Score: -3
(15/26/18)
Marin County Grand Jury
• 2024-2025
Housing
Published: June 24, 2025
21 pages
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
Because the California Department of Housing and Community Development provided the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns with unrealistic housing goals for the 2023-2030 cycle, the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns will not achieve their current cycle Housing Element goals.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The ability of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to comply with the current cycle California Regional Housing Needs Allocation housing goals is significantly impacted by the lack of economic returns associated with that development and, therefore, inhibits the construction of new housing in Marin County.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Under current state law, the failure of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to make adequate progress in achieving their California Regional Housing Needs Allocation goals could expose these jurisdictions to the potential of litigation, loss of permitting authority, financial penalties, court receivership, and streamlined ministerial approval processes which could substantially impact the ability of local housing jurisdictions to control the development of housing.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The cost of housing in Marin County is unaffordable for most current and potential Marin County public-sector workers, which reduces the ability of the public-sector employers to attract and retain employees.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns do not consistently inform the public on how applicable state law is limiting or eliminating the discretion of the local decision makers to modify or decline housing projects, and therefore, the public often does not understand the range of options available to local housing decision makers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to engage with the public on a quarterly basis on how State housing laws constrain the jurisdiction's ability to approve or modify a housing project.
F6
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently providing developers and the public with detailed reconciliation of project level public accounting of the planning fees, expenses, and time expectations, and therefore, housing developers are not clear if their housing applications are billed on a cost-neutral basis as required by state law.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to publish and regularly update a public accounting of the fees charged and expenses associated with each development project submitted to the jurisdiction’s planning and building activities.
F7
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently and proactively engaging the housing development community on the opportunities available in their communities to build new housing, and, therefore, housing developers may not be aware of the opportunities available to contribute to local housing development.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to proactively engage with potential developers to inform them of opportunities in their housing elements to support addressing the housing needs within Marin County.
F8
Accessory Dwelling Units are an element to the success of each jurisdiction's Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to Accessory Dwelling Unit construction.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to ensure their housing laws provide a ministerial path for the approval of Accessory Dwelling Units.
F9
Multifamily housing is the most important element to fulfilling each jurisdiction’s Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to multifamily construction.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to ensure that local housing laws provide a ministerial path for the approval of multifamily housing in compliance with State housing law.
Additional Recommendations 1
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
-
R1By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to provide detailed quarterly updates to the community on the progress in executing their own specific Housing Element.
Agency Responses 5
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
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June 24, 2025
•
10 pages
• 11 responses
•
Score: -2
(+0, 8, -2)
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11 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Because the California Department of Housing and Community Development provided the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns with unrealistic housing goals for the 2023-2030 cycle, the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns will not achieve their current cycle Housing Element goals.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
While the RHNA numbers assigned to the Town of Tiburon are unprecedented; and market forces such as interest rates, construction costs, and labor shortages pose significant challenges to housing production; it is important to underscore that the Housing Element's core purpose is to plan for housing, not guarantee its construction.
R1
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to provide detailed quarterly updates to the community on the progress in executing their own specific Housing Element.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or reasonable. Under State Housing Element law, local jurisdictions are required to report detailed information on housing production and progress on Housing Element programs in the Annual Progress Reports (APR) submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1 of each year.
F2
The ability of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to comply with the current cycle California Regional Housing Needs Allocation housing goals is significantly impacted by the lack of economic returns associated with that development and, therefore, inhibits the construction of new housing in Marin County.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
agree with the findings numbered: F 4 ■ I (we) disagree partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, F3, F5, F8, and F9 ■ I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F6 and F7 RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 have been implemented.
R2
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to engage with the public on a quarterly basis on how State housing laws constrain the jurisdiction's ability to approve or modify a housing project.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or reasonable. This recommendation is unclear. State laws streamline the approval of housing projects including SB330 and SB35. It is important that the public understand State housing laws. Often, updates are provided on more than an annual basis and are reflected in the development code amendment process or if a new law is passed outside of the usual calendar.
F3
Under current state law, the failure of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to make adequate progress in achieving their California Regional Housing Needs Allocation goals could expose these jurisdictions to the potential of litigation, loss of permitting authority, financial penalties, court receivership, and streamlined ministerial approval processes which could substantially impact the ability of local housing jurisdictions to control the development of housing.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
agree with the findings numbered: F 4 ■ I (we) disagree partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, F3, F5, F8, and F9 ■ I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F6 and F7 RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 have been implemented.
F4
The cost of housing in Marin County is unaffordable for most current and potential Marin County public-sector workers, which reduces the ability of the public-sector employers to attract and retain employees.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
agree with the findings numbered: F 4 ■ I (we) disagree partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, F3, F5, F8, and F9 ■ I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F6 and F7 RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 have been implemented.
F5
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns do not consistently inform the public on how applicable state law is limiting or eliminating the discretion of the local decision makers to modify or decline housing projects, and therefore, the public often does not understand the range of options available to local housing decision makers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
agree with the findings numbered: F 4 ■ I (we) disagree partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, F3, F5, F8, and F9 ■ I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F6 and F7 RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 have been implemented.
F6
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently providing developers and the public with detailed reconciliation of project level public accounting of the planning fees, expenses, and time expectations, and therefore, housing developers are not clear if their housing applications are billed on a cost-neutral basis as required by state law.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
agree with the findings numbered: F 4 ■ I (we) disagree partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, F3, F5, F8, and F9 ■ I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F6 and F7 RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 have been implemented.
F7
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently and proactively engaging the housing development community on the opportunities available in their communities to build new housing, and, therefore, housing developers may not be aware of the opportunities available to contribute to local housing development.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
, the Housing Working Group, made up of the County and 11 cities and towns within Marin, has held various forums with developers to gather input and share information with the public and the development community. The County and the cities and towns, including Tiburon, will continue to engage with developers individually and collectively, as part of future Housing Working Group projects. R4. By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to publish and regularly update a p...
F8
Accessory Dwelling Units are an element to the success of each jurisdiction's Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to Accessory Dwelling Unit construction.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
agree with the findings numbered: F 4 ■ I (we) disagree partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, F3, F5, F8, and F9 ■ I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F6 and F7 RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 have been implemented.
F9
Multifamily housing is the most important element to fulfilling each jurisdiction’s Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to multifamily construction.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
agree with the findings numbered: F 4 ■ I (we) disagree partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, F3, F5, F8, and F9 ■ I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F6 and F7 RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 have been implemented.
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June 24, 2025
•
12 pages
• 15 responses
•
Score: +4
(+9, 0, -5)
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15 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Because the California Department of Housing and Community Development provided the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns with unrealistic housing goals for the 2023-2030 cycle, the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns will not achieve their current cycle Housing Element goals.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3, F4 ■ We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8,
F9
Recommendations ■ Recommendations numbered R3, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R1
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to provide detailed quarterly updates to the community on the progress in executing their own specific Housing Element.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Disagree (Agree, Disagree, Partially Disagree, Wholly Disagree) Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: · Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community; · Demonstrates adequate zoned capacity to accommodate the jurisdiction's Regional Housing Needs All...
F2
The ability of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to comply with the current cycle California Regional Housing Needs Allocation housing goals is significantly impacted by the lack of economic returns associated with that development and, therefore, inhibits the construction of new housing in Marin County.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3, F4 ■ We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8,
F9
Recommendations ■ Recommendations numbered R3, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R2
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to engage with the public on a quarterly basis on how State housing laws constrain the jurisdiction's ability to approve or modify a housing project.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Disagree (Agree, Disagree, Partially Disagree, Wholly Disagree) Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: · Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community; · Demonstrates adequate zoned capacity to accommodate the jurisdiction's Regional Housing Needs All...
F3
Under current state law, the failure of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to make adequate progress in achieving their California Regional Housing Needs Allocation goals could expose these jurisdictions to the potential of litigation, loss of permitting authority, financial penalties, court receivership, and streamlined ministerial approval processes which could substantially impact the ability of local housing jurisdictions to control the development of housing.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3, F4 ■ We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8,
F9
Recommendations ■ Recommendations numbered R3, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R3
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to proactively engage with potential developers to inform them of opportunities in their housing elements to support addressing the housing needs within Marin County.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Disagree (Agree, Disagree, Partially Disagree, Wholly Disagree) Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: · Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community; · Demonstrates adequate zoned capacity to accommodate the jurisdiction's Regional Housing Needs All...
F4
The cost of housing in Marin County is unaffordable for most current and potential Marin County public-sector workers, which reduces the ability of the public-sector employers to attract and retain employees.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3, F4 ■ We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8,
F9
Recommendations ■ Recommendations numbered R3, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R4
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to publish and regularly update a public accounting of the fees charged and expenses associated with each development project submitted to the jurisdiction’s planning and building activities.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
R4 will be implemented.
F5
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns do not consistently inform the public on how applicable state law is limiting or eliminating the discretion of the local decision makers to modify or decline housing projects, and therefore, the public often does not understand the range of options available to local housing decision makers.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3, F4 ■ We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8,
F9
Recommendations ■ Recommendations numbered R3, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R5
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to ensure their housing laws provide a ministerial path for the approval of Accessory Dwelling Units.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Disagree (Agree, Disagree, Partially Disagree, Wholly Disagree) Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: · Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community; · Demonstrates adequate zoned capacity to accommodate the jurisdiction's Regional Housing Needs All...
F6
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently providing developers and the public with detailed reconciliation of project level public accounting of the planning fees, expenses, and time expectations, and therefore, housing developers are not clear if their housing applications are billed on a cost-neutral basis as required by state law.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3, F4 ■ We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8,
F9
Recommendations ■ Recommendations numbered R3, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R6
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to ensure that local housing laws provide a ministerial path for the approval of multifamily housing in compliance with State housing law.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Disagree (Agree, Disagree, Partially Disagree, Wholly Disagree) Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: · Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community; · Demonstrates adequate zoned capacity to accommodate the jurisdiction's Regional Housing Needs All...
F7
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently and proactively engaging the housing development community on the opportunities available in their communities to build new housing, and, therefore, housing developers may not be aware of the opportunities available to contribute to local housing development.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The 8 | P age
County and the cities and towns of Marin will continue to engage with developers both individually and through collaborative efforts under future Housing Working Group initiatives. 9 | P age
R4. By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to publish and regularly update a public accounting of the fees charged and expenses associated with each development project submitted to the jurisdiction's planning and building activities. This recommendation will be...
F8
Accessory Dwelling Units are an element to the success of each jurisdiction's Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to Accessory Dwelling Unit construction.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3, F4 ■ We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8,
F9
Recommendations ■ Recommendations numbered R3, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
F9
Multifamily housing is the most important element to fulfilling each jurisdiction’s Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to multifamily construction.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3, F4 ■ We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8,
F9
Recommendations ■ Recommendations numbered R3, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
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June 24, 2025
•
8 pages
• 10 responses
•
Score: +3
(+6, 0, -3)
View Details ▾
10 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Because the California Department of Housing and Community Development provided the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns with unrealistic housing goals for the 2023-2030 cycle, the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns will not achieve their current cycle Housing Element goals.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing.
F2
The ability of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to comply with the current cycle California Regional Housing Needs Allocation housing goals is significantly impacted by the lack of economic returns associated with that development and, therefore, inhibits the construction of new housing in Marin County.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3 and F4 • We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, FS, F6, F7, F8 and F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ■ Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 will continue to be implemented.
R2
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to engage with the public on a quarterly basis on how State housing laws constrain the jurisdiction's ability to approve or modify a housing project.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Disagree Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: • Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community; • Demonstrates adequate zoned capacity to accommodate the jurisdiction's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); • Includes policies, programs, and acti...
F3
Under current state law, the failure of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to make adequate progress in achieving their California Regional Housing Needs Allocation goals could expose these jurisdictions to the potential of litigation, loss of permitting authority, financial penalties, court receivership, and streamlined ministerial approval processes which could substantially impact the ability of local housing jurisdictions to control the development of housing.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3 and F4 • We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, FS, F6, F7, F8 and F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ■ Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 will continue to be implemented.
F4
The cost of housing in Marin County is unaffordable for most current and potential Marin County public-sector workers, which reduces the ability of the public-sector employers to attract and retain employees.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3 and F4 • We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, FS, F6, F7, F8 and F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ■ Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 will continue to be implemented.
F5
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns do not consistently inform the public on how applicable state law is limiting or eliminating the discretion of the local decision makers to modify or decline housing projects, and therefore, the public often does not understand the range of options available to local housing decision makers.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree The Town of Ross disagrees with this finding. The Town actively informs the public about how state housing laws affect local land use authority, including the ways in which legislation such as the Housing Accountability Act, SB 35, SB 9, SB 450, and the Density Bonus Law limit local discretion on certain housing projects.
F6
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently providing developers and the public with detailed reconciliation of project level public accounting of the planning fees, expenses, and time expectations, and therefore, housing developers are not clear if their housing applications are billed on a cost-neutral basis as required by state law.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3 and F4 • We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, FS, F6, F7, F8 and F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ■ Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 will continue to be implemented.
F7
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently and proactively engaging the housing development community on the opportunities available in their communities to build new housing, and, therefore, housing developers may not be aware of the opportunities available to contribute to local housing development.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
Ross will continue to engage with developers both individually and through collaborative efforts under future Housing Working Group initiatives. R4. By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to publish and regularly update a public accounting of the fees charged and expenses associated with each development project submitted to the jurisdiction's planning and building activities. 7
Town of Ross Response to Grand Jury Report, dated June 24, 2025, titled "The Worrisome...
F8
Accessory Dwelling Units are an element to the success of each jurisdiction's Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to Accessory Dwelling Unit construction.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3 and F4 • We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, FS, F6, F7, F8 and F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ■ Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 will continue to be implemented.
F9
Multifamily housing is the most important element to fulfilling each jurisdiction’s Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to multifamily construction.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
agree with the findings numbered: F3 and F4 • We disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: Fl, F2, FS, F6, F7, F8 and F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ■ Recommendation numbers R3, R4, RS, and R6 will continue to be implemented.
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June 24, 2025
•
7 pages
• 14 responses
•
Score: -6
(+0, 7, -6)
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14 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Because the California Department of Housing and Community Development provided the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns with unrealistic housing goals for the 2023-2030 cycle, the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns will not achieve their current cycle Housing Element goals.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
disagree partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, and F9 • I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F5, F6 and F7 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R1
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to provide detailed quarterly updates to the community on the progress in executing their own specific Housing Element.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Partially Disagree The City of Belvedere cannot speak on behalf of the County of Marin or the other ten Marin cities and towns; however, with respect to Belvedere, the assertion is not accurate. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: • Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all econ...
F2
The ability of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to comply with the current cycle California Regional Housing Needs Allocation housing goals is significantly impacted by the lack of economic returns associated with that development and, therefore, inhibits the construction of new housing in Marin County.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
disagree partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, and F9 • I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F5, F6 and F7 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R2
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to engage with the public on a quarterly basis on how State housing laws constrain the jurisdiction's ability to approve or modify a housing project.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Partially Disagree The City of Belvedere cannot speak on behalf of the County of Marin or the other ten Marin cities and towns; however, with respect to Belvedere, the assertion is not accurate. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: • Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all econ...
F3
Under current state law, the failure of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to make adequate progress in achieving their California Regional Housing Needs Allocation goals could expose these jurisdictions to the potential of litigation, loss of permitting authority, financial penalties, court receivership, and streamlined ministerial approval processes which could substantially impact the ability of local housing jurisdictions to control the development of housing.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
disagree partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, and F9 • I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F5, F6 and F7 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R3
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to proactively engage with potential developers to inform them of opportunities in their housing elements to support addressing the housing needs within Marin County.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Partially Disagree The City of Belvedere cannot speak on behalf of the County of Marin or the other ten Marin cities and towns; however, with respect to Belvedere, the assertion is not accurate. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: • Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all econ...
F4
The cost of housing in Marin County is unaffordable for most current and potential Marin County public-sector workers, which reduces the ability of the public-sector employers to attract and retain employees.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree The City of Belvedere agrees that the high cost of housing in Marin County presents a significant challenge for public-sector workers, including teachers, first responders, and municipal staff; many of whom are unable to afford to live in the communities they serve. This affordability gap can hinder the ability of local governments and public agencies to attract and retain qualified employees, ultimately affecting the delivery of public services.
The City of Belvedere is committed to addressing this issue through its Housing Element, which includes policies and programs to support a ran...
R4
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to publish and regularly update a public accounting of the fees charged and expenses associated with each development project submitted to the jurisdiction’s planning and building activities.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Partially Disagree The City of Belvedere cannot speak on behalf of the County of Marin or the other ten Marin cities and towns; however, with respect to Belvedere, the assertion is not accurate. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: • Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all econ...
F5
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns do not consistently inform the public on how applicable state law is limiting or eliminating the discretion of the local decision makers to modify or decline housing projects, and therefore, the public often does not understand the range of options available to local housing decision makers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
disagree partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, and F9 • I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F5, F6 and F7 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R5
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to ensure their housing laws provide a ministerial path for the approval of Accessory Dwelling Units.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Partially Disagree The City of Belvedere cannot speak on behalf of the County of Marin or the other ten Marin cities and towns; however, with respect to Belvedere, the assertion is not accurate. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: • Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all econ...
F6
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently providing developers and the public with detailed reconciliation of project level public accounting of the planning fees, expenses, and time expectations, and therefore, housing developers are not clear if their housing applications are billed on a cost-neutral basis as required by state law.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
disagree partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, and F9 • I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F5, F6 and F7 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
R6
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to ensure that local housing laws provide a ministerial path for the approval of multifamily housing in compliance with State housing law.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Partially Disagree The City of Belvedere cannot speak on behalf of the County of Marin or the other ten Marin cities and towns; however, with respect to Belvedere, the assertion is not accurate. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65580, the purpose of a Housing Element is for local governments to plan for and facilitate the development of housing through appropriate land use policies and zoning. The Housing Element is a planning document, not a mandate to build housing. Specifically, state law requires that a Housing Element: • Identifies and plans for the housing needs of all econ...
F7
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently and proactively engaging the housing development community on the opportunities available in their communities to build new housing, and, therefore, housing developers may not be aware of the opportunities available to contribute to local housing development.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The County and the cities and towns of Marin will continue to engage with developers both individually and through collaborative efforts under future Housing Working Group initiatives. R4. By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to publish and regularly update a public accounting of the fees charged and expenses associated with each development project submitted to the jurisdiction's planning and building activities. This recommendation has been implemented. This re...
F9
Multifamily housing is the most important element to fulfilling each jurisdiction’s Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to multifamily construction.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
disagree partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, and F9 • I (we) disagree wholly with the findings numbered: F5, F6 and F7 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS • Recommendation numbers R3, R4, R5, and R6 have been implemented.
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June 24, 2025
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14 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Because the California Department of Housing and Community Development provided the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns with unrealistic housing goals for the 2023-2030 cycle, the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns will not achieve their current cycle Housing Element goals.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City Council of the City of Sausalito agrees with the finding numbered: F4 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, F5, F8 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees wholly with the findings numbered: F6, F7, F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ▪ Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
F2
The ability of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to comply with the current cycle California Regional Housing Needs Allocation housing goals is significantly impacted by the lack of economic returns associated with that development and, therefore, inhibits the construction of new housing in Marin County.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City Council of the City of Sausalito agrees with the finding numbered: F4 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, F5, F8 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees wholly with the findings numbered: F6, F7, F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ▪ Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
R2
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to engage with the public on a quarterly basis on how State housing laws constrain the jurisdiction's ability to approve or modify a housing project.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or reasonable. The City of Sausalito agrees that public education on state housing laws is important and remains committed to transparency and ongoing community outreach. However, the City does not believe that holding quarterly meetings solely focused on this topic is not the most effective use of
F3
Under current state law, the failure of the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns to make adequate progress in achieving their California Regional Housing Needs Allocation goals could expose these jurisdictions to the potential of litigation, loss of permitting authority, financial penalties, court receivership, and streamlined ministerial approval processes which could substantially impact the ability of local housing jurisdictions to control the development of housing.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City Council of the City of Sausalito agrees with the finding numbered: F4 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, F5, F8 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees wholly with the findings numbered: F6, F7, F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ▪ Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
R3
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to proactively engage with potential developers to inform them of opportunities in their housing elements to support addressing the housing needs within Marin County.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
F4
The cost of housing in Marin County is unaffordable for most current and potential Marin County public-sector workers, which reduces the ability of the public-sector employers to attract and retain employees.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City Council of the City of Sausalito agrees with the finding numbered: F4 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, F5, F8 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees wholly with the findings numbered: F6, F7, F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ▪ Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
R4
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to publish and regularly update a public accounting of the fees charged and expenses associated with each development project submitted to the jurisdiction’s planning and building activities.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
F5
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns do not consistently inform the public on how applicable state law is limiting or eliminating the discretion of the local decision makers to modify or decline housing projects, and therefore, the public often does not understand the range of options available to local housing decision makers.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City Council of the City of Sausalito agrees with the finding numbered: F4 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, F5, F8 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees wholly with the findings numbered: F6, F7, F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ▪ Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
R5
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to ensure their housing laws provide a ministerial path for the approval of Accessory Dwelling Units.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
F6
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently providing developers and the public with detailed reconciliation of project level public accounting of the planning fees, expenses, and time expectations, and therefore, housing developers are not clear if their housing applications are billed on a cost-neutral basis as required by state law.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City Council of the City of Sausalito agrees with the finding numbered: F4 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, F5, F8 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees wholly with the findings numbered: F6, F7, F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ▪ Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
R6
By January 1, 2026, the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the City and Town Councils for the 11 Marin cities and towns should direct their housing planning officials to ensure that local housing laws provide a ministerial path for the approval of multifamily housing in compliance with State housing law.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
F7
The County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns are not consistently and proactively engaging the housing development community on the opportunities available in their communities to build new housing, and, therefore, housing developers may not be aware of the opportunities available to contribute to local housing development.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
as related to the Marin County Planners Housing Working Group. This group, which includes representatives from the County and all 11 Marin cities and towns, has hosted numerous forums with developers to gather input and share information. Examples include: • April 7, 2022 - Countywide Developer Forum to inform the Housing Elements of the cities, towns, and County. • April 17, 2025 - Infill Builders Developer Forum, a countywide event moderated by the Infill Builders Foundation. The County and the cities and towns of Marin will continue to engage with developers both individually and through co...
F8
Accessory Dwelling Units are an element to the success of each jurisdiction's Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to Accessory Dwelling Unit construction.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City Council of the City of Sausalito agrees with the finding numbered: F4 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees partially with the findings numbered: F1, F2, F3, F5, F8 ▪ The City Council of the City of Sausalito disagrees wholly with the findings numbered: F6, F7, F9 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS ▪ Recommendation(s) numbered R3, R4, R5, & R6 have been implemented.
F9
Multifamily housing is the most important element to fulfilling each jurisdiction’s Housing Element for the County of Marin and the 11 Marin cities and towns, yet some jurisdictions fail to provide a ministerial path to multifamily construction.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
, the City of Sausalito has incorporated several by-right provisions for multifamily housing and complies with state housing laws, including: • SB 35, which allows streamlined, ministerial approval of qualifying infill multifamily projects; • Density Bonus Law, which provides waivers, concessions and incentives when affordability criteria are met; • The City's State certified Housing Element, which identifies by-right multifamily housing sites and commits to expanded ministerial processes; • The City has identified existing objective standards in its zoning code in City Council Resolution No. ...
In the Press 1
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