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The City Council recently adopted updates to the municipal zoning code that, according to city officials, will make it easier for innovation-based businesses to relocate and grow in Pleasanton.
The ordinance, approved unanimously by councilmembers on their consent calendar Aug. 19, amends various chapters Pleasanton Municipal Code regarding “Innovation-Based Businesses” (IBBs) by defining them as “a distinct use category and providing tailored zoning requirements that will facilitate these high-value, relatively low-impact industrial uses in appropriate locations”, according to the pre-meeting staff report.
IBBs include industries like life sciences, biotechnology, robotics, advanced manufacturing and food technology, according to the city. Pleasanton Mayor Jack Balch had been touting the idea of investing in the city’s future by attracting industries similar to these since his State of the City address back in March.
“This is about real changes to make it easier to do business in Pleasanton,” Balch said in a press release last week. “This zoning update removes barriers and gives businesses flexibility to innovate, grow, and succeed while helping Pleasanton remain a hub of opportunity.”
According to the press release, these updates reflect the City Council’s priority for advancing economic development in order to improve the city’s revenues and they also support the city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, which calls for “attracting life sciences and other innovation-based businesses by modernizing zoning and reducing barriers”.
“By updating the city’s land use regulations to better accommodate these industries, Pleasanton is strengthening its ability to compete for new investment and high-quality jobs in the Bay Area,” according to the city’s press release.
According to the city, the zoning changes include establishing a clear definition for IBBs, streamlining design review requirements and expanding areas where these businesses may be located, such as the Hacienda Business Park, the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone and areas around Stoneridge Mall.
The changes also include updates to the city’s development standards in order to “reflect modern industry needs while ensuring new projects fit Pleasanton’s character and remain compatible with nearby neighborhoods”.
All of these updates, according to the city, will help provide greater certainty for prospective innovation-based businesses to move into the city in a quicker, more streamlined manner.
“For the community, these changes mean a stronger and more resilient local economy, smart growth that balances business expansion with Pleasanton’s unique character and quality of life, and greater access to high-quality, well-paying jobs close to home,” the city’s press release stated.
“The approval of these zoning updates lays the groundwork for sustained economic vitality in Pleasanton,” the press release further stated. “By creating a business-friendly environment that supports innovation and attracts investment, the City is positioning itself for long-term prosperity and stability.”
This is a good step to shore up revenues that are badly needed. Also that brings more residents and hence need of new housing. Does Pleasanton City embrace all the new housing bills made by state, or just want to be a strong NIMBY. Atleast this was the case with last Mayor and council. Do you know that City charges $200K to $300K in various fees and permits, to build a house of roughly ~2000sqft home. Building a new SFR for less than $1.5M is almost impossible here, unless we go vertically and build dense housing. Need a strategic plan to reduce the cost of housing, for any viable growth or for attracting new high tech business to the town. I hope City will come up with good plan and be a pro-housing City.