PREPARED BY: KIERON SLAUGHTER DATE OF MEETING: 1/20/2026
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO ADDING CHAPTER 9.70 (JUST CAUSE FOR EVICTION PROTECTIONS) AND CHAPTER 9.80 (HOUSING STABILITY AND ANTI-HARASSMENT PROTECTIONS) TO THE SAN PABLO MUNICIPAL CODE
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Waive first reading; introduce Ordinance
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2025-2027 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statements:
Under Major Policy Goal: Expand Housing Options, Policy No. #309 (F) Tenant Protections and Policy No. #310 - Rental Protections: Explore policy feasibility to enhance tenant protections provided by the City are contained in the adopted FY 2025-27 City Council Priority Workplan, effective April 7, 2025.
CEQA Compliance Statement
The resolution Ordinance is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(B)(5) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment because the project solely involves administrative activity and does not authorize any construction or development activities. Any future construction or development activities will require a separate CEQA analysis at that time.
BACKGROUND
The City of San Pablo has long recognized the importance of housing stability as a foundation for community health, economic opportunity, and public safety. In recent years, the City has experienced increasing concerns from tenants, housing advocates, and service providers regarding unlawful evictions, harassment by housing providers, and the lack of clear local enforcement mechanisms to protect renters’ rights. These concerns have been amplified by the regional housing crisis and the disproportionate impact of displacement on low-income households, seniors, and communities of color.
In response, the City Council included tenant protection policies as a key priority in its FY 2025-27 Priority Workplan (Workplan), effective April 7, 2025. This direction was further reinforced by the City’s Housing Action Plan, which calls for the development of local ordinances to prevent harassment, ensure just cause for evictions, and expand tenant education and outreach in collaboration with housing partners.
Special City Council Meeting on July 1, 2025
On July 1, 2025, the City Council held a special meeting to review their current tenant protection policies in the Workplan, and to discuss the merits of rent control (stabilization). The City Council heard from housing advocates, tenants, property owners and service providers. After discussion, the Council voted 3-1 to continue developing the new tenant protection policies in the Workplan and affirmed the following direction, as follows:
1). Authorize the City Manager/staff to prioritize implementation of existing adopted rental housing regulation policies/programs contained in the adopted FY 2025-27 Council Priority Workplan (updated as of April 7, 2025); and
2). Authorize the City Manager/staff to prioritize the implementation of all 56 Housing Action Plan programs identified under the City’s Housing Element certified by State HCD in March 2024; and
3). Authorize the City Manager/staff to prioritize seeking additional General Fund budget capacity and support for the existing rental housing regulations adopted in FY 2025-27 Council Priority Workplan (as of April 7, 2027), as follows:
• Residential Health & Safety Inspection Program, Rent Registry, Mediation, Tenant Relocation Assistance
4). Direct the City Manager to enhance community awareness, education and outreach on rental regulations and rent stabilization, including but not limited to the following:
• AB 1482 California Tenant Protection Act (ACCE Supported) Education and Awareness
• Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities
• Home Ownership Opportunities with SPEDC Programs
• Housing Counseling and Tenant Legal Services
• Cost-neutral Rental Regulations and Rent Stabilization policies
• Community polling of community at-large and electorate on rental regulations and rent stabilization with Strategy Research Institute (SRI, Inc.)
Proposed Tenant Regulations (Ordinances)
The proposed ordinance adds s-Chapter 9.70 (Just Cause For Eviction Protections) and Chapter 9.80 (Housing Stability and Anti-Harassment Protections). These provisions -are designed to address these goals summarized above. Together, they establishThe proposed ordinance establishes a local legal framework that complements existing state laws, including Civil Code §§1940.2, 1942.5, 1954, and Senate Bill 567 (2023), while tailoring enforcement and education strategies to the needs of San Pablo residents.
Chapter 9.70 ensures that tenants can only be lawfully evicted for specific, legally defined reasons, such as nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, substantial remodel, or owner move-in. It also includes relocation assistance requirements for no-fault evictions and procedural safeguards to prevent abuse.
Chapter 9.80 prohibits a range of harassing behaviors by housing providers, including threats, unlawful entry, and refusal to provide essential services. It establishes a private right of action for tenants, allows for discretionary enforcement by the City Attorney, and includes strong anti-retaliation provisions.
Importantly, it also affirms the City’s commitment to tenant privacy and includes a new section (9.80.070) on Tenant Education and Outreach, which reflects the Housing Action Plan’s emphasis on multilingual education and partnerships with community-based organizations.
To ensure the ordinances reflects the lived experiences and priorities of both tenants and housing providers, City staff convened a Community Advisory Group on August 19, 2025. The group included representatives from tenant advocacy organizations, legal services, property owner associations, and City departments:
• David Sharples, ACCE
• Ethan Silverstein, Movement Legal
• Rhovy Lyn Antonio, California Apartment Association
• Heather Schiffman, Contra Costa Association of REALTORS
• Genoveva Garcia Calloway, EDC Board Member
• Sergio Caldera, Chief Building Official
• Kieron Slaughter, Economic Development & Housing Manager
• Ellie Lopez, Management Analyst
The advisory group provided critical feedback on enforcement mechanisms, tenant privacy, and the importance of accessible education. Their input directly shaped the final ordinance language.
Additionally, staff presented the draft ordinances to the Economic Development, Housing, and Program Management Standing Committee on December 10, 2025. The Committee expressed support for the ordinances and recommended their adoption by the full City Council.
Summary of Ordinances
Chapter 9.70 - Just Cause For Eviction Protections
• Establishes clear criteria under which a tenant may be evicted.
• Aligns with SB 567 and Civil Code §1946.2.
• Applies to all Single-Family residences, ADUs, and JADUs.
• Applies to new construction.
• Effective immediately for tenants.
• Includes written notice and documentation for all evictions.
• Includes relocation assistance provisions for no-fault evictions.
Chapter 9.80 - Housing Stability and Anti-Harassment Protections
• Defines harassment consistent with Civil Code §1940.2 and related statutes.
• Establishes a private right of action for tenants.
• Allows discretionary enforcement by the City Attorney.
• Prohibits retaliation and affirms tenant privacy.
• Includes a new section (9.80.070) on Tenant Education and Outreach, referencing the Housing Action Plan’s commitment to multilingual education and collaboration with housing partners.
STANDING COMMITTEE REVIEW
On December 10, 2025, City staff presented a general overview of both ordinances to the Economic Development, Housing, & Project Management Standing Committee (Cruz; Ponce). Upon completion of the presentation, the Standing Committee recommended both ordinances proceed to the City Council for formal consideration, introduction and adoption.
Housing Provider and Tenant Education and Outreach
The City will continue to make available educational materials and resources to inform tenants and housing providers of their rights under this Chapter and applicable state law.
Consistent with the City’s Housing Element and Housing Action Plan, staff will collaborate with housing partners including nonprofit organizations, legal aid providers, and community-based groups to support outreach and education efforts. This includes participation in housing fairs, workshops, and digital campaigns designed to educate tenants and housing providers.
FISCAL IMPACT
The adoption of this Ordinance - Chapters 9.70 (Just Cause For Eviction Protections) and 9.80 (Housing Stability and Anti-Harassment Protections) - will require additional staff time and resources to support implementation, particularly in the areas of tenant education, community outreach, and enforcement coordination. While enforcement under Chapter 9.80 is primarily tenant-initiated, the City anticipates a need for staff involvement in developing multilingual educational materials, responding to inquiries, and collaborating with housing partners.
At this time, the fiscal impact cannot be precisely quantified, as it will depend on the volume of tenant inquiries, the level of outreach required, and the extent of City Attorney involvement in enforcement actions. Staff will monitor implementation and return to Council with budget recommendations if additional resources are needed.
ATTACHMENT
Att A - Ordinance