Council Introduces Rent Review Ordinance as Salary Raise Falls 3-1

San Pablo's City Council advanced the final piece of a two-year tenant protection package Tuesday night, unanimously introducing an ordinance that would create a five-member board to review rent increases exceeding 7% — all while a competing voter-initiated rent control measure heads to the November ballot. The same meeting laid bare the political calculus of governing in a city preparing to ask voters for a sales tax: the council rejected a 10% pay raise for its own members 3-1, with the mayor casting the lone dissent.

• Rent review ordinance introduced unanimously, creating a board to hear disputes over rent hikes above 7%; second reading set for Sept. 21

• California Apartment Association raises seven concerns about the ordinance, including a potential conflict with state case law; staff to review before next meeting

• Council rejects 10% salary increase 3-1, with vice mayor warning a raise would be "not a good look" while pursuing a sales tax

• San Pablo adopts CCW permit fees, becoming the last city in Contra Costa County to bring concealed carry administration in-house

• Council honors Latonya Fisher, a 28-year City Manager's office employee who passed away Aug. 14, adjourning the meeting in her memory

The basics: The proposed ordinance (Chapter 9.60) would establish a formal rent review process for any rental unit where the landlord seeks to raise rent more than 7% within a 12-month period. Tenants could request a review that proceeds through intake, conciliation, mediation, and ultimately a public hearing before a five-member rent review board composed of two tenants, two housing providers who own property and reside in San Pablo, and one non-rental homeowner.