Project Description 

The City is working on amending the City’s Building Security Code, specifically with respect to parking garage security for multifamily and mixed-use buildings. This amendment would update section 27.54.030 of the Municipal Code to increase flexibility to allow shared or mixed-use parking while providing adequate security measures through security gates, emergency access, and other provisions. 

Project Update 

The proposed code language for the amendment to section 27.54.030 of the Municipal Code is in below. A virtual community meeting to obtain community feedback was held on May 25, 2023, please see the meeting materials below. A City Council Public Hearing was held on July 17, 2023 where the City Council approved the Ordinance Introduction by a vote of 5-0. A Second Reading of the Ordinance was held on August 21, 2023 to formally adopt the code amendment. The revised code language will take effect 30 calendar days after the Second Reading (September 20, 2023).

Existing and Proposed Code Language

Existing
23.54.030 PARKING GARAGE SECURITY.
Parking garages serving residential uses shall be provided with electrically operated closures to allow passage of motor vehicles, except that required visitor parking shall have unrestricted access. The closures, whether overhead, sliding or swinging shall be provided with reopening devices which will function to stop and reopen the closure in case the closure is obstructed when closing. Openings into the garage which are not for vehicular or human passage shall be provided with security grilles or screens. Digital keypads shall be provided to allow for entry by services and emergency services vehicles. Exterior doors or gates providing access to the secure areas of the parking garage shall remain locked at all times, and shall only be accessible through the use of keys furnished to the building residents.

Proposed
23.54.030 PARKING GARAGE SECURITY.
Multi-family residential uses with five or more units providing a common parking garage, whether solely for dwelling uses or in combination with other uses, shall provide the following minimum security measures: securing against unauthorized vehicle and pedestrian access; allowing for emergency access for first responders and secure tenant-only access during specified hours; installing and maintaining a surveillance video system and interior security lighting. Additional security measures may be required based on project-specific findings by the Chief of Police or their designee. All required security measures shall be approved by the Chief of Police or their designee.

 Past Meetings 

City Council – Ordinance Second Reading
Date: August 21, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Materials: Meeting Materials and Video

City Council Public Hearing – Ordinance Introduction
Date: July 17, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Materials: Meeting Materials and Video

Community Workshop (Virtual)
Date: Thursday May 25, 2023
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting Materials: Presentation and Meeting Video

City Contact Information

Rendell Bustos
Senior Planner
(650) 522-7211
rbustos@cityofsanmateo.org