the reference to “dwelling units,” the revised language still meets the intent of the Program by substantially decreasing the current parking standard, thereby increasing the feasibility of this use. Removing “dwelling units” from the requirement is appropriate because group housing and dwelling units are separate use classifications; therefore, by definition, it would not be possible to have a group housing use that contains dwelling units. In addition, the proposed standard is simpler and more straightforward to implement, which will make it easier for applicants to understand.
Development Code Amendment Findings
Pursuant to CMC Section 18.455.070, a Development Code amendment may be approved only if all the applicable findings are made. Staff’s analysis on how the project meets each finding is set forth below:
1) The proposed amendment is consistent with the general plan;
City Council Agenda Report
Agenda Item No. 5.b
May 6, 2025
The proposed amendments consist of updates to the parking requirements for group housing within the Development Code in order to implement the 2023- 2031 Housing Element. As discussed above, the proposed amendments are consistent with Housing Element Program 16.2 because they substantially decrease the current parking standard, increase the feasibility of group housing, and simplify the standard making it easier for applicants to understand and implement. The proposed amendments are in conformance with the General Plan because they promote the expansion of affordable housing and special needs housing opportunities through the reduction of parking restrictions within the Development Code. The proposed amendments are also internally consistent with all other provisions and elements of the General Plan. 2) The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city; and
The proposed amendments would implement Program 16.2 of the 2023-2031 Housing Element and would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City. On the contrary, the proposed amendments would serve the City’s public interest by reducing constraints and barriers to the development of group housing, which in turn will facilitate the development of this type of use and provide greater opportunity to provide housing for the City’s special needs populations. In the event the City has discretion on projects facilitated by the proposed amendments, the City will evaluate the projects against applicable policies to ensure they will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare of the city. 3) Zoning map amendments shall also find that the affected site is physically suitable, including absence of physical constraints, access, compatibility with adjoining land uses, and provision of utilities, for the requested zoning designation and proposed or anticipated uses and/or development.
This amendment does not include any amendments to the zoning map.
Financial Impact
These amendments will have no impact to the City’s finances.
Environmental Determination
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, Public Resources Code Section 21000, et. seq., as amended and implementing State CEQA Guidelines, Title 14, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations (collectively “CEQA”), the proposed Development Code amendments do not constitute a “project” within the meaning of Public Resources Code Section 21065, 14 Cal Code Regs. Section 15060(c)(2) or 15378 since they do not have the potential to result in either a direct
City Council Agenda Report
Agenda Item No. 5.b
May 6, 2025
physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Even if the Development Code amendments did constitute a project under CEQA, the amendments fall within the “common sense” exemption set forth in 14 Cal. Code Regs. Section 15061(b)(3), excluding projects where “it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment….” Therefore, the proposed amendments do not warrant further environmental review. This determination reflects the City’s independent judgement and analysis.
Public Contact
The City Council Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website at least 10 days prior to the public hearing. Notification was published in the East Bay Times, as required by state law and the Concord Municipal Code. Notification was also sent to the City’s interested parties list for Housing Element related items.
Attachment
1. Ordinance
Exhibit A – Proposed Amendments to CMC Table 18.160.040 (Parking Requirements by Land Use.)
Ord. No. 25-XX 1
ORDINANCE NO. 25-XX
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CONCORD MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE
18 (DEVELOPMENT CODE), CHAPTER 18.160 (PARKING, LOADING, AND ACCESS) (PL24206 – MC)
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65800 et seq. provides for the amendment of any and all adopted City of Concord (“City”) zoning laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations; and WHEREAS, the State of California Legislature has found and declared the availability of housing is a statewide concern and priority; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has found that local governments have a responsibility to facilitate the development of housing for all economic segments of the community (Government Code 65580(d)); and
WHEREAS, the City has adopted, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development has certified, a 2023-2031 Housing Element in compliance with state law that includes goals for providing a balanced supply of housing types, densities, and prices to meet the needs of all income groups residing, or who wish to reside, in Concord, and promoting the expansion of housing opportunities for all groups with special housing needs; and WHEREAS, the 2023-2031 Housing Element includes goals to remove barriers and constraints to the development of affordable and special needs housing within the City of Concord; and WHEREAS, the 2023-2031 Housing Element identified the parking requirements for group housing to be overly restrictive and included Program 16.2 to reduce these requirements; and WHEREAS, the City finds that the housing supply shortage for persons with special housing needs is detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare and that it is a public purpose of the City, and a public policy of the State of California, to make an adequate supply of housing available for persons with special housing needs; and
WHEREAS, amendments are proposed to the Concord Municipal Code, Title 18 (Development Code), Chapter 18.160 (Parking, Loading, and Access) for implementation of the 2023-2031 Housing Element’s Program 16.2; and
Attachment 1
Ord. No. 25-XX
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after giving all public notices required by state law and the Concord Municipal Code, held a duly noticed public hearing on November 20, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after considering all testimony received at the public hearing and the oral and written reports from City staff dated November 20, 2024, continued the meeting to a date uncertain to allow staff to consider potential alternate approaches to implementation of Program 16.2; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after giving all public notices required by state law and the Concord Municipal Code, held a duly noticed public hearing on February 19, 2025 on the proposed amendments, received the staff report and staff presentation, received comments from the public and interested parties, and, after closing the public hearing, discussed the matter; and WHEREAS, on February 19, 2025, the Planning Commission, after consideration of all pertinent plans, documents, and testimony from the November 24, 2024 and February 19, 2025 meetings (hereafter referred to as “Planning Commission Information”), declared its intent to recommend approval of the subject proposal (5-0, Ayes: Laub, Kaushal, Barbour, Corio, Mizutani); and WHEREAS, following the February 19, 2025 public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 25-02 PC recommending City Council approval of an Ordinance amending Concord Municipal Code, Title 18 (Development Code), Chapter 18.160 (Parking, Loading, and Access) as contained in Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, after giving all public notices required by state law and the Municipal Code, held a duly noticed public hearing on May 6, 2025 to consider this Ordinance; and WHEREAS, at such public hearing, the City Council considered all oral and written information, testimony, and comments and at the public hearing, the oral report from City staff, the written report from City staff dated May 6, 2025, attached materials, exhibits presented, the Planning Commission Information, and all other information that constitutes the record of proceedings relating to the proposed Ordinance, which are maintained at the offices of the City of Concord City Clerk (collectively, “City Council Information”), and declared its intent to approve and adopt the Ordinance.
Ord. No. 25-XX
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CONCORD DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. All of the facts set forth in the Recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated and adopted as findings of the City Council as if fully set forth herein.
Section 2. The City Council has reviewed, considered, and evaluated all of the Planning Commission Information, City Council Information, all other pertinent plans, documents, and testimony prior to acting upon Ordinance.
Section 3. The documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon which the City Council has based its decision are located in and may be obtained from the City of Concord Clerk’s Office, 1950 Parkside Drive, Concord, CA 94519.
Section 4. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
The City Council finds that the proposed Municipal Code amendments are exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code 21065, 14 Cal Code Regs. Section 15060(c)(2) or 15378 in that they do not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA since they do not have the potential to result in either a direct physical change to the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment.
If the Ordinance did constitute a “project” under CEQA, the Ordinance falls within the “common sense” exemption set forth in 14 Cal. Code Regs. Section 15061(b)(3), excluding project where “it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment…” Therefore, the proposed Municipal Code amendments do not warrant further environmental review. This determination reflects the City’s independent judgement and analysis.
Section 5. Development Code Amendment Findings
1) The proposed amendment is consistent with the general plan.
The proposed amendments consist of updates to the parking requirements within the Development Code in order to implement the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The proposed amendments are consistent with Housing Element Program 16 because they substantially
Ord. No. 25-XX
decrease the current parking standard, increase the feasibility of this use, and simplify the standard making it easier to use by applicants. The proposed amendments are in conformance with the General Plan because they promote the expansion of affordable housing and special needs housing opportunities through the reduction of parking restrictions within the Development Code. The proposed amendments are also internally consistent with all other provisions and elements of the General Plan. 2) The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city.
The proposed amendments would implement Program 16.2 of the 2023-2031 Housing Element and would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City. On the contrary, the proposed amendments would serve the City’s public interest by reducing constraints and barriers to the development of group housing, which in turn will facilitate the development of this type of use and provide assistance to the City’s special needs populations. In the event the City has discretion on projects facilitated by the proposed amendments, the City will evaluate the projects against applicable policies to ensure they will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare of the city.
3) Zoning map amendments shall also find that the affected site is physically suitable, including absence of physical constraints, access, compatibility with adjoining land uses, and provision of utilities, for the requested zoning designation and proposed or anticipated uses and/or development.
This amendment does not include any amendments to the zoning map.
Section 6. The City Council does hereby pass and adopt this Ordinance No. 25-XX.
Section 7. Concord Municipal Code, Title 18 (Development Code), Table 18.160.040 (Parking Requirements by Land Use) is hereby amended, as set forth in Exhibit A and attached here to and made a part hereof.
Section 8. This Ordinance No. 25-XX shall become effective thirty (30) days following its
Ord. No. 25-XX
passage and adoption. In the event a summary of said Ordinance is published in lieu of the entire Ordinance, a certified copy of the full text of this Ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk at least five (5) days prior to its adoption and within fifteen (15) days after its adoption, including the vote of the Councilmembers. Additionally, a summary prepared by the City Attorney’s Office shall be published once at least five (5) days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance and once within fifteen (15) days after its passage and adoption, including the vote of the Councilmembers, in the East Bay Times, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Concord.
Carlyn Obringer
Mayor
ATTEST:
Joelle Fockler, MMC
City Clerk
(Seal)
6 Ord. No. 25-XX
Ordinance No. 25-XX was duly and regularly introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Concord held on May 6, 2025, and was thereafter duly and regularly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Concord on MONTH DAY, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers -
NOES: Councilmembers -
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers -
ABSENT: Councilmembers -
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of an ordinance duly and regularly introduced, passed, and adopted by the City Council of the City of Concord, California.
Joelle Fockler, MMC
City Clerk
Attachnent: Exhibit A - CMC Table 18.160.040 (Parking Requirements by Land Use.)
The Concord Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 24-3, passed March 5, 2024.
Table 18.160.040
Parking Requirements by Land Use
Land Use Type Parking Spaces Required
Residential Uses
Existing homes:
2 spaces, at least 1 covered, none within required front yard setback, except as provided in CDC 18.160.050(F)
Additions to existing homes:
5 – 6 bedrooms – 1 additional space (2 covered), 3 total > 6 bedrooms – 2 additional spaces (3 covered), 4 total New homes:
4 bedrooms or less, at least 2 enclosed garage spaces (may be tandem) 5 – 6 bedrooms, 3 spaces, at least 2 enclosed garage spaces Single-Family
> 6 bedrooms, 4 spaces, at least 3 enclosed garage spaces Accessory Dwelling Unit No greater than 1 space per unit or bedroom, whichever is less. These spaces may be provided as tandem parking on a driveway.
1.5 spaces/studio or 1 bedroom unit
2 spaces/2 – 4 bedroom unit; additional 0.5 space/bedroom for 4 – 5 or more bedrooms Duplex
Every unit shall have 1 dedicated covered space
1 space/studio unit
1.5 spaces/1 bedroom unit
2 spaces/2 – 3 bedroom unit; additional 0.5 space/bedroom for 4 or more bedrooms 1 guest space/each 3 units
Multifamily
Every unit shall have at least 1 dedicated covered space Emergency or Homeless Shelter 1 space/employee at maximum shift unless an alternate means of transportation is approved.
Family Day Care Home
Small Only as required for the dwelling
1 space/nonresident employee in addition to parking required for dwelling; andLarge 1 loading space.
1 space/bed, bedroom, or dwelling unit, whichever is greater andGroup Housing 1 guest space/3 beds, bedrooms, or dwelling units
2 spaces/unitMobile Home Park
1 space/unit covered
Residential Care Facility
Small None, other than parking required for the dwelling Exhibit A to Attachment 1
The Concord Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 24-3, passed March 5, 2024.
Land Use Type Parking Spaces Required
1 space/nonresident employee andLarge
1 loading space in addition to parking required for dwelling Residential Facility for the Elderly As determined through the use permit 2 spaces/unit andLive/Work Unit
1 space/3 units
Office Uses
Administrative/Processing Offices 1 space/350 sf gross floor area Medical and Dental Offices 1 space/200 sf gross floor area Professional Offices
Automobile Broker – Office Only
1 space/300 sf of gross floor area
Auto Broker Office with Vehicle Display As required by DMV permit Retail and Restaurant Uses
Automobile Dealership 1 space/250 sf gross floor area and New Automobiles 1 space/1,000 sf indoor or outdoor sales area Used Automobiles 2 spaces/service bay for auto repair and services 1 space/400 sf gross floor area up to 10,000 sf
1 space/1,000 sf of gross floor area over 10,000
Building Materials Sales and Services
1 space/500 sf of outdoor storage and display area
Retail, General
Antique or Collectible Store
Food and Beverage Sales
Personal Services (All)
Shopping Center
1 space/250 sf gross floor area
Restaurants and Bars (All) 1 space/100 sf gross floor area 1 space/250 sf gross floor area andNurseries and Garden Centers 1 space/600 sf outside display or sales area
Commercial Services
Adult Day Care 1 space/nonresident employee; and 1 loading space Adult-Oriented Business 1 space/250 sf gross floor area Ambulance Service 1 space/500 sf gross floor area; and 2 storage spaces Animal Services
Boarding, Kennel 1 space/1,000 sf gross floor area
Dog Day Care, Dog Training
Grooming
1 space/400 sf gross floor area
The Concord Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 24-3, passed March 5, 2024.
Land Use Type Parking Spaces Required
Veterinary Clinic, Animal Hospital 1 space for each 250 sf gross floor area Automobile Rental 1 space/400 sf gross floor area; plus 2 storage spaces Automobile Repair
Major Repair/Body Work
Minor Maintenance/Repair
4 spaces/service bay or 1 space/250 sf gross floor area, whichever is greater; and parking required for office use
Banks and Financial Services 1 space/300 sf gross floor area Bed and Breakfast Inn 1 space/guest room, plus parking required for resident family Broadcasting, Recording Studio
Business Support Services
1 space/300 sf gross floor area
Car Wash, Attended 10 spaces; plus 6 spaces for queuing/drying/wash station Car Wash, Unattended 1 dry space/stall
Catering Service 1 space/400 sf gross floor area
Child Day Care Center, Nursery School, Preschool 1 space/6 children; plus loading area Classes, studios, weight machines, workout areas: 1 space/250 sf gross floor area Gymnasiums: 1 space/400 sf gross floor area
Fitness Facility, Health Club
Racquetball/tennis courts: 2 spaces/court
2 spaces/service bayGas Station
1 space/250 sf gross floor area for convenience store
Hotel and Motel 1 space/guest room, and additional parking required for ancillary uses, such as restaurants, in accordance with use
Laundromat 1 space/250 sf gross floor area
Mortuary, Funeral Parlor 1 space/4 permanent seats in assembly areas, plus 1 space/250 sf office area Social Service Uses and Facilities 1 space/250 sf gross floor area, plus parking required for office uses Vehicle and Equipment Sales, Rental, and Repair
Construction Equipment and Large Vehicle Sales
Recreational Vehicles, Boats, and Trailers
Motorcycle Dealership
Vehicle Auction
1 space/250 sf gross floor area; and 1 space/2,500 sf outdoor sales and storage area Fleet-Based Service
Maintenance Services
Repair Service, Large Appliances and Equipment
1 space/250 sf gross floor area, and 1 space/fleet vehicle Freight and Truck Terminal 1 space/2 employees on maximum work shift, or 1 space/1,500 sf gross floor area, whichever is greater
Towing As determined by use permit
Business Parks and Industrial Uses
The Concord Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 24-3, passed March 5, 2024.
Land Use Type Parking Spaces Required
Artisan/Custom Product Manufacturing
Auto Wrecking, Scrap, and Dismantling Yard
Cabinet Shop
Construction Contractor
Hazardous Materials, Chemical, Mineral, and
Explosive Storage
Laboratory
Manufacturing and Processing
Mini-Storage, Self-Storage or Activities
Warehouse and Distribution Center
Wholesale Trade
1 space/250 sf office area; 1 space/1,000 sf gross floor area; (excluding office area) Research and Development 1 space/750 sf gross floor area Storage 1 space/500 sf gross floor area
Public, Quasi-Public, and Recreational Uses
Airports To be determined by use permit
Conference, Convention Facility To be determined by use permit Cultural Institution 1 space/400 sf gross floor area
Government Offices 1 space/250 sf gross floor area
Heliport To be determined by use permit
Library 1 space/300 sf gross floor area
Wireless Communications Facility 1 space for maintenance and service Medical Services
Health Clinic 1 space/200 sf gross floor area or 4 spaces/doctor, whichever is greater Hospital, Medical Center 5 spaces/bed; other uses shall comply with respective parking ratios for those uses Nursing Facility/Extended Care 1 space/3 licensed patient beds Primary Care Clinic 1 space/200 sf gross floor area
1 space/200 sf gross floor area or 4 spaces/doctor, whichever is greater; plusUrgent Care Facility 1 short-term space/5 required spaces
Meeting Facility, Public or Private 1 space/4 fixed seats or 1 space/40 sf gross floor area used for seating, and 1 space/classroom or office
Public Maintenance and Service Facility 1 space/400 sf gross area; and 1 space/500 sf outdoor storage area Recreation Facilities
1 space/200 sf gross floor areaCommercial Recreation, Indoor Pool and billiards: 2 spaces/table
The Concord Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 24-3, passed March 5, 2024.
Land Use Type Parking Spaces Required
Bowling alley: 6 spaces/lane
Golf Course, Country Club
Park and Recreation Facility
Residential Recreation Facility
Sports and Entertainment, Assembly
Sports and Recreation Facilities
To be determined by use permit
Recycling Facilities
Small Collection Facility
Large Collection Facility
1 space minimum; additional parking may be required based on facility Processing Facility 1 space/2 employees on maximum work shift, or 1 space/1,000 sf gross floor area, whichever is greater
Religious Facility 1 space/4 fixed seats in main assembly area, or 1 space/50 sf gross floor area for nonfixed seating
Schools
Elementary, Middle 1 space/classroom; and 1 space/250 sf office area High Schools 1 space/classroom; and 1 space/250 sf office area, plus 1 space/5 students Colleges and Universities
Trade Schools and Vocational Training
1 space/3 persons of the school population (students, faculty, and staff) Theater, Auditorium 1 space/4 permanent seats in main assembly area, or 1 space/50 sf gross floor area for nonfixed seating
Utility Facility and Transmission Towers To be determined Open Space and Agricultural Uses
Community Gardens
Cemetery, Columbarium, Mausoleum
To be determined through use permit approval
Crop Production, Orchard, Vineyard
Mining and Quarrying
1 space/2 employees on maximum work shift
[Ord. 21-2 § 5 (Exh. J); Ord. 17-11 § 3 (Exh. 13); Ord. 17-6 (Exh. A); Ord. 17-5 § 2 (Exh. D); Ord. 17-2 § 2 (Exh. M); Ord. 13-5; Ord. 12-5; Ord. 12-4. DC 2012 § 122-385].
Group Housing Parking Amendments
Presentation to City Council
May 6, 2025
Aaron Sage, Planning Manager
(925) 671-3465
[email protected]
Group Housing Background
• Defined as “a facility that provides
shared living quarters with shared
kitchen and bathroom facilities”
• Examples include rooming and
boardinghouses, single-room
occupancy hotels (SROs), etc.
• Allowed with Use Permit in RM,
RH, NTS, CO, CMX, DMX, IBP ,
and IMX zones
2
Group Housing Background
• Group housing is not:
• Residential Care Facility
• Sober Living Environment within a
Single-Family Dwelling
• A common use in Concord
3
Current Parking Standard
1 space per bed, bedroom or
dwelling unit, whichever is greater
and 1 guest space per 3 beds,
bedrooms, or dwelling units
4
Housing Element Program 16.2
The City will amend its Development
Code to reduce parking requirements
for group housing by calculating
parking based on the number of
beds, bedrooms, or dwelling units,
whichever is fewer, rather than
whichever is greater. Additionally,
guest parking requirements will be
removed.
5
Planning Commission Review
• November 2024 – initial proposal
• 1 space per bed, bedroom, or
dwelling unit, whichever is fewer
• No guest parking
• February 2025 – modified proposal
• 1 space per bedroom
• No guest parking
6
Development Code Findings
• Consistent with General Plan
• Consistency with Prog. 16.2
• Promote expansion of affordable
housing and special needs housing
opportunities
• Not detrimental to public interest, health,
safety, convenience, or welfare
• Special needs housing opportunities
• City will still have discretion over use
7
Recommendation
Introduce an Ordinance amending Concord Municipal
Code Title 18 (Development Code), Chapter 18.160
(Parking, Loading, and Access) to implement
Program 16.2 of the 2023-2031 Housing Element, by
reading of the title only and waiving further reading
8
Questions?
9
April 25, 2025
The Honorable Jesse Arreguín
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Suite 6710
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Senate Bill 692 (Arreguín) Vehicles: Homelessness, Public Nuisance, and Local Abatement Authority
City of Concord – Notice of Support
Dear Senator Arreguín,
On behalf of the City of Concord, thank you for your leadership in authoring Senate Bill 692 and for your commitment to helping local governments address the complex and growing crisis of vehicular homelessness and the proliferation of abandoned, unsafe, and hazardous vehicles in our communities. The City of Concord is pleased to offer its strong support for SB 692.
In recent years, Concord, like many cities across California, has experienced a significant rise in the number of recreational vehicles, trailers, and oversized vehicles being used as shelter or being dumped inoperably on local streets, in parks, and on other public rights-of-way. Many of these vehicles are in extremely poor condition, posing urgent public health and safety risks, including fire hazards, unsanitary sewage conditions, rodent infestations, and blocked access to public spaces.
While we recognize that vehicular homelessness is often a reflection of the broader housing affordability crisis, we also confront the reality that some of these vehicles are being sold or leased to unhoused individuals by unscrupulous sellers, despite being unfit for habitation.
Once vacated, these vehicles frequently remain on city streets because they are either too hazardous for tow companies to accept or because of a lack of storage capacity, compounding the public safety risk.
Senate Bill 692 provides critical new tools to local jurisdictions by authorizing:
• Emergency summary abatement of vehicles that pose imminent health and safety threats
• Expansion of local ordinances to govern the removal of abandoned or inoperable vehicles, including those used as shelter
• Use of public funding sources, such as HHAP or ERF, for voluntary vehicle buyback programs tied to housing offers
6.a
• Direct dismantling and disposal of uninhabitable vehicles post-buyback, bypassing the traditional impound process
• Streamlined procedures for notification, disposal, and registration reporting.
Importantly, the bill builds on successful local models—like those in Berkeley and Oakland— where vehicle buyback programs have helped bring unsheltered residents indoors while responsibly removing unsafe vehicles. These programs demonstrate that providing modest financial incentives in exchange for housing and vehicle relinquishment can produce significant, humane results, all while protecting public safety.
SB 692 recognizes the nuanced realities local governments face: the need to compassionately address the needs of our most vulnerable residents, while also maintaining clean, safe, and accessible public spaces. The bill’s expanded authority aligns with constitutional requirements under the Fourth Amendment and respects due process while enabling cities to act swiftly in the face of public health emergencies.
For these reasons, the City of Concord respectfully urges the Legislature to pass SB 692.
Thank you again for your continued leadership and partnership in advancing solutions to one of California’s most urgent public policy challenges.
Sincerely,
Carlyn S. Obringer
City of Concord Mayor
cc: Concord City Council
City Manager Valerie Barone
Assistant City Manager Justin Ezell
Concord City Clerk Joelle Fockler
League of CA Cities, East Bay Division Sam Caygill
Townsend Vice President, Niccolo De Luca
April 28, 2025
Clerk of the Board
County Administration Building
1025 Escobar Street
Martinez, CA 94553
[email protected]
RE: Letter of Support for the SAFE Center Proposal
Dear Clerk of the Board:
On behalf of the City of Concord, I am writing to express our strong support for the Services and Access For Everyone (SAFE) Center proposal currently under consideration by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.
The City of Concord is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming community where every resident has access to the services and support they need to thrive. The SAFE Center represents a vital step toward ensuring that immigrants in Contra Costa County have equitable access to critical resources, legal assistance, and culturally responsive support. This initiative directly aligns with our City's mission and values.
We commend Supervisor Carlson and the core team, including Ali Saidi and Susun Kim, for their leadership and tireless efforts to bring this vision forward. The broad coalition of providers and community organizations who have already expressed their support speaks to the urgent need for such a center and the significant positive impact it will have across our County.
We respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to approve the $5 million funding request to launch the SAFE Center pilot. Concord stands ready to collaborate with the County and our community partners to ensure the success of this essential initiative.
Thank you for considering this request and for your continued commitment to serving all members of our community.
Sincerely,
Carlyn S. Obringer
City of Concord Mayor
cc: Supervisor Ken Carlson
Concord City Council
City Manager Valerie Barone
Assistant City Manager Justin Ezell
6.b