Disclaimer: The following update is being shared by the Town of Discovery Bay based on information received by Contra Costa County. This is not a Town of Discovery Bay project. The Town has no authority or decision-making power over this project. Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this project must be directed to the Contra Costa County Planning Department (contact provided below).

Update on the Harbor Pointe Apartments Project (County File #CDDP24-03048)

Contra Costa County has provided the Town with the latest information on the proposed Harbor Pointe Apartments project, located in Discovery Bay.

The Town of Discovery Bay Board of Directors has formally opposed this project, submitting letters and public comments to County planning staff, the County Supervisor, and state elected officials. Many residents have also voiced opposition. However, under state law (SB 330 – the Housing Crisis Act of 2019), the County cannot deny qualifying housing projects if they meet objective standards. This means that despite concerns raised by the Town and the community, the project remains eligible to move forward.

The County Planner assigned to this project has confirmed that the application is complete and staff is preparing a recommendation to the Zoning Administrator. The project qualifies for ministerial approval under SB 330, which eliminates discretionary review for eligible housing projects. A permit decision is anticipated by the middle of October 2025.

Project Overview:

The proposed Harbor Pointe development in Discovery Bay calls for the construction of a 170-unit multi-family housing community. The project would feature seven three-story residential buildings containing a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, along with two managers’ units located within a central clubhouse. In addition to housing, the plans include shared amenities such as a clubhouse, dog park, picnic and play areas, landscaped open space, and supporting facilities like a maintenance building and trash enclosure.

Parking for 305 vehicles is planned, with 114 of those spaces shaded by solar canopies. Site preparation would involve grading approximately 4,500 cubic yards of cut and 3,000 cubic yards of fill, along with the installation of retaining walls, drainage systems, and utility extensions. Up to 40 trees are expected to be removed during construction

This site has been identified in the County’s Housing Element Sites Inventory (APN: 004-182-008) and falls under the State’s No Net Loss Rule, which requires local governments to maintain adequate housing capacity to meet regional housing needs.

Affordability:

The applicant has proposed this project as a 100% affordable housing development with the following affordability mix:

• 52 Very Low-Income Units (30%–50% AMI)
  • Income limit for a 4-person household: $79,900/Year 

• 116 Low-Income Units (60%–80% AMI)
  • Income limit for a 4-person household: $125,050/Year 

• 2 Market Rate (employee/manager’s housing) 

• Income limits for Contra Costa County are below and can be viewed here. 

Application Timeline:

• Oct. 11, 2024: Preliminary SB 330 application submitted

• Nov. 18, 2024 – May 27, 2025: Development Plan application submitted, reviewed, revised, and ultimately deemed complete

• Mid-Oct. 2025: Anticipated permit decision

General Plan & Zoning Consistency:

According to Contra Costa County, the Harbor Pointe project is considered substantially consistent with the County’s General Plan Housing Element (2023–2031) as well as the Housing Element Consistency (HE-C) zoning district.

Because of this consistency, the project qualifies for ministerial approval rather than discretionary review. Ministerial approval means the County’s role is limited to verifying whether the application meets objective standards such as zoning, building codes, and design requirements. If it does, the County must issue approval, even if there is significant community opposition.

The project has also been deemed exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to County Code section 84-92.806(b). Normally, CEQA requires local governments to study and disclose potential environmental impacts—such as traffic increases, water demand, noise, air quality, and effects on biological resources—before deciding whether to approve a project. These studies often involve lengthy reports, public hearings, and opportunities for mitigation measures to be added. However, because Harbor Pointe qualifies as a ministerial project under SB 330 and is consistent with the County’s Housing Element zoning, it is categorically exempt from CEQA review. 

County staff do note that if the project were to change in a way that triggered discretionary review—for example, through major design revisions, requests for exceptions, or a loss of eligibility under SB 330—then CEQA would once again apply.

Infrastructure & Fees:

County Public Works has advised that the project must comply with all applicable stormwater, accessibility, and right-of-way requirements. It will also be subject to paying all park impact fees, childcare facility requirements, and transportation/traffic mitigation fees as outlined by County ordinances.

About SB 330 – Housing Crisis Act of 2019:

SB 330 was enacted by the California Legislature and the Governor to accelerate housing production in California. Key provisions include:

• Freezing applicable zoning and design standards once an application is deemed complete.

• Preventing local governments from imposing new restrictions or reducing allowable housing density.

• Expediting review and approval timelines for qualifying projects.

Originally set to expire in 2025, SB 330 was extended through January 1, 2030, by Senate Bill 8 (SB 8).

Additional Information:

Contra Costa County has a website listing major development projects, although it is not currently up to date. The County’s Department of Conservation and Development has been asked to update this page, including information on the Harbor Pointe Apartments project:

👉 Contra Costa County Major Projects

Contra Costa County

Department of Conservation & Development]

30 Muir Road

Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: 925-655-2700

Contact Form