Development News for Mill Valley, California

Mill Valley Considers Reducing Inclusionary Housing Requirements and Eliminating Micro-Unit Restrictions

The City Council considered proposed amendments to the Municipal Code, Title 20, Zoning, to reduce inclusionary housing regulations and eliminate micro-unit restrictions. The proposed changes aim to simplify regulations, reduce developer burdens, and incentivize housing development, particularly for smaller projects and rental units. The Planning Commission's recommendations for a 15% inclusionary requirement across the board, with specific incentives for rental projects and affordable-by-design units, were discussed. The elimination of fractional units and rounding up was also a key point, simplifying calculations for developers. The council expressed support for aligning the housing overlay with these changes and for incentivizing micro units and three-bedroom affordable units to address community housing needs.

Mill Valley Approves Sewer Rate Adjustments, Including Increased Charges for Restaurants and Bars

The City Council held a public hearing to consider proposed adjustments and increases to sewer service charges. Following a rate study conducted by NBS, staff recommended a 4% annual increase for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2030-31. A key change involves adjusting the residential customer rate structure from a 40% fixed/60% volumetric charge to a 49% fixed/51% volumetric charge. This adjustment, along with a significant increase for the commercial restaurant/bar category in the first year, is intended to address decreased consumption and ensure revenue meets program funding requirements. The council discussed the impact on businesses, the necessity of cost-of-service-based rates under Proposition 218, and the decision to reduce the reserve balance to $3 million to smooth out increases. Nine written protests were received, which did not constitute a majority protest, allowing the council to proceed with approving the rate adjustments.

Mill Valley Residents Raise Alarm Over PG&E Tree Removal Practices and Lack of Transparency

During public comment, residents voiced significant concerns regarding PG&E's vegetation management practices, specifically the removal of numerous trees, including heritage redwoods and oaks, in areas not adjacent to power lines. Concerns were raised about a lack of communication, transparency, and accountability from PG&E, leading to a perceived breakdown in execution of sound policies. Residents expressed worry about the cumulative impacts on tree canopy, wildlife habitats, and the city's climate and sustainability goals. A specific incident of an arcing event in November and subsequent limited pole safety improvements were also highlighted, with calls for increased resident participation, independent review, and a pause on additional tree removals until cumulative impacts are better understood. PG&E's work on undergrounding projects was also discussed, with an acknowledgement that Mill Valley is benefiting from refined techniques developed in other locations.

Mill Valley Council Approves Stipend Increase to $650/Month and Explores Caregiver Reimbursement

The City Council discussed and voted on potential adjustments to city council compensation and reimbursement expenses, including child and dependent care. The council considered increasing the monthly stipend from $350, which has been unchanged since 2007, to a new baseline. Options ranged from an inflation-adjusted amount to the statutory maximum of $950. The council agreed to increase the stipend to $650 per month, effective after the next election cycle, and to establish a policy of reviewing potential increases every two years. Additionally, the council directed staff to develop options for reimbursing child and dependent care expenses for council members and to explore extending this reimbursement to designated boards and commissions, potentially funded by a portion of the savings from the stipend adjustment. The council also approved a motion to proceed with these changes.