The Baylands covers 680.1 acres (558.3 of land and 121.8 of lagoon) on Brisbane's border with San Francisco, between Bayshore Boulevard and U.S. 101. Universal Paragon Corporation has owned the site since 1989, according to a 2019 Assembly analysis, and first proposed a specific plan in 2005, according to the city. A 2009 city plan for the site allowed no housing. In March 2018 the council voted to put a general plan amendment for 1,800 to 2,200 homes on the ballot, although the Assembly analysis later said the amendment did not require voter approval; Measure JJ passed on November 6, 2018 with 55 percent and requires at least 15 percent of the homes to be affordable. The current plan from Baylands Development Inc. calls for 2,200 homes, 6.5 million square feet of commercial space, an 800-room hotel, a middle school and 157 acres of open space, with up to four towers of 110 to 270 feet. HCD certified Brisbane's housing element on May 25, 2023 on the strength of Program 2.A.2, the Baylands rezoning; the site makes up 81 percent of the city's sites inventory. The draft EIR, which HCD said the city had promised for October 2023, came out in April 2025, and the final EIR on May 14, 2026. The city missed the May 18, 2026 rezoning deadline, and on June 30, 2026 HCD revoked its housing element compliance, which exposes Brisbane to the builder's remedy and costs it eligibility for some grants. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5-0 on August 13, 2026. The council has held a series of hearings since September and may close the hearing on November 9, 2026. The 3,800-home figure sometimes reported includes homes on the San Francisco side of the line.
Voters · Planning Commission · Brisbane City Council
| Date | Event | What the record shows |
|---|---|---|
| March 22, 2018 | Council Votes To Put Baylands Plan Before Voters | The unanimous vote, which members tied to state pressure, sets up a measure allowing 1,800 to 2,200 homes. San Mateo Daily Journal: https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/brisbane-baylands-development-moving-to-voters/article_ebbf6386-3172-11e8-b915-0f0412fcb581.html |
| November 6, 2018 | Brisbane Voters Approve Measure JJ | It passes 55 to 45 percent. The general plan now allows up to 2,200 homes, at least 15 percent affordable. San Mateo Daily Journal: https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/brisbane-baylands-development-proposal-passes/article_9053e892-e2f1-11e8-8014-7fe19c621e72.html |
| May 25, 2023 | State Certifies Housing Element on Baylands Rezoning | HCD's finding rests on Program 2.A.2, rezoning the Baylands to cover a 1,104-unit shortfall. HCD: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/planning-and-community/HAU/sma-brisbane-rezone-he-rev-out-063026.pdf |
| April 3, 2025 | Draft EIR Released | Comments are open until Sept. 2, 2025. HCD had flagged the draft, promised for October 2023, as late. City of Brisbane: https://www.brisbaneca.gov/232 |
| April 16, 2026 | HCD Issues Corrective Action Letter | HCD notes that the Baylands makes up 81 percent of the city's sites inventory. HCD: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/planning-and-community/HAU/brisbane-corr-action-041626.pdf |
| May 14, 2026 | Final EIR Released | The city publishes the final environmental impact report and notice of public hearings. City of Brisbane: https://www.brisbaneca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3010/Baylands-FEIR-Notice-of-Availability-and-Public-Hearing |
| May 18, 2026 | State Rezoning Deadline Passes | The city had told HCD the rezoning would wait until fall. HCD: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/planning-and-community/HAU/sma-brisbane-rezone-he-rev-out-063026.pdf |
| June 30, 2026 | HCD Revokes Brisbane's Housing Element Compliance | The city becomes subject to the builder's remedy and loses eligibility for some grants. HCD: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/planning-and-community/HAU/sma-brisbane-rezone-he-rev-out-063026.pdf |
| August 13, 2026 | Planning Commission Recommends Approval 5-0 | The commission recommends certifying the final EIR and adopting the plan with modifications. City of Brisbane: https://www.brisbaneca.gov/228/Brisbane-Baylands |
| September 14, 2026 | Council Opens Baylands Hearings | The first of at least seven sessions. The council may close the hearing on Nov. 9, 2026. City of Brisbane: https://www.brisbaneca.gov/228/Brisbane-Baylands |
| Date | Body | Action | Vote | Staff rec. | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 6, 2018 | Voters | referendum passed | — | Unknown | San Mateo Daily Journal: https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/brisbane-baylands-development-proposal-passes/article_9053e892-e2f1-11e8-8014-7fe19c621e72.html |
| August 13, 2026 | Planning Commission | approved | 5–0 | Unknown | City of Brisbane: https://www.brisbaneca.gov/228/Brisbane-Baylands |
Rating 4 of 5. Primary records for the key facts; minor details may rest on reporting. Corrections: https://whokilledthebuilding.com/corrections.