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How dense is dense enough?

Howard Muir Berkeley
Wednesday February 27, 2002

It has become clear to me that a civic dialogue needs to be developed in Berkeley on the subject of residential density. The new General Plan harbors many assumptions, some of which may be more justified than others.  

Among its positive points is an excellent discussion and analysis of projected residential density guidelines.  

This discussion in the Land Use Element is marred by the refusal to apply the guidelines to the assessment of individual parcels, leaving the guidelines without relevance to engendering a shared vision of Berkeley.  

This disconnect is worsened by uncertainty that these guidelines will be implemented in ordinance to any recognizable degree. Only 5 of Berkeley's 18 zoning districts with a residential component actually have a development standard for residential density (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2A and ES-R). One may hope that, spurred on by the General Plan, a residential density development standard, reflective of the General Plan discussion, will be promulgated for each zoning district having a residential component. 

 

Howard Muir 

Berkeley