Weekly Report 
March 23, 2015 
Governmental Affairs
Walnut Creek Rejects Moratorium

Walnut Creek has rejected a proposed moratorium on the conversion of commercially zoned properties for residential uses through the city's conditional use permit process. A majority of the City Council at its March 17, 2015, meeting agreed with BIA|Bay Area representatives, who argued that the land-use conversion policy did not - as legally required - pose an "imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare." Full Story 

 

BIA To Lead Forum on Walnut Creek Fee & Regulatory Proposals

BIA|Bay Area members interested in learning more about the local and regional implications of proposed new and higher fees and other development regulatory changes in Walnut Creek are invited to attend a lunch forum on Thursday, March 26, 2015. BIA staff and event hosts, Miller Starr Regalia, will provide details and lead a discussion about the city's draft West Downtown Specific Plan, elimination of the conditional use permit conversion option in commercial areas and a citywide fiscal neutrality policy.  Full Story 

City of Sunnyvale Adopts Rental Housing Impact Fee

On March 17th, the Sunnyvale City Council adopted a rental housing impact fee for new market rate development and directed Staff to return in April with an ordinance to set the new fee at $17 per square ft. of habitable new development. The draft ordinance will also include provisions for the adopted fee level to be adjusted annually for inflation, provide for an in lieu unit credit program, and define the effective date of the law.  Full Story  

ECC Fire District Assessment Pending

Property owners in East Contra Costa County will learn on April 27, 2015, the results of a vote on a proposed new fire suppression assessment district and fee. If approved by a majority of property owners, the typical single-family homeowner will pay $104 per year starting in the 2015-2016 fiscal year.  Full Story 

Events
Excellence Awards Finalists Announced!

Congratulations to our finalists for the 2015 Excellence in Home Building Awards. These awards recognize our industry's most outstanding Builder, Sales, Marketing, and Trade Professionals who have distinguished themselves by working hard to deliver their best each day for the betterment of our industry. We invite you to join us on Friday, April 24th at the awards show at the San Francisco Hyatt Regency. Click here for Finalist Information, then click here to purchase your tickets!

 

Sponsorship Deadline for The Big Show/Excellence Awards is March 31

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for The Big Show, but the deadline is fast approaching. To guarantee all your benefits, contact events@biabayarea.org by next Tuesday, March 31. Sponsorships start at $500. Click here for trade show sponsorships; click here for all others.

 

Thinking Outside the Ballpark: How the San Francisco Giants Helped Energize Mission Bay. A Lunch-time Presentation by the San Francisco Giants

We all know the statistics on the San Francisco Giants as a sports team... now let's hear about their accomplishments as one of San Francisco's most visionary-and successful-- real estate developers! The San Francisco Giants is putting together a panel presentation on the challenges it faced to make Mission Bay its home, and a thriving urban mixed use neighborhood. Join them for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Bay Area's most successful redevelopment projects, from the vision to the reality. Presented during lunch at The Big Show. Click here to purchase tickets or email events@biabayarea.org for sponsorship info.

 

Help Us Grow! BIA Spring Membership Drive Runs Now Through March 31

The BIA's Membership Committee invites you to join in the fun and help the BIA Bay Area by increasing our membership. New members will get a discount on their initial dues, tickets to the Big Show, discounts on a Trade Show booth and more! For each new member you bring in, you win $20 plus a chance for a grand prize worth $250. All who participate will be invited to a New Member Reception later this spring.  Click here for the flyer to send to potential new members, and email membership@biabayarea.org for more information.

 

HomeAid Northern California
Lily Tomlin to Headline HomeAid's 6th Annual Hope for the Homeless Benefit Show!  
Friday, May 15th will surely be a night to remember at Lesher Center for the Arts as world renowned entertainer, Lily Tomlin, shares her talent in support of HomeAid Northern California. Sponsorships now available and auction items needed.  Please click here for details on your opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need.  

In This Issue
BIA Bay Area Links
Councils & Committees
Governmental Affairs
Housing 4 All
Click here for BIA's Housing4All blog, where you will find news about the Bay Area's housing shortage along with videos, statistics and an opportunity to join us in our quest to provide housing for all.
 
Other Industry Links
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