Agenda packet — El Cerrito City Council, March 17, 2026 (part 1 of 2)

Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger

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This information can be interpreted for you free of charge. Visit City Hall at 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 or learn more at www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess

Esta información se puede interpretar gratuitamente. Visite el Ayuntamiento en 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 o obtenga más información en www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess
这些信息可免费为您解释。请访问位于 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 的市政厅，或访问 www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess 了解更多信息

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Hana Gardens - 10870 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86092004213?pwd=gpoaM91sJgKXzC6SfApxVSQcbs7V3k.1 Meeting ID: 860 9200 4213 Passcode: 349753 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Please note that due to the temporary meeting location, this meeting will not be broadcast or livestreamed online.

Public Comments:

1. In-person, by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. Via Zoom, using the "Raise Hand" feature to request to speak.

3. By phone, dialing *9 to "raise your hand", and *6 to unmute.

4. Online, using the "Submit Comments" feature on the meeting event.

5. Via email to [email protected] indicating Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Written comments received by 2:00 PM the day of the meeting will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and posted after the meeting.

Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510- 215-4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions are available via zoom.

Conduct: This meeting is held pursuant to City Council Rules of Order and Procedure.

Agenda Packet Page 1 of 215
Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger

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6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A

MOMENT OF SILENCE

2. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS

3. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Reports of closed session, commission appointments and informational reports on matters of general interest which are announced by the City Council and staff.

4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person. The Mayor may reduce the time limit per speaker depending upon the number of speakers and may limit the total time for public comment to facilitate the completion of business on the agenda. Comments regarding non-agenda, presentation and consent calendar items will be heard first.

Comments related to items appearing on the Public Hearing or Policy Matter portions of the Agenda will be heard prior to the City Council taking action on each item.

5. PRESENTATIONS

6. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the consent calendar shall be acted upon in one motion, unless a member of the City Council or staff request separate consideration.

A. Approval of Minutes
Action Proposed: Approve the City Council Meeting minutes from February 10, February 17, February 19, and February 24, 2026.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management B. Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation
Action Proposed: Approve a proclamation recognizing March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Agenda Packet Page 2 of 215
Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger

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C. Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for February 2026
Action Proposed: Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of February 2026.

Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department
D. General Plan Annual Progress Report
Action Proposed: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Progress Report on the General Plan and Housing Element.

Contact: Diego Romero, Associate Planner; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department
E. A Resolution Authorizing a Prohousing Incentive Program Application
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the Prohousing Incentive Program.

Contact: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Program Manager
F. Annual Parcel Assessment for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program and Drainage Maintenance Activities for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Action Proposed: Adopt a resolution establishing the annual parcel assessment for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program and Drainage Maintenance activities at the current rate of $38.00 per Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) and authorizing the Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District to adopt Stormwater Utility Area (SUA) levies based on said amount for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.

Contact: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III/Acting Operations & Environmental Services Manager and Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Agenda Packet Page 3 of 215
Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger

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7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Introduce an Ordinance to Adopt Permanent Outdoor Dining and Retail Sales Regulations
Published on 3/7/2026. Exempt from CEQA pursuant to sections 15060(c)(2))and 15061(b)(3)).

Action Proposed: Conduct a public hearing and introduce the ordinance titled:

An Ordinance of the City of El Cerrito to Amend Title 19 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code by Amending Section 19.20.150 and Repealing Section 19.20.160
Contact: Diego Romero, Associate Planner; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department

8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Fiscal Year 2026-27 and 2027-28 Budget Study Session Action Proposed: Receive a presentation from City Departments and conduct a study session on the FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 Proposed Budget, including:
• Department Overview and Staffing
• Review of FY 2025-26 Department Highlights and
Accomplishments
• FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 Department Focus and
Workplan/Operations
Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager, City Management
B. Amendments to the City Comprehensive Financial Policies Action Proposed: Consider the Financial Advisory Board's recommended changes to the City of El Cerrito Comprehensive Financial Policies and adopt a resolution to revise the Policies to include grammatical and minor language edits.

Contact: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer Agenda Packet Page 4 of 215
Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman AGENDA Carolyn Wysinger

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9. CITY COUNCIL LOCAL & REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS
Mayor and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments, committee reports, and any required reporting under AB 1234 for meetings (as defined by the Brown Act) attended at the public's expense.

10. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

The City of El Cerrito serves our diverse community by providing exceptional services that create a safe and resilient future for all.

Agenda Packet Page 5 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.A.

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81198129526?pwd=DIlOdSD5zzkMLETAPORQ7iJnvN51IS.1 Meeting ID: 811 9812 9526 Passcode: 711428 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman Carolyn Wysinger
This information can be interpreted for you free of charge. Visit City Hall at 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 or learn more at http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess Esta información se puede interpretar gratuitamente. Visite el Ayuntamiento en 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 o obtenga más información en http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess
这些信息可免费为您解释。请访问位于 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 的市政厅，或访问 http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess 了解更多信息

DRAFT MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Public Comments:

1. In-person, by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. Via Zoom, using the "Raise Hand" feature to request to speak.

3. By phone, dialing *9 to "raise your hand", and *6 to unmute.

4. Online, using the "Submit Comments" feature on the meeting event.

5. Via email to [email protected] indicating Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510-215- 4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions are available via zoom.

Conduct: Pursuant to the El Cerrito City Council Rules of Order and Procedure. 6:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.

Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Absent: Councilmember Wysinger
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1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
All persons wishing to speak should sign up with the City Clerk. Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person and to items on the special meeting agenda only.

2. COMMISSION INTERVIEWS, STATUS AND APPOINTMENTS
Action Proposed: Staff requests that City Council conduct interviews and, at the conclusion of interviews, confer with staff regarding the ongoing recruitments, any remaining vacancies, and the scheduling of further special meetings to conduct interviews (if applicable). Council may decide to make appointments at the conclusion of the meeting.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management City Council recessed from 7:23 PM to 7:28 PM.

The City Council conducted six interviews and made the following appointments:

Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action:

For Citizen Streets Oversight Committee, re-appointed Jia Ma to a full term ending 3/1/2030, and re-appointed Kathy Fleming to a full term ending 3/1/2030. Ayes:

Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Wysinger
Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: For Human Relations Commission, appointed Melissa Newton to a partial term ending 3/1/2027. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Wysinger Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Ktsanes/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: For Financial Advisory Board, re-appointed Kimberly White to a full term ending 3/1/2030. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Wysinger

3. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of February 10, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.

Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 7 of 215

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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Hana Gardens - 10870 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88138907080?pwd=IubCqZoi1RLdzTRtTYs9iboCBpUJTF.1 Meeting ID: 881 3890 7080 Passcode: 987742 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Please note that due to the temporary meeting location, this meeting will not be broadcast or livestreamed online.

Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman Carolyn Wysinger
This information can be interpreted for you free of charge. Visit City Hall at 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 or learn more at http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess Esta información se puede interpretar gratuitamente. Visite el Ayuntamiento en 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 o obtenga más información en http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess
这些信息可免费为您解释。请访问位于 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 的市政厅，或访问 http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess 了解更多信息

DRAFT MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Public Comments:

1. In-person, by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. Via Zoom, using the "Raise Hand" feature to request to speak.

3. By phone, dialing *9 to "raise your hand", and *6 to unmute.

4. Online, using the "Submit Comments" feature on the meeting event.

5. Via email to [email protected] indicating Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510-215- 4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions are available via zoom.

Conduct: This meeting is held pursuant to City Council Rules of Order and Procedure. 6:00 PM ROLL CALL – CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.

Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: None Agenda Packet Page 8 of 215

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1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A MOMENT

OF SILENCE

2. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS

3. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Reports of closed session, commission appointments and informational reports on matters of general interest which are announced by the City Council and staff.

City Manager Pinkos - congratulated Assistant City Manager Alexandra Orologas on receiving the John H Nail award for outstanding Assistant City Manager.

4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Remarks are typically limited to 3 minutes per person. The Mayor may reduce the time limit per speaker depending upon the number of speakers and may limit the total time for public comment to facilitate the completion of business on the agenda. Comments regarding nonagenda, presentation and consent calendar items will be heard first.

Comments related to items appearing on the Public Hearing or Policy Matter portions of the Agenda will be heard prior to the City Council taking action on each item.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Jim Dogonas - spoke in support of placing the library tax measure on the June Ballot.

Lynn Watkins - spoke in support of a new library but against the proposed tax measure, and concern regarding staff accountability and transparency.

Barbara Lass - commented on the importance of public paths and trees in El Cerrito.

Steve Price - commented on concerns expressed by the City regarding the liability of volunteers conducting work on public paths.

Janet Byon - spoke regarding public paths and past actions taken to progress forward with updates.

Brian Richmond - commented on the desire for volunteer work on public paths and desire to move forward with improvements and the need to improve relationships with the City.

Justin Chang - spoke against the library tax initiative and urged Council to respond to concern of those in opposition.

Tom Schrey - spoke against the proposed library tax and concerns on the proposed language.

Margaret Cohea - spoke against the proposed library tax and Olivia Eielson - spoke against the proposed library tax
Chelsi Sparti - commented on the value and services provided by libraries, support of a new library, and thoughts on a library task force.

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Barbara Chan - spoke in support of a library but in opposition of the proposed library tax and commented on proposed costs.

Clare Sheridan - spoke in support of placing the proposed library tax measure on the June ballot.

Greg Lyman - commented on misinformation on the proposed tax measure and in support of the measure.

Betsy Bashor - spoke regarding parking concerns connected to the Transit-Oriented Development option for a potential library site.

Suzanne Balmaceda - spoke in support of a new library in El Cerrito and placement of the proposed measure on the June Ballot.

Michelle Fadelli - commented in support of a new library and public engagement on how to make it the best for residents.

James Porter - spoke against the proposed library measure.

5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of 2025 Exemplary Police Employees
Action Proposed: Approve proclamations recognizing the 2025 exemplary contributions of 1) Officer Nirajan Chand (2025 Officer of the Year, 2) Executive Assistant Emily Graham (2025 Professional Staffer of the Year), and 3) Volunteer Cathy Smith (2025 Volunteer of the Year).

Contact: Paul Keith, Chief of Police, Police Department Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved three proclamations. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None

6. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the consent calendar shall be acted upon in one motion, unless a member of the City Council or staff request separate consideration.

Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action:

Approved items A, B, and D as indicated below. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
A. Approval of Minutes
Action Proposed: Approve the City Council Meeting minutes from December 16, 2025; January 10, January 20, and February 3, 2026.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management Action: Approved minutes
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B. Community Safety Committee Appointment
Action Proposed: Approve a Community Safety Committee
recommendation to re-appoint Howard Hickman effective March 1, 2026 Contact: Aaron Leone, Sergeant/CommSC Liaison, Police Department Action: Approved appointment
C. Community Safety Committee Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Community Safety Committee.

Contact: William Cedrick Cobb, CommSC Chair; Aaron Leone, Sergeant/CommSC Liaison, Police Department
Pulled from Consent by Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman.

Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Ktsanes Action: Received and filed, and directed staff to bring back a discussion item regarding the recommendation Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
D. Financial Advisory Board Recommendation
Action Proposed: Receive and file a recommendation from the Financial Advisory Board.

Contact: David Carvel, FAB Chair; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer/Staff Liaison, Finance Department
Action: Received and filed

7. PUBLIC HEARINGS

8. POLICY MATTERS
A. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Amendments
Action Proposed: Adopt a Resolution authorizing appropriation increases to the FY 2025-26 budget totaling $1,593,905 from all funds, including an appropriation of $1,142,493 from the unassigned General Fund balance.

Contact: Claire Coleman, Budget/Financial Services Manager; Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding clarification of the debt write-off for the Redevelopment Agency, special revenue funds and clarification on speed survey, confirmed all actions are one-time and not ongoing expenses, and clarification of timing for dipping below minimum reserve levels.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

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Michael McDougell - commented on the need to evaluate revenue and expenses on all funds, not just the general fund and need to make changes to avoid future deficits.

David Carvel - spoke regarding one-time expenses and related reduction of reserve levels.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-10 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None
B. Discuss and Consider the Formation of a Library Task Force Action Proposed: Consider the adoption of a resolution to form the City of El Cerrito Library Task Force to discuss and develop recommendations for options related to the modification or new construction of an El Cerrito Library.

Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Discussion - concern about misinformation out there and need to have accurate information for the public, clarification on timeframe, intent, assignment of new work, reporting mechanism, application information, and potential ways to pare down the number of applicants.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Bill Barish - commented on the need to respond to the practical and legal concerns of opponents to the proposed library measure.

Greg Lyman - spoke regarding available information regarding the proposed library measure.

Georgina Edwards - commented on prior experience participating in a task force, need for a mission statement and framework, and a variety of representation of residents.

BJ Thorsnes - spoke regarding library options, access to information, and prior experience participating in a task force.

Alan Kaplan - spoke regarding benefits and need for a new library, and support of a task force
Ira Sharenow - commented regarding misinformation, estimated costs, and proposed tax measure concerns.

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Pearson Miller - spoke in support of a task force starting as soon as possible, with a clear mission, and concerns regarding the proposed tax measure.

Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action: Approved Resolution No. 2026-11 and directed staff to return with applicant selection criteria and a mission statement. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None

Councilmember Ktsanes - reported on attendance at the Urban Forest Committee, and RecycleMore meetings.

Councilmember Wysinger - reported on appointment as the Second Vice-President of the National League of Cities LGBT Caucus.

Councilmember Motoyama - reported on attendance at the Contra Costa Mayors Conference, Employee recognition event, City Council Advisory body interview, and Association of Bay Area Governments Housing Committee meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman - reported on attendance at the Employee Recognition event, Line 7 Bus Party, tour of the El Cerrito pool replastering project, Human Relations Commission meeting, and El Cerrito Historical Society Meeting.

Mayor Quinto - reported on attendance at the California Foundation on the Environment and Economy Conference, and the Bay Area Air Board meeting.

10. ADJOURN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at Hana Gardens (10870 San Pablo Ave)
The special meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM in memory of Reverand Jessie Jackson.

Gabe Quinto, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of February 17, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.

Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (9:00 AM)
Hana Gardens - 10870 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito
Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88669243269?pwd=WlfhYd2QnzlIpjKy8vT4rijEKZ7taF.1 Meeting ID: 886 6924 3269 Passcode: 811316 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Please note that due to the temporary meeting location, this meeting will not be broadcast or livestreamed online.

DRAFT MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
Public Comments:

1. In-person, by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. Via Zoom, using the "Raise Hand" feature to request to speak.

3. By phone, dialing *9 to "raise your hand", and *6 to unmute.

4. Online, using the "Submit Comments" feature on the meeting event.

5. Via email to [email protected] indicating Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Written comments received by 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 18, 2026 will be provided to the City Council and posted online in advance of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline will be provided to the City Council and posted after the meeting.

Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510-215- 4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions are available via zoom.

Conduct: This meeting is held pursuant to City Council Rules of Order and Procedure.

Agenda Packet Page 14 of 215

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9:00 AM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Ktsanes, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Absent: None

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF A MOMENT

OF SILENCE

2. TELECONFERENCE AND PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS

3. POLICY MATTERS
A. Receive a Report and Call an Election for the Citizen Initiative Petition titled "The El Cerrito Library Initiative"
Action Proposed: Receive and file a report prepared pursuant to Election Code Section 9212 on the Citizen Initiative Petition titled "The El Cerrito Library Initiative" and adopt a Resolution to place the proposed measure on the ballot.

Contact: Karen Pinkos, City Manager; Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management
Presentation and Discussion: Presenters and staff responded to comments and questions raised by members of the council regarding eligibility for construction costs already incurred, prohibited uses of funding, state programs for senior exemptions, options for use towards operating costs, other authorized uses, ownership if library constructed at the Plaza Bart site, pending initiative by Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, effect on project if agreements are in place and BART goes bankrupt, and process to amend exemptions by Council if proposed initiative is passed.

Public Comments: Written comments submitted prior to and during the meeting are posted online as supplemental materials and incorporated into the official meeting record.

Greg Lyman - spoke in support of the initiative and placement on the June ballot.

Michael Fischer - commented in support of the initiative, positive financial impacts of placement on the June ballot.

Paul Fadelli - spoke in support and proposed Plaza station location.

Betty Buginas - expressed concerns regarding city government and elected officials and intended approach.

Tom Panas - spoke in support of the initiative and a June election date.

Justin Chang - spoke in support of a November election and an additional community task force.

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James Porter - spoke regarding divisiveness of residents and distrust of elected officials, and support of a November election.

Bill Barish - spoke in support of a November election, concern about funds collected if a library is not built.

Michael McDougell - questioning expenses related to the initiative, and support of a November election.

Wally Nawinski - commented in opposition to the initiative and remarked on pending initiatives put forward by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Georgina Edwards - spoke regarding the commitment of the City Council and staff, and support of a June election.

Barbara Chan - commented in opposition to the initiative and support of a November election.

Betsy Bashor - commented on construction cost estimates and eligible uses under the initiative.

Mark Friedman - spoke in support of a new library and a June election. Iliana Go - spoke in support of a new library.

Michelle Fadelli - commented on cost impacts of a June versus November election.

Gina Brussatori - commented regarding prior large projects and opposition to the proposal and associated costs.

Waynette Duty - expressed concerns regarding expected costs, impact on seniors, and spoke in support of a November election.

Ira Sharenow - spoke in support of a November election, opposition to the proposed options for a new library, and concerns on cost estimates Rebecca Milliken - spoke in support of a June election and support of a new library.

Pearson Miller - spoke regarding lack of trust with city officials and city financials, and support of a November election.

Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Councilmember Motoyama Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-12, calling a June 2, 2026 special election. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: Councilmember Ktsanes Agenda Packet Page 16 of 215

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4. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 11:07 AM
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of February 19, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.

Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Hillside Conference Room - 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito Join Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83874265564?pwd=COS7C6nC8kw0cKXUw5GXR4eq4talcW.1 Meeting ID: 838 7426 5564 Passcode: 320716 Dial in: 1-408-638-0968 Mayor Councilmembers
Gabe Quinto William Ktsanes
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Motoyama
Rebecca Saltzman Carolyn Wysinger
This information can be interpreted for you free of charge. Visit City Hall at 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 or learn more at http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess Esta información se puede interpretar gratuitamente. Visite el Ayuntamiento en 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 o obtenga más información en http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess
这些信息可免费为您解释。请访问位于 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 的市政厅，或访问 http://www.elcerrito.gov/LanguageAccess 了解更多信息

DRAFT MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026
Public Comments:

1. In-person, by submitting a request to speak to the City Clerk.

2. Via Zoom, using the "Raise Hand" feature to request to speak.

3. By phone, dialing *9 to "raise your hand", and *6 to unmute.

4. Online, using the "Submit Comments" feature on the meeting event.

5. Via email to [email protected] indicating Public Comments – Agenda Item #.

Accommodations: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 510-215- 4305. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations. Closed Captions are available via zoom.

Conduct: Pursuant to the El Cerrito City Council Rules of Order and Procedure.

Agenda Packet Page 18 of 215

Page 2 of 3 ends

6:00 PM ROLL CALL - CONVENE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Quinto called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

Present: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger (arrived at 6:29 PM) Absent:

Councilmember Ktsanes

2. COMMISSION INTERVIEWS, STATUS AND APPOINTMENTS

Action Proposed: Staff requests that City Council conduct interviews and, at the conclusion of interviews, confer with staff regarding the ongoing recruitments, any remaining vacancies, and the scheduling of further special meetings to conduct interviews (if applicable). Council may decide to make appointments at the conclusion of the meeting.

Contact: Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk, City Management City Council recessed from 6:10 - 6:27 PM and 6:55 - 6:59 PM.

The City Council conducted eight interviews and made the following appointments.

Moved/Seconded: Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman/Mayor Quinto Action: For the Financial Advisory Board, appointed Justin Van Zerber for a partial term ending 3/1/2029. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama Noes: None Abstain: Councilmember Wysinger Absent:

Councilmember Ktsanes
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Motoyama/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action:

For the Planning Commission, appointed Mordecai Stayton to a full term ending 3/1/2030, and re-appointed Nathan Tinclair to a full term ending 3/1/2030 Ayes:

Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action:

For the Contra Costa Council on Aging, re-appointed Carol Kehoe to a full term ending 6/21/2028 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes
Moved/Seconded: Councilmember Wysinger/Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman Action:

For the Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee, appointed Joanna Pace to a full term ending 3/1/2030. Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes:

None Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes
Agenda Packet Page 19 of 215

Page 3 of 3 ends

Moved/Seconded: Mayor Quinto/Councilmember Motoyama Action: For the Park and Recreation Commission, appointed Julia Salinas to a partial term ending 3/1/2029, and Anne Perkins to a partial term ending 3/1/2027 Ayes: Mayor Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem Saltzman, Councilmember Motoyama, Councilmember Wysinger Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Ktsanes

3. ADJOURN SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The special meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM
Gabe Quinto, Mayor
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council meeting of February 24, 2026 as approved by the El Cerrito City Council.

Holly M. Charléty, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 20 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.B.

EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
Recognizing March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility in El Cerrito WHEREAS, each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people; and WHEREAS, TDOV was created in 2010 in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence; and WHEREAS, TDOV is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender people as well as drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces; and
WHEREAS, TDOV is a day is a reminder of the unacceptable violence and discrimination that transgender and gender non-conforming peopled face daily, simply for existing; and
WHEREAS, this day is a reminder that it is critical that we all take a stand against the forces of hate seeking to dehumanize people and harm our communities; and WHEREAS, evident in 2025 is intensifying vitriol and attacks against transgender people and an increase in anti-LGBTQ bills including more than 450 introduced in state legislatures across the country; and
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito will always fight for and celebrate our LGBTQ community’s right to live their lives out loud.

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby recognize March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility in El Cerrito.

Dated: March 17, 2026
___________________________
Rebecca Saltzman, Mayor Pro Tem
Agenda Packet Page 21 of 215

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 6.C.

Date: March 17, 2026
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Crystal Reams, Finance Director/City Treasurer, Finance Department Subject: Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for February 2026

ACTION PROPOSED
Receive and file the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report for the month of February 2026.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
California Government Code, Title 4. Government of Cities, Division 3, Part 3, Chapter 3, Section 41004 states, “Regularly, at least once each month, the city treasurer shall submit to the city clerk a written report and accounting of all receipts, disbursements, and fund balances. The city treasurer shall file a copy with the legislative body.” In addition, the City’s Comprehensive Financial Policy, Item 5.1 Accounting Standards indicates the City’s accounting and financial reporting systems shall be maintained in conformance with all state and federal laws.
• Month ending February 28, 2026, reflecting 303 Accounts Payable General Warrant Nos. 95477 through 95734, 45 Automated Clearing House/Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH/EFT) transactions, and 674 payroll-related checks and EFTs for a grand total of $4,125,313.59.

Special note for the February report, items labeled "REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND": The El Cerrito Fire Department discovered a calculation error during an internal review of its inspection fee schedule that caused certain inspections to be overcharged. The error has been corrected, and the updated Master Fee Schedule, now reflecting accurate rates, was approved by the City Council on October 21, 2025. As part of the correction, the City issued 21 refunds of $302 each.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
The City’s Comprehensive Financial Policy, which includes ensuring policies, procedures, and systems represent best practices in financial management, is aligned with requirements referenced in California Government Code, Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 41004.

This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• High Performing Organization by ensuring the City maintains a strong financial position and a high-preforming organization where employees feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Agenda Packet Page 22 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.C.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
There is no fiscal impact associated with acceptance of the Monthly Disbursement and Check Register Report.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Monthly Payment Register February 2026
Agenda Packet Page 23 of 215
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/
Voided Date Source Payee Name Description Transaction Amount AP-AP Check - Accounts Payable Checking Accoun
Check
95477 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Alfred Wong REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95478 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Alfred Wong REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95479 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Baird Rentals REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95480 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Bellows Apartments REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95481 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Del Norte Condominium Association REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95482 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Erik Eichner REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95483 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Freeway Motel REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95484 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Gallagher Lindsey Rentals REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95485 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Koyama Property Trust REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95486 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Lapham Company REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95487 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Leonard Kam REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95488 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Mark Yen REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95489 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Paula & Randy Sanchez REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95490 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Piero Martinucci REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95491 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Ranjit Dhillon REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95492 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Robert Sherman REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95493 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Shaw Properties REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95494 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Shirley & Edison Chan REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95495 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Susan & Eric Pressler REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95496 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Susila Patel REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95497 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Tsamchoe Shresta Living Trust REFUND - GENERAL - FIRE INSPECTION FEE REFUND $302.00 95498 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable 2-ELEVEN SHIELDS Supplies - BADGES UNIFORM $290.10 95499 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable ADAMSON POLICE PRODUCTS Assets - Firearms $15,820.88 95500 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable AVILA PROJECT MANAGEMENT zAsset808INFRA-PW - TO#18 2025 Surface Seal Project $6,492.50 95501 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable BERKHEIMER LABOR RELATIONS, LLC Professional Services $10,500.00 95502 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHALLENGE ROOTER Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - JAN 2026 PART 2 $2,768.00 95503 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TAX COLLECTORS OFFICE TAXES - PROPERTY - SECURED PROP TAX BILL FY25-26 2ND INSTALL $36,152.11 95504 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable COUNTRY CLUB VISTA HOA Services - General - STREET LIGHT EXPENSE JUL 24-JUN25 $1,618.04 95505 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable CPS HR CONSULTING Professional Services - Marketing for recruiting $35.00 95506 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable CRIME SCENE CLEANERS, INC. Services - General - BIO-HAZARD CLEAN-UP $130.00 95507 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable DATA TICKET, INC. Services - General - BUILDING & SAFETY DEC 2025 $400.00 95508 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable DIVISION OF STATE ARCHITECT FEES - DISABILITY ACCESS & EDU OUTSTANDING BALANCE 2025 ANN FILING $5.20 95509 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Dixon Resources Unlimited Professional Services - Parking Management Action Plan $5,565.00 95510 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable DON'S TIRE SERVICE, INC. Services - General - 2 NEW TIRES & INSTALL $363.17 95511 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable EAGLE BUSINESS FORMS Supplies - CITATIONS FORMS $3,982.68 95512 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable EAST BAY - LEAGUE OF CA CITIES DUES & SUBSCRIPTION - MEMBERSHIP DUES 2026 $300.00 95513 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable EHSD-CC SENIOR NUTRITION Services - General - CAFE COSTA SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM CONTRIBUTION REIMB DEC 2025 $429.70 95514 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable EL CERRITO PRESCHOOL COOPERATIVE Professional Services - ART & CULTURE COMMISSION MINI GRANT - MESSY ART DAY 2026 $1,200.00 95515 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable EVEREST PLUMBING & DRAIN Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - JAN 2026 PART 2 $1,945.00 95516 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRE INFORMATION SUPPORT SVCS Professional Services - NFIRS FILING $900.00 95517 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable FJ&I ENGINEERING, INC. Services - General - RETENTION $20,028.90 95518 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable FOLGERGRAPHICS, INC. Supplies - 2025-2026 rECguides $3,926.23 95519 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable FORENSIC SERVICES DIVISION Professional Services - Forensic Services $5,968.24 95520 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable GABRIEL, BARBARA, A. Professional Services - Barbara Gabriel - Recreation Instruction $349.20 95521 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable GOLDFARB & LIPMAN LLP LEGAL SERVICES - LEGAL SERVICES FOR SEP 2025 $657.00 95522 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable HDL COREN & CONE Professional Services - FY26 Property Tax Services $2,969.28 95523 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable HILLTOP FORD KIA Services - General - TAILLIGHT $767.47 95524 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable JOHNSON CONTROLS SECURITY SOLUTIONS LLC Services - General - CITY HALL ALARM SERVICE 2/1/26-4/30/26 $533.92 95525 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable KATO PLUMBING Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - JAN 2026 PART 2 $21,471.00 95526 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable KEL-AIRE Services - General - HVAC 1/7/2026 $255.00 95527 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable KNORR SYSTEMS, INC. Supplies - Chemicals - 55295 $737.29 95528 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable L.N. CURTIS & SONS Supplies - PD - Clothing & Uniform $819.93 95529 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable MALLORY SAFETY & SUPPLY LLC Supplies - COMM DEVICES - UNIFORM $4,496.92 95530 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable MCA DIRECT LLC Supplies - ELECTION SUPPLIES 1/13/26 $339.23 95531 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC Supplies - Supplies 4010 CD Admin $104.72 95532 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable PAYMENTUS CORPORATION FEES - CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEES DEC 2025 $2,049.21 95533 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable PG&E Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - JAN 2026 PART 2 $9,412.84 95534 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable PLACEWORKS Professional Services - SAFETY ELEMENT $1,062.08 City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 2/1/2026 - To Payment Date: 2/28/2026 user: Crystal Reams Pages: 1 of 6 Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Agenda Packet Page 24 of 215
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/
Voided Date Source Payee Name Description Transaction Amount City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 2/1/2026 - To Payment Date: 2/28/2026 95535 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable PLAZA AUTO SERVICE INC VEHICLE & FLEET MTNCE/REPAIRS - 12 FORD FUSION MAINTENANCE PW $52.05 95536 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable SAN FRANCISCO FOLK MUSIC CLUB Professional Services - EL CERRITO FREE FOLK FESTIVAL EVENT 2026 $1,250.00 95537 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable SEWER WORKS, INC Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - JAN 2026 PART 2 $1,945.00 95538 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable STERICYCLE, INC. Services - General - HAZARDOUS WASTE $201.02 95539 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable SUPERION, LLC Services - General - CommDev Business License Migration $1,305.00 95540 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable Tecknica Auto, Inc. Services - General - 2023 FORD OIL CHANGE + FILTERS $340.71 95541 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable THE ED JONES COMPANY Supplies - BADGES $424.82 95542 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable THEIS ENGINEERING & ASSOCIATES Professional Services - Del Norte TOD Complete Streets $11,774.00 95543 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable TWO BROTHERS POOL & SPA, INC Services - Building & Facility Mtnce/Repairs - Pool Maintenance Services $3,668.09 95544 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable VERMONT SYSTEMS, INC. LICENSE - SOFTWARE - VSI Monthly Hosting Fees $1,318.40 95545 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable ZOON ENGINEERING, INC. zAsset808INFRA-PW - 2025 Surface Seal Project $48,859.50 95546 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable PORTILLO, JOANNA Training or Conferences - LUNCH - RED DOT PISTOL FOR DEC 10-11 2025 $16.00 95547 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable SALTZMAN , REBECCA Training or Conferences - MILEAGE AND MEAL REIMB LEAGUE OF CA CITIES CONF 108/-10/12 $292.96 95548 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable WILLIAMS, GARY Training or Conferences - REIMBURSEMENT FOR CAL CITIES LEADERSHIP CONF 12/9-12/11 $1,040.12 95549 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable EL MONO REFUND - GENERAL - REFUND FIRE INSPECTION INV#26-0071 FEES CHARGED IN ERROR $552.00 95550 02/05/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHAUMETTE, SUZETTE Professional Services - MLK CELEBRATION, PANEL DISCUSSION $500.00 95551 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable A1 PHOENIX PLUMBING INC RELEASE OF BONDS - RELEASE OF BONDS - JAN 2026 PART 2 $823.00 95552 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable A3 PIPELINE Services - General - RETENTION RELEASE $27,622.04 95553 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable ABOVE ALL PLUMBING, INC. RELEASE OF BONDS - RELEASE OF BONDS - JAN 2026 PART 2 $2,768.00 95554 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC. Supplies - OTHER EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES FD $575.07 95555 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable ARATA EQUIPMENT COMPANY Services - General - REPLACEMENT JOYSTICK FOR R1 $2,121.83 95556 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable ARMOUR PETROLEUM SERVICE & EQUIPMENT CORP Services - Building & Facility Mtnce/Repairs $630.69 95557 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable ASBURY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Services - General - USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING 1/13/26 $459.00 95558 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable BATTALION ONE FIRE PROTECTION Services - General - Fire Riser Inspections FY 25-26 $1,760.00 95559 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable BEACON HOME CARE Services - General - SUMMER RESPITE JUL-AUG 2025 $1,890.00 95560 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable BLAISDELL'S BUSINESS PRODUCTS Services - General - GENERAL OFFICE SUPPLIES $87.36 95561 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHALLENGE ISLAND BAY AREA Professional Services - Challenge Island Recreation Instructor PO 25-26 $2,089.50 95562 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable CINTAS CORPORATION #054 UNIFORMS Supplies - UNIFORM FOR RECYCL STAFF $623.75 95563 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable COOKE, JOANNE Professional Services - FLAMENCO CLASSES JAN 2026 $180.00 95564 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable EBMUD UTILITIES - FY 25-26 UTILITIES ALLOCATIONS - EBMUD $9,227.65 95565 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable FLEET MANAGEMENTHOLDINGS, LLC VEHICLE & FLEET MTNCE/REPAIRS - Fleet Maint. - Recycling Trucks and Heavy Equip. FY25-26 $13,383.89 95566 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable BAKER, DORRICK Professional Services - MLK DAY ENTERTAINMENT 2026 $200.00 95567 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable BALTZ, LEONARD Employee Expense Reimbursement - REIMB FOR WINE PURCHASE FOR CITY'S EMPLOYEE RECOG PARTY 2/6/26 $213.44 95568 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable FOLGERGRAPHICS, INC. Supplies - 2025-2026 rECguides $7,771.39 95569 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable GARDA CL WEST,INC. Professional Services - FY26 Armored Car Service $306.86 95570 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable GRAINGER Supplies - INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPLIES - COLD PATCH $796.12 95571 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable HAAKER EQUIPMENT COMPANY Supplies - BRACKETS FOR NEW EBS TRUCK $146.84 95572 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable HdL Companies Professional Services - FY26 Sales Tax Analysis Services $1,312.47 95573 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable INTREPID ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS Services - General - CITY HALL ANNUAL FA & SPRINKLER INSPECTION REPORT 1/9/26 $1,945.00 95574 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable IRON MOUNTAIN Services - General - Off-site records storage and services $676.43 95575 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable JONES, HIROMI Professional Services $1,536.00 95576 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable KENNEDY, GREG, C Professional Services - medical services $2,100.00 95577 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable MALLORY SAFETY & SUPPLY LLC Services - General - UNIFORM - COMM BRACKET $5,352.31 95578 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable MCAVOY, IAN Services - General - FY2025-26 Off the Block STEAM Recreation Instructor $8,500.80 95579 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable MCGEOY, MICHELE Professional Services - Michele McGeoy Recreation Instructor PO 25-26 $5,295.00 95580 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable NEW PIG CORPORATION Services - General - FILTERS SOCKS FOR RAIN GARDENS + STORM DRAINS $1,552.43 95581 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SPELMANSLAG Services - General - SCANDINAVIAN FOLK DANCING JAN 2026 $67.20 95582 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC Supplies - Supplies 1060 HR $46.03 95583 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable ROADSAFE TRAFFIC SYSTEMS, INC. Supplies - Infrastructure Supplies $1,196.28 95584 02/12/2026 Voided/
Reissue
d
Enter Correct Vendor Legal Name 02/12/2026 Accounts Payable S. AND A. PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION LLC, Lukas, Vera $847.00 95585 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable SHAHKAR, MEHRAN Professional Services $1,020.00 95586 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable SPA ENTERPRISES Services - General - PAINTING OF GARAGE DOORS $3,500.00 95587 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable ST. FRANCIS ELECTRIC Services - General - Routine Streelight and Traffic Signals $13,002.47 95588 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable STERICYCLE, INC. Services - General - medical waste $855.08 95589 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable SUPER SOCCER STARS Professional Services - Super Soccer Stars Recreation Instructor PO 25-26 $8,202.60 95590 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable UNIVERSAL BUILDING SERVICE Supplies - UBS Supplies - Public Works: Parks $8,185.58 95591 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable VERMONT SYSTEMS, INC. LICENSE - SOFTWARE - VSI Monthly Hosting Fees $1,318.40 95592 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable VULCAN INCORPORATED Supplies - STRETCH FILM $637.96 user: Crystal Reams Pages: 2 of 6 Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Agenda Packet Page 25 of 215
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/
Voided Date Source Payee Name Description Transaction Amount City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 2/1/2026 - To Payment Date: 2/28/2026 95593 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES Professional Services - FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 ANNUAL CONTINUING DISCLOSURE SVCS $2,003.00 95594 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable OAKLAND BLACK COWBOY ASSOCIATION Professional Services - MLK DAY ENTERTAINMENT 2026 $350.00 95595 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable PAUL SMITH Professional Services - MLK DAY ENTERTAINMENT 2026 $850.00 95596 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable SIGNS BY SCOTT Professional Services - MLK DAY ENTERTAINMENT 2026 $141.38 95597 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable TROTTER VIDEOGRAPHY Professional Services - MLK DAY ENTERTAINMENT 2026 $350.00 95598 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable VAN WYCK, JAMES Services - General - REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAINING COURSE 1/15/26 $449.00 95599 02/12/2026 Open Accounts Payable S. AND A. PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION LLC RELEASE OF BONDS - RELEASE OF BONDS - JAN 2026 PART 2 $847.00 95600 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CALPERS LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM Personnel - 02/06/2026 Deduction CALPERS Longterm Care Ins $47.96 95601 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable HEALTH CARE DENTAL TRUST Personnel - 02/06/2026 Benefit Dental 1 $18,437.68 95602 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable IAFF LOCAL 1230 Personnel - 02/06/2026 Deduction UNION LOCAL 1230 $5,801.21 95603 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN Personnel - 02/06/2026 Benefit Kaiser 1 $284,504.89 95604 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable LEGALSHIELD Personnel - 02/06/2026 Deduction PRE-PAID LEGAL SRVC $124.60 95605 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable MUNICIPAL POOLING AUTHORITY Personnel - 02/06/2026 Benefit Life Insurance-Basic $13,307.38 95606 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable NATIONWIDE TRUST COMPANY, FSB Personnel - 02/06/2026 Benefit Fire Health Savings Acct $17,650.00 95607 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable SEIU LOCAL 1021 Personnel - 02/06/2026 Deduction UNITED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES DUES $1,894.14 95608 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable U.S. BANK - INSTITUTIONAL TRUST - W REGION Personnel - 02/06/2026 Benefit PARS - ARS 457 $3,263.71 95609 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CALPERS LONG TERM CARE PROGRAM Personnel - 02/20/2026 Deduction CALPERS Longterm Care Ins $47.96 95610 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable EL CERRITO FIRE DEPT MGMT GRP Personnel - 02/20/2026 Deduction FIRE DEPT MGMT GROUP $50.00 95611 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable EL CERRITO PUBLIC SFTY EE MGMT Personnel - 02/20/2026 Deduction SAFETY EMPLYEE MGMT GROUP $436.00 95612 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRE ASSOCIATION Personnel - 02/20/2026 Deduction FIRE ASSN DUES CK $675.00 95613 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable LIFE INSURANCE OF NORTH AMERICA Personnel - 02/20/2026 Deduction Accidental Death & Dismembermt $52.50 95614 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable POLICE ASSN. Personnel - 02/20/2026 Deduction POLICE ASSN DUES $3,554.24 95615 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable PRO FIREFIGHTERS ASSN DUES Personnel - 02/20/2026 Deduction EC PRO FIREFIGHTERS DUES $290.00 95616 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable SEIU LOCAL 1021 Personnel - 02/20/2026 Deduction UNITED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES DUES $1,892.81 95617 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable U.S. BANK - INSTITUTIONAL TRUST - W REGION Personnel - 02/20/2026 Benefit PARS - ARS 457 $3,616.17 95618 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable 24 HOUR FITNESS USA, LLC DUES & SUBSCRIPTION - MEMBERSHIP JAN 2026 $395.89 95619 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable A3 PIPELINE zAsset808INFRA-PW - Hydrojetting and Vactoring $14,000.00 95620 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC. Supplies - OFFICE SUPPLIES RECYCL DEPT $41.00 95621 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable AMERIGAS PROPANE INC Supplies - PROPANE FOR FORKLIFTS 1/6/26 + 1/27/26 $1,304.94 95622 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable ATCO PEST CONTROL INC Services - General - COMMUNITY CENTER PEST CONTROL SERVICE JAN 2026 $750.00 95623 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable AURORA FENCING INC. Services - General - TEMPORARY FENCING FOR PLAYGROUND REPAIR PROJECT $722.13 95624 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable BAY ALARM COMPANY Services - General - STA 51 ALARM 3/1/26-5/31/26 $1,206.99 95625 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable BAY AREA NEWS GROUP EAST BAY Professional Services - PUBLIC HEARINGS JAN 2026 $205.02 95626 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable BIKE EAST BAY Services - General - BIKE TO WHEREVER DAY 2026 $2,500.00 95627 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable BMI FEES - ANNUAL LICENSE FEES 2026 $459.00 95628 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable BPX PRINTING & GRAPHICS Professional Services - PRINTING AND BINDING $88.10 95629 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHILDCARE CAREERS, LLC Services - General - Temporary Childcare Services $331.50 95630 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CINTAS CORPORATION #054 UNIFORMS Supplies - UNIFORM PARTS FOR RAUL $461.81 95631 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CITY OF FAIRFIELD Professional Services - Range Fees $1,782.00 95632 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CITY OF RICHMOND Professional Services - Dispatch Services $72,014.17 95633 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CLEARSTREAM RECYCLING, INC. Supplies - SUPPLIES FOR EVENT - 5 SETS EVENT STANDS + BAGS $1,800.00 95634 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable COIT Services - General - CLEANING SERVICES $250.00 95635 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTERS, INC. Services - General - MIXED PAPER + PLASTIC RECYCL JAN 2026 $580.23 95636 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY Professional Services - Additional Library Hours and City Share of Technology costs $21,220.84 95637 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CONTRA COSTA HEALTH SERVICES Services - General - TIPPING WALL INSPECTION 1/9/26 $470.00 95638 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable DON'S TIRE SERVICE, INC. Professional Services - Vehicle Repair $787.96 95639 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable EAST BAY SANITARY CO. INC. DUES & SUBSCRIPTION - Routing Software - Hauler Hero FY 26 $3,000.00 95640 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable EBMUD UTILITIES - FY 25-26 UTILITIES ALLOCATIONS - EBMUD $782.86 95641 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable FLEET MANAGEMENTHOLDINGS, LLC VEHICLE & FLEET MTNCE/REPAIRS - Fleet Maint. - Recycling Trucks and Heavy Equip. FY25-26 $6,618.01 95642 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable FOLGERGRAPHICS, INC. Supplies - EBS TRUCK AD #9 $297.68 95643 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable FORDERER CORNICE WORKS INC Services - General - JAIL DOOR LOCK REPLACEMENT $3,680.42 95644 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable FRANKEL, PETER Professional Services - PAVEMENT ART PILOT PROGRAM AWARD $500.00 95645 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable FUJIWARA, PATTY Professional Services $796.80 95646 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable Full Source, LLC Supplies - SAFETY VESTS FOR MAINT + RECYCL $900.74 95647 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable GHILOTTI BROS, INC Capital - Del Norte TOD Complete Streets - Construction $323,045.50 95648 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable GILL ASSOCIATES IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS, LLC Supplies - PART FOR CARD PRINTER $276.00 95649 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable GYMDOC INC Services - General - GYM EQUIPMENT REPAIR STA 52 $418.45 95650 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable HONEY BUCKET Services - General - CENTRAL PARK SERVICE 2/3/26-3/2/26 $241.05 95651 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable JAFFE, SCOT Professional Services - OPEN CERAMICS JAN 2026 $436.80 95652 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable KINSEY, KATHRYNE ANN Professional Services - BRIDGE JAN 2026 $480.00 user: Crystal Reams Pages: 3 of 6 Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Agenda Packet Page 26 of 215
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/
Voided Date Source Payee Name Description Transaction Amount City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 2/1/2026 - To Payment Date: 2/28/2026 95653 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable L.N. CURTIS & SONS Supplies - FD - Clothing & Uniform Supply $1,310.87 95654 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable LACK, CHRIS Professional Services - OPEN CERAMICS WED JAN 2026 $796.80 95655 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable LEHR UPFITTERS OPCO LLC Services - General - Vehicle Upfitting $9,265.42 95656 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable MORTON'S URBAN PEST MANAGEMENT Services - General - CITY HALL PEST CONTROL SVCS JAN 2026 $880.00 95657 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable MUNICIPAL POOLING AUTHORITY Services - General - UNMET LIABILITY 01/2026 $4,798.45 95658 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable NEW PIG CORPORATION Supplies - MICROBIAL OIL STAIN REMOVER $158.70 95659 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable NORGE CLEANERS Services - General - DRY CLEANING JAN 2026 $456.80 95660 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RECYCLING ASSOCIATION Training or Conferences - NCRA 2026 CONFERENCE CARLOS REGISTRATION $250.00 95661 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC Supplies - Supplies 2011 PD $149.03 95662 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable OLIVERO PLUMBING Services - General - Emergency Gas Leak Services - Public Safety Building $8,370.71 95663 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable PACIFIC COAST AV Professional Services - COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUDIO-VISUAL UPGRADE $16,411.32 95664 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable PAKPOUR CONSULTING GROUP, INC. Professional Services - TO#1 Staff Augmentation Maintenance Services $2,360.00 95665 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable PG&E Supplies - FUEL FOR CNG PICKUP TRUCK 01/2026 $47.56 95666 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable PINNACLE PETROLEUM INC Supplies - FY25-26 Unleaded Gasoline $14,407.45 95667 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable PLAZA AUTO SERVICE INC VEHICLE & FLEET MTNCE/REPAIRS - Fleet Maint. - PW Trucks and Passenger Vehicles FY25-26 $2,060.02 95668 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable RAMOS, STEPHANIE, R Professional Services $3,901.80 95669 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable ROADWAY DISPLAYS, INC. Supplies - EBS TRUCK AD #9 $497.69 95670 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable RUBICON ENTERPRISES INC Services - General - Greenway & Streetscape Maintenance FY 25-26 $26,388.50 95671 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable SAME DAY SIGNS Supplies - GRAPHICS FOR R5 DOORS + BOX $496.13 95672 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable SPEAKWRITE LLC Professional Services - TRANSCRIPTION $142.54 95673 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable SSD ALARM Services - General - COMMUNITY CENTER BURGLAR FIRE ALARM MARCH 2026 $221.25 95674 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable STERICYCLE, INC. Services - General - WASTE DISPOSAL $90.17 95675 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable SUPERION, LLC Services - General - CommDev Business License Migration $1,980.00 95676 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable Tecknica Auto, Inc. Services - General - 2012 FORD NEW CAR BATTERY $198.69 95677 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable TERRYBERRY Professional Services - EE RECOGNICATION PINS $3,625.42 95678 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable TETOS CATERING Supplies - 2026 Employee Recognition Party $6,621.00 95679 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable U.S. SECURITY SUPPLY, INC. Supplies - Facility Supplies $384.87 95680 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable WESTERN STATES OIL COMPANY Supplies - FY25-26 RENEWABLE FUEL - DIESEL $15,617.04 95681 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHAND, NIRAJAN Training or Conferences - LUNCH - FIELD TRAINING OFFICER COURSE 1/26-1/30 $40.00 95682 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHOUDJA, PATRICK Training or Conferences - FIELD TRAINING OFFICER 01/26-01/30 $40.00 95683 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable WINTERS, CHRISTOPHER Training or Conferences - FIELD TRAINING OFFICER 01/26-01/30 $40.00 95684 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHEETHAM, KATHLEEN REAL PROPERTY TAX REBATE - REAL PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR 847 GALVIN DR $3,540.00 95685 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable EL CERRITO DEMOCRATIC CLUB REFUND - GENERAL - DEPOSIT REFUND $225.80 95686 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable TRUMBLE CONSTRUCTION INC FEES - REFUND - PERCENT CREDIT CARD FEE $18.31 95687 02/19/2026 Open Accounts Payable WILSON, ASHA, KIRAN REFUND - GENERAL - CANCEL PERMIT REFUND FOR BD24-1243 $4,064.00 95688 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable DARIUS LABS INC LICENSE - SOFTWARE - AI report writing $18,000.00 95689 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable APB GENERAL ENGINEERING Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $3,742.00 95690 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable BILL'S UNDERGROUND Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $2,663.00 95691 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable CISCO SYSTEMS CAPITAL CORP LICENSE - SOFTWARE - Meraki Network Switch license financing - Yr 3 of 3 $11,298.22 95692 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable FJ&I ENGINEERING, INC. Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $1,871.00 95693 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable KATO PLUMBING Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $12,380.24 95694 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable PG&E Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $8,689.95 95695 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable R.V.O. ROOTER Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $1,945.00 95696 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable SEWER WORKS, INC Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $1,945.00 95697 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable TERRA NOVA ENGINEERING INC Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $3,816.00 95698 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable GHS Landscaping Inc Refund- Public Work Deposit - RELEASE OF BONDS - FEB 2026 PART 1 $847.00 95699 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable A3 PIPELINE Services - General - STORM DRAIN CCTV KNOTT AVE $2,650.00 95700 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable ACE HIGH ENGINEERING Services - General - Storm Drain Repair FY2025-26 $27,102.00 95701 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC. Supplies - ICE MAKER FOR RECYCLING OFFICE $315.29 95702 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable AT&T DW HOLDINGS, INC Services - General - AT&T LAND TELEPHONE LINES 11/20/25-12/19/25 $26,974.64 95703 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable ATHENA CODING LLC Professional Services - Athena Coding Recreation Instructor PO 25-26 $3,720.00 95704 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable AVILA PROJECT MANAGEMENT zAsset808INFRA-PW - TO#18 2025 Surface Seal Project $14,445.00 95705 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP INC. Professional Services - Legislative Advocacy & Grant Writing Services $6,500.00 95706 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHAVAN & ASSOCIATES, LLP Professional Services - FY26 Audit Services $16,400.00 95707 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable CHILDCARE CAREERS, LLC Services - General - Temporary Childcare Services $1,795.25 95708 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable CINTAS CORPORATION #054 UNIFORMS Supplies - UNIFORM ITEMS FOR R. MARTINEZ $977.82 95709 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable CIVICPLUS, LLC Professional Services - Clerk - Website, Agenda and Advisory Member Management Services $711.11 95710 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable COMCAST UTILITIES - COMCAST BUSINESS INTERNET $4,005.00 95711 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable CONTRA COSTA MAYORS CONFERENCE Training or Conferences - ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR MAYORS CONFERENCE $2,844.00 95712 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable EAST BAY SANITARY CO. INC. Services - General - Street Sweeping FY26 $9,448.14 user: Crystal Reams Pages: 4 of 6 Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Agenda Packet Page 27 of 215
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/
Voided Date Source Payee Name Description Transaction Amount City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 2/1/2026 - To Payment Date: 2/28/2026 95713 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable EBMUD UTILITIES - FY 25-26 UTILITIES ALLOCATIONS - EBMUD $3,763.03 95714 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable EMPLOYMENT RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY Professional Services - DOLLAR ONE BILLING FOR CLAIMS Q2 2026 $10,595.00 95715 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable EXCEL BALER LLC Services - General - BALER REPAIR PARTS - MATOR + DRIVE BELTS $956.68 95716 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable FLEET MANAGEMENTHOLDINGS, LLC VEHICLE & FLEET MTNCE/REPAIRS - Fleet Maint. - Recycling Trucks and Heavy Equip. FY25-26 $7,511.94 95717 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable GOLDEN BEAR TRANSFER STATION Services - General - STREET SWEEP SPOILS ON 2/9/26 $544.38 95718 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable J & O'S COMMERCIAL TIRE CENTER Services - General - BACKHOE FLAT TIRE REPAIR $3,138.28 95719 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable KI RESEARCH INSTITUTE Professional Services - AIKIDO JAN 2026 $378.00 95720 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable NAPA RECYCLING & WASTE SERVICES, LLC Services - General - Comingled Recyclable Materials Processing Services FY26 $17,662.70 95721 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable PASTIME HARDWARE Supplies - CORP YARD OPERATING SUPPLIES SCREWS $74.92 95722 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable PECKHAM & MCKENNEY Professional Services - Consulting Services - Community Development Director $9,333.33 95723 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable PLAZA AUTO SERVICE INC VEHICLE & FLEET MTNCE/REPAIRS - Fleet Maint. - PW Trucks and Passenger Vehicles FY25-26 $548.56 95724 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable REDWOOD PUBLIC LAW, LLP LEGAL SERVICES - FY26 Legal Services $33,145.90 95725 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable RILE, KATHRYN Professional Services $945.00 95726 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable RINGCENTRAL, INC. Services - General - VOLP PHONE SERVICE FOR CITY STAFFS $4,805.58 95727 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable Source Technologies, Inc. Supplies - GENERAL OFFICE SUPPLIES FOR FD $198.45 95728 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable SSP DATA PRODUCTS Supplies - five sets of water leak detection $554.18 95729 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable SWINERTON MANAGEMENT & CONSULTING Professional Services - Swim Center Competition Pool Project $27,815.00 95730 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable Total Industries VEHICLE & FLEET MTNCE/REPAIRS - Forklift and RERC Equip Maint FY25-26 $1,196.38 95731 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable TRB AND ASSOCIATES, INC. Professional Services - On-Call Building Services Arch/Engineering Plan Review $41,666.05 95732 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable VERIZON WIRELESS UTILITIES - WIRELESS PHONE BILL 12/20/25-1/19/26 $10,514.49 95733 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable HERNANDEZ, BRYAN Employee Expense Reimbursement - REFUND FOR PURCHASE OF SAFETY GLASSES $179.00 95734 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable ALEXANDER, MATHEW REFUND - GENERAL - REFUND FOR DOUBLE PMT MEDICAL PREMIUM FEB 2026 $1,555.80 Type Check Totals: 258 Transactions $1,701,060.15
EFT
3618 02/06/2026 Open Accounts Payable California State Disbursement Unit Payroll Deduction $2,509.38 3619 02/06/2026 Open Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT Personnel - 02/06/2026 Tax CA Tax $45,955.79 3620 02/06/2026 Open Accounts Payable IRS Personnel - 02/06/2026 Tax Fed Tax $184,160.29 3621 02/06/2026 Open Accounts Payable MIssionSquare (name chg 03-2021 formerly ICMA) Personnel - 02/06/2026 Benefit Deferred Comp - 457 Plan $69,779.97 3622 02/06/2026 Open Accounts Payable P E R S Personnel - 02/06/2026 Benefit PERS Fire 13.54% -Tier 2 $215,136.23 3623 02/09/2026 Open Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT Personnel - 02/06/2026 Tax CA Tax $9.36 3624 02/06/2026 Open Accounts Payable IRS Personnel - 02/06/2026 Tax Fed Tax $918.09 3625 02/09/2026 Open Accounts Payable P E R S Personnel - 02/06/2026 Benefit PERS Fire 13.54% -Tier 2 $7,397.39 3626 02/11/2026 Open Accounts Payable P E R S Personnel - 12/11/2025 Benefit PERS Misc-Employer $2,959.48 3627 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable California State Disbursement Unit Payroll Deduction $2,509.38 3628 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT Personnel - 02/20/2026 Tax CA Tax $41,891.90 3629 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable IRS Personnel - 02/20/2026 Tax Fed Tax $175,123.16 3630 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable MIssionSquare (name chg 03-2021 formerly ICMA) Personnel - 02/20/2026 Benefit Deferred Comp - 457 Plan $67,628.52 3631 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable P E R S Personnel - 02/20/2026 Benefit PERS COUNCIL-PEPRA $210,122.08 3632 02/23/2026 Open Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT Personnel - 02/23/2026 Tax CA Tax $1,850.52 3633 02/23/2026 Open Accounts Payable IRS Personnel - 02/23/2026 Tax Fed Tax $6,384.50 3634 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable EDD - PAYROLL TAX DEPOSIT Personnel - 02/20/2026 Tax CA Tax $9.36 3635 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable IRS Personnel - 02/20/2026 Tax Fed Tax $912.95 3636 02/24/2026 Open Accounts Payable P E R S Personnel - 02/20/2026 Benefit PERS Fire 13.54% -Tier 2 $7,288.04 3637 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable PG&E UTILITIES - FY 25-26 UTILITIES ALLOCATIONS - PG&E $24,155.99 3638 02/20/2026 Open Accounts Payable PG&E UTILITIES - FY 25-26 UTILITIES ALLOCATIONS - PG&E $39,210.34 3639 02/06/2026 Open Accounts Payable PITNEY BOWES PURCHASE POWER Supplies - PURCHASE POWER PASTAGE CL PYMT JAN 2026 $500.00 3640 02/25/2026 Open Accounts Payable PG&E UTILITIES - FY 25-26 UTILITIES ALLOCATIONS - PG&E $28.42 3641 02/25/2026 Open Accounts Payable PG&E UTILITIES - FY 25-26 UTILITIES ALLOCATIONS - PG&E $70.11 3642 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable STRYKER CORPORATION LEASE - STRYKER EQUIPMENT/ SVC LEASE AGRMNT FEB 2026 $6,308.59 3643 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable KS STATEBANK VEHICLE & FLEET MTNCE/REPAIRS - 2023 CHEVROLET TAHOE SPECIAL SVC VEHICLES WITH UPFITTING FEB 26 $4,907.41 3644 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable SUTTER HEALTH PLUS Personnel - SUTTER HEALTH PLAN - MAR 2026 PAYMENT $33,185.50 3645 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $969.49 3646 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $57.29 3647 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $680.61 3648 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $110.36 3649 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $692.86 3650 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $38.38 3651 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $38.37 3652 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable FIRST DATA MERCHANT SERVICES INC FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $38.40 3653 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable AMEX/AMERICAN EXPRESS FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $80.71 user: Crystal Reams Pages: 5 of 6 Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Agenda Packet Page 28 of 215
Number Date Status Void Reason
Reconciled/
Voided Date Source Payee Name Description Transaction Amount City of El Cerrito
Payment Register
From Payment Date: 2/1/2026 - To Payment Date: 2/28/2026 3654 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable CLOVER FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $23.90 3655 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable AUTHORIZE.NET FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $35.20 3656 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable AUTHORIZE.NET FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $20.00 3657 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable CARDCONNECT FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $7,625.32 3658 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable CARDCONNECT FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $1,504.65 3659 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable CARDCONNECT FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $5,339.37 3660 02/28/2026 Open Accounts Payable MECHANICS BANK FEES - MERCHANT FEE EXPENSE - JAN2026 $254.87 3661 02/27/2026 Open Accounts Payable IRS Personnel - 02/20/2026 Tax Fed Tax $109.11 3662 02/26/2026 Open Accounts Payable P E R S Personnel - 02/20/2026 Benefit PERS Public Safety-Fire $678.76 Type EFT Totals: 45 Transactions $1,169,210.40
All Status Count Transaction Amount
Open 302 $2,869,423.55
Reconciled 0 $0.00
Voided 1 $847.00
Stopped 0 $0.00
Total 303 $2,870,270.55
All Status Count Transaction Amount
Open 51 $34,111.47
Reconciled 623 $1,220,931.57
Voided 0 $0.00
Stopped 0 $0.00
Total 674 $1,255,043.04
Total 977 $4,125,313.59

GRAND TOTAL

PAYROLL

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
user: Crystal Reams Pages: 6 of 6 Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Agenda Packet Page 29 of 215

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 6.D.

Date: March 17, 2026
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Diego Romero, Associate Planner; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department
Subject: General Plan Annual Progress Report

ACTION PROPOSED
Receive and file the 2025 Annual Progress Report on the General Plan and Housing Element.

BACKGROUND
Government Code Section 65400(b) requires that an annual General Plan progress report be provided to the local legislative body, the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The purpose of the report is to discuss the City’s progress in implementing the General Plan, meeting its share of regional housing needs, and removing governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement and development of housing.

ANALYSIS
The attached report covers the period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, and reports on the City of El Cerrito’s progress toward achieving each policy identified in the General Plan. The Housing Element is one of the seven required elements, or topics, of the General Plan. HCD provides specific tables for jurisdictions to use for reporting on the progress of Housing Element implementation. The 2025 Housing Element Progress Report is included as Attachment 2.

On March 4, 2026, the Planning Commission reviewed the 2025 Annual Progress Report and recommended that the City Council receive and file it. After the City Council’s review, the report will be forwarded to LCI and HCD.

The following two sections highlight important achievements of the City that are detailed in the reports with respect to implementation of the General Plan and the Housing Element.

General Plan Highlights
In 2025, the City adopted an update of the Safety Element of the General Plan. The Safety Element identifies natural and human-caused hazards that may result in personal injury, loss of life, property damage, or environmental damage. The Element contains policies intended to address the risks of these hazards.

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Agenda Item No. 6.D.

In 2025, the City adopted the Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan. The Hillside Natural Area (HNA) is the largest open space in El Cerrito (107 acres) and is popular with residents and visitors for its recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and natural landscape. Over the last few years, community concerns regarding fire risk in the HNA and surrounding communities have significantly increased. The purpose of the Plan is to guide the City’s fire fuel reduction, native forest conservation, and maintenance activities. The Plan includes the most effective, sustainable, and cost-effective activities to reduce fuels for wildfires and conserve the forest ecosystem. This Plan also evaluated the fire road and trail network and proposes suggestions for access improvements.

The City conducted public outreach and engagement and design for the Richmond Street Complete Streets Project, which aims to provide safe and accessible multimodal connections between El Cerrito’s residential neighborhoods; the El Cerrito del Norte BART station; the El Cerrito Plaza BART Stations and TOD; schools; civic and recreational destinations; commercial districts; and the City’s San Pablo Avenue Priority Development Area.

City staff launched development of the Parking Management Action Plan (PMAP) in 2024. The PMAP will create a program that effectively manages street parking around the City’s BART stations to provide convenient parking for various user groups as the surface parking lots at the El Cerrito Plaza BART station have been approved for transit oriented development. In 2025, to further the PMAP, the City collected parking data and completed an existing conditions report for the areas around the BART stations and along the San Pablo Avenue corridor, where new residential development and business activity is expected to increase on-street parking demand in the future. City staff anticipate presenting parking regulation concepts to the public and City Council for discussion and feedback starting in Summer 2026.

Housing Element Highlights
In 2025, the City completed several efforts to address the current and projected housing needs of the El Cerrito community. Some of these key initiatives are described further below. While this list is not exhaustive, it is intended to focus on implementation efforts that will advance through the 6th Cycle Housing Element between 2023-31. The 6th Cycle Housing Element was adopted by the City Council on August 15, 2023, and certified by the Department of Housing and Community Development on August 22, 2023.

In 2025, the City approved the building permit application for the first phase of the El Cerrito Plaza TOD project (Parcel A South). This below-market-rate building commenced construction in November 2025. The project will deliver 70 units of affordable housing adjacent to the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station.

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Agenda Item No. 6.D.

The City also continued performing inspections on the 69-unit Elora affordable residential development adjacent to the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station. This building is expected to be ready for occupancy spring 2026.

In 2025, City staff partnered with Related California to submit a grant application to the State's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program to help finance one of the six buildings approved in the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Transit Oriented Development (Parcel C-East) and $3.5 million for active transportation infrastructure. Despite scoring very competitively, this project was not awarded the grant.

In 2025, the City authorized a contract with Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services for the Coordinated Outreach Referral Engagement (CORE) Program. CORE works on the frontline providing homeless outreach services to the El Cerrito community. In addition, the City amended its funding allocation to the Housing Security Fund from $15K to $25K annually to cover gaps in services for persons who are currently experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness for the purpose of rapidly housing or diverting persons from homelessness and the emergency shelter system.

In 2025, the City received a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for implementation of the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program. The scope of work for this grant application includes efforts to comply with the TOC program by increasing the minimum and maximum allowable density of undeveloped residentially zoned properties within a half mile of the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and of the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station. Work on this grant will commence in 2026.

In 2025, City staff hired a consultant to help draft comprehensive zoning amendments that will help fulfill multiple Housing Element Programs. City staff anticipate that the City Council will adopt these zoning amendments in 2026.

Senate Bill 341
As a result of the dissolution of California redevelopment agencies on February 1, 2012,the City Council elected to serve as the Housing Successor Agency, which is the entity that accepted the housing assets and liabilities of the former El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency. SB341 requires the City, as the Housing Successor Agency, to report on how the funds in the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) are spent each fiscal year. This report must be sent to the Housing Successor Board members (designated as the City Council), posted to the City’s website, and attached as an addendum to the Annual Progress Report that the City submits to the California Department of Housing and Community Development annually. SB341 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 was prepared using the audited financial information contained in the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (CAFR). As of June 30, 2025, the balance in the LMIHAF was $6,960,307 of which $105,410 is available, as detailed in Attachment 3.

Agenda Packet Page 32 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.D.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• High Performing Organization; and
• Community Safety; and
• Livability and Belonging; and
• Infrastructure and Amenities; and
• Environmental Sustainability.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Preparation and submission of this report is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and is therefore not subject to environmental review. All required environmental review of projects identified in the report will be conducted prior to commencing each project.

Further, many of the plans, programs and actions highlighted in the Annual Progress Report advance the City's environmental policies.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Expenditures for projects and efforts identified in these reports are evaluated on an ongoing basis through the City’s budget process.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City Attorney has reviewed this agenda bill and the attached reports.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Annual General Plan Progress Report 2025

2. Housing Element Annual Progress Report 2025

3. SB341 Report 2024-2025
Agenda Packet Page 33 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.C.

Attachment 1
Annual Progress Report on the
General Plan 2025
March 2026
City of El Cerrito
Community Development Department
10890 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Agenda Packet Page 34 of 215
2 INTRODUCTION
As required by Government Code Section 65400, each local jurisdiction (city council or board of supervisors) must submit an annual progress report to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on the implementation status of the jurisdiction’s General Plan. The annual report must also include discussion on the City's progress in providing its required share of affordable housing pursuant to Government Code Section 65584 and its efforts to remove governmental constraints for the maintenance, improvement and development of affordable housing per Section 65583.c(3) of the California Government Code.

Each jurisdiction’s Annual Progress Report (APR) must be submitted to HCD and LCI by April 1 of each year, covering the previous calendar year. This General Plan Annual Progress Report covers the period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

The purpose for the APR is to assess how the General Plan is being implemented in accordance with adopted goals, policies and implementation measures; identify any necessary adjustments or modifications to the General Plan as a means to improve local implementation; provide a clear correlation between land use decisions that have been made during the 12-month reporting period and the goals, policies and implementation measures contained in the General Plan; and, to provide information regarding local agency progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs.

The City’s current Strategic Plan (2024-2029) identifies updating the General Plan to reflect and address current community needs as strategy within the goal of Livability and Belonging. The current General Plan was adopted in 1999. The prior General Plan was adopted in 1975.

BACKGROUND
On August 30, 1999, the El Cerrito City Council adopted the City's current General Plan (Resolution 99-66). The General Plan contains four chapters: Community Development and Design, Transportation and Circulation, Public Facilities and Services, and Resources and Hazards. State-required topic areas, known as “elements,” (land use, circulation, conservation, open space, and noise) as well as one county-required element (growth management) are contained within these chapters. The State allows the combining of elements or the addition of new elements as long as the required elements are present.

The Housing Element and the Safety Element, which have been updated most recently, are now separate, stand-alone components of the General Plan.

The General Plan is intended to be a blueprint for meeting the City’s long-term vision of the future consistent with state law. The process of preparing the General Plan took place in 1998 and 1999 as the City embarked on a program to bring its 1975 General Plan up to date so that it could better meet future challenges. The 1998 process resulted in the following ten key principles designed to improve the quality of development and the longterm fiscal health of the City so that it can remain an attractive place to live and work:

1. No major changes in land-use patterns are expected to occur.

2. Emphasis will be on quality of development.

3. Incentives, if used, will have clear criteria and limits.

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3 4. Emphasis will be on impacts of development, not on the type of development itself.

5. Increased residential development, where allowed, must be done with care in order to enhance neighborhoods.

6. New development in the San Pablo Avenue Corridor will be encouraged to take place in mixed-use activity centers that may extend up selected perpendicular streets in order to allow a more pedestrian friendly environment.

7. The preservation and enhancement of natural features – trees, creeks, natural open space areas – and historical features will be a high priority for the City.

8. The City should have distinct destination areas, including commercial areas, a civic center and community meeting places.

9. Development should contribute to the fiscal health of the City while minimizing adverse impacts.

10. Access should be improved by balancing automobile use with improved transit, bicycle, and pedestrian opportunities.

The General Plan sets forth the City’s policies regarding the types and locations of future land uses and activities. It describes the desired character and quality of development as well as the process for how development should proceed.

While the General Plan can address many City issues, factors beyond El Cerrito’s control have significant influence over its land use and development patterns, including the following:
• Market forces play a determining role in what types of uses are economically feasible and, therefore, built.
• Land use and transportation decisions in other cities and counties, and by state and regional agencies, affect El Cerrito.
• Our system of property rights places certain limitations on what cities can do in prescribing or restricting future land uses.
• California environmental law requires that a city to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of new development and mitigate those impacts, as achievable.
• State laws that require the City to allow for a minimum level of housing development and that limit the ability to restrict development or impose certain requirements.

Thus, in creating the current (1999) General Plan, El Cerrito went through a process that ascertained the community’s values for future land uses and activities, and balanced these values with market factors, city revenues, environmental constraints, and private property rights. When funding is identified, an updated General Plan will aim to understand how these values and factors have changed over time and become a blueprint for the next approximately twenty years.

The City’s General Plan reflects the aspirations and values of El Cerrito residents, business owners and their elected representatives. The City Council, Planning Commission and staff use the Plan in considering land use and planning-related decisions.

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4 City staff uses the Plan on a day-to-day basis to administer and regulate land use and development activity. Citizens can use the Plan to understand the City’s approach to regulating development, protecting resources, and upholding community values.

In order to continue to make progress on the principles listed above regarding the San Pablo Avenue Corridor, the City Council adopted the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, Complete Streets Plan, and a General Plan amendment in 2014 and updated the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan in 2022. The Specific Plan required an amendment to the General Plan. Consistent with the policies of the General Plan, the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan articulates a vision for the future of San Pablo Avenue, identified improvements, and adopted context-sensitive regulations for the San Pablo corridor. The Plan created a framework for transforming the Avenue into a multimodal corridor that functions, not just as a thoroughfare, but as a place that provides a multitude of opportunities for living, working and community life. The Specific Plan and associated documents are the most significant amendments that have occurred since the General Plan’s 1999 adoption. Also, as shown in the tables below, the Housing Element is regularly updated pursuant to State law, and the Safety Element, similarly, is currently being updated.

GENERAL PLAN ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

1. Adoption Dates of Mandatory General Plan Elements
General Plan Element Latest Adoption
Land Use 1999
Circulation 1999
Housing 2023
Open Space 1999
Conservation 1999
Safety 2025
Noise 1999

2. List of General Plan Amendments
• 2013 Growth Management Element Update (Required by Contra Costa County Measure J-2004; Resolution 2013-06).
• 2014 amendments to enable adoption of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, including amendments to Chapter 2: Strategic Approach, Chapter 4: Community Development and Design, Chapter 5: Transportation and Circulation and amendments to the General Plan land use map (Resolution 2014-51). • 2022 amendment to the General Plan land use map to enable the adoption of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan update (Resolution 2022-91). • 2023-2031 Housing Element (Required by State Housing Element Law [Government Code Sections 65580-65589]; Resolution 2023-64).

GENERAL PLAN UPDATES
Safety Element
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5 In accordance with various state laws, including SB 1035 and SB 379, which require that the Safety Element be updated every eight years. In 2025 the City Council adopted an updated Safety Element.

Overall General Plan Update
The City’s Strategic Plan (2024-2029) states that updating the General Plan to reflect and address current community values is a priority. Funding for a General Plan update has not yet been identified.

GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Chapter 4: Community Development and Design
Land Use
Goal LU1: A high-quality residential character within El Cerrito.

The City continued to implement the 2008 Zoning Ordinance and the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, which promote a high-quality of development. In 2025, the City issued 1,312 building permits, took in 1,533 building permit applications, conducted 5,860 building inspections, and 169 rental housing inspections. It also reviewed 92 planning entitlements.

Goal LU2: A land use pattern and mix of uses that contribute to the financial health and stability of the community.

The City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and processed several land use applications in the Specific Plan area that represented a range of land uses. The City processed eight Tier I Design Review applications that improved the façades, added signs and generally improved storefronts of new and existing businesses.

In 2025, one new application (11965 San Pablo Ave.) was submitted to the City for a new multifamily development project, which proposes 154 new below market rate dwelling units.

New developments often entail a transfer of property and are reassessed both at transfer and upon development (if an exemption does not apply, such as for Affordable Housing.) New development also provides opportunities for new businesses (for properties containing commercial, live-work space or home occupations) and new customers and pedestrian-traffic for existing commercial properties and businesses.

Goal LU3: A development pattern that enhances a strong sense of community.

Implementation of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan continued to move forward, albeit at a slower pace than hoped for due to market forces. New applications slowed, several entitled projects have not moved forward to submit building permit applications, and several in the building permit review phase have not proceeded to pull permits.

In 2025, the City approved a Design Review application construct a new two-story duplex and a new single-story primary residential unit at 1735 Liberty Street and also received Agenda Packet Page 38 of 215
6 one design review application for a proposed new multifamily residential building pursuant to the City's streamlined review process in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan.

In 2024, the City approved the Master Plan for the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The El Cerrito Plaza TOD project proposes a total of 743 new residential units, 47% of which will be below market rate units, approximately 2,100 square-feet of commercial ground-floor retail, 446 automobile parking spaces, an approximately 0.5-acre community open space plaza along Fairmount Avenue, and connectivity improvements to the existing Ohlone Greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ability levels. This project includes the potential for a new City Library which would help enhance the sense of place of the downtown node. In addition, the vision of the master plan is to create a mixed-income, mixed-use transit-oriented community that serves as a central downtown node for existing and future residents, patrons, businesses, customers, commuters, and visitors. In 2025, the City approved the building permit application for at the first phase of the El Cerrito Plaza TOD project (Parcel A South). This 70-unit below market rate building commenced construction in November 2025.

Goal LU4: A safe, attractive, and interesting community The City continued to implement community policing to promote public safety.

Building projects within the City, both large and small, were subject to a vigorous review and inspection process.

The City’s Arts and Culture Commission continued to promote efforts to support public art in the community, including approving the incorporation of public art at a improved pedestrian crossing as part of the El Cerrito del Norte TOD Complete Streets Improvement Project.

New development participates in the City’s 1% for Art program, by either contributing to the City’s public art fund or installing art on site. New art installations have recently been completed at the Mayfair project facing the del Norte BART station and a on the facade of a freeway facing self storage facility. A new preschool will also be installing art on site.

Goal LU5: A land use pattern and types of development that support alternatives for the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

The City continued implementation of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan which promotes development in transit rich areas that contributes to walkability and transit use. The City’s Transportation Impact Fee (TIF), which was adopted in 2019 (see discussion under Goal GM4) applies to new development and contributes funding and leverages outside funding toward building and improving the City’s bicycle and pedestrian network.

The City continuously seeks funding and develops projects for improvements identified in the Specific Plan and Active Transportation Plan, which promotes transportation modes that are alternatives to the automobile. Numerous Active Transportation Plan projects are being pursued in conjunction with the El Cerrito Plaza TOD discussed above. Additionally, the El Cerrito del Norte TOD Complete Streets Improvement Project, which implements key elements of both the Specific Plan and Active Transportation Plan, with completion is scheduled in early 2026.

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7 This project is intended to support and catalyze Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and create a safe and comfortable environment that balances the needs of all street users, to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety and access to housing and the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station, to encourage mode-shift to walking, biking and taking transit, and to support economic development in Uptown El Cerrito by creating a “sense of place”.

The City conducted public outreach and engagement and design for the Richmond Street Complete Streets Project, which aims to provide safe and accessible multimodal connections between El Cerrito’s residential neighborhoods to the El Cerrito del Norte and El Cerrito Plaza BART Stations and TOD, schools, civic and recreational destinations, commercial districts, and the City’s San Pablo Avenue Priority Development Area.

Goal LU6: Development patterns that promote energy efficiency, conservation of natural resources, and use of renewable rather than nonrenewable resources.

The City continued to implement the Zoning Ordinance, adopted in 2008, and the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, adopted in 2014, and updated in 2022. The Specific Plan puts a focus on more intense development within the Plan area and specifically near the City’s two BART stations. By focusing development near existing public transportation infrastructure, the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan aims to fulfill goals of the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) by facilitating mode shift, reducing per capita dependence on automobile trips and increasing public transportation, bicycle, and pedestrian trips.

In 2024, the City adopted the updated Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve more ambitious targets, with the citywide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. The CAAP includes strategies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase resilience and prepare for climate impacts. The CAAP identifies encouraging higher-density, transitoriented development and improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to reduce overall vehicle miles traveled, and resource conservation measures to achieve greater energy and water efficiency as methods to achieve the City’s greenhouse gas reduction targets. The City also continued to monitor and evaluate energy use in the organization’s operations to identify opportunities to reduce usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and costs. The City continues to have a contract to procure renewable diesel fuel for City vehicles. This program estimates a 65-75% reduction in CO2 emissions in addition to reductions in fine particles, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons as compared to petroleum-based diesel.

The City continued to implement the California Green Building Standards Code, which requires high levels of energy efficiency in new construction.

In 2025, the City continued to implement a property transfer tax which includes a rebate program for qualifying energy conservation, water conservation, and seismic upgrades. In 2025, 24 properties utilized this rebate.

As discussed above, the City previously approved the master plan for the El Cerrito Plaza TOD project, which proposes to add 743 total units (including 53% market rate & 47% below market rate units) adjacent to a major transit station, providing sustainable Agenda Packet Page 40 of 215
8 transportation options for new residents consistent with the City’s climate action goals.

This project also proposes the following sustainable initiatives:
• Each building within the TOD will be fully electric with no connections to natural gas or installation of gas appliances to reduce long-term reliance on fossil fuels. • The affordable housing buildings will seek a minimum GreenPoint Rating Gold certification. This includes exceeding the applicable California Energy Code efficiency requirements, WaterSense plumbing fixtures, and reducing waste during construction and once operational.
• A new public bike station with storage capacity up to approximately 275 bikes of varying sizes to accommodate users of various mobility levels. • A series of east-west protected bike lanes connecting the San Pablo Avenue commercial corridor to the eastern residential neighborhoods.

Community Design
Goal CD1: A city organized and designed with an overall attractive, positive image and “sense of place.”
The City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan which promotes high-quality development along San Pablo Avenue in order to promote vibrant public spaces and enhance the sense of place. The Specific Plan requires the provision of publicly accessible open space in larger projects, or payment of an in-lieu fee for the City to invest in open space. Development of new open spaces along San Pablo Avenue will further enhance the attractiveness and sense of place along the City’s primary mixed use corridor.

The El Cerrito Plaza TOD project proposes approximately 22,000 square feet of new public open space area which primarily consists of a proposed new 20,700 square foot public plaza immediately adjacent to a potential 20,000 square foot public library. The proposed plaza and potential library present an opportunity to have a 21st century library with a full complement of contemporary services that would serve as a destination and anchor El Cerrito’s downtown, in proximity to other amenities and services. The City’s Strategic Plan identifies creating a downtown community hub anchored by the Plaza Transit Oriented Development and a new library as a key strategy supporting the Strategic Plan goal of Livability and Belonging.

Goal CD2: A city with attractive, safe, and functional streets, parking areas, and pedestrian walkways.

In 2025, the City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, Complete Streets Policy, and Active Transportation Plan along with the more recently adopted Climate Action and Adaption Plan. These plans and policies provide a blueprint for continuing the City’s investment in improving safety and providing facilities and infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians, based on the changing demands and standards as well as the current goals of the City.

The City has also continued implementation of the Green Infrastructure Plan, approved by the El Cerrito City Council in 2019, to add low-impact development (LID) stormwater Agenda Packet Page 41 of 215
9 facilities to public spaces while making streets more attractive through the addition of landscaping and water features.

As noted above, the El Cerrito del Norte TOD Complete Streets Improvement Project, which implements key elements of both the Specific Plan and Active Transportation Plan, began construction in March 2024 with completion scheduled in early 2026. Improvements to be constructed as part of the project consist of enhanced and new protected crosswalks, new bikeways, bus boarding islands, circulation improvements, and various streetscape enhancements.

The City conducted public outreach and engagement and design for the Richmond Street Complete Streets Project, which aims to provide safe and accessible multimodal connections between El Cerrito’s residential neighborhoods to the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station, the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and El Cerrito Plaza TOD project, schools, civic and recreational destinations, commercial districts, and the City’s San Pablo Avenue Priority Development Area.

Goal CD3: A city with attractive landscaping of public and private properties, open space, and public gathering spaces.

The Design Review Board continued to review new landscaping plans on private properties within the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan area. The Specific Plan continued to require the provision of publicly accessible, privately maintained open space or the payment of an in-lieu fee to create new open spaces and enhance existing open spaces.

As mentioned previously the El Cerrito Plaza TOD project proposes approximately 22,000 square feet of new public open space area which primarily consists of a proposed new 20,700 square foot public plaza. The plaza would function as a park and include paved gathering space, possible play areas, and stormwater treatment planters, along with a variety of benches, pathways, trees and landscaping. The potential public library also presents the opportunity to offer both expanded and new programs including adult, teen and children’s areas, multipurpose rooms, community meeting spaces, enhanced services and technologies, and emergency response capabilities such as providing clean air, warming, cooling, and electronics charging in the event of extreme weather and other emergencies.

Goal CD4: Well designed buildings that are compatible with their surroundings.

The City continued to implement the design review process pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance and the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan to ensure that new development is well-designed.

Goal CD5: A design process that achieves design objectives while being efficient and allowing for flexibility.

The City continued to utilize the design review process to achieve the General Plan goals above. Design review in the City of El Cerrito is intended to encourage high-quality design, well-crafted and maintained buildings and landscaping, the use of higher-quality building materials, and attention to the design and execution of building details and amenities in both public and private projects. The San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan’s Tier IV Design Agenda Packet Page 42 of 215
10 Review process is intended to provide flexibility for projects that do not comply with all development standards in the Specific Plan in order to improve feasibility and respond to specific site conditions. Additionally, the Specific Plan also allows administrative approval waivers to specified development standards. The San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan update, adopted in December 2022 revised and clarified the Tier IV Design Review and waivers processes to improve flexibility.

Goal CD6: An urban form that sustains a vital commercial community to meet the diverse needs of the local and regional population.

The City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan. It encourages mixed use development including ground floor commercial uses in specific commercial nodes, in addition to intensified residential uses along San Pablo Avenue. The plan strives to create a range of residential unit types which will provide diverse housing types along the Avenue. The new residents of these units will help support successful commercial businesses along San Pablo Avenue and contribute to more vitality in the commercial nodes along San Pablo Avenue.

Housing
See attachment for Housing Element annual report.

Growth Management
Goal GM1: A coordinated regional and sub-regional planning system that provides better service and less congestion for residents of El Cerrito.

City staff continued to serve on the West Contra Costa Transportation Commission’s (WCCTC) Technical Advisory Committee on planning and funding efforts for regional transportation improvements in Contra Costa County. City staff provided input on various planning studies for the region including: AC Transit’s Realign, a systemwide evaluation and restructuring of the agency’s existing bus service network prompted by the COVID19 pandemic’s effect on travel patterns; and, the next phase of the San Pablo Avenue Multimodal Corridor Study, which will be led by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and focus on public outreach and engagement around potential Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and/or other transit priority features on San Pablo Avenue.

The City is collaborating with the CCTA in a Countywide Smart Signals Project to upgrade traffic signal and communication systems at 328 intersections within Contra Costa County, 7 of which are in El Cerrito. Implementation of the planned Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) elements will unify Contra Costa County’s signal technology and communication systems to optimize traffic flow. It will provide an interconnected Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) with the ability to monitor traffic conditions in realtime, safely and efficiently manage incidents, and share information between agencies and the public.

Caltrans is planning to repave State Route 123 within El Cerrito (San Pablo Avenue between Cutting Blvd. and the Alameda County line and Cutting Boulevard between San Pablo Ave and I-80). In 2025, City staff continued to collaborate with Caltrans staff to Agenda Packet Page 43 of 215
11 advocate for the inclusion of safety upgrades, consistent with the City’s San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan.

Goal GM2: Compliance with applicable level of service standards.

The City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and the Active Transportation Plan. The Specific Plan adopted new service standards for streets within the plan area. These service standards are in greater compliance with the City’s complete streets goals.

City staff collaborated with other public agencies in Contra Costa County on the update to the CCTA Growth Management Program to implement SB743. This state legislation changed CEQA evaluation methods for transportation from level of service (LOS) to vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The CCTA, with input from local and sub-regional agencies, developed a countywide evaluation method and recommended VMT significance criteria.

In November 2021, consistent with this guidance, the City adopted VMT thresholds of significance and local criteria for purposes of analyzing transportation impacts under CEQA. The City continues to utilize these thresholds as part of the environmental review process for new development.

Goal GM3: Timely review of projects that are heavy traffic generators.

All development projects processed by the City are evaluated against and comply with applicable service standards. All applications, regardless of traffic generation, are processed in a timely fashion.

Goal GM4: Effective community-wide programs to reduce traffic impacts of new projects.

City staff developed and the City Council adopted the El Cerrito Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) Program in 2019 to ensure new development pays its fair share of the transportation improvements needed to accommodate growth in El Cerrito. The list of potential capital improvements eligible for funding with the TIF is based on prior planning studies completed to support the City’s growth and the impact of that growth on the transportation system, as well as to support the City’s Climate Action and Active Transportation goals. The focus of these improvements is to connect El Cerrito residents to employment and activity centers and major transit facilities within the City and in neighboring jurisdictions. These improvements focus on San Pablo Avenue, the City’s primary transportation corridor serving all modes. More specifically, the TIF project list is a selection of projects from the following City-Council adopted plans: San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, Active Transportation Plan, and Ohlone Greenway Master Plan. To date, the TIF revenues have been used for design and construction of the El Cerrito del Norte Complete Streets Improvement Project.

Goal GM5: An effective system of providing urban services.

The City continued to offer a high-level of services to residents and the City continued to work with other agencies (such as the Stege Sanitary District) to ensure that services are provided effectively.

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12 Chapter 5: Transportation and Circulation
Goal T1: A transportation system that allows safe and efficient travel by a variety of modes and promotes the use of alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle.

In 2025, the City continued implementation of the City Complete Streets Policy and El Cerrito Active Transportation Plan (ATP). The ATP provides a blueprint for continuing the City’s investment in improving traffic safety and providing facilities and infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians, based on the changing demands and standards as well as the current goals of the City.

The City also continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, specifically the Complete Streets component to encourage all modes of transportation and creates opportunities to support mode shift away from auto use and towards transit use, walking and biking.

In 2025, these efforts included developing multi-modal projects in several areas of town as described below.
• El Cerrito del Norte TOD Complete Streets Improvement Project: The City neared completion of the construction of the El Cerrito del Norte TOD Complete Streets Improvements Project, which consists of access, safety and circulation improvements for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, and motorists to support the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station and transit-oriented development in the San Pablo Avenue Uptown district. The project limits span several streets including San Pablo Avenue from Ohlone Greenway near the northern city limit to Potrero Avenue, Eastshore Boulevard from Potrero Avenue to San Pablo Avenue, Hill Street from San Pablo Avenue to Liberty Street, Cutting Boulevard from I-80 to Key Boulevard, and Knott Avenue from San Pablo Avenue to Key Boulevard. • Richmond Street Complete Streets Project: The City conducted public outreach and engagement and design for the Richmond Street Complete Streets Project.

The City previously collaborated with CCTA to secure $8 million in federal funding.

The project will improve safety, connectivity, and comfort for all travel modes along the entire length of Richmond Street to connect El Cerrito’s residential neighborhoods, schools, civic and recreational destinations, and commercial districts to BART Stations and Transit Oriented Development. Project elements include high-visibility crosswalk markings, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), safety lighting, and red curb daylighting at intersections to enhance visibility and safety of pedestrians; bikeway improvements; curb bulb-outs, raised intersections, and more street trees to further calm speed of vehicles and beautify the area; and installing curb ramps, replacing non-conforming sidewalks, and rehabilitating the pavement to meet current standards for ADA compliance. • As part of regional efforts with WCCTC and CCTA, City staff has been participating in the next phase of the San Pablo Avenue Multimodal Corridor Study, which will be led by CCTA and focus on public outreach and engagement around potential Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and/or other transit priority features on San Pablo Avenue.

Agenda Packet Page 45 of 215
13 In May 2025, the City continued its support of the regional “Bike to Wherever Day” initiative, a regional effort to increase bicycling. In 2025, 377 cyclists were counted either passing or stopping at the City’s “Energizer Station” at El Cerrito Plaza BART Station between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The City also collaborated with the City of Berkeley, BART, El Cerrito/Richmond Annex Walk and Roll, and Bike East Bay to host a Go Green Mobility Fair to share information regarding how our region is transforming streets into safe spaces that bring neighbors together, improve our air quality, fight climate change and connect our Bay Area communities. Over 20 community organizations were at the event and a range of electric mobility devices including e-bikes, e-scooters, and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) were displayed and available for test rides.

In late 2024, Gig Car Share ended all operations in its remaining market areas, which included the Bay Area and in parts of El Cerrito. Following the end of Gig Car Share’s service, the City partnered with Zipcar to maintain and expand car share access in the City, with a new on-street dedicated car share parking space across from City Hall. This location, combined with Zipcar locations at the El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito del Norte BART stations, provides shared vehicle access to the Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown areas along the San Pablo Avenue corridor.

Goal T2: A land use pattern that encourages walking, bicycling, and public transit use.

The City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan which includes a Complete Streets Plan. It serves to implement contemporary land use planning strategies near transit and amenities and thereby encourages walking, biking and public transit use.

Those strategies include increased residential density, lower parking minimums, a flexible approach to mixed-use development, and complete streets guidelines to accommodate all modes of transportation on San Pablo Avenue specifically prioritizing pedestrians and public transit along this corridor.

In 2025, the City issued a building permit for the first phase of the El Cerrito Plaza TOD project (Parcel A South) which broke ground in November 2025. The overall El Cerrito Plaza TOD project will feature connectivity improvements to the existing Ohlone Greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ability levels. This project will encourage existing and future residents to consider and use alternative modes of transportation. The El Cerrito Plaza TOD project will total of 743 new residential units directly adjacent to the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station which will encourage the future residents to consider using Public Transit.

Also see Goal LU5: A land use pattern and types of development that support alternatives for the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

Goal T3: A transportation system that maintains and improves the livability of the City.

The City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan to transform San Pablo Avenue into a multimodal, livable corridor.

The City also continued to implement the Urban Greening Plan, which identifies strategies for creating a greener, more environmentally sustainable and livable city. Key objectives and strategies include Greener Gateways to reinforce community identity and sense of place that improve and highlight natural elements and Green Streets to continue to invest Agenda Packet Page 46 of 215
14 in making the public right-of-way more sustainable by reducing impervious surfaces, accommodating additional modes of transportation, adding landscaping, and creating streets that are safe, comfortable and attractive for everyone. In 2024, the City submitted a grant application to design & construct improvement near Key & Conlon as identified in the Urban Greening Plan.

As discussed previously, in 2025, the City continued construction of the El Cerrito del Norte Complete Streets Improvement Project and conducted community outreach, planning and design of the Richmond Street Complete Streets project. Both projects include safety improvements aimed at improving livability by increasing safety and improving comfort for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Goal T4: A minimum amount of land used for parking and minimal parking intrusion in neighborhoods.

The City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan. The Plan adopted new parking standards for both commercial and residential development. It generally reduced off-street parking requirements within the plan area, while ensuring that adequate parking is provided.

The City also continues to implement Assembly Bill 2097 which prohibits a public agencies from imposing minimum parking requirement on any residential, commercial, or other development project that is located within 1/2 mile of a frequent transit stop.

Additionally, the City continued to implement the revised development standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) which do not require off-street parking. These standards allow for the development of additional housing units without requiring further land in residential areas to be used for parking. In 2026, the City’s Planning Division reviewed 14 applications for ADUs.

In 2025 the City continued to coordinate with BART and the developers of the El Cerrito Plaza TOD project to implement the Berkeley-El Cerrito Corridor Access Plan (BECCAP).

The BECCAP identifies multimodal access strategies to maintain and enhance access to the El Cerrito Plaza BART station. The BECCAP’s on-street parking management concept study proposed several key features, including the use of pricing and a modern permit management system to make it easy for anyone to find a space around the station and, at a minimum, sufficient revenue generation to cover all costs of operation. City staff launched development of the parking program in 2024 with the Parking Management Action Plan. In 2025, the City collected parking data and completed an existing conditions report for the areas around the BART stations and along the San Pablo Avenue corridor, the places where new development is expected to increase on-street parking demand in the future. City staff and anticipate presenting parking regulation concepts with the public and City Council for discussion and feedback starting in Summer 2026. This program will maximize the efficient use of the available parking supply for various user groups.

Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Services
Parks, Recreations and Open Space
Agenda Packet Page 47 of 215
15 Goal PR1: Adequate, diverse, and accessible recreational opportunities for all residents – including children, youth, seniors, and others with special needs – in parks, school yards, and open space.

In 2025, the City worked with two community groups to fund and construct pickleball courts at Castro Park and the Arlington Tennis Center at Arlington Park. The roof was replaced at the El Cerrito Community Center to ensure continued programming at this popular community activity hub. At the El Cerrito Swim Center, the City designed and allocated funding for the Emery G. Weed, III Lap Pool replaster project and ADA Parking Lot & Related Amenities with construction beginning in early 2026.

The City raised funds for the City’s David Hunter Memorial Scholarship Fund which helps families pay for classes and services for their children through the Recreation Department which they would otherwise not be able to afford.

In 2025, the City sponsored a number of special events including the popular City of El Cerrito & worldOne 4th of July Festival at Cerrito Vista Park, Holiday Pancake Breakfast, Senior Resources Fair, Blood Drives, Adult Line Dances, Spring Tea, Pumpkin Splash, Spring Egg Hunt and Play Like a Girl+. The City also hosted, supported, and participated in a number of environmental events and programs in 2025. These included: Go Green! Mobility Fair, Arbor Week, Bike to Wherever Day, Earth Day, Repair Workshop, Spring and Winter Makers Fairs, and hosting a number of volunteer work parties.

The City continued to offer a range of programs for all ages at the El Cerrito Community Center and various other City facilities. The City also has a Joint Facilities Use Agreement with the West Contra Unified School District to increase program offerings especially on the Fairmont, Harding and Madera Elementary schools’ and Korematsu Middle school’s (Castro Park) campuses.

Goal PR2: High quality open space protected for the benefit of present and future generations, reflecting a variety of important values: ecological, educational, aesthetic, economic and recreational. These values are interwoven throughout the community in numerous ways so that the preservation of open space is very important to the well being of the City.

Goal E of the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan is to improve natural areas. The Master Plan identifies a series of policies and actions based on previous City planning efforts and community engagement.

As discussed in more detail below, the City adopted the Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan in 2025.

The City continued to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan which requires that new projects greater than 25,000 square feet either provide public open space or contribute funds toward the creation or enhancement of open space.

In 2025, the City continued to implement the expanded Public Tree and Shrub Ordinance, adopted by the City Council in 2019, providing greater protections for public trees throughout the community to support the long-term health of the urban forest.

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16 Goal PR3: Public access to open space areas while protecting important habitats.

In 2025, the City adopted the Hillside Natural Area Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan. The Hillside Natural Area (HNA) is the largest open space in El Cerrito (107 acres) and is popular with residents and visitors for its recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and natural landscape. Over the last few years, community concerns regarding fire risk in the HNA and surrounding communities have significantly increased. The purpose of the Plan to guide the City’s fire fuel reduction, native forest conservation, and maintenance activities. The Plan includes the most effective, sustainable, and cost-effective activities to reduce fuels for wildfires and conserve the forest ecosystem. This Plan also evaluated the fire road and trail network and proposes suggestions for access improvements.

In 2025 the City was awarded a $510,000 grant from the California Coastal Conservancy to be used to remove invasive trees and perform native plant restoration from 3.5 acres in the HNA to reduce fire risk and improve the natural environment. Preparation of an RFP is underway to implement the work in 2026.

The City also continued to organize and support volunteer work parties, led by the El Cerrito Green Teams, El Cerrito Trail Trekkers, Friends of the Hillside, and Friends of Five Creeks, throughout the year, to support and enhance habitats and wildlife throughout the City’s owned and controlled open spaces. The City continued to support several annual events that increase public awareness and access to the Hillside Natural Area, including Earth Day and an Annual Hillside Festival each Spring.

Non-Recreational Facilities
Goal CF1: Safe and adequate community facilities that allow the City to offer better services and inspire a sense of community pride.

The City continued to provide high-quality services to the community at the Recycling and Environmental Resources Center which was completed in 2012.

The City continued to serve the community from the City Hall facility which was completed in 2009.

In 2025, the City continued to collaborate with BART and the developer of the El Cerrito Plaza TOD project to explore the potential to include a new public library as part of the project. The need for a new library was identified in numerous needs assessments and would provide 20,000 square feet in a contemporary building allowing both the Contra Costa County Library system and the City to expand programs and services to better serve the public, including the provision of a cooling/heating, clean air, and charging center in the event of an emergency.

Public Services and Infrastructure
Goal PS1: An adequate, comprehensive, coordinated law enforcement system consistent with the needs of the community.

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17 The City continued its deployment of both patrol and specialty police units to address crime trends. These units coordinated their efforts internally, by sharing and collaborating on projects and investigations, and externally, with residents and community groups, to continue to meet the safety needs of the community.

Goal PS2: A community that has minimized the risks to lives and property due to fire hazards.

The City continues to minimize fire hazards by enforcing its comprehensive fire hazard reduction program that focuses upon reducing fire hazards in four areas: (1) on City property, (2) on property owned by other public agencies (3) large landowners, and (4) on residential property.

The history of the fire hazard abatement program was designed to reduce fire hazards on with efforts concentrated on private properties, in the spring and early summer months, prior to the State entering the annual “Fire Season”. However, as the effects climate change, continued below average rainfall and increasing northeast wind events leading to more Red Flag Warnings, the City faces fire season almost year-round.

A process of advance notice and hearings for property owners is coupled with a public education program involving the promulgation of standards for vegetation management in residents’ yards and vacant lots. These notices and public education are aimed at increasing the resident’s knowledge and awareness of proper management of combustible materials on their property, especially within the first five feet of the structure.

This program seeks to remove weeds, rubbish, litter or other flammable material from private properties where such flammable material endangers public safety by creating a public nuisance and a fire hazard. Most property owners voluntarily abate these hazards without Fire Department involvement. For the small number of property owners that do not abate the hazards, the City completes the necessary abatement and places the costs on the property owner’s tax bill.

Based on lessons learned over the last five years of record fires in the State, improved efforts have been made for the incorporation of fire and ember-resistant construction materials and careful selection of landscape material, proper placement and maintenance of residents’ landscaping. In 2025, the City adopted amendments to the vegetation management program to comply with AB3074, a state bill passed in 2020 addressing fire prevention, wildfire risk, defensible space, and ember-resistant zones requiring enforcement of more intense fuel reductions to create an ember resistant zone withing five feet of any structure. At the same time, the City also adopted updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones mapped by the State Fire Marshal.

Over the past 25 years, the City’s public education efforts and annual fire hazard abatement program have been very successful in reducing fire hazards throughout the hills, which are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

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18 Additionally, the Public Works Department completes vegetation management activities and projects each year along easements, in City parks, and in the Hillside Natural Area to reduce the risk of fire hazards in the El Cerrito community.

Goal PS3: Safe and adequate public infrastructure to serve El Cerrito’s residents, now and in the future.

The City continued implementation of the Annual Street Improvement Program funded by Measure A and the Access Modifications (Streets) Program funded by SB 1. Also, as a result of new transportation funding provided by SB 1, the City has continued funding annual sidewalk projects to repair tripping hazards throughout the City.

Implementation of the Complete Streets component of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and implementation of the Active Transportation Plan will enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout the City and provide infrastructure which accommodate all modes of transportation. Implementation of these plans will continue to occur as new development occurs and as funding is secured.

Goal PS4: An adequate storm drainage system to serve existing and future planned development
In March 1993, the voters of the City of El Cerrito approved the issuance of $6.3 million in revenue bonds for the reconstruction of the City’s storm drain system. In June 1993, the City Council adopted Ordinance 93-4, providing for the imposition and collection of Storm Drain Fees to pay the debt service on the revenue bonds. Ordinance 93-4 set the Storm Drain Fee and provided that the fees are collected through the property tax based on amounts specified in an annual Engineer’s report. This Engineer’s report contains the description of each parcel of real property receiving storm drain services and the amount of the annual fee for each parcel.

The City actively participated in the Contra Costa Clean Water Program to implement the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Municipal Regional Permit which first became in 2016 and was revised and reissued in 2022. This included taking specific stormwater management actions to control trash litter, 303(d) listed pollutants, and other pollutants of concern (POCs). In compliance with the MRP, the City developed a Green Infrastructure Plan, adopted by the City Council in 2019.

The City is currently updating the City’s Storm Drain Master Plan, which was last updated in 1999. The scope considers the green infrastructure requirements and is expected to be finalized in 2026. Moreover, it will identify opportunities to improve the City’s Storm Drain system by improving the condition and capacity of the storm sewer network.

Goal PS5: A system that minimizes the City’s generation and disposal of solid waste materials by providing an adequate and integrated waste management program and related facilities to serve existing and future planned development.

In 2012, the City completed construction of a new state-of-the-art Recycling + Environmental Resource Center. In addition to the City’s continued curb-side collection program, the Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (RERC) provides convenient Agenda Packet Page 51 of 215
19 drop-off facilities for a wide array of items. The Center allows the City to expand the range of items accepted for disposal, improving collection options for all constituents and for many residents of surrounding communities. The Center has expanded the items that the City is able to accept, including compact fluorescent light bulbs, books, sharps, expired medications, and scrap textiles. The Center has been designed as a facility that will provide maximum flexibility to meet future, changing waste disposal needs. In 2018, the City began to collect household hazardous waste at the Recycling + Environmental Resource Center with a popular once per week collection event.

Additionally, in 2021, the City Council adopted two ordinances moving related goals forward. The City Council adopted an updated Foodware Ordinance that requires all foodware (e.g., cups, plates, utensils, etc.) served by food providers in El Cerrito to be either reusable or compostable, starting July 1, 2022. This Ordinance will serve to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste in El Cerrito and increase waste diversion. In 2021, the City Council also adopted a “Mandatory Organics Recycling” Ordinance, implementing the requirements of California Senate Bill (SB) 1383 and requiring participation in the City’s recycling and composting programs with limited exceptions.

In 2022, City Staff entered into a new franchise agreement with the City’s garbage and green waste hauler, East Bay Sanitary, which adds a number of integrated waste management services to the community, including new programs targeting waste diversion in multi-family apartment complexes. A new brochure was developed outlining all the services available and mailed to all solid waste accounts. Staff is also continuing to move forward with other programs to implement SB 1383 and to increase composting and recycling in El Cerrito.

In July 2023, the City completed a citywide curbside cart swap project in order to comply with State Law, Senate Bill 1383. Over the course of three weeks, the City successfully collected approximately 8,500 old grey recycling and blue garbage carts, swapping them for new blue recycling and black garbage carts. This standardizing of cart colors will take place throughout California for ease of separating materials and recycling statewide.

In 2024, the City was awarded a grant from Calrecycle to implement SB 1383 outreach to encourage customers to dispose of green waste in green bins. Using grant funds, the City placed compost ads in English, Chinese and Spanish at the El Cerrito Del Norte and El Cerrito Plaza BART stations for 1 month in both April and November to promote sustainable actions across our community. Additionally, the City purchased and installed 13 signs for both the City’s recycling collection trucks and East Bay Sanitary’s garbage and organics collection trucks. The new signs highlight the important role that placing food scraps and yard waste in the green cart plays in combating climate change, and reminds residents that recyclables should be placed inside the blue cart loose and unbagged, while plastic bags, shrink wrap and plastic film should be placed in the garbage. This grant will run through 2026. In 2024, El Cerrito was also awarded a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to plan the electrification of its recycling fleet; this grant will also run through 2025.

In alignment with the 2019 Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan that highlights the desire to increase trash and recycling at parks, the City purchased 43 Dual Trash Agenda Packet Page 52 of 215
20 Recycling Cans in 2025 and placed them at nine parks throughout the City to help to minimize the amount of litter inappropriately discarded in parks.

The City of El Cerrito is a member of the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (“Authority” or “RecycleMore”), a Joint Powers Authority comprised of the cities of San Pablo, El Cerrito, Richmond, Pinole, Hercules, and parts of Unincorporated Contra Costa County charged with implementing regional waste reduction and recycling diversion programs and increasing the diversion of waste from disposal facilities. In November 2025, the City of El Cerrito joined a regional Post-Collection Agreement for Post-Collection Disposal and Recycling Services effective January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2040.

Chapter 7: Resources and Hazards
Natural and Historic Resources
Goal R1: Protected natural resources (important habitat, ecological resources, key visual resources, ridges and ridgelines, creeks and streambanks, steeper slopes, vista points, and major features), and clean air and water.

The City continued to implement the Zoning Ordinance, which contains specific standards aimed at protecting creeks and hillside areas.

The City continued to implement Chapter 13.28 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code, the Public Tree and Shrub Ordinance, the primary purpose of which is to preserve and protect public trees.

City Staff also actively participated in the Contra Costa Clean Water Program to implement the City’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Municipal Regional Permit to protect stormwater.

For additional Clean Water activities, see Goal PS4.

Goal R2: Protected and rehabilitated architectural, historical, cultural, and archaeological resources that are of local, state, or federal significance.

In 2014, the City Council approved the 1715 Elm Street project. As part of the project, the existing house will be relocated on the property and rehabilitated to the Department of the Interior’s standards. In 2021, the City issued the building permit application which will allow the construction of the project and the relocation and rehabilitation of the existing house. Construction of the project began in 2022. The project was completed in September 2025.

Hazards
Goal H3: New development complies with the noise standards established in the General Plan, all new noise sources are within acceptable standards, and existing objectionable noise sources are reduced or eliminated.

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21 All new development is evaluated under CEQA using the noise standards currently in the General Plan. These noise standards were incorporated into updated Zoning Ordinance in 2008 as performance standards required of all development. 2025 Safety Element
Goal 1: Mitigate risk from geologic and seismic hazards.

Geotechnical studies are required for development proposals in areas at risk from geologic and seismic hazards as part of the building permit process. All new developments must meet current building codes for seismic safety.

Goal 2: Minimize potential damage from existing hazardous materials and prevent future hazardous materials contamination.

The City continues to implement the California Building Code and other state laws which require remediation of hazardous materials in specific circumstances. Development on potentially contaminated sites is required to contain adequate measures to mitigate hazardous material exposure prior to issuance of a building permit.

Goal 3: Reduce risks from flooding and sea level rise and provide timely and effective flood response.

New and significantly renovated buildings and structures in the mapped 100-year flood zones are constructed to a higher standard of flood protection to improve resilience, as required by the California Building Code.

Goal 4: Reduce El Cerrito’s risk of wildfire and provide timely and effective fire response.

In 2025, the Fire Department continued to implement the Vegetation Management Policy which was rewritten in 2020 to make it easier to understand and align it with the State guidelines. The policy creates zones centered around structures on the property with goals to avoid home ignition from ember assault, and to reduce the heat and movement of the fire. Additionally, the Public Works Department completes vegetation management activities and projects each year along easements, in City parks, and in the Hillside Natural Area to reduce the risk of fire hazards in the El Cerrito community.

In 2025, the City also adopted the Hillside Natural Area (HNA) Fire Resilience and Forest Conservation Management Plan. The HNA is a the largest open space (107 acres) in El Cerrito and is popular with residents and visitors for its recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and natural landscape. Over the last few years, community concerns regarding fire risk in the HNA and surrounding communities have significantly increased. The purpose of the Plan to guide the City’s fire fuel reduction, native forest conservation, and maintenance activities. The Plan includes the most effective, Agenda Packet Page 54 of 215
22 sustainable, and cost-effective activities to reduce fuels for wildfires and conserve the forest ecosystem. This Plan also evaluated the fire road and trail network and proposes suggestions for access improvements.

Goal 5: Reduce risk from and provide timely and effective response to extreme heat and severe weather.

The City Continues to implement the Public Tree and Shrub Ordinance which promotes the expansion of the citywide tree canopy.

The City continued to implement the Urban Greening Plan, which identifies strategies for creating a greener, more environmentally sustainable and livable city. Key objectives and strategies include Greener Gateways to reinforce community identity and sense of place that improve and highlight natural elements and Green Streets to continue to invest in making the public right-of-way more sustainable by reducing impervious surfaces, adding landscaping, and creating streets that are safe, comfortable and attractive for everyone.

As discussed above, in 2025, the City continued to collaborate with BART and the developer of the El Cerrito Plaza TOD project to explore the potential to include a new public library as part of the project. This new library could serve as a resilience hub for the community, providing cooling/heating, clean air, and electric charging in the event of extreme heat or severe weather.

Goal 6: Secure a resilient water supply and use water supplies sustainably.

The City continues to coordinate with the East Bay Municipal Utility District on water supply issues. New development must demonstrate that there is sufficient capacity to serve new residents.

The City also requires the inclusion of new drought-tolerant landscaping through the implementation of the statewide Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO). New development that is subject to WELO is required to submit an irrigation audit that demonstrates compliance with WELO.

Goal 7: Protect the health of El Cerrito residents.

The City continues to coordinate with the Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department and the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District on efforts to ensure public health.

The Building Divisions ensures that all new food service businesses are reviewed and approved by the Environmental Health Department prior to issuance of the building permit.

In 2025, the City hosted a workshop on rodent control in conjunction with the Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Goal 8: A community prepared for an effective response and recovery in the event of emergencies or natural and human-caused disasters.

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23 The City is planning to offer the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.

The program teaches neighbors to help themselves and help each other. Through CERT, citizens receive hands-on training in Disaster First Aid, Disaster Preparedness, Basic Firefighting, Light Search and Rescue, Damage Assessment, and How to Turn Off Utilities.

The City continued to offer National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) training for City staff. In 2025, City staff participated in an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) training that simulated the operation of the EOC in the event of a local emergency. Through these trainings, staff members directly involved in managing an emergency are trained in understanding command reporting structures, common terminology, and the roles and responsibilities inherent in a response operation

CONCLUSION
The City has continued to faithfully implement the City's 1999 General Plan as the actions, plans, programs and projects documented in this report represent the City’s commitment to achieve the goals and objectives set forth in the elements of the El Cerrito General Plan.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. HCD - Housing Element Annual Report
Agenda Packet Page 56 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Year 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Planning
Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Date
Application
Submitted
Total
Approved
Units by
Project
Total
Disapproved
Units by
Project
Streamlining Historic Sites
Application
Status
Project Type Notes
2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Unit Category
(SFA,SFD,2 to
4,5+,ADU,MH)
Tenure
R=Renter
O=Owner
Date
Application
Submitted
(see
instructions)
Acutely LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Acutely LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Extremely LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Extremely LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Low-Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total

PROPOSED
Units by
Project
Total

APPROVED
Units by
project
Total

DISAPPROVE
D Units by
Project
Please select
state
streamlining
provision/s the
application was
submitted
pursuant to.

Is this project
located on a
site with an
associated
historical
designation as
outlined in
Government
Code Section
65400(a)(2)(N)
and reported on
Table L?
Did the
housing
development
application
seek incentives
or concessions
pursuant to
Government
Code section
65915?
Were
incentives or
concessions
requested
pursuant to
Government
Code section
65915
approved?
Please
indicate the
status of the
application.

Is the project
considered a
ministerial
project or
discretionary
project?
Notes
+
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 505421027 1544 Madera
Cir PL25-0011 SFD O8/14/2025
1 1 NONE No No No Approved Ministerial
505421027 1544 Madera
Cir PL25-0011 ADU R8/14/2025
2 2 NONE No No No Approved Ministerial
502113027 1735 LIBERTY ST PL25-0027 2 to 4 R 8/14/2025 2 2 NONE No No No Approved Discretionary 502113027 1735 LIBERTY ST PL25-0027 SFD R 8/14/2025 1 1 NONE No No No Approved Discretionary 0 0
0 0
Table A
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
1 5
Project Identifier Unit Types Density Bonus Law
Applications
11 Housing Development Applications Submitted
Proposed Units - Affordability by Household Incomes
Agenda Item No. 6.C.

Attachment 2
Agenda Packet Page 57 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Year 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Planning
Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Table A2
2 3 5 6
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Unit Category
(SFA,SFD,2 to
4,5+,ADU,MH)
Tenure
R=Renter
O=Owner
Acutely LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Acutely LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Extremely
Low- Income
Deed
Restricted
Extremely
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome
Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Entitlement
Date Approved
# of Units
issued
Entitlements
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 503421005 615 NORVELL ST
UNIT A BD23-0263 ADU R
0 502113010 1736 LEXINGTON
AVE BD23-0621 ADU R
0 503202016 1009 EVERETT ST
UNIT A BD23-0951 ADU R
0 0
503241026 925 RICHMOND
ST BD23-0986 SFD O 0
504050012 515 RICHMOND
ST BD24-0423 5+ R
0 503365028 744 NORVELL ST BD24-0762 ADU R
0 505383015 8521
BUCKINGHAM DR BD24-0865 ADU R
0 503040001 6626 MANILA AVE BD24-1093 ADU R
0 504182031 321 CORONADO
ST UNIT A BD24-1131 ADU R
0 500260021 2538 TULARE AVE BD24-1135 ADU R
0 510014011 3416 YOSEMITE
AVE BD25-0368 SFD O
0 503364020 715 CLAYTON AVE BD25-0370 ADU R
0 500050029 2644 YUBA Ave
UNIT A BD25-0413 ADU R
0 504251021 214 RAMONA AVE BD25-0413 ADU R
0 503490013 7227 HOTCHKISS
AVE BD25-0715 ADU R 0
503292021 7415 TERRACE
DR BD25-0721 ADU R 0
500272008 2509 TULARE AVE BD25-0813 ADU R 0
503272013 7201 WALDO AVE
UNIT A 24-0003 ADU R 0
502112038 1717 ELM ST BD18-0782 5+ R 0
503321028 7630 TERRACE
DR BD20-0017 ADU R 0
504072030 538 NORVELL ST BD20-0382 ADU R 0
505262047 8190 TERRACE
DR BD22-0668 ADU R 0
503020007 6415 SCHMIDT LN BD22-0827 ADU R 0
503130016 6530 SCHMIDT LN BD22-0829 ADU R 0
503130016 6540 SCHMIDT LN BD22-1431 ADU R 0
501201009 2210 HUMBOLDT
AVE UNIT A BD23-0314 ADU R 0
504226014 19 POMONA AVE
UNIT A BD23-0423 ADU R 0
505273009 868 GELSTON PL
UNIT A BD23-0736 ADU R 0
509080005 6250 CYPRESS
AVE UNIT A BD23-0757 ADU R 0
503330004 751 BALRA DR
UNIT A BD23-1065 ADU R 0
504242020 320 POMONA AVE
UNIT A BD24-0039 ADU R 0
505282009 715 GELSTON PL BD24-0077 ADU R 0
505273019 845 BATES AVE
UNIT A BD24-0089 ADU R 0
503236001 6322 WALDO AVE BD24-0661 ADU R 0
500380020 2437 EDWARDS
AVE BD24-0886 ADU R 0
505421027 1544 Madera Cir PL25-0011 SFD O 1 8/14/2025 1 505421027 1544 Madera Cir PL25-0011 ADU R 2 8/14/2025 2 502113027 1735 LIBERTY ST PL25-0027 2 to 4 R 2 9/3/2025 2 502113027 1735 LIBERTY ST PL25-0027 2 to 4 R 1 9/3/2025 1 0 0
0 1
Unit Types Affordability by Household Incomes - Completed Entitlement 4 Project Identifier
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - New Construction, Entitled, Permits and Completed Units Agenda Packet Page 58 of 215
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
8 9
Acutely LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Acutely LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Extremely
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Extremely
LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome
Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Building
Permits Date
Issued
# of Units Issued
Building Permits
Acutely LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Acutely LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Extremely
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Extremely
LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Deed
Restricted
LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
0 0 0 0 35 4 34 4 0 4 5 86 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2
1 3/27/2025 1
1 12/18/2025 1
1 1/9/2025 1
0 1 4/2/2025 1
35 34 1 11/24/2025 70
1 3/4/2025 1 1
1 1/27/2025 1 1
1 2/24/2025 1 1
1 3/26/2025 1
1 1/21/2025 1
1 7/24/2025 1
1 6/9/2025 1
1 7/1/2025 1
1 7/1/2025 1
1 12/10/2025 1
1 8/6/2025 1
1 11/10/2025 1
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 Affordability by Household Incomes - Building Permits Affordability by Household Incomes - Certificates of Occupancy 7 10
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Agenda Packet Page 59 of 215
Streamlining Historic Sites Infill
Housing without
Financial Assistance or
Deed Restrictions
Term of
Affordability or
Deed Restriction
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
ModerateIncome
Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Certificates of
Occupancy or other
forms of readiness
(see instructions)
Date Issued
# of Units
issued
Certificates of
Occupancy or
other forms of
readiness
Please select the
state
streamlining
provision the
project was

APPROVED
pursuant to.
(may select
multiple)
Is this project
located on a site
with an
associated
historical
designation as
outlined in
Government
Code Section
65400(a)(2)(N)
and reported on
Table L?
Infill Units?
Y/N+
Assistance
Programs for Each
Development
(may select multiple
- see instructions)
Deed Restriction
Type
(may select
multiple - see
instructions)
For units affordable
without financial
assistance or deed
restrictions, explain how
the locality determined the
units were affordable
(see instructions)
Term of Affordability
or Deed Restriction
(years) (if affordable in
perpetuity enter 1000)+
Number of
Demolished/Destroy
ed Units
Demolished
or Destroyed
Units
Demolished/
Destroyed
Units
Owner or
Renter
Total Density Bonus
Applied to the Project
(Percentage Increase in
Total Allowable Units or
Total Maximum Allowable
Residential Gross Floor
Area)
0 0 37 40 0
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 0 NONE No Y
0 NONE No Y AHSC, RDA, IIG Other
7/16/2025 1 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
5/8/2025 1 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
9/15/2025 1 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
ADU affordability was assigned
using ABAG Technical Memo
(https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/file
s/documents/2026-02/APR-andADU-affordability-update-forjurisdictions2026.pdf?cb=20d85c66): 30% Very Low, 30% Low, 30% Moderate, and
10% above Moderate.
0 NONE No Y
0 NONE No Y
0 NONE No Y
1 7/3/2025 1 NONE No Y
14 9/4/2025 14 NONE No Y
1 7/3/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 4/16/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 11/26/2025 1 NONE No Y
7 3/6/2025 7 NONE No Y
1 7/2/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 7/2/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 8/22/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 11/12/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 5/12/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 1/29/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 6/17/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 1/15/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 2/27/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 2/25/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 5/7/2025 1 NONE No Y
1 8/6/2025 1 NONE No Y
0 NONE No Y
0 NONE No Y
0 NONE No Y
0 NONE No Y
0 0
0 ehold Incomes - Certificates of Occupancy Housing with Financial Assistance and/or Deed Restrictions Demolished/Destroyed Units
Agenda Packet Page 60 of 215
Notes
22 23 24 25
Number of Other
Incentives,
Concessions,
Waivers, or Other
Modifications Given
to the Project
(Excluding Parking
Waivers or Parking
Reductions)
List the
incentives,
concessions,
waivers, and
modifications
(Excluding
Parking Waivers
or Parking
Modifications)
Did the project
receive a reduction or
waiver of parking
standards? (Y/N)
Notes+
Affordable units are
being provided due to the
negotiations between the
Devloper and BART to
devlop BART surface
parking.

Density Bonus
Agenda Packet Page 61 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Planning Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
1 Projection
Period 3 4
RHNA Allocation
by Income Level
Projection
Period -
06/30/2022-
01/30/2023
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Total Units to
Date (all
years)
Total Remaining
RHNA by
Income Level
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - 15 - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - 29 35 - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - 7 4 - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - 24 34 - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - 7 4 - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - 7 4 - - - - - -
Above Moderate 624 14 50 7 5 - - - - - - 76 548
1,391
14 50 96 86 - - - - - - 246 1,145
Income Level
Very Low
15 -
This table is auto-populated once you enter your jurisdiction name and current year data. Past year information comes from previous APRs.

Please contact HCD if your data is different than the material supplied here 2 Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
244
11 Moderate
334
192
241
69 90
Please note: The APR form can only display data for one planning period. To view progress for a different planning period, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected].

Acutely Low - -
*For years prior to 2025, data on deed-restricted vs. non-deed restricted Extremely Low-Income units is approximated from whether the projects reported any deed-restricted Very Low-Income Units. If you wish to edit this historical data for accuracy or have any questions about the data, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected].

Total Units
*For jurisdictions that received RHNA determinations for the current cycle prior to the passage of AB 3093 (September 19, 2024):
- You were not allocated Acutely Low-Income and Extremely Low-Income RHNA targets, therefore the allocations in Field 1 are listed as "0" - If you wish to set your own targets in these income categories for informational purposes, contact HCD staff at [email protected]. - All Acutely Low-Income and Extremely Low-Income units reported during the cycle are counted towards Very-Low Income RHNA progress 230
Total RHNA
-
123
Low
*For years prior to 2025, Acutely Low-Income units are reported within the Extremely Low-Income category Please Note: Table B does not currently contain data from Table F or Table F2 for prior years. You may login to the APR system to see Table B that contains this data.

Extremely Low -
Agenda Packet Page 62 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Planning Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Date of
Rezone Rezone Type
2 4 5 6 7 9 10 11
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Date of
Rezone
Very LowIncome Low-Income ModerateIncome
Above
ModerateIncome
Rezone Type Parcel Size
(Acres)
General Plan
Designation Zoning
Minimum
Density
Allowed
Maximum
Density
Allowed
Realistic
Capacity
Vacant/Nonvacant
Description of
Existing Uses
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
3 8
Project Identifier RHNA Shortfall by Household Income Category Sites Description 1 Sites Identified or Rezoned to Accommodate Shortfall Housing Need and No Net-Loss Law Table C
Agenda Packet Page 63 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Name of Program Objective
Projected Completion
Date in Housing
Element
Applicable Cycle Status of Program
Implementation Program Implementation Details Quantified Outcomes: Category Quantified Outcomes:

Count Supporting Documents
H-1.A Maintain Sites Inventory Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous The City continues to update a spreadsheet that includes a current inventory of Housing Element sites. This spreadsheet is used by all planners processing entitlements to compare actual unit count by income level to assumptions in the inventory to ensure compliance with "no-net-loss" zoning requirements in Government Code Section 65863.

Other 1 Contact Diego Romero
([email protected])
H-1.B
Promote Mixed-use Development and
Amenities in San Pablo Avenue
Specific Plan Area (no discrete
actions)
23-Aug 6th Cycle Continuous
In 2025, the City issued a building permit for the construction of a 70 unit affordable residential development that is one of 6 buildings approved as part of the Master Plan for the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The City continued performing inspections on a 69 unit affordable residential development adjacent to the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station that is nearing completion. The City continued efforts towards the completion of the El Cerrito del Norte Complete Streets Improvement Project that includes numerous bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The City continued efforts on the "BART to Bay Trail" project to create an eastwest bicycle corridor along Central Avenue that would connect El Cerrito Plaza BART station and the I-80 / Central Avenue undercrossing, where any envisioned bikeway would connect with a new Caltrans bicycle facility beneath I-80 which is fully funded and scheduled to start construction in 2026.

In 2024, the City also approved a Tier II Design Review application for a proposed 305 residential unit building at 1711-1755 Eastshore Blvd. and also received two design review applications and one SB 35 preliminary application for a total of three proposed new multifamily residential buildings pursuant to the City's streamlined review process in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan.

In addition, the City submitted a grant application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission pursuant to the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program. The tasks in this grant application include increasing the minimum and maximum residential densities of certain properties within a half mile of the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and the Del Norte BART Station.

Units
https://www.elcerrito.gov/1381/TransitOriented-Development-TOD https://www.elcerrito.gov/1616/11690-SanPablo-Avenue-Elora-Apartmentshttps://sites.google.com/view/transforming delnorte/home
H-1.C Accessory Dwelling Unit Tools and
Resources
Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous
In 2025, City staff in conjunction with a consultant drafted amendments to the City's ADU ordinance to maintain compliance with ever evolving State ADU law. City staff anticipate this amended ADU ordinance will be adopted in 2026.

In 2025, City staff continued to assist members of the public with ADU questions and continued to point them to resources provided on the City's ADU webpage.

In 2025, the City issued 15 building permits for ADUs.

Units 15 https://www.elcerrito.gov/1710/AccessoryDwelling-Units H-1.D Objective Design Standards Dec-24 6th Cycle In Progress In 2025, the City recevied a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission pursuant to the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program. One of the tasks in this grant is the creation of Objective Design Standards. In 2025, MTC selected a consultant to assist the City with this grant. Work on the grant and development of Objective Design Standards will commence in 2026.

Other
https://mtc.ca.gov/sites/default/files/meetings/
attachments/6219/7aiii_25_0129_Attachment
_B_Summary_TOC_Project_Award_Recom
mendations.pdf
H-1.E Zoning to Expand Housing Choice in
Single-family Neighborhoods
2025-2028 6th Cycle In Progress
In 2025, the City along with a consultant adopted an update to the City's General Plan Safety Element. As part of this effort, the City explored conducting fire risk evaluation and development mitigation program to allow more devlopment in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone of the City.

In 2025, City staff confirmed with the City Attorney that the City now allows ministerial lot splits pursuant to SB 9 in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone due to clarifying amendments to Government Code Section 65913.4(b)(6)(D) and due to the City adopting ECMC Ch.

8.30 (Fire Hazard Severity Zones...) in 2025.

In 2025, the City received a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission pursuant to the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program. The scope of work for this grant application includes increasing the minimum and maximum allowable density of undeveloped residentially zoned properties within a half mile of the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and of the del Norte BART Station. Work on this grant will commence in 2026.

Units
https://library.municode.com/ca/el_cerrito/cod
es/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8HESA_
CH8.30FIHASEZODESPHOHARE
H-1.F Facilitate Development of Pipeline
Projects
Aug-23 6th Cycle In Progress
In 2025, the City adopted Project Kick Start that reduced inclusionary housing in-lieu fees, tranportation impact fees, and open space in-lieu fees for major projects with complete building permit applications.

In 2025, the City issued a Certificate of Occupancy for a 14 unit multifamily residential building with 2 below market-rate units at 1717 Elm St. In 2025, the City issued a building permit for the construction of a 70 unit affordable residential development at 515 Richmond Street that is one of 6 buildings approved as part of the Master Plan for the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The City continued performing inspections on a 69 unit affordable residential development adjacent to the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station at 11690 San Pablo Avenue that is nearing completion.

Units 14 https://elcerritoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/5 84/files/attachment/4156
H-1.G SB 35 Ministerial Approval Procedure Jun-24 6th Cycle Completed An SB 35 submittal checklist is avaible for applicants. Other 1 https://www.elcerrito.gov/200/ApplicationForms-and-Checklists H-1.H Monitor Land Use Controls Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous The City has developed an internal tracking spreadsheet to track specific land use controls that developers are seeking exceptions from. Other 1 None H-2.A Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Dec-24 6th Cycle In Progress In January 2025, the City awarded a contract to Strategic Economics to prepare a financing and implementation strategy in order to evaluate/identify policy opportunities/constraints as it pertains to our inclusionary ordinance. The City adopted its ordinance in 2018 and due to current market conditions has not yet issued any building permits for projects subject to inclusionary zoning. This analysis is on track to be completed in Spring 2026.

Units 110
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.a
spx?id=122237&repo=r1179b414&searchid=5b0e2b85-b773-425d9668-addae65ee5a7 H-2.B Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Priorities
Dec-24 6th Cycle In Progress In 2025, City staff also began working with Strategic Economics to identify affordable housing funding priorities and this report is slated to be completed in Spring 2026.

Units 84
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.a
spx?id=126561&repo=r1179b414&searchid=c386a89d-7997-4de2- a9d6-ba7b9590cad9
H-2.C New Local Sources of Affordable
Housing Funding
Dec-25 6th Cycle In Progress
In January 2025, the City awarded a contract to Strategic Economics to update the City's Affordable Housing Implementation Strategy. This scope includes potential local affordable housing funding sources i Other
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.a
spx?id=122237&repo=r1179b414&searchid=5b0e2b85-b773-425d9668-addae65ee5a7 H-2.D Assist in Affordable Housing
Development
Aug-23 6th Cycle In Progress
In Spring 2025, Phase I (Parcel A-South) of the El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD recevied $3M from Contra Costa County, Measure X funding and TCAC/CDLAC allocation.

In 2025, the City Council authorized a predevelopment loan in the amount of $350,000 to advance Phase II (Parcel C-East) of the El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD for 84 affordable housing units. For Phase II, City staff also partnered with Related California to apply for $42.3M to the State's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program, Round 9. The City also provided a letter of support for an application to the Contra Costa County Department of Housing and Conservation for Phase II that was not awarded.

In 2025, the City was notified that it was not awarded Round 3 of the Prohousing Incentive Program.

Units 70
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.a
spx?id=126558&repo=r1179b414&searchid=8dd0adbf-7369-461d8e2e-92b344c64acf https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.a
spx?id=126561&repo=r1179b414&searchid=c386a89d-7997-4de2- a9d6-ba7b9590cad9
H-2.E Develop Mixed Income Housing and
Amenities on BART Lands
Aug-23 6th Cycle In Progress
The City has established a main point of contact with BART, and the City meets regularly with BART Staff regarding the devlopment of housing at the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station. See Program H-1.B for updates on the El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD project.

In 2025, City staff had multiple meeting with BART staff to begin development of the goals and objectives for development of the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station.

Units https://www.elcerrito.gov/1381/TransitOriented-Development-TOD H-2.F Coordinate Transportation Projects
with Affordable Housing
Aug-23 6th Cycle In Progress
IN 2025, City staff partnered with Related California to submit a grant application to the State's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program for to help finance one of the six buildings approved in the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Transit Oriented Development (Parcel C-East) and $3.5 million for active transportation infrastructure. Despite scoring very competitively, this project was not awarded the grant.

Other https://www.elcerrito.gov/1381/TransitOriented-Development-TOD H-2.G Shelter and Housing Solutions for
Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Nov-23 6th Cycle Continuous
In 2025, the City authorized a contract with Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services for the Coordinated Outreach Referral Engagement (CORE) Program. CORE works on the frontline providing homeless outreach services to the El Cerrito community. In addition, the City amended its funding allocation to Housing Security Fund from $15K to $25K annually to cover gaps in services for persons who are currently experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness for the purpose of rapidly housing or diverting persons from homelessness and the emergency shelter system.

Other
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.a
spx?id=125899&repo=r1179b414&searchid=d0a5f4d6-b747-425d8854-c686c3f7027b https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.a
spx?id=139145&repo=r1179b414&searchid=63f77eee-6082-4304- b20b-e7ea2a41e621
H-2.H Zoning Amendments for Special
Needs Housing
Jun-24 6th Cycle In Progress
In 2025, City staff hired a consultant to draft these zoning amendments.

CIty staff anticipate that the City Council will adopt these zoning amendments in Spring 2026.

Other None
H-2.I State Density Bonus Jun-24 6th Cycle In Progress
In 2025, City staff hired a consultant to draft these zoning amendments.

CIty staff anticipate that the City Council will adopt these zoning amendments in Spring 2026.

Other None
H-2.J Affordable Housing and Places of
Assessmbly
Dec-26 6th Cycle Not Yet Started
In 2025, City staff hired a consultant to draft a variety of zoning amendments. This is an optional task in the consultant's contract. City staff anticipate exploring this further in 2026.

Other None
H-2.K Infrastructure Priority for Affordable
Housing
Sep-23 6th Cycle Completed
The City has sent a copy of the Housing Element with a cover memo, explaining the requirements of Government Code Section 65589.7, to East Bay Municipal Utility District and to Stege Sanitary District.

Other 1 None
H-3.A Residential Rental Inspection Program Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous The Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP) continued in 2024. 36 initial RRIP inspections and 50 reinspections were conducted in 2024. Other https://www.elcerrito.gov/563/ResidentialRental-Inspection-Program H-3.B
Continue to encourage the
rehabilitation of existing housing
units
Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous The City continues to promote the rehabiltation of existing housing units through our Neighborhood Preservation Program. Units 3 -

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Housing Programs Progress Report
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.

Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583 Agenda Packet Page 64 of 215
H-3.C Tenant Protections Dec-24 6th Cycle Continuous
In January 2025, the City awarded a contract to Strategic Economics to update the City's Affordable Housing Implementation Strategy. This scope includes tenant protections.This analysis is on track to be completed in Spring 2026.

The City evalautes the Rent Registry data annually which is posted online.

Other www.elcerrito.gov/rentregistry
H-3.D Continue to maintain a database of
assisted housing units
Dec-23 6th Cycle Continuous The City continues monitor the affordable housing portfolio and the projects are posted on the City's website. Other https://elcerrito.gov/625/Affordable-Housing-inEl-Cerrito H-3.E
Direct City investments in ways that
serve to maintain older residential
neighborhoods and transform low and
moderate resource areas into areas of
opportunity
Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous
In 2025, the City continued work on the del Norte TOD Complete Streets Improvement Project. The project consists of improvements for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users and motorists to support transitoriented development in the Uptown area of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan. The project area is in a low resource area. Key elements of the project include:
- New and enhanced protected crosswalks
- Context-sensitive bikeways
- Bus boarding islands
- Vehicle circulation improvements
- Various streetscape enhancements around and leading to the Del Norte BART Station
Other https://sites.google.com/view/transformingdeln
orte/home
H-3.F Seismic Retrofit Program Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous The CIty has contracted with California Public Policy Group to support grant writing. CPPG works closely with the City to monitor funding opportunites on a quarterly basis.

Other https://elcerritoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/5 04/files/report/1004
H-4.A
Continue to distribute information
about fair housing services offered by
the Contra Costa Housing Services
Collaborative, including tenantlandlord counseling, fair housing services, and legal advice and
representation for residents.

Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous The City continues to distribute this information to the public via email newsletters, City website, and flyers at City Hall. Other 1 www.elcerrito.gov/AffordableHousing.

H-4.B Review and update Reasonable
Accommodation Ordinance
Dec-26 6th Cycle In Progress
In 2025, City staff hired a consultant to draft these zoning amendments.

CIty staff anticipate that the City Council will adopt these zoning amendments in Spring 2026.

Other None
H-4.C Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Program
Dec-24 6th Cycle Continuous The City continues to partner with the Housing Authority to encourage HCV particpation.

Units 140
www.elcerrito.govCommDevEvents
H-4.D Community Opportunity to Purchase
Act
Jul-26 6th Cycle Not Yet Started The City expects to start this effort in 2025. Other - H-4.E Home Match Contra Costa Mar-27 6th Cycle Continuous The City met with Home Match staff in 2024 to discuss their programs and expanded partnership opportunities. The City contiues to post/publish Home Match housing opportunites.

Units 4
www.elcerrito.gov/AffordableHousing.

H-4.F Community Engagement and Capacity
Building
Dec-25 6th Cycle In Progress
In 2025, the City hired a consultant to provide interpretation services for more than 75 languages for any public inquiries needing translation.

In 2025, prepared outreach materials in multiple languages for the City's General Plan Safety Element Update community outreach effort.

Other None
H-5.A Partnerships for Energy and Water
Efficiency
Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous
The City adhers to the the CA Green, Energy and Plumning Codes. The City participates in and promotes MCE's Deep Green plan which provides customers with 100% renewable energy.

Other None
H-5.B
Marketing strategy to encourage
resident participation in energy and
water efficiency programs
Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous
The City encourages the use of efficient and all electric appliances instead of natural gas, on City handouts where it is relevant. The City participates in and promotes MCE's Deep Green plan which provides customers with 100% renewable energy.

Other None
H-5.C Develop and/or Pursue Funding for
Energy Efficiency Programs
Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous
The City developed a rebate program for energy efficiency and water conservation improvements as part of the adoption of the City's real property transfer tax. The City continues to pursue funding for energy effiency proframs, when available.

Other None
H-5.D
Encourage homeowners to undertake
energy and water conservation
projects that save energy, lower costs
and protect the environment
Aug-23 6th Cycle Continuous
The City's transfer tax rebate program provides financial incentives for property owners to make energy efficiency and water conservation improvements.

Other None
Agenda Packet Page 65 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting
Period 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Planning 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Description of
Commercial
Development Bonus
Commercial Development Bonus
Date Approved
3 4
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Very Low
Income
Low
Income
Moderate
Income
Above Moderate
Income
Description of
Commercial
Development Bonus
Commercial Development Bonus
Date Approved
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Units Constructed as Part of Agreement
Commercial Development Bonus Approved pursuant to GC Section 65915.7 Table E
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Project Identifier
1 2
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation
formulas
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Annual Progress Report January 2020
Agenda Packet Page 66 of 215
The description should adequately document
how each unit complies with subsection (c) of
Government Code Section 65583.1
+
.

For detailed reporting requirements, see the
chcklist here:

Extremely LowIncome+Very LowIncome+ Low-Income+ TOTAL UNITS+Extremely LowIncome+Very LowIncome+ Low-Income+TOTAL UNITS+
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/communitydevelopment/docs/adequate-sites-checklist.pdf Rehabilitation Activity
Preservation of Units At-Risk
Acquisition of Units
Mobilehome Park Preservation
Total Units by Income
Please note this table is optional: The jurisdiction can use this table to report units that have been substantially rehabilitated, converted from non-affordable to affordable by acquisition, and preserved, including mobilehome park preservation, consistent with the standards set forth in Government Code section 65583.1, subdivision (c). Please note, motel, hotel, hostel rooms or other structures that are converted from non-residential to residential units pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c)(1)(D) are considered net-new housing units and must be reported in Table A2 and not reported in Table F.

Activity Type
Units that Do Not Count Towards RHNA+
Listed for Informational Purposes Only
Units that Count Towards RHNA +
Note - Because the statutory requirements severely limit what can be counted, please contact HCD at [email protected] and we will unlock the form which enable you to populate these fields.

Annual Progress Report January 2020
Agenda Packet Page 67 of 215
Planning
Period El Cerrito ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Note: "+" indicates an
optional field
Reporting
Period 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas Planning
Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Notes
2 3 6
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID
Unit
Category
(2 to 4,5+)
Tenure
R=Renter
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome
Non Deed
Restricted
Low- Income Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total Moderate Income
Units Converted from
Above Moderate
Date
Converted
Notes
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table F2
Above Moderate Income Units Converted to Moderate Income Pursuant to Government Code section 65400.2 For up to 25 percent of a jurisdiction’s moderate-income regional housing need allocation, the planning agency may include the number of units in an existing multifamily building that were converted to deed-restricted rental housing for moderate-income households by the imposition of affordability covenants and restrictions for the unit. Before adding information to this table, please ensure housing developments meet the requirements described in Government Code 65400.2(b). 5 Project Identifier Unit Types
1 4
Affordability by Household Incomes After Conversion Units credited toward Moderate Income RHNA
Agenda Packet Page 68 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito
Reporting
Period 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31)
Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031 ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Housing Element Implementation
2 3 4
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Realistic
Capacity
Identified in the
Housing
Element
Entity to whom the site
transferred Intended Use for Site
1 Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Table G
Locally Owned Lands Included in the Housing Element Sites Inventory that have been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of Project Identifier
element sites inventory contains a site which is or was owned by the reporting jurisdiction, and has been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of during the reporting
year.

Agenda Packet Page 69 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting
Period 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31)
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation
formulas
Designation Size Notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
APN Street Address/Intersection Existing Use Number of
Units
Surplus
Designation
Parcel Size (in
acres) Notes
NOTE: This table must contain an inventory
of ALL surplus/excess lands the reporting
jurisdiction owns
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Parcel Identifier

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Table H
Locally Owned Surplus Sites
Agenda Packet Page 70 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting
Period 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31) Housing Element Implementation
Planning
Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
Project Type Date
Units
(Beds/Student
Capacity) Granted
Notes
2 3 5 6
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Unit Category
(SH - Student Housing) Date
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed
Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Total Additional
Beds Created Due
to Density Bonus
Notes
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Table J
Student housing development for lower income students for which was granted a density bonus pursuant to subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 65915 Project Identifier Units (Beds/Student Capacity) Approved 1 4
NOTE: STUDENT HOUSING WITH DENSITY BONUS
ONLY. This table only needs to be completed if there
were student housing projects WITH a density bonus
approved pursuant to Government Code65915(b)(1)(F)
Annual Progress Report January 2020
Agenda Packet Page 71 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Period 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Planning Period 6th Cycle 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2031
No
Table K
Tenant Preference Policy
Local governments are required to inform HCD about any local tenant preference ordinance the local government maintains when the jurisdiction submits their annual progress report on housing approvals and production Code 7061 (SB 649, 2022, Cortese). Effective January 1, 2023, local governments adopting a tenant preference are required to create a webpage on their internet website containing authorizing local ordinance and suppo more than 90 days after the ordinance becomes operational.

Does the Jurisdiction have a local tenant preference policy? If the jurisdiction has a local tenant preference policy, provide a link to the jurisdiction's webpage containing authorizing local ordinance and supporting materials.

Notes
Agenda Packet Page 72 of 215
on housing approvals and production, per Government
uthorizing local ordinance and supporting materials, no Agenda Packet Page 73 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting
Period 2025
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31)
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation
formulas
Size Notes
3 4
APN Street Address/Intersection Date of
Designation
Designation
Level
Historic Site
Period
Areas of
Significance
Parcel Size (in
acres) Notes
Summary Row:

NOTE: This table needs to be completed with any sites within your jurisdiction that were newly added to a National, State, or Local register of historic places within the reporting year. If none, leave blank.

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Table L
Historical Resources
Parcel Identifier
1 Designation
2 Agenda Packet Page 74 of 215
Jurisdiction El Cerrito
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Total Award Amount Total award amount is auto-populated based on amounts entered in rows 15-26.

Task $ Amount Awarded $ Cumulative Reimbursement Requested Other Funding
Notes
HE 2023-2031: Project
Admin. $ 20,249.00 $ 20,249.00 Other Winter 2021 - Fall 2023 HE 2023-2031: Community
Engagement $ 12,253.00 $ 12,253.00 Other Spring 2022 - Summer 2023 HE 2023-2031:Draft HE
Preparation $ 65,426.00 $ 65,426.00 Other Spring 2022 - Summer 2023 HE 2023-2031: HCD Review $ 27,680.00 $ 27,680.00 Other Fall 2022 - Summer 2023 HE 2023-2031: Environmental Compliance $ 11,520.00 $ 11,520.00 Other Spring 2022 - Summer 2023 HE 2023-2031: Final Documents & Adoption $ 3,606.00 $ 3,606.00 Other Summer 2023 Technology Upgrade $ 9,266.00 $ 9,266.00 Other Summer 2021 Summary of entitlements, building permits, and certificates of occupancy (auto-populated from Table A2) Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
6 6
Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 35
Non-Deed Restricted 4
Deed Restricted 34
Non-Deed Restricted 4
Acutely Low
Extremely Low

ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Reporting
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Completed
Please update the status of the proposed uses listed in the entity’s application for funding and the corresponding impact on housing within the region or jurisdiction, as applicable, categorized based on the eligible uses specified in Section 50515.02 or 50515.03, as applicable. $ 150,000.00
Task Status
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed Entitlement Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Total Units
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Acutely Low
Extremely Low
Agenda Packet Page 75 of 215
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 4
5 86
Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 1
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 2
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
37 40
Acutely Low
Extremely Low
Total Units
Certificate of Occupancy Issued by Affordability Summary Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Moderate
Above Moderate
Total Units
Agenda Packet Page 76 of 215
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319\31\4176294.1

HOUSING SUCCESSOR ANNUAL REPORT

REGARDING THE

LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING ASSET FUND
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025

PURSUANT TO
CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 34176.1(F)

FOR THE

CITY OF EL CERRITO HOUSING SUCCESSOR
This Housing Successor Annual Report (Report) regarding the Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) has been prepared pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 34176.1(f). This Report sets forth certain details of the City of El Cerrito (Housing Successor) activities during Fiscal Year 2024/2025 (Fiscal Year). The purpose of this Report is to provide the governing body of the Housing Successor an annual report on the housing assets and activities of the Housing Successor under Part 1.85, Division 24 of the California Health and Safety Code, in particular sections 34176 and 34176.1 (Dissolution Law).

The following Report is based upon information prepared by Housing Successor staff and information contained within the independent financial audit of the Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, or ACFR) for the Fiscal Year as prepared by Chavan & Associates, LLP (Auditor), which Audit is separate from this annual summary Report; further, this Report conforms with and is organized into sections I. through XI., inclusive, pursuant to Section 34176.1(f) of the Dissolution Law:

I. Amounts Received and Deposited Pursuant to 34191.4(b)(3)(A): This section provides the total amount of funds paid to the City and the amount deposited into the LMIHAF allocable to 20% of the repayments on reinstated City/Agency loans per Section 34191.4.

II. Amount Deposited into LMIHAF: This section provides the total amount of funds deposited into the LMIHAF during the Fiscal Year. Any amounts deposited for items listed on the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) must be distinguished from the other amounts deposited.

III. Ending Balance of LMIHAF: This section provides a statement of the balance in the LMIHAF as of the close of the Fiscal Year. Any amounts deposited for items listed on the ROPS must be distinguished from the other amounts deposited.

IV. Description of Expenditures from LMIHAF: This section provides a description of the expenditures made from the LMIHAF during the Fiscal Year. The expenditures are to be categorized.

Agenda Item No. 6.C.

Attachment 3
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V. Statutory Value of Assets Owned by Housing Successor: This section provides the statutory value of real property owned by the Housing Successor, the value of loans and grants receivables, and the sum of these two amounts.

VI. Description of Transfers: This section describes transfers, if any, to another housing successor agency made in previous Fiscal Year(s), including whether the funds are unencumbered and the status of projects, if any, for which the transferred LMIHAF will be used. The sole purpose of the transfers must be for the development of transit priority projects, permanent supportive housing, housing for agricultural employees or special needs housing.

VII. Projects Funded Through ROPS: This section describes any project for which the Housing Successor receives or holds property tax revenue pursuant to the ROPS and the status of that project.

VIII. Status of Compliance with Section 33334.16: This section provides a status update on compliance with Section 33334.16 for interests in real property acquired by the former Redevelopment Agency prior to February 1, 2012. For interests in real property acquired on or after February 1, 2012, this section provides a status update on the project.

IX. Description of Outstanding Obligations under Section 33413: This section describes the outstanding inclusionary and replacement housing obligations, if any, under Section 33413 that remained outstanding prior to dissolution of the former Redevelopment Agency as of February 1, 2012 along with the Housing Successor’s progress in meeting those prior obligations, if any, of the former Redevelopment Agency and how the Housing Successor’s plans to meet unmet obligations, if any.

X. Income Test: This section provides the information required by Section 34176.1(a)(3)(B), or a description of expenditures by income restriction for five year period, with the time period beginning January 1, 2019 and whether the statutory thresholds have been met. This information is not required to be reported until 2029 for the 5-year period of FY 2024/25 through FY 2028/29.

XI. Senior Housing Test: This section provides the percentage of units of deed-restricted rental housing restricted to seniors and assisted individually or jointly by the Housing Successor, its former Redevelopment Agency, and its host jurisdiction within the previous 10 years in relation to the aggregate number of units of deed-restricted rental housing assisted individually or jointly by the Housing Successor, its former Redevelopment Agency and its host jurisdiction within the same time period. For this Report the ten-year period reviewed is July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2025.

XII. Excess Surplus Test: This section provides the amount of excess surplus in the LMIHAF, if any, and the length of time that the Housing Successor has had excess surplus, and the Housing Successor’s plan for eliminating the excess surplus.

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XIII. Inventory of Homeownership Units: This section provides a summary of covenanted homeownership units assisted by the former Redevelopment Agency or the housing successor that include an equity sharing and repayment provisions, including (a) number of units; (b) number of units lost to the portfolio in the last fiscal year and the reason for those losses, and (c) any funds returned to the housing successor pursuant to losses or repayments.

This Report is to be provided to the Housing Successor’s governing body. In addition, this Report, ACFR and the former Redevelopment Agency’s pre-dissolution Implementation Plans are to be made available to the public on the City’s website.

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I. AMOUNTS RECEIVED AND DEPOSITED PURSUANT TO 34191.4(B)(3)(A) The former Redevelopment Agency and City did not enter into any loans that are to be repaid.

II. AMOUNT DEPOSITED INTO LMIHAF
A total of $26,251 was deposited into the LMIHAF during the Fiscal Year. The deposits are allocated as follows:

FY 2024/25
Totals
% of
Total
Loan Payments $0 0%
Interest Payments 26,251 100%
Misc. Revenue 0%
Loan Payments for item listed on the ROPS1 0 0%
Total LMIHAF Deposits2 $26,251 100%
III. ENDING BALANCE OF LMIHAF
At the close of the Fiscal Year, the ending balance in the LMIHAF was $6,960,3073, of which $105,410 is available.4 There are no ROPS items included in the ending balance.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF EXPENDITURES FROM LMIHAF
The following is a description of expenditures from the LMIHAF by category:

FY 2024/25
Monitoring & Administration Expenditures $14,746
Homeless Prevention & Rapid Rehousing Services Expenditures $0 Housing Development Expenditures5
➢ Expenditures on Moderate Income Units $0
➢ Expenditures on Low Income Units 0
➢ Expenditures on Very-Low Income Units 0
➢ Expenditures on Extremely-Low Income Units 0
Total Housing Development Expenditures $0
Total LMIHAF Expenditures $14,746
1 The final SERAF payment of $167,275 was deposited in FY 2019/20. 2 Expressed as cash and does not include accrued interest income, unrealized gain on investment, and accrued interest on notes receivables. Difference in values from the ACFR is due to rounding. 3 Reflects the Ending Asset Balance consisting of Cash and Investments ($455,410), Interest Receivable ($1,459,788), and Loans Receivable ($5,045,108) as reported in the FY 24/25 ACFR. Does not include Liabilities or Deferred Inflows of Resources.
4 Refers only to cash available and excludes nonspendable portion of fund balance such as deposits and accounts payable, land and improvements held for resale.

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The Housing Successor is allowed to spend up to the greater of $263,1006 or 5% of the value of the Housing Assets Portfolio (defined and calculated in Section V), which totals $325,245, on Monitoring and Administration Expenditures. The Housing Successor expended approximately 5% of the maximum allowable $325,245 for Monitoring and Administration Expenditures, therefore the Housing Successor is in compliance.

V. STATUTORY VALUE OF ASSETS OWNED BY HOUSING SUCCESSOR IN LMIHAF Under the Dissolution Law and for purposes of this Report, the “statutory value of real property” means the value of properties formerly held by the former Redevelopment Agency as listed on the housing asset transfer schedule approved by the Department of Finance as listed in such schedule under Section 34176(a)(2), the value of the properties transferred to the Housing Successor pursuant to Section 34181(f), and the purchase price of property(ies) purchased by the Housing Successor. Further, the value of loans and grants receivable is included in these reported assets held in the LMIHAF.

The following provides the statutory value of assets owned by the Housing Successor.

As of End of
FY 2024/25
Statutory Value of Real Property Owned by Housing Successor $0 Value of Loans and Grants Receivables 6,504,896
Total Value of Housing Assets $6,504,896
VI. DESCRIPTION OF TRANSFERS
The Housing Successor did not make any LMIHAF transfers to other Housing Successor(s) under Section 34176.1(c)(2) during the Fiscal Year.

VII. PROJECTS FUNDED THROUGH ROPS
The Housing Successor does not receive or hold property tax revenue pursuant to the ROPS for projects.

VIII. STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 33334.16
Section 34176.1 provides that Section 33334.16 does not apply to interests in real property acquired by the Housing Successor on or after February 1, 2012; however, this Report presents a status update on the project related to such real property.

With respect to interests in real property acquired by the former Redevelopment Agency prior to February 1, 2012, the time periods described in Section 33334.16 shall be deemed to have 6 The expenditure cap is subject to annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) changes. In FY 2023-24 the HCD increased the expenditure cap to $263,100 based on changes to the CPI.

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commenced on the date that the Department of Finance approved the property as a housing asset in the LMIHAF; thus, as to real property acquired by the former Redevelopment Agency now held by the Housing Successor in the LMIHAF, the Housing Successor must initiate activities consistent with the development of the real property for the purpose for which it was acquired within five years of the date the DOF approved such property as a housing asset.

The Housing Successor no longer holds real property or housing asset(s) that were acquired prior to February 1, 2012.

IX. DESCRIPTION OF OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 33413 Replacement Housing: According to the 2010 – 2014 Implementation Plan for the former Redevelopment Agency, no Section 33413(a) replacement housing obligations were transferred to the Housing Successor.

Inclusionary / Production Housing. According to the 2010 – 2014 Implementation Plan for the former Redevelopment Agency, no Section 33413(b) inclusionary/production housing obligations were transferred to the Housing Successor.

The former Redevelopment Agency’s Implementation Plans are posted on the City’s website.

X. INCOME TARGETING TEST
Section 34176.1(a)(3)(A) states that all funds remaining after the monitoring and administrative and homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services expenditures must be used for the development of housing affordable to and occupied by households earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI), with at least 30% of these remaining funds expended for the development of rental housing affordable to and occupied by households earning 30% or less of the AMI and no more than 20% of these remaining funds expended for the development of housing affordable to and occupied by households earning between 60% and 80% of the AMI.

Every five years, starting January 1, 2014, the Housing Successor must demonstrate in the annual report that expenditures during the previous five-year period complied with these requirements.

If the Housing Successor fails to comply with the Extremely-Low Income requirement in any five-year period, then the Housing Successor must ensure that at least 50% of the funds remaining in the LMIHAF be expended on households earning 30% or less of the AMI until the Housing Successor demonstrates compliance with the Extremely-Low Income requirement.

If the Housing Successor exceeds the expenditure limit for households earning between 60% and 80% of the AMI in any five year report, the Housing Successor shall not expend any of the remaining funds for households earning between 60% and 80% of the AMI until the Housing Successor demonstrates compliance with this limitation in an annual report.

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For purposes of this calculation, “development” means new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation, substantial rehabilitation as defined in Section 33413, acquisition of long-term affordability covenants on multifamily units as described in Section 33413, or the preservation of an assisted housing development that is eligible for prepayment or termination or for which the expiration of rental restrictions is scheduled to occur within five years.

The FY 2023/24 report found the Housing Successor to be out of compliance with the Income Targeting Test for the period of FY 2019/20 through FY 2023/24 (Prior Reporting Period).

Therefore, this information is required to be reported in every subsequent annual report until the Successor has met all of the appropriate spending thresholds.

The following table provides the Successor’s progress towards meeting the income targeting test:

Reporting Periods
ExtremelyLow Income
(≤30% AMI)
LMIHAF
Expenditures
31% - 59% AMI
LMIHAF
Expenditures
60% - 80% AMI
LMIHAF
Expenditures
Total LMIHAF
Expenditures
Prior Reporting Period
FY 2019/20 – FY 2023/24 $173,583 $255,787 $270,630 $700,000 Current Reporting Period
FY 2024/25 $0 $0 $0 $0
FY 2025/26 - - - -
FY 2026/27 - - - -
FY 2027/28 - - - -
FY 2028/29 - - - -
Total LMIHAF Expended $173,583 $255,787 $270,630 $700,000 As % of Total
Expenditures 25% 37% 39% 100%
Minimum Requirements At Least 30% N/A At Most 20% N/A
As illustrated above, as of FY 24/25 the Successor has not expended sufficient LMIHAF towards the development of rental housing affordable to Extremely-Low Income households in order to meet the requirements of the Income Targeting Test. A description of future planned LMIHAF expenditures is as follows:
- On May 6, 2025, the City Council authorized a Predevelopment Loan Agreement in the amount of $350,000 with ECP Parcel C East Housing Partners, LP (Developer) for Phase II of El Cerrito Plaza located at 6671 Fairmount Avenue, also known as Parcel C East - El Cerrito Plaza BART Transit-Oriented Development (Development), to provide a predevelopment loan from the LMIHAF for the construction of 84 affordable housing units for family households earning between 30-60% AMI. The El Cerrito Plaza TOD Master Plan includes a total of 6 buildings that will provide 743 new housing units, 47% Agenda Packet Page 83 of 215
City of El Cerrito Page 8
319\31\4176294.1
of which will be affordable. Phase I, located at 515 Richmond Street, is a six-story 100% affordable housing project that includes 69 affordable units and broke ground in November 2025. The LMIHAF will be used for the development assist the extremely low income units in the development although the City is regulating other units as a condition of the funding, at which point the Housing Successor will be in compliance with the targeting requirements.

XI. SENIOR HOUSING TEST
The Housing Successor is to calculate the percentage of units of deed-restricted rental housing restricted to seniors and assisted by the Housing Successor, the former Redevelopment Agency and/or the City within the previous 10 years in relation to the aggregate number of units of deed-restricted rental housing assisted by the Housing Successor, the former Redevelopment Agency and/or City within the same time period. If this percentage exceeds 50%, then the Housing Successor cannot expend future funds in the LMIHAF to assist additional senior housing units until the Housing Successor or City assists and construction has commenced on a number of restricted rental units that is equal to 50% of the total amount of deed-restricted rental units.

The following summarizes the number of deed-restricted rental housing units produced by the former Redevelopment Agency and the Housing Successor over the past 10 years (July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2025):

Project Name
Year
Built
# of Senior
Units
# of NonSenior
Units
Total # of
Units
Ohlone Gardens 2015 0 56 56
Metro 510 (Creekside Walk) 2017/18 0 19 197
Hana Gardens 2019 62 0 62
Totals 62 75 137
The following provides the Housing Successor’s Senior Housing Test for the 10-year period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2025:

FY 2024/2025
# of Assisted Senior Rental Units 62
# of Total Assisted Rental Units 137
Senior Housing Percentage 45%
In Fiscal Year 2024/25 a total of 45% of deed-restricted rental housing units are restricted to seniors. Thus, the Housing Successor is in compliance with the Senior Housing Test requirement.
7 Metro 510 (Creekside Walk) is an inclusionary housing project totaling 126 units; however, this table includes only the 19 units that were assisted by the Housing Successor with LMIHAF for the purposes of correctly calculating the Senior Housing Test.

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XII. EXCESS SURPLUS TEST
Excess Surplus is defined in Section 34176.1(d) as an unencumbered amount in the account that exceeds the greater of one million dollars ($1,000,000) or the aggregate amount deposited into the account during the Housing Successor’s preceding four Fiscal Years, whichever is greater. The following provides the Excess Surplus test for the preceding four Fiscal Years:

Available Housing Funds – FY 2024/25
FY 24/25 LMIHAF Ending Fund Balance (Section III) $6,960,307 (Less) Loans Receivable ($5,045,108)
(Less) Interest Receivable ($1,459,788)
Funds Committed $350,000
Available Housing Funds – FY 2024/25 $105,411
Limitation on Available Housing Funds FY 2024/25
Greater of:
➢ Base Amount $1,000,000
➢ Four Years of Deposits
FY 2020/21 $47,351
FY 2021/22 16,886
FY 2022/23 17,734
FY 2023/24 39,928
Total Deposits $121,899
Limitation on Available Housing Funds $1,000,000
The available cash balance of $105,410 is less than the $1,000,000 limitation on available housing funds. Therefore, the LMIHAF does not have an Excess Surplus.

XIII. HOMEOWNERSHIP
The Housing Successor is to provide an inventory of homeownership units assisted by the former Redevelopment Agency or the Housing Successor that are subject to covenants or restrictions or to an adopted program that protects the former Redevelopment Agency’s investment of moneys from the LMIHAF pursuant to Section 33334.3(f). The inventory for the Housing Successor is as follows:
▪ The following summarizes the current inventory of the Housing Successor’s homeownership portfolio:
# of
Units
Restricted homeownership units as of June 30, 2025 0
▪ There was no loss of homeownership inventory during FY 2024/25. ▪ The Housing Successor has not contracted with an outside entity for the management of the ownership portfolio.

Agenda Packet Page 85 of 215

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 6.E.

Date: March 17, 2026
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Program Manager Subject: A Resolution Authorizing a Prohousing Incentive Program Application

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the Prohousing Incentive Program.

BACKGROUND
The California Prohousing Designation Program was established in the 2019-20 Budget Act to acknowledge the policies of local governments that promote housing development. The City of El Cerrito was designated as the 9th Prohousing jurisdiction under the program on January 23, 2023. Currently, 61 jurisdictions in the State have earned this designation.

The Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) is administered and implemented by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). PIP was established in 2022 as a newly created funding source provided by Chapter 364, Statutes of 2017 (SB 2, Atkins), which established the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund. The purpose of the PIP Program is to encourage jurisdictions to pass and implement policies that accelerate housing production, promote favorable zoning and land use, reduce construction and development costs, and provide financial subsidies.

In December 2022, the PIP was launched by HCD through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), Round 1, for $25,705,545. A total of 18 jurisdictions were awarded, including El Cerrito, totaling $33,199,891.On January 23, 2024, HCD issued its Round 2 NOFA for $9,483,402 and 19 jurisdictions awarded totaling $15,264,253. The PIP Round 3 NOFA was issued on August 15, 2024 for $8,000,000 and 10 jurisdictions were awarded $10,548,888. El Cerrito has applied in all rounds, but due to funding constraints and new jurisdictions being added, was only successful in Round 1. On September 30, 2025, the Round 4 NOFA was released with an estimated $8,000,000 in funding. HCD requires that the City Council authorize submittal of an application for each funding round.

The PIP funding calculation is based on a combination of the base award plus the bonus award. The base award is set according to population. El Cerrito falls between 20-49,999 residents – and is eligible for $250,000. The bonus award is calculated using the City’s Prohousing Designation score of 37 multiplied by 10,000 = $370,000 (capped at $500,000). The maximum PIP award cannot exceed $2 million per jurisdiction. Based on staff estimates, the City is eligible for $620,000.

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Agenda Item No. 6.E.

Ranked applications and funding set-asides are designated by geographical categories based on 2030 population, as detailed in Table 1. Staff would like to highlight that geographical categories receive 75% of the total NOFA funding. The remaining 25% is designated as a residual set-aside addressed further below.

Table 1: Department of Finance Population Estimates
Geographic Region 2030 Population
Projections
Percent of 2030
State
Population
Percent Overall
Funds Available
for Applicants in
Region
Southern California 22,131,252 55.65% 41.73%
Bay Area 7,706,873 19.38% 14.53%
San Joaquin Valley 4,507,449 11.33% 8.50%
Sacramento Area 2,742,958 6.90% 5.17%
Central Coast 1,503,290 3.78% 2.83%
Norther State and
Sierra Nevada
1,179,601 2.97% 2.22%
Totals 39,771,423 100% 75%

ANALYSIS
Leveraging grant funds for affordable housing provides the City with critical resources to support the goals and policies identified in our 2023-2031 Housing Element and Affordable Housing Strategy. The City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) assigned by HCD is for the City to create 1,391 new housing units, including 334 very low-income, 192 low-income, and 241 moderate-income opportunities over the 2023-2031 planning period. PIP funding would support affordable housing projects that are ready to advance to the pre-development phase.

On May 9, 2023, the City received an award of $620,000 under PIP, Round 1. As noted above, El Cerrito did not receive an award for Rounds 2, 3 or 4. PIP Program Guidelines provide “Priority will be given to Eligible Applicants that have not received PIP funds in prior funding rounds. Eligible Applicants awarded in prior funding rounds will only be eligible to receive an award once all previously unfunded Eligible Applicants receive an award." Since there are a total of 61 PIP jurisdictions of which 47 have received PIP awards, there is a possibility that 14 jurisdictions could have priority over El Cerrito. However, there are funds available through PIP’s 25% residual set-aside that may be made available to jurisdictions.

PIP applications are due March 31, 2026, and awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2026. If awarded, the City must expend all funds by June 30, 2029. The NOFA allows the City to undertake the activities listed below as it relates to housing and community development uses, including planning/implementation.

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Agenda Item No. 6.E.

Eligible PIP uses pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 50470(b)(2)(D) are:

1. The predevelopment, development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of multifamily, residential live-work, rental housing that is affordable to extremely low-, very low-, low-, and moderate-income households, including necessary operating subsidies;

2. Affordable rental and ownership housing that meets the needs of a growing workforce earning up to 120 percent of area median income, or 150 percent of area median income in high-cost areas;

3. Matching portions of funds placed into local or regional housing trust funds;

4. Matching portions of funds available through the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 34176 of the Health and Safety Code;

5. Capitalized reserves for services connected to the creation of new permanent supportive housing, including, but not limited to, developments funded through the Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Bond Act of 2014;

6. Assisting persons who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including providing rapid rehousing, rental assistance, navigation centers, emergency shelters, and the new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of permanent and transitional housing;

7. Accessibility modifications;

8. Efforts to acquire and rehabilitate foreclosed or vacant homes;

9. Homeownership opportunities, including, but not limited to, down payment assistance; and

10. Fiscal incentives or matching funds to local agencies that approve new housing for extremely low, very low, low-, and moderate-income households.

If our PIP application is successful, it will increase the City’s affordable housing funding availability to leverage additional funds to support meeting our RHNA.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• Livability and Belonging

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authorization of the filing of the application is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Any projects funded by the grant will be evaluated under CEQA, as applicable.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This section is not applicable to this agenda item.

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Agenda Item No. 6.E.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
There is not a local match required as part of the grant application. The City is required to track, report uses and expenditures annually to HCD. Funds must be expended no later than June 30, 2029. The time of City employees spent administering PIP is not eligible for funding.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution
Agenda Packet Page 89 of 215
RESOLUTION 2026-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION

FOR, AND RECEIPT OF, PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM FUNDS WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code 50470 et. Seq, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (Department) is authorized to issue Guidelines as part of an incentive program (hereinafter referred to by the Department as the Prohousing Incentive Program or “PIP”); and WHEREAS the City Council of the City of El Cerrito] desires to submit a PIP grant application package (“Application”), on the forms provided by the Department, for approval of grant funding for eligible activities toward planning and implementation activities related to housing and community development as a result of meeting eligibility criteria including but not limited to Prohousing Designation; and WHEREAS, the Department has issued Guidelines and Application on September 30, 2025, in the amount of $8,000,000 for PIP via a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito (“Applicant”) that:

SECTION 1. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to submit an Application to the Department in response to the NOFA, and to apply for the PIP grant funds in a total amount not to exceed $620,000; and
SECTION 2. In connection with the PIP grant, if the Application is approved by the Department, the City Manager of City Council of the City of El Cerrito is authorized and directed to enter into, execute, and deliver on behalf of the Applicant, a State of California Agreement (Standard Agreement) for the amount of $620,000, and any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to evidence and secure the PIP grant, the Applicant’s obligations related thereto, and all amendments thereto; and
SECTION 3. The Applicant shall be subject to the terms and conditions as specified in the Guidelines, and the Standard Agreement provided by the Department after approval. The Application and any and all accompanying documents are incorporated in full as part of the Standard Agreement. Any and all activities funded, information provided, and timelines represented in the Application will be enforceable through the fully executed Standard Agreement. Pursuant to the Guidelines and in conjunction with the terms of the Standard Agreement, the Applicant hereby agrees to use the funds for eligible uses and 2 allowable expenditures in the manner presented and specifically identified in the approved Application.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

I CERTIFY that at a special meeting on March 17, 2026 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 6.F.

Date: March 17, 2026
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Christina Leard, Management Analyst III/Acting Operations & Environmental Services Manager and Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department
Subject: Annual Parcel Assessment for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program and Drainage Maintenance Activities for Fiscal Year 2026-27

ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution establishing the annual parcel assessment for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program and Drainage Maintenance activities at the current rate of $38.00 per Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) and authorizing the Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District to adopt Stormwater Utility Area (SUA) levies based on said amount for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.

BACKGROUND
Under the 1987 amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), all jurisdictions in the United States are responsible for ensuring compliance with the NPDES program. The State Water Resources Control Board grants regulatory responsibilities for water quality to the Regional Water Quality Control Boards in nine regions throughout California. In the Bay Area, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) regulates the discharge of stormwater runoff from the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) draining into San Francisco Bay through a Municipal Regional Permit (MRP). The MRP covers Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, as well as the cities of Fairfield, Suisun, and Vallejo. In Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CWP) coordinates regional compliance and collaborates on programmatic components of the MRP. The CWP is comprised of Contra Costa County, its 19 incorporated cities and towns, and the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Working with the member jurisdictions, the CWP provides services designed to protect water quality by keeping trash and other pollutants from entering drainage systems that ultimately make their way into local creeks, reservoirs, lakes, and the Bay. Additionally, the CWP coordinates many compliance activities as a region that would otherwise be challenging for member jurisdictions to implement on their own.

Municipal Regional Permit
The City’s Clean Water Program is currently governed by the Municipal Regional Permit Order No. R2-2022-0018 and Order No. R2-2023-0019, which became effective July 1, 2022, and expire in June 2027, superseding the previous “MRP 2.0” (2015).

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Agenda Item No. 6.F.

The current permit (“MRP 3.0”) expands upon previous permit requirements to conduct specific stormwater management actions regarding trash load reduction and pollutant monitoring and has an increased focus on reducing other Pollutants of Concern (POCs).

MRP 3.0 includes costly mandates relating to:
• Tracking encampments and addressing illegal dumping, illicit discharges, and other stormwater concerns stemming from unsheltered populations • Developing and implementing the use of new expansive asset management programs and software for stormwater assets
• Constructing rain gardens and other green infrastructure at higher levels, including in roads and transportation projects
• Reducing trash reduction credits for existing source control policies (e.g., singleuse bag ban and foodware ordinance) and creek cleanups, while maintaining the target to achieve a 100% trash load reduction, thereby making it more expensive and challenging to maintain compliance
• Implementation of a program, including potentially an ordinance, to require large privately-owned parking lots to install and maintain trash capture devices • Including some new single-family homes as regulated development projects that require stormwater control plans and ongoing inspections • Implementing new best management practices, standard operating procedures, and reporting for discharges of water and foam used in emergency firefighting applications
• Increased water quality monitoring region-wide
• Increased reporting requirements in almost all sections of the MRP.

Annual Compliance
The City actively complies with all existing MRP requirements, including those related to Municipal Operations and Integrated Pest Management, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, New Development and Redevelopment, Green Infrastructure, Public Outreach and Education, Construction Site Controls, Industrial and Commercial Site Controls, and managing Pollutants of Concern (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls or PCB’s).

Specific Clean Water Program activities are coordinated and carried out primarily by the Public Works Department, with assistance from the Community Development Department. Additionally, new requirements to monitor emergency discharges from firefighting water require coordination with the Fire Department.

In September 2025, City Staff submitted the FY 2024-25 Annual Report for the City’s Clean Water Program to the Regional Water Quality Control Board covering the third year of MRP 3.0. The report highlighted El Cerrito’s continued efforts to meet the requirements of the MRP. Notable highlights included: continuation of the City’s moratorium on the use of glyphosate in all City landscapes; City Staff’s successful Agenda Packet Page 93 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.F.
review and monitoring of a growing number of stormwater projects built alongside new development; a calculated 100% trash load reduction through FY 2024-25 under the MRP 3.0 approved formula; and, a robust public outreach and education campaign.

Every year, this report highlights the significant efforts undertaken by the City to meet the requirements of our permit. The City’s entire FY 2024-25 Annual Report, along with the Contra Costa County CWP Annual Report is available for viewing at www.elcerrito.org/npdes.

Increasing Demands
The City successfully achieved compliance with the requirements of the prior permit, MRP 2.0, and continues to make progress toward meeting the expanded obligations of MRP 3.0. However, the current permit includes significantly more complex and resource-intensive requirements, resulting in increased programmatic costs and ongoing fiscal impacts. Compliance with MRP 3.0 has required additional staffing capacity, consultant support, and operating expenditures to implement new programs, conduct expanded monitoring and inspections, and prepare more detailed regulatory reporting.

One notable cost driver is the change to the trash load reduction program. Although the City has demonstrated strong performance in reducing trash impacts in recent years, the current permit eliminates credits for certain source control policies such as singleuse plastic bag bans and volunteer cleanup activities effective July 1, 2025. This change has reduced the City’s credited trash load reductions by approximately 10 percent in the current fiscal year, placing the City below the required compliance threshold. To offset this loss of credit, the City must pursue more capital- and laborintensive strategies, including a combination of one or more of the following: the installation of more substantial trash capture infrastructure, the expansion of visual trash assessment efforts, and the implementation of additional cleanup programs.

In addition, MRP 3.0 requires the City to inspect privately owned parking lots, also referred to as Private Land Drainage Areas (PLDAs), that generate moderate, high, or very high levels of trash and discharge to storm drain inlets. While property owners are responsible for installing and maintaining trash control measures or implementing alternative trash management practices, the City bears the administrative, inspection, enforcement, and compliance tracking costs associated with this requirement. These activities further increase staff workload and ongoing operational expenses.

Collectively, the expanded requirements under MRP 3.0 represent a substantial increase in both near-term and long-term costs compared to the previous permit term.

City Staff is working with the CWP to detail out these costs. Looking ahead, the current permit is scheduled to expire in June 2027, and regional discussions for the next permit cycle (MRP 4.0) are already underway. Early indications suggest that future permit requirements may further expand program scope and associated costs, underscoring the importance of evaluating sustainable funding mechanisms and cost-effective compliance strategies.

Agenda Packet Page 94 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.F.

ANALYSIS
Currently, El Cerrito’s NPDES compliance activities are funded by a combination of countywide Stormwater Utility Area (SUA) assessment funds, the City’s Measure J Storm Drain funds, and the General Fund. The SUA is levied by the County in most CWP jurisdictions and provides funds for clean water activities in the member jurisdictions, as well as activities at the countywide level. The total annual amount generated countywide by the SUA is approximately $16 million (Attachment 2).

Each year, the per parcel rate for the SUA must be re-established by the County Board of Supervisors, which acts as the governing body for the Flood Control and Water Conservation District and, thus, the CWP. Each local jurisdiction must first adopt a resolution determining the appropriate assessment for its jurisdiction and then forward that instructing resolution to the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The Flood Control and Water Conservation District has requested the resolution be adopted by the City and sent no later than March 31, 2026, so that the County has sufficient time to place the assessment on the property tax rolls for the upcoming fiscal year.

Specific SUA assessments are calculated through determining Equivalent Runoff Units (ERUs). An ERU is a value that reflects the amount of impervious (paved) surface of a given parcel. Impervious surfaces result in stormwater runoff to the storm drain system, which potentially carries pollutants to the Bay and into the groundwater. Parcels that contain large areas of paved surfaces are assigned a greater number of ERUs.

Residential lots in El Cerrito between 5,000 to 20,000 square feet in size are assigned one (1) ERU. Industrial or commercial parcels with paved parking or other impervious surfaces are assigned two (2) or more ERUs depending on their size.

In 1993, when the County SUA was established, the City’s assessment was $14 per ERU (Attachment 4). The City’s current rate of $38 per ERU was approved by the City Council in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004-05. Per the County Ordinance which adopted the SUA, $38 is the maximum rate that can be assessed in El Cerrito. All municipalities in Contra Costa County have reached their maximum rates allowed.

In FY 2026-27, the County estimates that El Cerrito’s rate of $38 will generate $416,996 for NPDES compliance (Attachment 2), based on data from the current fiscal year, FY 2025-26. Of these revenues, an estimated $89,316 (21.4%) is allocated for CWP regional compliance activities and $327,680 (78.6%) is allocated to El Cerrito to fund local compliance activities. This year’s allocation for regional efforts through the CWP is similar to last year; last year the allocation was 21.3%. The City’s share of the CWP’s total program costs is 2.23% (Attachment 3). In addition, a 2% administrative and overhead charge, totaling approximately $8,340, is deducted from the City’s return-tosource allocation, further reducing the funds available for local stormwater compliance activities.

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Agenda Item No. 6.F.

The CWP uses its portion of the SUA funds to assist local jurisdictions with MRP compliance by performing work that is more cost-effective when done at the countywide level. Examples from prior years include regional public outreach campaigns, regional water quality and creeks monitoring, development of Geographical Information System tracking tools for reporting pollutant load reductions, development of the C.3 Guidebook for developers and City Staff, coordinating municipal staff training, support in development and submittal of the Annual Report. Due to MRP 3.0, these activities have increased and include applying for and administering regional grants, participation in regional workgroups to develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) for monitoring emergency discharges from firefighting water as well as BMPs for monitoring and reducing discharges from unsheltered populations, developing a framework for asset management and cost-reporting, and other activities that assist member agencies in complying with the MRP.

Notably, the CWP is leading a study that is evaluating the potential creation of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to implement a Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance (RAC) System, an innovative, regionally supported approach to fulfilling state-mandated stormwater treatment obligations related to green infrastructure, developed through a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Many of the cities in the program, including El Cerrito, are participating in the study.

The CWP also pays dues, on behalf of the local jurisdictions, to the San Francisco Bay Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances and to the California Stormwater Quality Association. These groups provide training, monitoring, and research activities that are mandated under the MRP.

The City’s allocation for the CWP has remained level over the last four years but is expected to increase over the course of the current permit term and future permit term as costs of compliance are rising. Due to the need for additional countywide efforts to meet permit requirements, including efforts that are more cost-effective on a regional scale, the CWP has used the CWP’s currently healthy reserve fund in order to maintain the amounts returned to cities as close to the past levels as possible. However, in the near future, the CWP and participating cities will need to reconsider this approach.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• Infrastructure and Amenities; and
• Environmental Sustainability.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Establishing the annual amount and authorizing the Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District to adopt SUA levies does not constitute a “project” as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and its Guidelines, under Agenda Packet Page 96 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.F.
the general rule that CEQA applies only to actions that have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. In this case, the City of El Cerrito City Council is only authorizing the amount of the annual parcel assessment for the NPDES program.

Additionally, pursuant to Section 15273 of the CEQA Guidelines, the establishment of charges for the purpose of meeting operating expenses is categorically exempt. Any potential project funded by the annual assessment will be reviewed under CEQA prior to approval.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Staff is requesting adoption of the maximum rate of $38.00 per ERU for FY 2026-27, which would generate an estimated $416,996 in SUA revenues, of which approximately $319,340 will be returned to the City and included in the FY 2026-27 budget under the NPDES Fund (202). If adopted by the City Council, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will adopt the annual property assessments for the FY 2026-27 tax rolls.

The City Council appropriates expenditures of these funds as part of its annual budget process. Expenditures in the NPDES Fund include Engineering and Maintenance personnel, professional and technical services for monitoring, testing, and assessments, State permitting fees, specialized maintenance services, and City administration. Over the last several years, annual expenditures have exceeded SUA revenues and one-time Monsanto settlement funds, as described below, have been used to meet expanding permit requirements along with other cost escalation factors. City expenditures over FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 have been approximately $355,000. Due to the Monsanto settlement funds, the NPDES Fund had a balance of $528,169 at the end of FY 2024-

25. FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget expenditures total $439,245. City staff anticipates proposing use of the FY 2025-26 fund balance along with SUA revenues to cover anticipated expenditures in the next two fiscal years.

City Funding
Currently, all of the City’s Clean Water Program activities are supported by the NPDES Fund, the City’s Measure J Storm Drain Fund, and the General Fund. Given the escalation of MRP requirements, increasing costs to directly implement mandated programs as a City, the relatively flat SUA funding generated by the fixed ERU rate established over 20 years ago, and potentially a reduced amount of SUA funds returned to the City, additional funding sources will need to be identified regionally or internally if the City is to stay in compliance during the current and future permit terms. Various efforts have been made by the City, CWP, and others to increase funding for clean water activities of local governments.

Monsanto Settlement
In November 2022, the City opted-in to a settlement agreement regarding the City of Long Beach v. Monsanto lawsuit, a federal class action lawsuit related to damages caused by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in which the City was one of more than 2,500 plaintiff class members, and accepted $310,316 from the settlement’s “Total Maximum Daily Load” Fund. The case alleged claims against Monsanto for the costs that government entities have incurred or will incur for testing and monitoring water Agenda Packet Page 97 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.F.
quality, removing PCBs from sediment areas, reducing PCB levels in stormwater, and complying with other applicable regulations. The City received the first settlement payment in March 2024.

In October 2024, the City received an additional $69,440 from the Monsanto settlement after advocating for this funding because the settlement administrator made an error in their initial award. Additionally, the settlement agreement also allowed the City to apply for a portion of a $50 million “Special Needs Fund” given the City was able to show that it is affected by special circumstances and deserves a larger award. Staff submitted an application for an award from that fund in April 2024 and received an additional $150,000 in May 2025. The revenues were accepted into the NPDES Fund and the expenditure appropriation was approved by the City Council as part of the Adopted Biennial Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and 2025-26 for activities associated with the case and thereby supporting NPDES compliance.

Other Funding Efforts
CWP Staff are exploring viable options for additional stormwater funding and have sought input from the Contra Costa County City Managers. Additionally, in March 2025, the Commission on State Mandates (CSM) adopted a Decision and Parameters and Guidelines document confirming that certain activities required by the Permit constituted state-mandated programs eligible for reimbursement. CWP and City Staff will pursue available state reimbursement funding by preparing and submitting claims for eligible permit-related activities in accordance with the Commission on State Mandates’ adopted Parameters and Guidelines.

While City Staff continue to actively monitor and, in coordination with the CWP, contest increasing State mandates that require local government compliance without a dedicated funding source, the potential cost and fines associated with non-compliance are significant. For this reason, City Staff has kept program costs at the lowest possible level while still meeting MRP requirements to date. City Staff will update the City Council as resource needs and longer-term funding options become clearer.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed actions are consistent with established processes for City adoption of the annual ERU rate. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the proposed action.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Resolution
Agenda Packet Page 98 of 215
Agenda Item No. 6.F.

2. Contra Costa Clean Water Program Return to Source Percentages

3. Contra Costa Clean Water Program Group Costs Methodology and Allocation

4. Stormwater Utility Area Formation County Engineer Report Agenda Packet Page 99 of 215
RESOLUTION 2026-XX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO

ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL PARCEL ASSESSMENT FOR THE NATIONAL

POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PROGRAM AND DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES AT THE CURRENT RATE OF $38.00 PER

EQUIVALENT RUNOFF UNIT AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

FLOOD CONTROL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO ADOPT STORMWATER UTILITY AREA LEVIES BASED ON SAID AMOUNT IN FISCAL YEAR 2026-27.

WHEREAS, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, prescribed discharges of stormwater require a permit from the appropriate California Regional Water Quality Board under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program; and WHEREAS, Order No. R2-2022-0018 and Order No. R2-2023-0019, NPDES Permit No. CAS612008, issuing waste discharge requirements under the San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) to the Cities, Flood Control Districts and County agencies located in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties, as well as the cities of Fairfield, Suisun and Vallejo, includes the implementation of selected Best Management Practices to minimize or eliminate pollutants from entering storm waters; and
WHEREAS, at the request of the City of El Cerrito, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) has completed the process for formation of a Stormwater Utility Area (SUA), including the adoption of the Stormwater Utility Assessment Drainage Ordinance No. 93-47; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of El Cerrito to utilize funds received from its SUA for implementation of the NPDES program and drainage maintenance activities; and WHEREAS, the SUA and Program Group Costs Payment Agreement between the City of El Cerrito and the District requires that the City of El Cerrito annually determine the rate to be assessed to a single Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) for the forthcoming fiscal year and the District has requested the approved resolutions by March 31, 2026.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does determine that the rate to be assigned to a single ERU for Fiscal Year 2026- 27 shall be set at $38.00.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby request the District to adopt SUA levies based on said amount.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.

Agenda Packet Page 100 of 215
I CERTIFY that at a special meeting on March 17, 2026 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on .
________________________
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
APPROVED:
________________________
Rebecca Saltzman, Mayor Pro Tem
Agenda Packet Page 101 of 215
Allocation7 % RTS13 Allocation8 % RTS13 Allocation9 % RTS13 Allocation10 % RTS13 Allocation11 % RTS13 Allocation12 % RTS13 Antioch $ 1,287,751 $341,395 73.5 $342,303 73.4 $348,240 73.0 $402,359 68.8 $403,382 68.7 $407,416 68.4 Brentwood $197,573 $200,493 $194,714 $224,852 $226,093 $228,354 Clayton $ 128,171 $34,397 73.2 $34,179 73.3 $32,874 74.4 $37,175 71.0 $37,268 70.9 $37,640 70.6 Concord $ 2,118,198 $394,865 81.4 $392,125 81.5 $374,145 82.3 $425,474 79.9 $423,898 80.0 $428,137 79.8 Danville $ 574,177 $133,123 76.8 $133,181 76.8 $131,193 77.2 $149,254 74.0 $148,495 74.1 $149,980 73.9 El Cerrito $ 416,996 $75,709 81.8 $75,366 81.9 $77,623 81.4 $88,821 78.7 $89,654 78.5 $89,316 78.6 Hercules $ 322,451 $77,460 76.0 $78,454 75.7 $78,957 75.5 $91,655 71.6 $90,921 71.8 $91,830 71.5 Lafayette $ 477,273 $77,685 83.7 $76,919 83.9 $75,849 84.1 $87,148 81.7 $86,543 81.9 $87,408 81.7 Martinez $ 710,399 $112,583 84.2 $111,708 84.3 $111,692 84.3 $127,366 82.1 $127,117 82.1 $128,388 81.9 Moraga $ 293,117 $51,416 82.5 $51,020 82.6 $51,764 82.3 $58,878 79.9 $58,551 80.0 $59,136 79.8 Oakley $ 569,153 $128,830 77.4 $130,114 77.1 $134,767 76.3 $156,824 72.4 $159,550 72.0 $161,145 71.7 Orinda $ 390,209 $57,675 85.2 $57,870 85.2 $58,945 84.9 $67,006 82.8 $66,948 82.8 $67,617 82.7 Pinole $ 322,667 $59,180 81.7 $58,752 81.8 $56,373 82.5 $63,587 80.3 $63,463 80.3 $64,097 80.1 Pittsburg $ 1,246,497 $225,496 81.9 $225,976 81.9 $227,439 81.8 $260,737 79.1 $261,934 79.0 $264,553 78.8 Pleasant Hill $ 493,162 $103,969 78.9 $103,536 79.0 $102,970 79.1 $116,401 76.4 $116,348 76.4 $117,512 76.2 Richmond $337,442 $334,059 $346,470 $395,653 $393,276 $397,208 San Pablo $ 438,933 $95,310 78.3 $94,157 78.5 $95,356 78.3 $109,096 75.1 $108,450 75.3 $109,535 75.0 San Ramon $ 1,239,700 $252,187 79.7 $254,383 79.5 $253,658 79.5 $288,833 76.7 $287,888 76.8 $290,767 76.5 Walnut Creek $ 1,302,395 $214,995 83.5 $216,327 83.4 $211,506 83.8 $241,345 81.5 $242,217 81.4 $244,639 81.2 CC County $ 3,679,595 $528,710 85.6 $529,080 85.6 $535,464 85.4 $607,536 83.5 $608,006 83.5 $614,087 83.3 Total $ 16,010,843

1. Total Stormwater Utility Assessment (SUA) revenue based on FY 202/24. SUA revenue may increase annually due to new development activity.

7. Allocation of costs based on CA Department of Finance Population Figures - January 1, 2020.

8. Allocation of costs based on CA Department of Finance Population Figures - January 1, 2021.

9. Allocation of costs based on CA Department of Finance Population Figures - January 1, 2022.

10.Allocation of costs based on CA Department of Finance Population Figures - January 1, 2023.

11.Allocation of costs based on CA Department of Finance Population Figures - January 1, 2024.

12.Allocation of costs based on CA Department of Finance Population Figures - January 1, 2025.

13. Percentage of Stormwater Utility Assessment (SUA) revenue Returned-to-Source (RTS). = No SUA. Stormwater funding from other sources.

Contra Costa Clean Water Program
Stormwater Utility Assessment (SUA) Revenue, Cost Allocations, and SUA Revenue Return-to-Source (RTS) Updated (2/3/2026)
Stormwater Utility Assessment
(SUA) Revenue1 (FY 2025/26)
FY 24/25 Budget Cap
$4,000,000
Adopted Proposed
FY 21/22 Budget Cap FY 22/23 Budget Cap FY 23/24 Budget Cap $4,000,000 $4,000,000
FY 25/26 Budget Cap FY 26/27 Budget Cap
$3,500,000 $3,500,000 $3,500,000
Agenda Item No. 6.F.

Attachment 2
Agenda Packet Page 102 of 215
City/County/State January 1, 2024 January 1, 2025(1) Percent Prorated % of SUA Budget (3) Change Program (2) Allocation
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 1,158,249 1,158,225 0.00% $ 4,000,000 ANTIOCH 116,177 116,781 0.5 10.08% $ 403,310
BRENTWOOD 65,353 65,747 0.6 5.68% $ 227,061
CLAYTON 10,793 10,743 -0.5 0.93% $ 37,102
CONCORD 123,074 122,650 -0.3 10.59% $ 423,579
DANVILLE 43,030 42,960 -0.2 3.71% $ 148,365
EL CERRITO 25,943 25,862 -0.3 2.23% $ 89,316
HERCULES 26,357 26,225 -0.5 2.26% $ 90,570
LAFAYETTE 25,073 25,054 -0.1 2.16% $ 86,526
MARTINEZ 36,871 36,817 -0.1 3.18% $ 127,150
MORAGA 16,973 16,637 -2.0 1.44% $ 57,457
OAKLEY 46,218 46,826 1.3 4.04% $ 161,716
ORINDA 19,395 19,351 -0.2 1.67% $ 66,830
PINOLE 18,344 18,261 -0.5 1.58% $ 63,065
PITTSBURG 75,887 76,374 0.6 6.59% $ 263,762
PLEASANT HILL 33,694 33,601 -0.3 2.90% $ 116,043
RICHMOND 113,872 113,594 -0.2 9.81% $ 392,304
SAN PABLO 31,450 31,507 0.2 2.72% $ 108,811
SAN RAMON 83,245 83,391 0.2 7.20% $ 287,996
WALNUT CREEK 70,238 69,927 -0.4 6.04% $ 241,497
UNINCORP. COUNTY 176,262 175,917 -0.2 15.19% $ 607,540
100.00% $ 4,000,000

1. Population estimate based on State of California Department of Finance (E-1) City/County projections- January 1, 2026.

Figures are updated in May of each year.

2. Percentages based on prorata of population.

3. SUA funds allocated for budget purposes, which by policy is set at $4M.

CONTRA COSTA CLEAN WATER PROGRAM

GROUP COSTS METHODOLOGY & ALLOCATION
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
Agenda Item No. 6.F.

Attachment 3
Agenda Packet Page 103 of 215
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF CONTRA COSTA

COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
FROM: J. MICHAEL WALFORD, CHIEF ENGINEER
DATE: June 22, 1993
SUBJECT: CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT ON FORMATION OF STORMWATER UTILITY AREAS AND

ADOPTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS

SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION I. Recommended Action:

1. ACCEPT Chief Engineer's report on the tabulation of the protests against the proposed Stormwater Utility Assessments;

2. FIND that the number of protests received for each Stormwater Utility Area represent less than fifty (50) percent of the area;

3. DETERMINE the formation of the Stormwater Utility Areas is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) Article 5, CEQA Guidelines. DIRECT the Community Development Director to file a notice of Exemption.

4. APPROVE the resolutions establishing the seventeen (17) Stormwater Utility Areas; and

5. ADOPT the Ordinance establishing Stormwater Utility Assessments in the seventeen (17) Stormwater Utility Areas with the stipulation that the Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) rate for the unincorporated County area shall be $16.20 for Fiscal Year 1993-94 (a ten percent reduction from the proposed rate of $18/ERU.)
Continued on Attachment:_X_ SIGNATURE'~ RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITIEE

APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):

ACTION OF BOARD ON JUN 2 2 1993 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED -Jl- OTHER _

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
.. -L UNANIMOUS (ABSENT _____ ---'
AYES: NOES: ____ _
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ___ _
MFK:Iv:fp:sJ
c;NPDES\22,\6
Olig, Div:

Contact:
cc:

Public Works (FC)
MiHon Kubicek. 313-2203
County Administrator
County Auditor
County Counsel
PW • Flood Control
I hereby certify that this I, • true and correct copy,. an action laken and entered on the minutes 01 the Board 01 Supem on the date Ihown.

AmSTED: 2 2 1993
PHil BATCHELOR. Clerk 01 the Board
of Supervlsore and 2=ttator
By ,. f3af,~ ~ ,Otputy
Agenda Item No. 6.F.

Attachment 4
Agenda Packet Page 104 of 215
Formation of Stormwater Utility Areas
and Adoption of Annual Assessments
June 22, 1993
Page -2-
II. Financial Impact:

The proposed Stormwater Utility Assessments will raise approximately $8,052,900 to fund the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit activities including drainage system maintenance for the following cities and unincorporated Contra Costa County areas:

Antioch
Clayton
Concord
Danville
EI Cerrito
Hercules
Lafayette
Martinez
Moraga
Orinda
Pinole
Pittsburg
III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background:

Pleasant Hill
San Pablo
San Ramon
Walnut Creek
Contra Costa County, its incorporated cities and the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District decided approximately two years ago to collectively apply for a Joint Municipal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. This is federally mandated through the Clean Water Act which was amended in 1987 to specifically address stormwater pollution. There are three parts to the Permit. The Part I Application representing reconnaissance level activities by each municipality was submitted to the San Francisco Bay and Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards on May 18, 1992.

The Part II Application represented the development of each municipality's Stormwater Management Plan which was submitted to the Regional Boards on May 17, 1993. The Stormwater Management Plan seeks to reduce or radically eliminate pollutants from entering or reaching the storm sewer system. The third phase of the process is the actual promulgation of the Permit.

The Permit is for five years (1993 to 1998) requiring each municipality to implement their approved Stormwater Management Plan. The Regional Boards have indicated the need for a "restricted" funding source to finance implementation costs. Therefore, Contra Costa County proposed legislation providing a financing option for municipalities to use through the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The bill, AB 2768 (Campbell), was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Pete Wilson on August 30, 1992. The legislation specifically allows a municipality to request formation of a Stormwater Utility Area within their incorporated boundaries and establish an assessment to pay for implementation costs.

The Board of Supervisors, acting as the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, provided public notice to all affected property owners before conSidering the establishment of the Stormwater Utility Areas and assessments. The Board of Supervisors acting on behalf of Contra Costa County has also taken specific actions establishing the Stormwater Utility Area and assessment for the unincorporated portion of the County. Should there be a fifty percent (50%) protest against the Storm water Utility Areas formations and assessments, the Board of Supervisors would have to abandon this form of financing. Due to the inability to create any new assessments for the 1993-94 Fiscal Year, the likely alternative funding source would be the General Fund.

Public n9tices were sent to approximately 238,234 parcel owners. State legislation (SB 1977 - Bergeson) requires at least 45 day notice to parcel owners before the governing board considers any new or increased assessments. This requirement was met and informed parcel owners of two public hearings which were held on June 10 and 15, 1993. Approximately 28,170 recorded protests have been received. This represents approximately 11.8% of the total number of parcel owners who received public notices. The recorded protest includes those legally acceptable and those that appear acceptable but presently are questionable.

The reason this figure is used is to provide a ''worse case" scenario to the Board of Supervisors regarding the amount of protests per stormwater utility area. A copy of all written protests ar& rel"illtld in tile office of the Contra Costa County Clerk of the Board located at 651 Pine Street, Martinez, California. A majority protest by the owners of more than 50% in area of the territories to be included in the stormwater utility area would cause the assessment to be abandoned for that particular area. This has not occurred. The following two charts highlight the total "assessable" and "total" area per stormwater utility area:

Agenda Packet Page 105 of 215
Formation of Stormwater Utility Areas
and Adoption of Annual Assessments
June 22, 1993
P::lge -::lTax Rate Area Area Protested
01 City of Antioch 806
02 City of Concord 1,278
03 City of EI Cerrito 150
04 City of Hercules 165
05 City of Martinez 703
06 City of Pinole 191
07 City of Pittsburg 775
09 City of Walnut Creek 785
11 City of San Pablo 194
12 City of Pleasant Hill 419
13 City of Clayton 138
14 City of Lafayette 587
15 Town of Moraga 599
16 Town of Danville 501
17 City of San Ramon 577
18 City of Orinda 361
50 Unincorporated County 5,358
Tax Rate Area Area Protested
01 City of Antioch 806
02 City of Concord 1,278
03 City of El Cerrito 150
04 City of Hercules 165
05 City of Martinez 703
06 City of Pinole 191
07 City of Pittsburg 775
09 City of Walnut Creek 785
11 City of San Pablo 194
12 City of Pleasant Hill 419
13 City of Clayton 138
14 City of Lafayette 587
15 Town of Moraga 599
16 Town of Danville 501
17 City of San Ramon 577
18 City of Orinda 361
50 Unincorporated County 5,358
Total Assessable Percentage'
Area
5,542 14.5
8,235 15.5
1,801 8.3
1,380 12.0
3,392 20.7
1,570 12.2
3,964 19.5
5,979 13.1
1,408 13.8
2,830 14.8
1,307 10.5
4,833 12.1
2,386 25.1
4,548 11.0
3,677 15.7
3,440 10.5
31,050 17.2
Total Area Percentage'
18,000 4.4
14,954 8.5
2,706 5.5
4,115 4.0
7,196 9.7
3,105 6.1
10,221 7.5
14,511 5.4
1,711 11.3
3,708 11.3
3,185 4.3
9,583 6.1
9,579 6.2
11,037 4.5
9,351 6.1
10,521 3.4
417,315 1.2
Agenda Packet Page 106 of 215
Formation of Stormwater Utility Areas
and Adoption of Annual Assessments
June 22, 1993
Page -4-
The "total assessable area" provides the worse case scenario for determining if a majority protest exists. Based on these amounts, a majority protest does not exist for any stormwater utility area.

The process used to record protests included a specific database based on the 1992 equalized tax roll indicating parcel ownership, address, notification address, acreage, land use, proposed assessment, etc. Two "hotlines" were established so the general public could have immediate access to information. During the ten weeks b.etween mailing of the public notices and the June 15th public hearing, approximately 500 telephone call were received. Two trained operators were able to handle the majority of the problems. Questions that were encountered were based primarily on the accuracy of the Land Information and the Public Works Automated Mapping Systems. These included problems dealing with parcel ownership, acreage of the parcel and the appropriate land use. Should the Board of Supervisors approve the Stormwater Utility Areas and Assessments than field inspection activities would immediately commence. All known problems will be reviewed and corrections made prior to the promulgation of the assessments for the 1993-94 Fiscal Year. Specific problems pertaining to reclamation districts, the OakleyKnightsen area and St. Mary's College will be resolved prior to this promulgation.

IV. Consequences of Negative Action:

The Environmental Protection Agency promulgated the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Discharge System (NPDES) Permit Application Regulations for stormwater discharges on November 16, 1990 (40 CFR Parts 122, 123 and 124). Contra Costa County and the City of Concord were specifically identified in the Federal Register as needing a Municipal NPDES Permit. The legislation also permitted the State of California to make a finding if stormwater discharge was a "". significant contributor of pollutants to the waters of the United States" then these municipalities would also need to obtain a Municipal NPDES Permit. Such a finding was made requiring all municipalities within the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board's jurisdiction in Contra Costa County to obtain Municipal NPDES Permits.

All affected municipalities excluding the City of Richmond have opted to utilize the financing method contained in Assembly Bill 2768 (Campbell). This means each municipality is specifically requesting the formation of a Stormwater Utility Area within their incorporated boundaries, have established an assessment for Fiscal Year 1993-94 and set a maximum rate of assessment.

Should the Board of Supervisors acting as the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District fail to proceed with this assessment, then it would create immediate financial chaos. All participating municipalities are expecting the Board of Supervisors to approve the formation of Stormwater Utility Areas and assessments if a majority protest does not materialize. If the AB 2768 financing mechanism is not implemented, then municipalities would need to resort to general revenue financing. This would further exasperate the financial dilemma all municipalities are facing with cut-backs from the State to local governments.

Agenda Packet Page 107 of 215
ORDINANCE NO. 93-47

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL

AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT I
IMPOSING STORM WATER UTlUTY ASSESSMENTS FOR
STORMWATER UTlUTY AREAS: .
1-(Antioch). 2-(Clayton). 3-(Concord). 4-(Danville). 5-(8 Cerrito). 6-(Hercules). 7-(Lafayette). 8-(Martinez). 9-(Moraga), 1O-(Orinda). 11-(Pinole). 12-(Pittsburg). 13-(Pleasant HilQ. 14-(San Pablo), 15-(San Ramon), 16-(Walnut Creek), and 17-(Unincorporated County) The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, acting as the governing board of the COntra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. ordains as follows:

ARTICLE I
Section 1. Title.

This Ordinance shall be known as the IIStormwater Utility Assessment Ordinancell of the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

Section 2. Purpose.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (the ClEPA,,) has, consistent with Section 402 of the Federal Clean Water Act, as amended, promulgated the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Regulations (the IINPDES Regulations'~ pursuant to which the EPA, through the appropriate California Regional Water Quality Control Board (the "CAWQCB'~. has required the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (the "Districf? and other affected public entities to secure a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Permit (the "NPDES Permif? and to develop. implement and manage identified programs dealing with stqrmwater runoff. The parcels c;>f land within the respective watersheds within the District's jurisdiction for which a NPDES Permit is required will benefit from these programs. Further, the local drainage" facilities falling under the NPDES program requires routine maintenance if they are to continue to serve the developed areas for which they were installed. Collectively, these .' two activities, NPDES and general drainage maintenance, represent the city's and County's stormwater management Programs. The Board of Supervisors of the District has determined, pursuant to the Contra Costa County Flood Control and· Water Conservation Act (the "District Acf~, which is Chapter 63, Section 12.8, as amended, of the California Water Code Appendix, to form certain Stormwater Utility Areas in which the ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
1 Agenda Packet Page 108 of 215
District will annually levy assessments to pay the cost of these programs required by the NPDES Permit. The Board of Supervisors of the District, consistent with Sections 11 and

12.8 of the District Act and Section 54954.6 of the Government Code, held noticed public hearings at which time all testimony, oral and written, was considered. At the conclusion of the public hearings, the Board of Supervisors of the District adopted resolutions forming the Stormwater Utility Areas. The provisions of this Ordinance confirming the formation of the Stormwater Utility Areas and providing for the annual levy of a Utility Assessment are consistent with the District Act and the reports prepared by the Chief Engineer of the District and accepted by the Board of Supervisors' of ,the District.

The Board of Supervisors of the District finds that the Utility Assessment to be annually levied shall be based on the proportional amount of impervious surface on each lot or Parcel within the Stormwater Utility Area. Revenues derived from the Utility Assessments shall be applied exc!usiv~1y to pay the District's administrative costs in collecting the assessments and the respective city or County stormwater management Program costs for the Stormwater Utility Area in which they are collected.

ARllCLE 11
'DEFINmONS
Unless otherwise specifically provided or required by the context, certain terms or expressions used herein have the meanings set forth below:
a. "Board of Supervisors" means the Board of Supervisors of the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
b. t4Chief Engineer' means the Chief Engineer of the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
c. "County" means the County of Contra Costa, State of California. d. "CRWQCS" means the California Regional Water Quality Control Board for the region in which the Stormwater Utility Area has been formed. e. "District" means the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
" 1. "District Act:' means the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Act, which is codified in West's California Water Code Appendix, Chapter 63, as amended from time to time.

ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
2 , ~.
:

Agenda Packet Page 109 of 215
g. "EPA" means the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, has jurisdiction to establish the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPOES) and promulgate regulations pursuant thereto.
h. "NPOES Permit' means the permit. issued by the CRWQCB, dealing with stormwater runoff in association with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the regulations promulgated by the EPA i. tlNPDES Regulations" means the final regulations dated November 16. 1990, and any subsequent amendments thereto promulgated by the EPA governing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). - j. "Ordinance" means this Ordinance No. 93-47 of the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
k. "Parcelll means a parcel of property identified by Assessor parcel number as shown on the equalized tax rolls of the County of Contra Costa, State of California.

I. "Program" means all the activities required under or in connection with the NPDES Permit. including without .limitation drainage system maintenance and Program administration.
m. "Stormwater Utility Area" means a benefit assessment area formed pursuant to Section 12.8 of the District Act by the Board of Supervisors and identified in Article III of this Ordinance. -~
n. "Utility Assessmenf' means the annual assessment to be levied on each Parcel within a Stormwater Utility Area pursuant to Article V of this Ordinance.

ARTICLE 11/

FORMATION OF STORMWATER UTIUTY AREAS
Section 1. Formation of Stormwater Utility Areas.

Pursuant to Sections 11 and 12.8 of the District Act and Section 54954.6 of the Government Code. the Board of Supervisors noticed public hearings to consider the establishment of individual Stormwater Utility Areas for each of the 16 cities and the unincorporated County area to fund Program costs. At the conclusion of the hearings, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolutions Nos. 93/352. 93/353. 93/354, 93/355. 93/356, 93/357, 93/358.93/359,93/360,93/361,93/362,93/363,93/364,93/365,93/366, 93/367, and 93/368, which formed, respectively, Stormwater UtilITy Areas 1-(Antioch), 2- ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
3 Agenda Packet Page 110 of 215
(Clayton), 3-( Concord), 4-(Oanville), 5-(EI Cerrito), 6-(Hercules), 7 -(Lafayette), 8-(Martinez), 9-(Moraga), 1 O-(Orinda), 11-(Pinole), 12-(Pittsburg), 13-(Pleasant Hill), 14-(San Pablo), 15- (San Ramon), 16-(Walnut Creek), and 17-(Unincorporated County). The legal boundary of each Stormwater' Utility Area shall be congruent with the legal boundary of the associated city or County entity as of July 1 st of each year in which a Utility Assessment is levied.

Section 2. AddITional Stormwater Utility Areas.

The District may form additional Stormwater Utilrty Areas, if requested by resolution of the governing board of the area to be formed. To form an additional Stormwater Utility Area, the District shall comply with provisions of the District Act then governing the' formation of a Stormwater Utility Area.

ARTICLE N
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER; HEARING THEREON;

CONFIRMATION OF UTILITY ASSESSMENT BY THE

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Section 1. Report.

The Chief Engineer shall cause to be prepared annually a written report indicating, for each Stormwater Utility Area, the Utility Assessment to be levied. as requested by the city or County governing board having jurisdiction over the area defined by the Stormwawr= Utilrty Area and shaH file the report with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

Section 2. Content of the Report.

The report shall contain the District's estimate of its administrative costs and the Program costs for the respective city or County agency for each of the Stormwater Utility Areas for the ensuing fiscal year. Said estimate of costs shall be apportioned to each Parcel on the basis of proportionate impervious surface assignable to each Parcel to be assessed.

Only Parcels not otherwise exempted by this Ordinance or the NPDES Regulations shall have a Utility Assessment levied on them. The report shall identify all Parcels by Assessor parcel number on which a Utilrty Assessment is to be levied and the amount of the assessment.

Section 3. Resolution Accepting Report and Noticing Public Hearing.

Upon the report being filed with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, the Board of Supervisors is, by resolution, to accept. if appropriate. the report and to set a date, time ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
4 Agenda Packet Page 111 of 215
and place for a hearing on said report. Notice of the hearing date shall be given as required by applicable law.

Section 4. Hearing.

The Board of Supervisors shall hear the matter on the date and at the time specified in the notice, or as continued for good cause. At the hearing, the Board of Supervisors shall hear and consider a" testimony, oral and written, presented, including all written protests. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Supervisors may revise, change, reduce or modify any Utility Assessment and shall determine an appropriate rate for each Stormwater Utility Area identified in the report. Thereafter, by resolution, it shall confirm the assessments. Such confirming resolutions shall be adopted no later than August 10 of each fiscal year in which the Utility Assessment is to be levied and collected.

Section 5. Enrollment.

The District shall provide certified copies of the confirming resolutions and the roll of confirmed Utility Assessments, in an acceptable format, to the Auditor-Controller of the County on or before August 10 of each fiscal year.

ARTICLE V

LEVY OF UTILITY ASSESSMENT
Section 1. Determination of the Amount to Be Assessed.

The District shall estimate, for the fiscal year in which the Utility Assessment is to be levied, the total number of Equivalent Runoff Uni(s and the administrative costs for each Stormwater Utility Area. The administrative costs shall be combined with the costs of implementing the city or County Program for the various Stormwater Utility Areas. This total cost is to be apportioned among the Parcels within each respective Stormwater Utility Area in direct proportion to the number of Equivalent Runoff Units assigned to each Parcel. The Utility Assessment levied and collected WIThin each Stormwater Utility Area may only be applied toward the costs incurred for Program costs for the Stormwater Utility Area. tt, at the conclusion of any fiscal year, there remains in the account for a Stormwater Utility Area unexpended funds, the remaining balance shall be applied toward the estimated costs for the next fiscal year. Utility Assessments levied and collected pursuant to this Ordinance may not be applied toward any other costs or expenses of the District or the dty or County receMng funds from the Stormwater Utility Area nor may they be applied to the costs of a Stormwater Utility Area other than the Stormwater Utility Area for which they were levied and collected.

ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
5 Agenda Packet Page 112 of 215
Section 2. Determination of Equivalent Runoff Unit and Amount of Utilfty Assessment to Be Levied.
a. Equivalent Runoff Unit. The Chief Engineer has submitted a report entitled "Report on Stormwater Utility Assessmenf' and dated March 1993. The report establishes standard impervious surface amounts for various land uses and Parcel sizes and establishes Equivalent Runoff Units (ERUs) for each type of land use. The report and the standard amounts specified therein are adopted by the Board and are incorporated herein by reference. The standard against which all property is to be measured shall be a Single-family residential Parcel of 8,900 square feet in size to which a standard of 3,300 square feet of impervious surface is ascribed and shall be called a Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU). All other land uses shall be Compared to this standard and the number of Equivalent Runoff Units assigned to the Parcel shall be in direct proportion to 3,300 square feet of impervious surface (SFIS). The number of Equivalent Runoff Units per Parcel for each of the classes listed in subsection (b) below are as follows: .:

Group A 1.0 ERU/unit Group G 7 ERU/acre
Group 8 .7 ERU/unit Group H 9 ERU/acre
Group C 1.7 ERU/unit Group I 10 ERU/acre
Group 0 .2 ERU/acre Group J 12 ERU/acre
Group E 1.5 ERU/acre Group K 1 ERU/3,300 SFIS
Group F 4.5 ERU/acre Group L Exempt
b. Classification of Parcels. All Parcels shall be assigned to one of the following classifications based on land use: . ..-.-,.""
Group A: Single family residential on a Parcel having an area between 5,000 square feet and 20,000 square feet.

Group 8: Single family residential on a Parcel having an area less than 5,000 square feet and all multiple family residential Parcels.

Group C: -Single family residential on a Parcel having an area greater than 20,000 square feet. .

Group 0: Golf courses and cemeteries.

Group E: Miscellaneous improvements creating less than 25 percent impervious surfaces by Parcel area.

Group F: Miscellaneous improvements creating between 25 percent and 50 percent impervious surfaces by Parcel area.

ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
6 Agenda Packet Page 113 of 215
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Group G: Community centers, churches, schools and cultural facilities.

Group H: Office buildings, medical-dental offices, financial buildings, research and development offices, miscellaneous industrial improvements, convalescent hospitals and rest homes, mortuaries, fraternal and service organization buildings, retirement housing complex.

Group I: Hotels, motels, and mobile home parks.

Group J: Mini warehOUSes, industrial parks, light industrial parks, heavy industry, utility properties (corporation yards), bowling alleys, theaters, restaurants, car lots, hospitals, convenience markets, supermarkets, shopping centers, drive-in restaurants, parking facilities, service stations and car washes.

Group K: Boat marinas, partially developed properties.

Group L: Vacant land, agricultural land, and govemment-owned properties used for public purposes.
c. Exempted Land Uses. All land uses expressly exempted by the NPDES Regulations will be exempted from the levy of a Utility A$sessment pursuant to this Ordinance. Those land uses exempted are:
(1) Agricultural uses, including dairies, poultry, livestock, groves, orchards, row crops, field crops, vines or dry farming. .---=-
(2) Vacant, undeveloped Parcels.
(3) Publicly-owned Parcels which are Parcels owned by a federal, state or local public entity or agency and used for public purposes.
d.. Determination of Equivalent Runoff Units Per Parcel. Once a Parcel is classified and its acreage or number of units is determined, the appropriate standard Equivalent Runoff Unit amount for the classification will be multiplied by the acreage or the number of units to determine the total Equivalent Runoff Units for the Parcel.
e. Determination of Utility Assessment to Be Levied Per Equivalent Runoff Unit. The aggregate number of Equivalent Runoff Units within a Stormwater Utility Area will be divided into the estimated Program costs for the Stormwater Utility Area to determine the amount of Utility Assessment to be levied per Equivalent Runoff Unit.

The Utility Assessment to be levied on a Parcel is determined by the number of Equivalent Runoff Units ascribed to ~he Parcel and the assessment value of each unit.

ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
7 Agenda Packet Page 114 of 215
f. Maximum Utility Assessment to Be Levied Per Equivalent Runoff Unit. The Board hereby adopts the following maximum amounts of annual Utility Assessment per Equivalent Runoff Unit that can be levied without further individual Parcel owner notmcation for each of the following Stormwater Utility Areas:
1-(Antioch) $25.00 10-(Orinda) $35.00
2-(Clayton) $29.00 11-(Pinole) $35.00
3-(Concord) $35.00 12-(Pittsburg) $30.00
4-(Oanville) $30.00 13-(Pleasant Hill) $30.00
5-(EI Cerrito) $38.00 14-(San Pablo) $45.00
6-(Hercules) $35.00 15-(San Ramon) $35.00
7 -(Lafayette) $35.00 16-(Walnut Creek) $35.00
8-(Martinez) $30.00 17 -(Unincorporated
9-(Moraga) $35.00 County) $30.00
g. Utility Assessment to Be Levied for Fjscal Year 1993-94. The Utility Assessment to be levied per Parcel in Fiscal Year 1993-94 in the various Stormwater Utility Areas shall be based on the assigned dollar amount for a single Equivalent Runoff Unit as indicated below:
1-(Antioch) $20.00 10-(Orinda) $23.00
2-(Clayton) $23.00 11-(Pinole) $29.40
3-(Concord) $26.00 12-{Pittsburg) $24.00
4-(Oanville) $22.00 13-(Pleasant Hill) $25.00
5-(EI Cerrito) $14.00 14-(San Pablo) $33.00
6-(Hercules) $26.00 15-(San Ramon) $23.00 .~-
7 -(Lafayette) $15.00 16-(Walnut Creek) $27.50
8-(Martinez) $20.00 17 -(Unincorporated
9-(Moraga) $25.00 County) $16.20
ARllCLE VI

COLLECTION OF UTILITY ASSESSMENT
Section 1. Collection by Treasurerrrax Collector.

The confirmed Utility Assessment for each Parcel shall appear as a separate item on the tax bill issued by the Treasurer!Tax Collector of the County. The Utility Assessment shall .' be levied and collected at the same time and in the same manner as the general ad valorem property taxes and shall be subject to the same penalties and the same procedures for sale in case of delinquency. tt, for the first year the Utility Assessment is levied, the property on which the Utility Assessment is levied has been transferred or conveyed to a bona fide purchaser for value, or if a lien of a bona fide encumbrancer for ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
8 Agenda Packet Page 115 of 215
value has been created and attached thereon, prior to the date on which the first installment of ad valorem property taxes would become delinquent, the Utility Assessment shall not result in a lien against the real property but shall be transferred to the unsecured roll.

Section 2. Applicable Law.

All laws applicable to the levy, collection and enforcement of ad valorem property taxes shall be applicable to Utility Assessments, except as otherwise provided herein.

Section 3. - Validity of Utility Assessment Not Affected by Time Umits.

Failure to meet the time limits set forth in this Ordinance for whatever reason shall not invalidate any Utility Assessment levied hereunder.

ARTICLE VII

CORRECTION OR CHANGE TO THE TAX ROLL
Section 1. Initiation of the Correction or Change.

A correction or change to the tax roll with respect to a Utility Assessment may be made by the Chief Engineer, either on his/her own initiative, or on application by a property . owner (the "Assessee'1. .~
Section 2. Initiation by Flood Control Engineer.

The Chief Engineer may initiate a correction or change to the tax roll at any time within -two (2) years of the date of the resolution or ordinance of the Board of Supervisors confirming Utility Assessments placed upon the tax roll.

Section 3. Initiation by the Assessee.

The Assessee may initiate a correction or change to the tax roll by filing a written application with the Chief Engineer within sixty (60) days following his/her receipt of the tax bill reflecting the Utility Assessment. The application shall contain or include the following information, together with such additional information deemed relevant by the Assessee or requested by the Chief Engineer:
a. Assessor parcel number. •
b. Gross acreage. //i (e·.·
c. Use of property as of the preceding MarcFr'"1.
d. Copy of the tax bill containing the benefit assessment.

ORDINANCE NO. 93--47
Agenda Packet Page 116 of 215
9 e. Basis for requested correction or change.

Section 4. Categories of Corrections or Changes.

Upon approval of the Chief Engineer, corrections or changes shall be made with respect to:
a. Ownership of a Parcel;
b. Address of an owner of a Parcel;
c. Subdivision of an existing Parcel;
d. Land use category of all or part of a Parcel;
e. Computation of the area of a Parcel;
f. Erroneous computation of the Utility Assessment.

Corrections to the tax roll shall not be valid unless and until approved by the Board of Supervisors. All corrections or changes must be reported by the Chief Engineer to the Auditor-Controller of the County, who shall (1) refund the amount of the assessment overcharge by check without amendment of the bill if the amount of overcharge is less than one hundred dollars, or (2) prepare an amended billing to correct the overcharge, as the case may be. The Chief Engineer shall gtve written notice to the Assessee of the action taken on the application.
tf the Assessee disagrees with the Chief Engineer's determination, he/she may file an appeal with the Stormwater Utility Assessment Appeal Board within thirty (30) days after receipt of the written notice. The appeal shall be initiated by a written letter submitted to' the Stormwater Utility Assessment Appeal Board, c/o the Chief Engineer for refund oMill~ or part of the Stormwater Utility Assessment. The Stormwater Utility Assessment Appeal Board shall contain at least three members and shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

If the Assessee disagrees with the Stormwater Utility Assessment Appeal Board's determination, he/she may file an appeal with the Board of Supervisors within thirty (30) days after receipt of the written notice. The appeal shall be initiated by a written application filed with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors for refund of all or part of the Utility Assessment. The application shall include payment of a one hundred dollar appeal fee which shall be returned if the Assessee's appeal is upheld by the Board. The decision of the Board of Supervisors shall be final and shall complete the administrative process. Any further action by the Assessee for recovery of any part of the Utility Assessment shall be by complaint for refund filed in the Superior Court.

ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
10 Agenda Packet Page 117 of 215
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ARTICLE VIII

EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDINANCE
This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after passage. and within fifteen (15) days of passage, shall be published once with the names of the Supervisors voting for and against it in the Contra Costa limes, a newspaper of general circulation published in this County.

PASSED and ADOPTED on June 22, 1993 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Supervisors Powers, Smith, Bishop, MCPeak and Torlakson None
None
None
Attest: Phil Batchelor, Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
MFK:tv:drg
a: npdes\ord inance
(June 22, 1993)
Board Chair
ORDINANCE NO. 93-47
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AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 7.A.

Date: March 17, 2026
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Diego Romero, Associate Planner; Sean Moss, Planning Manager, Community Development Department
Subject: Introduce an Ordinance to Adopt Permanent Outdoor Dining and Retail Sales Regulations

ACTION PROPOSED
Conduct a public hearing and introduce the ordinance titled:

An Ordinance of the City of El Cerrito to Amend Title 19 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code by Amending Section 19.20.150 and Repealing Section 19.20.160

BACKGROUND
On March 13, 2020, the El Cerrito City Council enacted a Local Emergency due to the global COVID-19 pandemic via Resolution No. 2020-12 (Local Emergency).

Subsequently, the County of Contra Costa Health Officer issued a Shelter in Place public health order (SIP Order) in coordination with other regional health officers on March 17, 2020. That order resulted in the multi-month closure of many of the County’s local businesses. Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay at home order on March 19, 2020.

On July 31, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution 2020-42 amending the Local Emergency to adopt a Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program (Program) in El Cerrito to enhance business recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic and to allow businesses flexibility in responding to public health mandates and best practices. As part of the Program, three categories of outdoor dining and retail activities were established: 1) Use of outdoor private property; 2) Use of public sidewalks; and 3) Use of public parking spaces. The Program provided flexibility by waiving existing requirements that limited the use of outdoor space, and provided a one-stop, no-cost platform to apply for and obtain a permit consistent with published guidelines. The City’s current provisions in the Municipal Code regulate outdoor dining and retail, temporary uses, parking requirements, signage, and encroachments into the public right of way, including streets and sidewalks. The Program waived the processes and requirements previously established for these uses and in their place established the Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit. The Program created a series of Guidelines which set forth the requirements that applicants need to comply with. As long as an application complies with the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines, the application is approved.

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Agenda Item No. 7.A.

On September 20, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution 22-74 to end the Local Emergency effective December 31, 2022, at 11:59 pm. Given that the Local Emergency provided authority to enact temporary emergency measures, including this Program, staff began exploring mechanisms to continue to allow local businesses to operate outdoor dining and retail activities.

On December 6, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance 22-04 which established a similar Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program outside the declared Local Emergency. On January 17, 2023 the City Council adopted Ordinance 23-01 which extended the Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program Ordinance. The extended Ordinance was set to expire on December 5, 2024. On November 19, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2024-04 which further extended the Program indefinitely to allow sufficient time to complete a process to draft permanent regulations, including business outreach and public participation.

In 2024, City staff commenced an effort to develop a permanent Outdoor Dining and Retail ordinance to replace the interim ordinance in order to continue the benefits of the program which supports numerous city goals, including attracting pedestrian activity to foster community, supporting businesses, and creating places of interest.

As part of the effort to develop the permanent ordinance, Community Development staff coordinated an internal working group including representatives from the Planning Division, Building Division, Engineering Division, Operations and Environmental Services Division, and Fire Department in order to evaluate the regulations currently in place as part of the Temporary Program. With feedback from this group, staff began creating a draft of the permanent ordinance. During that process, staff determined that additional feedback was needed from community stakeholders, including the business community, to ensure that the permanent regulations met the needs of local businesses, while implementing the City Council’s vision for a vibrant public realm in our City.

On December 4, 2024, a Joint Study Session of the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Committee was held to provide feedback to staff on the draft ordinance. At this meeting, one of the concerns raised by the joint body was about the potential for the conversion of public parking spaces into parklets and the related safety concerns. Parklets are typically platforms that convert on-street parking spaces into usable public space, often with seating for business customers. Additionally, much of the right-of-way in the City’s commercial areas is a state highway (SR 123, i.e. San Pablo Avenue south of Cutting Boulevard). Parklets on a state highway require approval from Caltrans, which currently lacks a clear process for permitting parklets. In response, staff has revised the ordinance to clarify that the creation of parklets is not a part of this program. A parklet program may be developed in the future.

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Agenda Item No. 7.A.

At the February 18, 2026, meeting of the Planning Commission, the Commission passed a resolution recommending that the City Council amend Title 19 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code to amend Section 19.20.150, and repeal Section 19.20.160. The Commission proposed one change to the ordinance as part of their recommendation.

The ordinance proposes to automatically expire permits that are not utilized for a specific length of time. This period was previously set at 90 days. The Commission recommended that it be increased to 180 days acknowledging that some outdoor activities are seasonal in nature or weather-dependent and may be inactive for more than 90 days.

ANALYSIS
Previous Zoning Ordinance Requirements
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the creation of the Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program, Sections 19.20.150 and 19.20.160 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code (ECMC) regulated outdoor dining uses in the public right of way and outdoor retail sales, respectively.

Outdoor dining in the public right of way previously required an Administrative Use Permit and Administrative Design Review approval. Both applications required approval by the Zoning Administrator. Additionally, development standards for outdoor dining uses were contained in Section 19.20.150 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code. These standards included minimum paths of travel for pedestrians, maximum table sizes, signage requirements, and the prohibition of outdoor dining in a street or alley. This process also required a hold harmless agreement and an encroachment permit for uses in the public right-of-way. Pursuant to Section 19.20.150(C)(8), an Administrative Use Permit approval for outdoor dining was valid for an initial one-year period. However, one could apply for an unlimited term renewal unless the Zoning Administrator deemed that a limited term was appropriate.

Section 19.20.160 established requirements for outdoor retail sales. Under this section of the Municipal Code, any display and sale of merchandise that was conducted on a limited basis required approval of a Temporary Use Permit pursuant to Section

19.35.020, whereas the permanent outdoor display of merchandise required the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Outdoor retail sales needed to be located completely on private property and could not be located in the public right-of-way. This section also required that the activity areas needed to be appropriately screened from adjacent public rights-of-way and residential districts, and that the location of the merchandise needed to occupy a fixed, specifically-approved location that did not encroach upon parking spaces, driveways, pedestrian walkways, or required landscaped areas.

If a business is located in within the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan (SPASP) area, then it is subject to the standards of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan. Under the SPASP, as updated in December 2022, if an outdoor dining use is proposed along a public right of way frontage, it does not require any additional Zoning approval but would still be subject to an Encroachment Permit if located in the public right-of-way.

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Agenda Item No. 7.A.

If an outdoor dining use is proposed in an area which is not along a public right of way frontage, then an Administrative Use permit is required. The SPASP makes no reference to outdoor retail sales uses, leaving in place the provisions of Section

19.20.160 of the Zoning Ordinance. To date, these revised standards have not been applied, as the Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program has been in effect since 2022.

Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the declared local emergency, and the public health mandates and guidance at the time, the intent of the Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program was to provide more flexibility by waiving the existing requirements that limited the use of outdoor space, and to provide a streamlined, expedited, no-cost way to apply for and obtain a permit. Under the Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program businesses could submit a permit application at no cost for the following categories of outdoor dining and outdoor retail activities:

1. Use of Outdoor Private Property: Any sidewalks, plazas, or parking lots located on private property, including any that are part of a shopping center.

2. Use of Public Sidewalks: Public sidewalks adjacent to public streets and building frontages.

3. Use of Public Parking Spaces: Parking on public streets that are not on Caltrans state right-of-way (San Pablo Avenue, south of Cutting Boulevard).

As part of the temporary program, applicants needed to adhere to the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines which addressed requirements relating to ADA compliance, adequate clearances, temporary furnishings, temporary signs, outdoor food preparation, site maintenance, solid waste, hours of operation, driveway clearances, fire safety, emergency access, and fire and building code compliance. The City Manager was authorized to amend the Guidelines for changes that are consistent with and in furtherance of the Program. In order for a business to apply for permit under this program, the applicant needed to submit a site plan, a pedestrian control plan (if using the sidewalk), approval from the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (if outdoor alcohol consumption was proposed), a certificate of insurance, and an acknowledgment of the various terms and conditions of the program. If adequate application materials were provided, the permit was automatically approved with minimal review from City staff.

Since the initial implementation of the Outdoor Dining and Retail Program, a total of eleven businesses applied for and received temporary permits. Some of the businesses that were granted permits were seeking temporary activities needed to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic and have now ceased outdoor activities. Other businesses are still operating continuous or periodic outdoor activities.

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Agenda Item No. 7.A.

Proposed Permanent Ordinance
The proposed Permanent Outdoor Dining and Retail Program consists of two documents; the Outdoor Dining Uses and Outdoor Retail Sales Ordinance and the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines. The ordinance establishes which uses will qualify for the program, the location requirements, the permit processes, and requires compliance with the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines.

Most operating standards for the Program are contained within the Outdoor Seating & Retail Program Guidelines. The Guidelines cover standards for furnishings and fixtures, operational standards, complaint and termination processes, and the application submittal requirements.

As mentioned above, under the Temporary Program, there are three categories of outdoor dining and outdoor retail activities which are dependent on the proposed location of the activity. Staff are proposing changes to the ordinance that would create a distinct process for outdoor uses based on whether the installation is readily removable or permanent. If an applicant is proposing an installation that is not permanent and able to be removed without heavy equipment, then many of the same processes and requirements would apply as under the temporary program. The proposed process would still be a streamlined review of the materials to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

If an applicant is proposing installations that are permanent in nature and are not easily removable, then they would still need to meet most of the same requirements as the removable installations with the additional requirement that either Tier I Design Review would be required if the installation is located in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan area, or Administrative Design Review for all other areas. Additionally, a permanent installation that is located in the public right of way would need an encroachment permit.

Under the Temporary Program as first adopted, outdoor food preparation was previously prohibited. Staff have received feedback from businesses that they are interested in sponsoring temporary food stall pop-ups in front of their business. Under the Urgency Ordinance extension that was adopted by the City Council on November 19, 2024, the language prohibiting outdoor food preparation was removed and standards for outdoor food preparation were put in place. These standards include requiring a current business license, approval from the Contra Costa County Department of Environmental Health, and the outdoor food sales must be in conjunction with an existing brick and mortar business. These requirements would continue as part of the proposed permanent program. Exceptions to the requirement that the outdoor activity be in conjunction with an existing business or on a property with an existing business are allowed with approval of an Administrative Use Permit. This allows a food pop-up or food truck on private property where there is not an existing business through the Administrative Use Permit process.

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Agenda Item No. 7.A.

The Guidelines outline the specific requirements that applicants would need to comply with, such as leaving adequate clearance for pedestrians, ADA compliance, fire safety standards, and sign requirements. Additionally, the proposed Guidelines limit the use of generators to 32 hours for every 30 calendar days, to help lessen the impact of generators on the surrounding neighborhood. The proposed guidelines also prohibit the use of fossil-fuel powered space heaters, but allow the Zoning Administrator to grant an exception if they determine that the use of electric heaters (or alternative) is infeasible due to site-related financial or technical considerations.

The Guidelines contain a detailed complaint process. To initiate the complaint process, a person would need to make a report to the City concerning location, noise, hours of operation, or required clearances. The Guidelines also establish parameters for what is considered unnecessary noise generated by Outdoor Dining and Retail Uses. After a report is submitted, the City will independently confirm that the report can be substantiated. The City would then send a warning letter to the business and they would have 15 days after receiving the letter to correct the violation. If the violation is not corrected, the Reporting Party may make a second report. If the City determines that the second report can also be substantiated, the Zoning Administrator may review the Outdoor Dining or Outdoor Retail use at a noticed public hearing or refer the matter to the Planning Commission.

This ordinance does not apply to home-based businesses (home occupations).

Currently, home occupations are restricted regarding the number of customers that can visit the business. City staff has received some input that some home-based businesses may wish to be able to hold permitted pop-up events in residential areas. Due to the nature of residential areas, and the potential for conflicts, it is City staff’s determination that a separate public process that is tailored to residential areas and the unique issues of these types of events would need to be developed in order to draft appropriate regulations.

STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• Livability and Belonging by supporting businesses and economic development, and advancing the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan to create a livable, vibrant and diverse corridor.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act because the proposed program will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2)) and it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a significant impact on the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)).

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Agenda Item No. 7.A.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Because the temporary program currently in place was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow businesses to quickly respond to the needs of that time, it was developed and operates as a no-cost program. The temporary program, therefore, does not recover the City's costs to administer it. With the adoption of the 2025-26 Master Fee Schedule, the City Council adopted an Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit of $446 in anticipation of the adoption of the permanent program. This fee is intended to cover the costs of processing new permits under the permanent program. Other permits that may be required pursuant to the permanent program (e.g. encroachment permit, Administrative Design Review, etc.) have existing adopted fees that have been established at rates that cover the City's costs.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Outdoor Dining and Retail Sales ordinance and the associated Guidelines were developed in consultation with the City Attorney. Additionally, the City Attorney has reviewed and approved this report and the associated attachments.

Reviewed by:

Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Ordinance

2. Outdoor Seating Permit Application Guidelines
Agenda Packet Page 125 of 215
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO TO AMEND TITLE 19 OF THE EL CERRITO MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 19.20.150 AND REPEALING SECTION 19.20.160
WHEREAS, the California Constitution, Article XI, Section 7, provides cities and counties with the authority to enact ordinances to protect the health, safety, and general welfare, of their citizens; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020 and July 31, 2020, respectively, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito proclaimed the existence of a Local Emergency related to COVID-19 and adopted Resolution No. 2020-42 to approve a Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program including temporary land use regulations and administrative guidelines and permit procedures (the “Program”) in the City to enhance business recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on December 6, 2022, the City Council made requisite findings and adopted Ordinance No. 2022-04 pursuant to a duly noticed public hearing as an interim urgency measure for an initial forty-five (45) day period pursuant to Government Code section 65858 to continue the Program, in order to protect public health, safety and welfare as set forth more specifically in that ordinance and hearing records; and WHEREAS, on January 17, 2023, the City Council made requisite findings and adopted Ordinance No. 2023-01 pursuant to a duly noticed public hearing to extend the interim urgency measure and continue the Program for a period of twenty-two (22) months and fifteen (15) days, in order to continue protecting public health, safety and welfare as set forth more specifically in that ordinance and hearing records; and

WHEREAS, on November 19, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2024- 04 enacting an urgency ordinance to maintain a temporary outdoor dining and retail program to enhance business recovery pursuant to government code section 36937; and WHEREAS, in the fall of 2023 City Staff commenced an effort to create a permanent Outdoor Dining and Retail ordinance to replace the interim ordinance in order to continue the benefits of the program which supports numerous city goals; and WHEREAS, Community Development staff coordinated an internal working group including representatives from the Planning Division, Building Division, Engineering Division, Operations and Environmental Services Division, and Fire Department in order to evaluate the regulations currently in place as part of the Temporary Program; and

WHEREAS, in the summer and fall of 2024, City staff sought feedback from community stakeholders, including the business community, to ensure that the permanent regulations met the needs of local businesses, while implementing the City Council’s vision for a vibrant public realm in our City; and
Agenda Packet Page 126 of 215
WHEREAS, On December 4, 2024, the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Committee reviewed the draft ordinance in a special joint meeting and provided feedback to staff; and
WHEREAS, the existing Program has been used by businesses to utilize outdoor private property and public right-of-way for outdoor commercial activities; such uses have fostered economic growth and promoted dining and retail activities in the El Cerrito community in support of businesses and customer experience and convenience; and WHEREAS, additionally, this Ordinance establishes a permanent Outdoor Dining and Retail Program which serves the public interest and preserves the public peace, health and safety by maintaining the orderly utilization of public and private properties by restaurants, retail businesses, and consumers; and by continuing to promote economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2026, the Planning Commission of El Cerrito adopted a Resolution recommending that the City Council amend title 19 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code by amending section 19.20.150 and repealing section 19.20.160; and WHEREAS, on March 17, 2026, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the proposed Ordinance and the presentation, testimony, documents, and other evidence presented to it during the hearing and as a part of the record.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1: Incorporation of Recitals. The City Council finds that the above Recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.

Section 2: Amendment of the El Cerrito Municipal Code. The terms Outdoor Dining, Outdoor Retail, and Readily Removeable and their corresponding definitions shall be added to Sections 19.47.010 and 19.47.020 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code as follows:

Section 19.47.010 List of Terms
Outdoor Dining
Outdoor Retail
Readily Removable
Section 19.47.020 Definitions
Outdoor Dining. The use of an outside area for eating, drinking, and food preparation activities, including those in conjunction with an existing business with a storefront. This definition does not include Outdoor Retail, or a sidewalk vendor as defined in Government Code Section 51036.

Outdoor Retail. The use of an outside are in which goods are placed for display or sale purposes in conjunction with an existing business with a storefront.

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Readily Removable. Fixtures which are not leaded, cemented, nailed, bolted, power riveted, screwed in or affixed to a location on the ground by weight or in any other manner, and that can be relocated and stored without the use of heavy equipment when not in use.

Section 3: Amendment of the El Cerrito Municipal Code. Section

19.20.150 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code is amended to read in full as follows:

Section 19.20.150 Outdoor Dining and Retail sales
Outdoor Dining Uses and Outdoor Retail Sales shall be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards:

A. Applicability. No person may establish an Outdoor Dining or Outdoor Retail Use on private property or in the public right-of-way without obtaining an Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit from the City in accordance with the requirements of this section.

Outdoor Dining and retail uses shall be consistent with the standards in Sections C and D below, and the measures set forth in the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines adopted by the City Council and most recently in effect as may be amended. As used in this section, the term “applicant” shall include property owners, business owners, individuals or entities that submit an application to the City, and/or any other project sponsors applying to the City for an Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit and establishing or operating an Outdoor Dining or Outdoor Retail Use thereunder.

B. All Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Retail Uses. All Outdoor Dining or Outdoor Retail Use shall obtain an Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit issued by the City.

Issuance of an Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit shall be subject to compliance with the following requirements:

1. Location.
a. Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Retail uses permitted pursuant to this Chapter shall be located on properties containing an existing business, excluding Home Occupations, and adjacent pedestrian areas of public right-of-way. Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Retail uses must be operated in conjunction with an existing business.

Outdoor Dining and Outdoor Retail uses must be located within the frontage of the existing business. The definition of “frontage” shall be as defined in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan
(“SPASP”). Exceptions to the foregoing requirements shall be allowed with approval of an Administrative Use Permit.
b. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and the SPASP, the use of outdoor private sidewalks, other private pedestrian areas, and private parking areas for outdoor dining and outdoor retail uses shall be permitted consistent with this Chapter.

The applicant must provide evidence to the City demonstrating valid authorization from the property owner for such use, including the size and location of the use, at the time of filing an application.

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2. Compliance with the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines. The establishment, operation, and maintenance of an Outdoor Dining or Outdoor Retail use shall comply with all requirements and regulations contained in the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines adopted by the City Council and most recently in effect.

3. Temporary Signs. In addition to any signage permitted for the associated business by the Zoning Ordinance and the SPASP, and notwithstanding any provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and SPASP to the contrary, a maximum of one (1) free-standing menu or merchandizing board may be displayed, as set forth in the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines.

Free-standing signs must not encroach on the pedestrian right-of-way or the accessible path as required in Section 19.20.150.B.1

4. Compliance with Applicable Laws. Outdoor Dining or Outdoor Retail uses shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws at all times, including but not limited to all applicable Fire and Building Standards Code provisions.

5. County and State Requirements. Prior to establishing an Outdoor Dining or Retail Use, the applicant shall secure all applicable approvals and permits from the Contra Costa County Department of Environmental Health and/or the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) or other applicable approvals.

6. Requirements for Use in the Public Right-of-Way. Outdoor Dining or Retail Use occupying any portion of the Public Right-of-Way, including but not limited to public sidewalks, shall comply with the following requirements:
a. Hold Harmless Waiver. The applicant shall execute and provide to the City a written agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, that the applicant will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City and designated City Indemnitees for any and all liabilities, claims, damages and expenses for any injuries or property damages in the Right-of-Way arising from the presence of such Outdoor Dining or Retail area in the Right-of-Way. b. Certificates of Insurance. The applicant shall provide General Liability insurance, as approved by the City Attorney and the City’s Risk Manager, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 naming the City and City Indemnitees as additional insureds; such policy shall remain in force at all times that the permit is in effect and the applicant shall provide verification of this policy to the City annually.

C. Permit Application Review and Approval.

1. Application. An application for Outdoor Dining or Retail Uses shall be filed with the City and shall be accompanied by copies, in a quantity as required on the City’s published application checklist, of site plans, ownership Agenda Packet Page 129 of 215
information, activity descriptions, photographs, or other presentation material as may be necessary for complete review and consideration of the proposed outdoor dining activities. The applicant shall pay all applicable fees or deposits as set forth in the City’s Master Fee Schedule most recently adopted by the City Council.

2. Review and Approval. Except as provided for in Subsection (D) below, the City shall administratively process and review an application for Outdoor Dining or Retail Uses. The application will be reviewed against this Section and the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines most currently in effect. The application may be approved and an Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit may be issued if the City determines that the proposed Outdoor Dining and/or Outdoor Retail activities and design are consistent with all applicable requirements. Upon approval, the applicant shall execute all required agreements, pay all applicable outstanding fees or deposits as reflected herein and in the City’s Master Fee Schedule, and obtain any required insurance, pursuant to the requirements herein.

D. Non-Removable Outdoor Dining. In addition to the requirements of Subsection (B) above, an applicant seeking to install Non-Removable Outdoor Dining furnishing structures that are not readily removable shall be subject to the following additional requirements.

1. Design Review. Notwithstanding subsection (B)(7) above, the installation of furnishings and structures shall be subject to Tier I Design Review within the SPASP area or Administrative Design Review in all other areas.

2. Public Right-of-Way. For any use of the Public Right-of-Way such as public sidewalks, the following additional requirement shall apply:
a. Encroachment Permit. Applicants for an Outdoor Dining use in the public right-of-way with non-removable features shall obtain an Encroachment Permit from the City.
b. Removal of Fixtures Upon Termination. The applicant is required to remove all Outdoor Dining and Retail installations within 90 days upon termination of the Permit pursuant to Subsection (E) below, or if the use has ceased for a duration of more than 180 days.

E. Termination of Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit.

1. Revocation Based on Complaints Received.
a. Any interested party observing a violation of this Section or the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines may submit a complaint to the City in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Guidelines.

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b. The City will review all complaints received and determine if a complaint has been validly filed and can be substantiated. If the City determines that there is sufficient evidence to substantiate a validly filed complaint, the City will first provide a notice of violation to the party committing the violation in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Outdoor Dining & Retail Program Guidelines.
c. If the violation is not corrected as provided for in the Guidelines, the Zoning Administrator may take the following actions or refer the matter to Planning Commission to take the following action: (1) review an Outdoor Dining or Outdoor Retail Permit at a noticed public hearing and impose Conditions on said Outdoor Dining or Retail use under the permit; or (2) may initiate revocation of the applicable permit for the Outdoor Dining or Outdoor Retail use in accordance with the procedures outlined in Chapter 19.32, Common Procedures of this Zoning Ordinance.

2. Cessation of Use. The applicant is required to remove the installation if not in use for a duration of more than 180 days.

F. Appeals. Decisions on Outdoor Dining & Retail Use application submissions and permit decisions may be appealed by the applicant to the City Manager or their designee within 10 days of an action on the application. Design Review actions for non-removable Outdoor Dining may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 19.39:

Appeals.

G. Violation—Penalty. Any person who violates, or causes or permits another person or entity to violate, any provision of this chapter shall be subject to administrative citations and fines as set forth under Chapter 1.14: Administrative Penalties
Section 4: Amendment of the El Cerrito Municipal Code. Section

19.20.160 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code is repealed in its entirety.

Section 5: Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The city council hereby declares that it would have passed the ordinance codified in this chapter, and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of this chapter would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Section 6: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be enforced thirty days after the date of its adoption. Prior to the expiration of fifteen days from the passage thereof, the ordinance or a summary thereof shall be posted or published as may be required by law, and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.

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THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was introduced at a special meeting of the City Council on March 17, 2026 and passed by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSENT: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
ADOPTED AND ORDERED published at a regular meeting of the City Council held on April 7, 2026 and passed by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSENT: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
APPROVED:

Gabe Quinto, Mayor
ATTEST:

Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk

ORDINANCE CERTIFICATION
I, Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk of the City of El Cerrito, do hereby certify that this Ordinance is the true and correct original Ordinance No. (2026-XX) of the City of El Cerrito; that said Ordinance was duly enacted and adopted by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito at a meeting of the City Council held on the (DD day of Month, 2026); and that said Ordinance has been published and/or posted in the manner required by law.

WITNESS my hand and Official Seal of the City of El Cerrito on . ________________________
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk

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El Cerrito City CouncilMarch 17, 2026

El Cerrito City Council
March 17, 2026