RESOLUTION NO. P-01-26
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FOSTER CITY
RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTANCE OF THE GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR) AND HOUSING ELEMENT APR FOR 2025 AND FIND THE
REPORT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE SECTION 15061(B)(3).
CITY OF FOSTER CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65400 requires each governing body to prepare an annual report on the status and progress on implementation of its General Plan including its progress on implementation of the Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65400(a)(2) requires that an annual report on the status of the City’s General Plan and progress made towards its implementation be provided to the legislative body and submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) by April 1 of each year, covering the previous calendar year; and
WHEREAS, the 202 5 General Plan Annual Progress Report includes major implementation activities that occurred during the calendar year; and
WHEREAS, the 202 5 General Plan Annual Progress Report includes reporting for progress pertaining to the City’s Housing Element 2023-31, which is one of nine required general plan elements; and
WHEREAS, the City has made significant progress in implementing the programs contained in the City’s General Plan, including the following significant accomplishments in 2025:
• Land Use & Circulation Element
In 2025, the City launched a number of initiatives to address land use & circulation. • Periodic Monitoring of Land Uses Throughout the City - In June 2025, the City received a formal application for the approval of 174,785 square feet of new Research and Development (R&D) within a larger 800,000 R&D campus located at 1155 -1159, 1161 -1169, 1175- 1191 Chess Drive. In July 2025, the City approved an application to construct a new R&D building on the Gilead Sciences Integrated Campus Master Plan located at 335 Lakeside Drive. (LUC-C-12-a) • Green Building Guidelines and Incentives – In 2025, a total of 101 solar permits were issued, 35 Electrical Vehicle (EV) Charging electrical permits were issued, and a total of 11 solar rebates were issued. (LUC-H-1-a) • Climate Action Plan (CAP) – The Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update was approved by City Council on November 18, 2024. Most year one implementation activities were completed in 2025, including several education campaigns, the development of a community sustainability living guide, and an increase in the number of EV charging station permits applied for (52 permits applied for with a total of 393 charging stations). (LUC-H-2-a)
• Wastewater Systems Improvement – Foster City is working with the City of San Resolution No. P-01-26
Mateo to construct improvements at the jointly owned wastewater treatment plant. The startup and commissioning of new treatment facilities is targeted to be completed by March 2026, with final completion by May 2026. (LUC -L-13- a)
• Street Network/Connectivity – On March 17, 2025, City Council awarded a contract to Fehr & Peers for the development of the Foster City Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to address bicycle and pedestrian safety and needs throughout the city . The plan is in development and adoption is expected in Spring 2026. (LUC-E-2-b)
• Periodically Monitoring Traffic Conditions – Transportation Safety Signalization Upgrades – CIP 301-698 has begun preliminary stages which will allow visual monitoring and more data collection. (LUC-F-1-c)
• Parks and Open Space Element
On December 2, 2024, City Council approved an agreement to update the Parks and Open Space Element. The updated Parks and Open Space Element was adopted by the City Council on November 3, 2025. (Note: the programs below are from 2009 Parks and Open Space Element. For 2026 APR, staff will be reporting on the programs from 2025 Parks and Open Space Element.)
• Special Events – In 2025, the City hosted special events, including the Fourth of July Celebration, Summer Concert Series, Halloween Festival, and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Summer Days also returned as a three- day festival featuring carnival rides, live music, food trucks, and a car show. Due to ongoing construction, event layouts were modified as needed. (PC-y) • Parks Facilities Plan and Improve Facilities –
• New Foster City Community Center : On January 16, 2024, the City Council provided direction to allocate an additional approximately $9.49 million to finance the construction of the Foster City Recreation Center rebuild project. On September 3, 2024 , the City Council, by unanimous decision, awarded the construction contract to BHM Construction. On September 16, 2024, the Recreation Center was closed to the public, and all services and classes were moved to the VIBE Teen Center and Community Center. O n November 18, 2024, the old Recreation Center building was demolished. On December 18, 2024, the community was invited to a groundbreaking ceremony at Leo J. Ryan Park to celebrate the construction of a new Foster City Community Center. Notable 2025 Community Center highlights include completion of structural steel construction, which included bolting and field welding; construction of metal decking on the second floor; completion of the concrete pour for the second floor and lower roof deck; and completion of the fire water and sewer lateral trenching. • Parks Master Plan: In 2025, as part of Parks System Masterplan, city staff and the consultant, Wallace Roberts & Todd Design, LLC (WRT) completed a full parks system inventory and park conditions assessment through community surveys and multiple workshops and popups, engaging more than 1,600 participants. The Parks System Master Plan was completed and adopted by the City Council on Resolution No. P-01-26
December 15, 2025, and will serve as the City’s primary framework for park-related decision-making moving forward. (LUC-L-5-a & PC- d)
• Safety Element
• Maintain and enhance the City’s levees and lagoon system for flood protection – Lagoon Pump Station Rehabilitation and Capacity Enhancement (CIP 717) is in progress and will address adding a third and possibly fourth lagoon pump to provide redundancy and add capacity to meet stronger weather events. (S -
3.4)
• Educate the Public about Crime Prevention – In 2025, the Police Department (PD) continued to provide a variety of crime prevention programs to educate and involve the community. (S-1.10)
• Social Media - In 2025, social media was utilized to deliver timely crime alerts, crime prevention tips, traffic updates, and general safety information to the community.
• Residential and commercial crime prevention surveys were conducted. • The City’s Mental Health Clinician supported community members during various calls throughout 2025.
• Drake, the community service dog, and his handler attended 89 events throughout 2025, offering comfort and a calming presence to those in need, while also engaging with the public.
• PD attended the Foster City 4th of July Celebration and the Summer Days Event.
• Throughout the year, PD also performed routine school safety checks during school days.
• Mandated reporter training was provided to Foster City Parks and Recreation summer camp counselors.
• In collaboration with civic and community partners, the PD hosted the annual National Night Out Event at Leo J. Ryan Park on August 5, 2025. • On October 1, 2025, PD presented at the Foster City Civics Academy, providing an overview of the department, its services, and a tour of the Police Station.
• On October 11, 2025, the annual Foster City Open House was held, offering tours of the Police Department and highlighting the various functions and specialties within the agency.
• PD offered tours of the Department for student groups and “Meet the Mayor” groups.
• Conservation Element
On December 2, 2024, City Council approved an agreement to update the Conservation Element. The updated Conservation Element was adopted by the City Council on November 3, 2025. (Note: the programs below are from 2009 Parks and Open Space Resolution No. P-01-26
Element. For 2026 APR, staff will be reporting on the programs from 2025 Parks and Open Space Element.)
• Water Conservation Plan – The City Council approved an Agreement with EKI Environment & Water to prepare the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan on October 20, 2025, which is scheduled for adoption by July 1, 2026. (C-d) • Reduction in Automobile Trips – The Climate Action Plan 2024 Update included measures and actions to reduce vehicle miles travelled commuting to work by encouraging alternate means of transportation beyond Single- Occupancy Vehicles. Year one (2025) implementation efforts included resources and education materials added to the City’s sustainability website (https://sustainable.fostercity.org/). (C-m)
• Solar Heating and Cooling: In 2025, 101 solar permits and 35 EV charging station permits were issued. (C-p)
• Housing Element
• Lower-Income Homeowner Rehabilitation Loans : The Home Rehabilitation program requires the City to provide or partner with a regional program provider to offer home rehabilitation loans for low and very-low income homeowners. On September 15, 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the administration of the Home Rehabilitation Program. Subsequently, the Agreement with Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco was approved by City Council on December 15, 2025. The program provides no -interest loans from $25,000 to $75,000 and construction services for up to 18 eligible low and very low income homeowners. (H-B-2-a)
• Facilitate Non- Profit Rehabilitation/Maintenance Assistance: The program is designed for very low-income homeowners (those earning less than 50% of Area Median Income) to keep their homes in good condition by providing funding and minor home repair services of up to $5,000 per home through a nonprofit organization. Similar to H -B-2-b, the City issued an RFP on September 15, 2025 and the Agreement with Rebuilding Together Pennisula was approved by the City Council on December 15, 2025. The program provides funding to Rebuilding Together Peninsula to provide grants and repair services for up to six (6) eligible homeowners (H-B-2-b) • ADU/JADU Financial Incentive Program : The program requires the City to provide or partner with another organization to provide a financial incentive program for single- family homeowners to construct an ADU/JADU that is restricted for lower-income households for 10-15 years and additional financial incentives for units for special needs people. On December 30, 2025, City Staff issued a RFP to seeking proposals from qualified firms for administering the loan program. Proposals are due February 20, 2026. (H-D-4-b) • Emergency Housing Assistance: The program requires the City to allocate funds for County and non- profit programs providing emergency shelter and related counseling services.
• On August 11, 2025, City Council allocated the final nonprofit agency funding for FY 2025-2026 for the following agencies: CALL Primrose, Resolution No. P-01-26
MELP, Mission Hospice and Home Care, PARCA, Peninsula
Volunteers, Samaritan House, AgeUp, and others.
• In 2025, city was granted $35,000 from the County of San Mateo’s Measure K Program for an emergency rent relief program for BMR tenants at risk of displacement. The program helped 15 very low - income tenants to stay in their homes. Subsequently, staff applied for additional funding and was awarded $20,000 in November 2025 for use in 2026. (H-F-2-a)
• Architectural and Solar Guidelines for Single-Family Homes: In 2024, the City launched a Citywide initiative to engage the community in an endeavor to modernize and ultimately, replace the City’s Architectural and Solar Guidelines, polies, and applicable zoning code regulations for single- family residence into one comprehensive document. Three (3) Planning Commission Study Sessions were held, including on April 17, 2025, June 5, 2025, September 18, 2025, followed by a public hearing on November 6, 2025, to discuss various components of objective design standards for single- and two-family homes within the City. The first reading of the Ordinance adding a new Chapter 17.15 Single-Family and Two-Family Objective Design and Development Standards, to Title 17 of Foster City Municipal Code was held on December 15, 2025. The second reading took place on January 20, 2026, and the ODDS will become effective by February 19, 2026. (H-B-4-a)
• Rental Registry : On June 2, 2025, the City Council approved a two- year agreement with Tolemi for registry of below market rate (BMR) units.
Subsequently, staff is working with the property managers on entering the data into the registry software. Registrations are due annually beginning Juen 30, 2026. (H-G-2-e)
• Anti-Displacement Strategy: The program requires the City to develop an Anti- Displacement Strategy, including assessment of a variety of tenant protection measures. On May 5, 2025, the City revised Municipal Code Chapter 17.90 via Ordinance No. 690 , adding new sections for “No Fault” Evictions for BMR units (17.90.130), and Tenant relocation assistance for BMR units (17.90.140). (H- C-3-b)
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): On September 18, 2023, the City Council approved updates to Chapter 17.78 of the Municipal Code to comply with 2023 State laws. On December 2, 2024, City Council adopted Ordinance 684, amending Chapter 17.78, Accessory Dwelling Units, to include objective design standards for ADUs. On August 18, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 692, further amending Chapter 17.78 Accessory Dwelling Units to further clarify and align with adopted state laws, including multi-family dwelling ADUs. (H-D- 4-a)
• Improved Public Information on ADUs. Staff continued to conduct outreach and update public-facing platforms such as the City’s webpages to ensure residents and applicants are aware of ADU laws.
• On October 17, 2025, Planning staff mailed out a letter with ADU Resolution No. P-01-26
information, appointment scheduler, and webinar dates to all religious/school site property owners. The webinars were advertised as Zoom webinars for an overview of ADU opportunities on religious/school/non-profit properties and question- and-answer segment following the presentation. The first webinar was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., and second webinar was held on December 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (H-D-4-j)
• The Planning Division also added exclusive ADU office hours, accessible directly from the ADU webpage, on Mondays and Thursdays from October 17, 2025 (options for virtual or in- person) through December 18, 2025. (H-D-4-d)
• Minimize Governmental Constraints: The program requires the City to review the development process and among various tasks streamline 100% affordable housing with a priority staff-level planning entitlement process. • Planning staff published checklists and application forms for streamlined development under SB 423, AB 2142, and SB 4 on December 13, 2024, and October 13, 2025.
• On December 15, 2025 , the City Council approved an Ordinance amending Section 17.58.040 of FCMC adding language that one hundred percent affordable housing projects, or such other affordability requirement as specified by applicable State Law, which requires ministerial review and complies with the objective design and development standards included in Title 17, shall be ministerially reviewed pursuant to administrative architectural review. • On May 05, 2025, staff participated in the joint San Mateo County and Santa Clara County Affordable Housing Developer Forum aimed at understanding barriers/challenges to nonprofit affordable housing development, local development opportunities and incentives, and building meaningful relationships between local housing staff and developers. (H-A-3-a; H-D-6-a)
• Annual Tracking of Housing Activity – In 2025, City issued building permits for 24 ADUs and Certificates of Occupancy (or temporary certificates) for two (2) new housing units. As of July 1, 2022, through December 31, 2025, a total of 69 new housing units were completed and count ed towards the RHNA 2023- 2031. (H-A-1-a)
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds that preparation of the General Plan APR and Housing Element APR is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, and is also exempt from CEQA under the CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered and reviewed the General Plan APR and Housing Element APR at the Planning Commission Regular Meeting on February 19, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of Foster City, has reviewed the General Plan APR and Housing Element APR in conformance with Government Code Section 65400(a) and based on facts and analysis in the Staff Report, written Resolution No. P-01-26
and oral testimony, and exhibits presented recommends that the City Council accept the Annual Progress Report on the General Plan and Housing Element for 2025 as attached hereto.
PASSED AND ADOPTED as a Resolution of the City of Foster City Planning Commission at the Regular Meeting thereof held on February 19, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES, COMMISSIONERS: Jagtiani, Kenkre, Stoveland, and Chair Pedro NOES, COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT, COMMISSIONERS: Haddad
ABSTAIN, COMMISSIONERS:
__________________________________
ROBERT PEDRO, CHAIR
ATTEST:
_____________________________
SOFIA MANGALAM, SECRETARY