Features

Another hearing on Berkeley’s creek ordinance—directly affecting more than 2,000 homeowners—comes before the City Council this evening (Tuesday, July 13) during its 5 p.m. working session. 

The 1989 city statute, one of the nation’s first, has resulted in tensions between developers, residents, and groups calling for restoration and “daylighting” of the city’s creeks—many now shunted through underground culverts. 

City Planning Director Dan Marks is asking the city to give his staff direction for a workshop on the ordinance, with the aim of revising the statute. 

The current ordinance bars development within 30 feet of the centerline of Berkeley creeks.  

—Richard Brenneman