Senator Wiener’s Statement on Berkeley and Sacramento Ending Exclusionary Zoning

SACRAMENTO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) released the following statement regarding Berkeley becoming the second California city, after Sacramento, to end exclusionary single family zoning. These zoning reforms come three years after Senator Wiener first introduced his landmark legislation to end exclusionary single family zoning at the state level (Senate Bill 827, followed by SB 50).

“In 1916, Berkeley became one of the first American cities to enact single family zoning as a means of segregating the city and keeping low income families and people of color out. Last night, Berkeley made history by committing to end single family zoning by 2022 and implementing citywide fourplex zoning. Berkeley joins Sacramento in making this commonsense change that will allow for more homes and therefore more diversity. I’m proud to have been part of this conversation, having authored legislation to end exclusionary zoning – SB 827 and SB 50. Though that legislation did not pass, it helped jump-start this very important conversation, leading to state and local housing reform legislation moving forward and passing. The tides are changing, and I am hopeful about the future.

“I hope to see my own city, San Francisco, live up to its progressive values and follow suit. San Francisco is the most expensive city in the country. It’s time we end mandated single-family zoning and legalize multifamily apartments and affordable housing throughout our great city.”