Tamalpais Valley residents are pushing back after Marin County approved a five-story apartment project with just eight parking spots for 32 units, a consequence of California’s aggressive pro-housing legislation that critics say is overriding smart, local planning.
Deal That Ignored Locals
The development at 150 Shoreline Highway stems from a county agreement with the developer: reduce plans for a controversial Marin City complex in exchange for county support of this Tam Valley project. Yet, residents in both communities were largely excluded from the decision-making process, sparking criticism.
Parking Woes and Waivers
The county waived its usual requirement for 51 parking spaces, approving a plan that includes only eight. Residents aren’t just reacting to the building’s height, but the parking shortfall, they say, is unrealistic for the area’s needs.
Sacramento’s Heavy Hand
Fueled by sweeping changes in state housing law, the project reflects how Sacramento is overriding local land-use authority. By offering density bonuses, relaxing requirements, and fast-tracking approvals, the state is incentivizing rapid development without regard to neighborhood scale or infrastructure.
Planning Principles Disregarded
“Also missing is good planning,” the editorial board notes. State rules now limit local oversight on height, size, and parking — with local leaders left powerless to apply long-standing standards that ensure compatibility with surrounding communities.
State Mandates, Local Consequences
While county officials now scramble to find alternative parking options nearby, they’re up against state law that simply doesn’t require it. “Assembly members from Agoura Hills, Alhambra or Anaheim won’t have to live with the predictable hassles,” the editorial argues — but Marin residents will.
Pro-Housing, Poor Execution
There’s no question Marin needs more affordable housing, and restrictive zoning has made the county notorious for high costs. But critics say Sacramento’s one-size-fits-all approach undercuts local authority and leads to projects that ignore community realities.
Missed Opportunity for Balance
The Tam Valley project may satisfy state housing goals, but the lack of parking and community input underscores the flaws of Sacramento’s top-down model. “Well-meaning in their goal,” the editorial concludes, “but in real-life translation, they fall far short of being good planning.”
