Alameda County Board of Supervisors Planning Meeting - July 10, 2026

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors held a planning meeting on July 10, 2026, at 17:45 UTC. The board approved the consent calendar, adopted a general plan amendment to comply with Senate Bill 1425, and heard an appeal regarding code enforcement violations on a property in Castro Valley. The board voted to uphold the West County Board of Zoning Adjustments' decision and deny the appeal, with one abstention.

Consent Calendar

• Item 3: Approval of Record of Cost Abatement and Authorized Assessment Liens – The board approved the consent calendar unanimously (4-0, with Supervisor Fortunato Bas excused). Supervisor Tam raised a clarifying question about a property address listed as Mountain House, which may be in San Joaquin County. Staff agreed to verify the location.

Discussion Items

• Item 4: General Plan Amendment for SB 1425 Compliance – Planning staff presented a resolution to amend the Open Space Element to incorporate existing policies addressing equitable access to open space, climate resilience, and rewilding, as required by SB 1425. Staff noted that the county is already compliant and the amendment is an administrative update. The item had been reviewed by multiple advisory committees and the Planning Commission. The board passed the motion unanimously (4-0, with Supervisor Fortunato Bas excused).

  • Supervisor Miley questioned the motivation for SB 1425 and whether the county was in violation of the January 1, 2026 deadline. County Counsel stated scheduling delays caused the delay, but adoption was the best course.
  • Supervisor Marquez asked about the 20% canopy cover goal by 2050; staff described a grant-funded urban forest plan underway.
  • Supervisor Marquez also expressed concern about the timeline from staff completion to board action, urging better compliance.
  • Public comment: Charmi Upper, Griffin, Arjun Zutaria, Gerald, Carol Gabani, and Dave spoke. Some supported the amendment, while others raised concerns about agricultural land use policies and the balance between conservation and housing needs.

• Item 5: Continued to September 17, 2026 – At the request of Supervisor Miley, this item was continued for two months.

• Item 6: Appeal of Michael Chase and Gia Son Ageda – Code Enforcement Violations at 8950 Crow Canyon Road, Castro Valley – The property owner appealed the West County Board of Zoning Adjustments' (BZA) decision declaring the property in violation of multiple zoning and neighborhood preservation ordinances. The 44.3-acre A-zoned parcel had no permitted residential use; alleged violations included unpermitted storage, commercial vehicle parking, RVs used as dwellings, cargo containers, accumulated debris, unpermitted solar panels, and a bridge over a creek. Staff presented evidence from inspections, including a warrant-authorized inspection in October 2025. The owner's attorney argued the enforcement was complaint-driven by a neighbor with a personal dispute, that the county's procedures were flawed, and that the property was used for grazing. The board heard from the State Water Resources Control Board, which confirmed ongoing investigations for unauthorized creek fill. The board voted 4-0-1 (President Haubert abstained) to uphold the BZA decision, deny the appeal, and impose fines and fees totaling $1,483 (a $250 zoning fine, $193 reinspection fee, $268 administrative fee, and $772 warrant cost). Staff was directed to work with the owner on a compliance plan.

  • Supervisor Miley expressed strong support for staff, noting the complaint-driven system and the need for enforcement.
  • Supervisor Marquez asked about the potential for a compliance plan with more than 30 days; staff confirmed flexibility.
  • President Haubert abstained, stating he had received ex parte communications and wanted to avoid prejudice.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items – Griffin spoke on Measure D, arguing that the 100-acre minimum parcel size and restrictions on farming intensity hinder agriculture and should be revisited.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Item 3): Approved unanimously (4-0-1).
• General Plan Amendment (Item 4): Approved unanimously (4-0-1) to comply with SB 1425.
• Appeal (Item 6): Denied, BZA decision upheld. Fines and fees imposed. Compliance plan to be negotiated.
• Item 5: Continued to September 17, 2026.