Alameda County Board of Supervisors Planning Meeting - October 12, 2026

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors held a Planning Meeting on October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Oakland. President Haubert was excused for the entire meeting; Supervisor Fortunato Bas was excused at the start but returned after closed session. A quorum was present. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, consent calendar items, a public hearing on a tobacco retailer license appeal, approval of Sunol community signage funding, an informational update on affordable housing production policies, and adoption of a resolution for a Prohousing Designation application.

Consent Calendar

• Item 4 (Approval of Assessment Liens): Approved unanimously. No public comments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 5 (Tobacco Retailer Appeal): Six members of the public spoke in support of revoking the license. Marcia Lopez (San Lorenzo organization) stated that removing products after a notice does not erase the violation. Sandra Archuletta argued four violations show unwillingness to comply; a license is a privilege. Oscar G. (SLAM member) said violations would likely continue if not caught. Douglas Perez Baltrons (Chabot College student, Hayward resident) cited repeated violations and the impact on youth. Nancy Respaldiza (SLAM member) emphasized that public trust requires consistent compliance. An additional speaker, Alfonso Flores (county inspector), provided details on the fourth violation found during a joint task force inspection. No public comments were made on Items 6, 7, or 8.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Appeal of 5 Star Smoke Shop License Revocation: Staff presented the history of four violations (Nov. 2020, June 2021, June 2025, Sept. 2025) for selling flavored tobacco and electronic smoking devices. The West County Board of Zoning Adjustments had upheld revocation and $1,268 in fines. The appellant, Sulaiman Hamoud Ahmed, spoke in Arabic, but interpretation was not available; the Board could not understand his remarks. After discussion, the Board continued the hearing to December 10, 2026, to allow time for Arabic interpretation. The County Counsel confirmed no reportable action from closed session.
• Item 6 – Sunol Wayfinding Signs Funding: Staff recommended approval of $29,000 from the Sunol Community Improvement Fund for three new signs and installation of a fourth. The Sunol Citizens Advisory Council had approved the request on July 15, 2026. The Board voted unanimously to approve.
• Item 7 – Affordable Housing Production Policies Update (Inclusionary Zoning & Ministerial Approval): Staff presented a draft financial feasibility study. Key points: Alameda County has underbuilt affordable housing for decades; current market rents in unincorporated areas are close to affordable levels for moderate incomes. Recommended direction: require inclusionary zoning for projects of 11+ units, phase in rental requirements, prioritize deeper affordability (50-60% AMI for rentals, 80-100% for ownership), and offer ministerial approval as an incentive. The Board expressed support and requested the draft ordinance return by early 2027. Supervisor Miley raised concerns about Fairview's rural character; staff noted that 11+ unit developments are rare there. No vote was taken; the item was informational.
• Item 8 – Prohousing Designation Application: Staff recommended adopting a resolution to apply for the California Prohousing Designation Program, which provides grant funding and priority for state housing funds, including HHAP. The application had been posted for a 30-day comment period ending October 14, 2026. The Board approved the resolution unanimously, authorizing the Community Development Agency Director to make non-substantive changes. Supervisor Tam noted that six Alameda County cities (Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro) already hold the designation; only Sonoma County has it among Bay Area counties. The Board requested a status update by December.

Key Outcomes

• Item 5: Hearing continued to December 10, 2026; Arabic interpretation to be arranged.
• Item 6: Approved unanimously (4-0, with Haubert excused).
• Item 7: No formal action; Board provided feedback for further staff work.
• Item 8: Adopted resolution authorizing Prohousing Designation application (4-0).