Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

Inclusionary Housing Ordinance – Upcoming: Planning Commission Meeting

In the adopted 2023-2031 Housing Element Update (HEU) the Town has identified that it will pursue an inclusionary housing program that would require a multifamily development to provide 20% of the units at income levels that meet specific affordability levels. At their meeting on February 18, 2026, the City Council adopted the Town's Inclusionary Housing Program. The program will become effective on March 21, 2026.

Materials Posted for February 18, 2026 City Council Meeting 

Link to Full Hearing Agenda

Staff Report (2.18.26)

  1. Draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

Materials Posted for January 21, 2026 City Council Meeting 

Link to Full Hearing Agenda

Staff Report (1.21.26)

  1. Inclusionary Housing and In-Lieu Fee Analysis (BAE Nexus Study Report) (12.31.24)
  2. Planning Commission Staff Report and Attachments
  3. Draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

Materials Posted for December 10, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting 

Link to Full Hearing Agenda

Staff Report (12.10.25)

  1. Inclusionary Housing and In-Lieu Fee Analysis (BAE Nexus Study Report) (12.31.24)
  2. Draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
  3. Draft Planning Commission Resolution

Materials Posted for June 23, 2025 Study Session 

Link to Full Hearing Agenda

Link to Video of Meeting

Staff Report (6.23.25)

  1. HCD Certification Letter 12.5.25

Materials Posted for January 8, 2025 Study Session 

Link to Full Hearing Agenda

Link to Video of Meeting

Staff Report (1.8.25)

  1. Letter from HCD 12.30.24
  2. BAE Nexus Study Report 12.31.24

Inclusionary Housing in Atherton

With the passage of an inclusionary housing ordinance, Atherton will join other San Mateo County cities, including Menlo Park, Redwood City and Foster City.

An inclusionary housing ordinance could require new residential projects to contribute to providing  affordable housing within the Town. The Atherton City Council is still working to determine what the details of the program should be and how to distribute those requirements across new housing types and what income brackets to support. Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the inclusionary housing ordinance by emailing Consulting Town Planner, Brittany Bendix at bbendix@ci.atherton.ca.us. 

Atherton’s efforts to provide opportunities for affordable housing are about more than just providing housing, but they aim to build a vibrant, engaged community. By offering housing options at various income levels, the Town can ensure that educators, nurses, civil servants and others who contribute significantly to our community’s health and well-being have the opportunity to call Atherton home.

Why does Atherton need an inclusionary housing ordinance?

Attracting the Best and Brightest to Atherton

Atherton relies on essential workers, such as teachers, healthcare professionals and police officers to provide essential services for every member of the community. An inclusionary housing ordinance will help our Town attract the best and brightest professionals to fill these roles by providing more opportunities for convenient and affordable housing close to where they work.

Meeting State Requirements for Housing Diversity

In the spirit of compliance, Atherton is embracing HCD’s directive to allow for multifamily developments to provide affordable housing opportunities to the community. In doing so, the Town demonstrates its commitment to aligning its efforts with HCD’s stated objective of increasing the supply of affordable housing across California.

What does affordable housing mean in San Mateo County?

In San Mateo County, the income thresholds for affordable housing are determined by the Area Median Income (AMI) and household size. San Mateo County’s AMI for a household of four is $175,000 per year. The Town is currently considering affordable housing requirements for new multifamily developments in the moderate, low and very low-income categories. 

2025 Area Median Income (AMI) Table for San Mateo County

Income Category

Income Limits by Family Size


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Very Low (50% AMI)

$68,550

$78,350

$88,150

$97,900

$105,750

$113,600

$121,400

$129,250

Low (80% AMI)

$109,700

$125,350

$141,000

$156,650

$169,200

$181,750

$194,250

$206,800

Median (100% AMI)

$130,600

$149,300

$167,950

$186,600

$201,550

$216,450

$231,400

$246,300

Moderate (120% AMI)

$156,750

$179,100

$201,500

$223,900

$241,800

$259,700

$277,650

$295,550

Source: https://www.smcgov.org/housing/income-limits-and-rent-payments;