Alameda County Board of Supervisors Planning Meeting – January 8, 2026

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors held a planning meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 9:45 AM. The meeting was called to order with four supervisors present (Marquez, Tam, Miley, Haubert) and one excused (Fortunato Bas). The board approved the previous meeting's minutes, adopted a consent calendar item, passed zoning ordinance amendments for accessory dwelling units, debated a continuance request for two related appeal items, and heard public input on Measure D.

Consent Calendar

• Item 3: Record of Cost Abatement and Authorization of Assessment Liens – Approved unanimously by roll call vote (4-0).

Second Reading of Zoning Ordinance Amendments

• Item 4: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs – The board waived full second reading and adopted the ordinance unanimously (4-0). This action updates multiple sections of the County Zoning Ordinance to comply with state law.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the continuance request (Items 5 & 6):
  • The appellant's attorney (Chuck Meadows) and the appellant (Chuck Meadows) strongly opposed another continuance, citing a pattern of repeated delays since 2019, including multiple continuances before the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) and a no-show at the last BZA hearing. They stated the original morning court conflict had been resolved.
  • Matt Turner (unincorporated resident) argued that justice delayed is justice denied and urged the board not to continue the items.
  • Michelle (appears to represent the other party, the appellants? Actually she requested the continuance) spoke in favor of a continuance, citing attorney trial conflicts, difficulties for witnesses, and additional evidence from recent storms that was not yet assembled. She requested a continuance to the March 12 planning meeting (later clarified to March 5).
• On Measure D (public input for non-agenda items):
  • Kelly Abrew criticized the board for procedural manipulation, suggesting public comments are sometimes rescheduled to disadvantage certain speakers.
  • Griffin B. Miller (unincorporated resident) asked the board to advance a 2026 ballot measure to modernize Measure D by allowing smaller agricultural parcel sizes, arguing the current rules harm young farmers and the wine industry.
  • Jerry D. Miller (Griffin's father) stated that Measure D has failed to enhance agriculture and requested a ballot measure to allow amendments without frequent ballot initiatives.
  • RM (online speaker) argued that Measure D's restrictions prevent agricultural evolution and diversification, pushing land toward non-agricultural uses.
  • David Nagerian (Alameda County Farm Bureau president, farmer) described how Measure D blocks small, affordable agricultural parcels needed by new farmers.
  • Janessa Hoffman expressed strong concerns that Measure D is crippling agriculture and requested amendments to allow agritourism and other revenue streams.
  • Matt Turner (online) cautioned against reducing minimum parcel sizes to five acres, warning it would create luxury estates rather than genuine farming operations.

Discussion Items

• Items 5 & 6: Reconsideration of Appeals (Related Matters) – The board considered a request from the appellants to continue both items to a later date. After public comment and deliberation:
  • The board discussed options including a special meeting on January 27, 2026, but ultimately decided to continue to the next planning meeting on March 5, 2026, to allow all parties adequate time to prepare and be represented.
  • The motion was made by Supervisor Tam, seconded by Supervisor Miley, citing an abundance of caution for due process.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of December 11, 2025 (unanimous).
• Adopted consent calendar Item 3 (unanimous).
• Adopted zoning ordinance amendments for ADUs and JADUs (Item 4) (unanimous).
• Granted continuance of Items 5 & 6 to the date certain of March 5, 2026 (4-0, one excused). The board noted this would be a de novo hearing and that no further continuances would be granted absent extraordinary circumstances.
• Received public input on Measure D; no formal action taken.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned after public input with no further business.