Measure O

City of Albany Requirement to Zoning Changes Measure

Measure O would authorize the Albany City Council to amend the residential voter requirements for zoning changes to the R-1 zoned areas of the City established by Measure D (enacted by the Albany voters in 1978), without majority neighborhood voter approval, after following noticed public hearing and zoning ordinance amendment procedures prescribed by State Law and the Albany Municipal Code.

This measure requires approval by a majority of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: The fiscal impacts of Measure O are unclear. 

Next Alameda County Measure: Measure P

See Endorsements for Measure O
Background

In 1978, Albany voters approved Measure “D”, a City initiative measure which, among other things, currently provides that any zoning changes to land in the City’s single family residential (R-1) zoned areas only be permitted if at least fifty percent (50%) of the resident voters within three hundred (300) feet of the proposed change indicate their approval by signing a verified petition to that effect. 

Proposal

On June 1, 2026, the City Council voted to place Measure “O” on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot. If approved by a majority of Albany voters, this Measure would amend the Albany Municipal Code to authorize the City to make zoning changes to land within the R-1 zoned areas from time to time, without majority neighborhood voter approval, after following noticed public hearing and zoning ordinance amendment procedures prescribed by State law and the Albany Municipal Code. 

The stated purpose of this Measure is to allow greater flexibility for the City Council to respond to changing conditions and promote community goals to encourage additional housing availability and quality, as expressed in the adopted 2023-2031 General Plan Housing Element, the City Council’s April 2025-2027 Strategic Plan and associated planning documents. 

Source: Measure O Impartial Analysis

Alameda County Election Resources