you've all heard of the fourplex, but let me tell you about the fiveplex! it doesn't seem like much, but going from 4 to 5 makes a big difference, because that's when many affordable housing laws start to apply. 1/

Like many cities, Berkeley requires new housing to either set aside 20% of the homes for low or very low income residents, or pay into the housing fund. However, it only applies to property with 5 or more homes on it. 2/

There's also the State Density Bonus, which projects built on land zoned for five or more homes can use. This allows bigger buildings in exchange for setting aside some of the homes for very low, low, or moderate income residents. 3/ (Gov Code 65915) https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=65915

What that means is that by providing affordable housing and using the bonus, fiveplex zoning can allow one of the cheapest types of the housing to be built: the sixpack, also known as a Portland tallboy. These sell for $379,000 brand new. https://twitter.com/balcom_holly/status/1122552442313273345

The sixpack/tallboy apartment is a 3-story building with two homes per floor. Portland's recent zoning reform allowed them in most parts of the city, as long as some affordable housing is provided. https://www.sightline.org/2020/08/11/on-wednesday-portland-will-pass-the-best-low-density-zoning-reform-in-us-history/

but there's more! California law #AB1763 gives extra bonuses for projects that are 100% affordable housing. However, it requires a lot that allows at least 5 homes. Fiveplex zoning would be a game changer for nonprofits, opening up a far more sites for affordable housing.

Right now, three California cities are considering fourplexes: Berkeley, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Let's turn it up to five!
contact info:
SF: [email protected]
Berkeley: [email protected]
Sacramento: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Mayor-Council 

Lots with five homes already exist in Berkeley, such as these houses with a 4plex in the backyard on Hillegass Avenue.