Measure D

The initial application period begins January 1, 2026. A complete application must be received by January 30th, 2026. City Hall is open Monday-Thursday, from 8:30am-5:00pm. A complete application means a submittal of all items included on the checklist, a complete application form, as well as payment.

If less applications are received than allocations are available, applications may be accepted until September 1st. However, for projects located in the Outside of Downtown Measure D area this is not typically the case, and the initial application period typically closes as indicated. Applicants within the Downtown area may have an opportunity for a longer application period since there are more allocations available and historically, less applications are received. More information on this can be found in section 17.06.110 of the Municipal Code.

The Downtown area is defined by the Half Moon Bay Redevelopment Survey Area in City Resolution No. C-91-98, November 3, 1998, and codified in Section 17.06.020. If your project site is not located within the defined downtown area, you are considered outside of downtown. Reference the Measure D Downtown Map here. 

Staff are available to assist with applications Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm. You may also email Planning@halfmoonbay.gov to set up an appointment time with a Planner to go over your application. If you would like staff to review your application and provide feedback, we recommend coming in no later than mid-January, and earlier meetings are encouraged. You do not need to submit your application during your scheduled review/consultation, only by the deadline. 

On the applications scoring criteria, Question 1h, there is a question relating to below market rate housing. This is a very high scoring item, as it will require a long term commitment from the applicant to enter into a legally binding agreement to provide at least one unit as an affordable housing unit, for low or lower income housing. Here is a handout that provides additional general information on BMR Units. If you are considering electing for a BMR unit we strongly encourage having a specific meeting with planning staff to discuss what this will entail. 

The site plan should indicate the footprint of the proposed dwelling(s) and any existing dwellings as well as indicate any specific items that may require clarification on the checklist, such as open space, porches, entry way locations, etc. It should also include the general footprint or location of adjacent parcels and structures. It is recommended that a thorough site plan be provided as this can often help clarify any discrepancies that may arise during the scoring process. 

Scoring has become increasingly competitive, we recommend maximizing your points to the fullest extent possible, but only electing for checklist items you are certain you will commit to and incorporate into the project. All scoring options pursued will be required as part of any future planning/building approvals. Failure to comply may invalidate the Measure D Allocation.  

Once the application period closes all submittals and scoring are final. You will not be allowed to amend your application at a later date to increase the scoring. 

There is no defined cut off scoring value. It is dependent on the number of allocations applied and the scoring of the applications. 

If you do not receive a Measure D allocation, there may be an opportunity to request a Transfer. This is dependent on if there are available base allocations from the Downtown Measure D area after September 1st. If transfers do not become available or you choose not to request one, you will have to wait to reapply during the next application period the following year. 

Attached is a handbook that may provide additional details and clarification of your questions, helping you further understand the items. If you still have questions, please reach out to the Planning staff prior to submitting. 

Staff are available Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm and can be reached at planning@halfmoonbay.gov or by calling (650) 726-8270.