Sausalito residents are about to face a decision that could really change their waterfront community. The city wants to meet state-mandated housing requirements, and it’s got folks talking—some are excited, others not so much, especially in nearby Marin towns like Mill Valley and Tiburon.
The Sausalito City Council just approved two ballot measures for a special election. If these pass, they’d rezone parts of the city for new housing, including a chunk of a well-loved park. Honestly, this move has stirred up plenty of debate.
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Why now? Well, Sausalito and other Marin County communities are trying to keep up with California’s tough housing goals. Nobody wants to deal with the fallout from not following state rules.
Understanding Sausalito’s Housing Dilemma
The special election is set for November 4, 2025. Voters will weigh in on two big rezoning proposals, both of which need to be in place by January 2026.
These measures are vital to Sausalito’s state-approved housing plan. The city needs to add 724 new dwellings by 2031, which is a huge jump for this small spot sandwiched between the Marin Headlands and Richardson Bay.
The Proposed Rezoning Measures
The first ballot measure wants to rezone 12 commercial lots on Bridgeway and nearby streets. The idea is to allow multiunit housing complexes there.
This could create new homes while keeping Sausalito’s busy commercial corridor, which draws tourists from San Rafael, Novato, and other places.
The second measure is causing more of a stir. It would rezone 2 acres of Martin Luther King Jr. Park for 50 units of senior housing in a townhouse complex.
Plenty of people are worried about losing green space. Sausalito doesn’t have much parkland as it is, especially compared to bigger Marin towns like Corte Madera or Larkspur.
Community Reactions and Concerns
The special election announcement set off a mix of reactions in Sausalito and nearby towns. Some locals say the notice was too short and they’re worried about packing more housing into the city’s north end.
That area already deals with heavy traffic, which can be a headache for commuters from Fairfax and San Anselmo.
On the flip side, supporters say the city has done its homework. They point to a public consultation process that drew feedback from 760 residents, which is a big chunk of Sausalito’s population.
Honestly, that’s more involvement than you see in places like Belvedere or Ross.
The Stakes of Non-Compliance
During council talks, Councilmember Ian Sobieski didn’t sugarcoat things. He warned that if Sausalito doesn’t follow state housing law, the city could lose control over what gets built and where.
Assistant City Manager Brandon Phipps backed him up, saying Sausalito could face “the loss of local control and hefty fines” if it doesn’t stick to its housing plan.
These worries aren’t unique to Sausalito—they’re coming up in town halls all over Marin County, from Stinson Beach to Woodacre.
Council Decision and Next Steps
The City Council’s vote showed just how tough it is to balance local wishes with state rules. The first measure got a unanimous yes from everyone.
The second measure passed 3-1. Mayor Joan Cox didn’t vote because she lives near MLK Park, so she had to sit that one out.
Sausalito now finds itself in the same boat as places like Bolinas and Point Reyes Station. These Marin communities are trying to follow California’s housing laws without losing the charm that makes their waterfronts and hillsides so appealing.
People all over Marin County are paying attention. Maybe Sausalito’s way will end up as a model for other small towns that want to meet housing rules but aren’t willing to give up what makes them special.
Here is the source article for this story: Sausalito sets special election for housing plan rezoning
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