Fairview Municipal Advisory Council Meeting – February 4, 2026

The Fairview Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) met on February 4, 2026, at 14:00. The meeting included a public safety report, approval of minutes, a major zoning ordinance update to implement the state-mandated housing element, a site development review for a single-family home addition, and an update on a proposed fireworks ordinance. The council voted 3-2 to recommend the zoning changes while reiterating its opposition to the underlying density mandates.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the December 2, 2025 and January 2, 2026 meetings were approved as amended by unanimous vote (5-0) after brief corrections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Housing Element Zoning Update: Kathy Langley spoke in opposition, stating the state’s mandates treat neighborhoods as assets for developers, that the project is not exempt from CEQA as claimed, and urged support for the organization Our Neighborhood Voices to stop the process.
• Fireworks Ordinance: Francis (Fran) Krug and Brenda Clark both expressed strong support for the draft ordinance, thanking the subcommittee, sheriff’s department, and county staff for years of work and urging careful review to avoid delays.

Discussion Items

• Zoning Ordinance and Design Standards Update (PLN 2024-00385): Presenters Rodrigo (planning staff) and Tom Ford (M Group) explained that the amendments to zoning chapter 1731 and residential design standards chapter 8.2 are minor modifications (setbacks, open space, landscaping) to ensure density from the already-adopted housing element can be realized without risking state penalties or builder’s remedy. The changes apply only to designated housing element sites in Fairview (mostly multi-family). Councilmembers expressed frustration with state mandates, lack of infrastructure, and loss of local control. Vice Chair Rhodes questioned the impact on Fairview’s specific plan and emergency access. The council moved to recommend the changes as specified, with an added statement reiterating the board’s opposition to the density ordinance itself. The motion passed 3-2 (Higgins, Rhodes, Anglin in favor; Farmer and Philbin opposed).
• Site Development Review (PLN 2025-00195): Michael Fleming presented a proposal to add 50% more floor area to a single-family home at 24532 Fairview Avenue and allow five-foot side yard setbacks where 15 feet are required. The lot was originally built with a five-foot setback; the same variance was granted to a nearby house in 2019. No public opposition was received. The council approved the request unanimously (5-0).
• Fireworks Ordinance Update: Vice Chair Rhodes reported that the subcommittee, sheriff’s office, and county staff have completed a draft ordinance banning all fireworks (including safe-and-sane) in unincorporated Alameda County, with social host accountability, progressive fines, and expanded enforcement (deputy training, drones, choppers). The draft will be presented at other MACs in February and March, then to the Board of Supervisors in April/May, with a target effective date of mid-June 2026. The council and public commenters praised the effort.

Key Outcomes

• Recommendation to Board of Supervisors: The council voted 3-2 to recommend adoption of the zoning and design standard amendments, with the added statement that the board does not support the underlying density ordinance. (Farmer and Philbin dissented.)
• Approval of Site Development Review: The council unanimously approved the variance and site development review for 24532 Fairview Avenue, allowing the home addition and reduced setbacks.
• Fireworks Ordinance Progress: The draft ordinance will move through the MACs and county committees as scheduled; the public is encouraged to attend and comment at upcoming meetings.
• Other: Staff announced that meeting minutes will transition to action-only format, with full video as the official record.