SB 35 – Streamlined Ministerial Approval
SB 35 (Wiener, 2017) created an opt-in program for developers that allows a streamlined approval process for developments in localities that have not yet met their housing targets, provided that the development is on an infill site and complies with existing residential and mixed use zoning. This streamlining provision sunsets on January 1, 2026. See this link for the legislation language.
The City of East Palo Alto's SB35 determination is at 10% and we are subject to the SB35 guidelines for streamlined approvals. See link here for more details.
There are several requirements that the proposal must meet in order to qualify for streamlining.
- Eligibility requirements here
- Notice of Intent/Preliminary Application and Supplemental Information here
- Application Checklist here
- Participating developments must comply with City of East Palo Alto's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
- All projects over 10 units must pay prevailing wage and larger projects must provide skilled and trained labor during construction.
- Pursuant to compliance with AB168, all projects seeking streamlined review after September 25, 2020 will be required to first be cleared by Native American Heritage Commission listed tribal consultants. More information can be obtained in the additional resources below.
Additional resources for SB35 streamlined review.
The Senate Bill 35 - link here
Map to the 5th Cycle Permitting Activity and Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process (SB35) Determination - link here
East Palo Alto Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and Guidelines- link here
East Palo Alto Building Division - link here
Native American Heritage Commission website link here
AB168 tribal advisory on all streamlined projects details in the link here
East Palo Alto Planning application fees - link here
Supporting Documents
Contact Information
1960 Tate Street
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Ph: 650-853-3189
Email: planning@cityofepa.org
Counter Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am - 3:45pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm) Wednesday and Friday virtually and by appointment only
(Please note in order to allow for processing time, the last walk-ins for service are at 11:45 am and 3:45 pm)
Counter staff will be available virtually and by appointment only on Wednesday and Fridays. Staff can be reached at any time and appointments can be made by emailing staff at planning@cityofepa.org or via this link. Planning staff will continue to respond to emails by the following day or the following Monday for inquiries received on Friday.
In the case of more urgent issues or questions tied directly to an existing project, please contact the project planner or call the mainline (650-853-3189) to be routed to the project planner. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Note: Please drop off all payments/checks attached with relevant application forms in addition to emailing us a copy. Application forms must be attached. Checks without forms attached will not be processed.
All payment for projects will be required to be paid by a check made out to "City of East Palo Alto"
This check will be attached to the planning permit application form and dropped off at a no-contact Drop Box at the address listed above.