Belvedere gains ground on housing but faces steep climb to 2031

Belvedere’s housing permits nearly doubled in 2025 compared to the two previous years combined, but the city has accounted for only 21.9% of the 160 homes it must plan for by 2031 — and time is running short to avoid state penalties.

The City Council voted April 13 to accept the city’s latest annual progress report on its housing element, showing 35 units toward the city’s state-imposed goal, with 125 still needed. Of those 35, the city has permitted 15 units for lower-income households — a tier that encompasses the state-defined acutely low, extremely low and very-low-income levels.

The stakes of falling short are significant. Mid-cycle compliance reviews are approaching, and missing targets could cost Belvedere state funding, draw action from the state Attorney General’s Office or trigger what is known as the builder’s remedy — a provision under which developers could build regardless of local zoning restrictions. Read the complete story in our e-edition, or SUBSCRIBE NOW for home delivery and access to the digital replica.

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