> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.albanyscanner.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Measure O: Should Albany end neighborhood zoning approval? - URL: https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/10/24/elections/albany-measure-o-neighborhood-zoning-approval/ - Published: 2026-10-24T00:02:16.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T00:03:48.000Z - Description: The proposal would leave public hearings and other zoning review procedures in place, with no immediate changes to housing rules. - Author: Allyson Aleksey - Tags: Elections, Ballot measures, City, Albany City Council, Election 2026, #articles Albany voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to end a longstanding requirement for neighborhood approval of zoning changes in single-family areas. [Measure O](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/3/city-clerk/documents/elections/2026-election/ballot-measures/city-attorney-impartial-analysis/1-measure-d-amendment-removing-neighborhood-voter-approval-for-sfr-zoning-amendments-c1.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com) would amend rules established by Albany voters under Measure D (1978) for areas designated R-1: districts [intended for low-density residential development](https://ecode360.com/37886657?ref=albanyscanner.com) on individual lots. R-1 zoning covers [roughly 440 acres of Albany](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/08/12/elections/albany-2026-november-election-ballot-measures/) and primarily allows detached single-family homes, along with accessory dwelling units and certain duplexes and lot splits permitted under state law. Measure O's passage would not immediately change zoning or approve new housing projects. Residents would still have opportunities to weigh in through public hearings, but majority neighborhood voter approval would no longer be required for R-1 zoning changes. ## Housing Element calls for ending neighborhood approval rule As it stands, at least 50% of voters living within 300 feet of an area proposed for rezoning must approve the change by signing a petition before the [Albany City Council](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/albany-city-council/) can act. Albany's 2023-31 [Housing Element](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/community-development/planning-and-zoning/documents/20230908-adopted-housing-element.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com) calls for repealing Measure D's [neighborhood petition requirement](https://www.albanyca.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-clerk/documents/elections/2026-election/ballot-measures/arguments-and-rebuttals/primary-arguments/measure-o-requirement-for-zoning-changes-in-favor.pdf?ref=albanyscanner.com). The city's [2025-27 Strategic Plan](https://www.albanyca.gov/Government/Strategic-Plan-2025-2027?ref=albanyscanner.com) includes an objective to "develop \[a\] ballot measure to update the City Council's authority to consider changes to single family zoning standards." Council voted unanimously June 1 to place Measure O on the ballot. Supporters say the measure would give the city greater flexibility to respond to changing conditions and housing needs while retaining public hearings and other required procedures. A yes vote would authorize council to make zoning changes in R-1 areas without majority neighborhood voter approval. A no vote would leave the existing neighborhood-approval requirement in place. ## Who supports Albany Measure O? Mayor Peggy McQuaid discussed Measure O at a September Albany Democratic Club forum, saying it would give the city more flexibility to respond to housing needs. McQuaid said the city is working to "modernize Albany's zoning approach" to support housing availability. She said Measure O would preserve public notice and hearings, along with opportunities for community participation and oversight. "In other words, there's more accountability for the council, there's more public participation for the community," she added. [Greenbelt Alliance](https://www.greenbelt.org/blog/vote-yes-measure-o-albany/?ref=albanyscanner.com), an Oakland-based climate advocacy nonprofit, and the [League of Women Voters Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville](https://lwvbae.org/league-news/vote-with-the-league-nov-2024-2/?ref=albanyscanner.com) also support the measure. "Decisions about citywide housing policy should be made through a standardized, public process, not controlled by a narrow petition requirement limited to voters living within 300 feet of a project," Cailin Notch, Greenbelt Alliance East Bay resilience manager, wrote. "Measure O is a good governance measure and a sensible approach to land use that expands participation and supports equitable housing opportunities," she added. No formal opposition to Measure O was filed. **Read complete** [**election coverage**](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/elections/) **on Albany Scanner, including our reporting on** [**all six local ballot measures**](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/ballot-measures/)**.** *Have questions for Albany Scanner, or want to share story tips?* [*Here's how to reach us*](https://www.albanyscanner.com/tips/)*.* ## Sign up for Albany Scanner Stories for an informed community Get updates Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.