Berkeley Project at 2712 Telegraph Avenue Seeks Increased Unit Count Using State Density Bonus

Updated permits have been filed for a six-story apartment complex at 2712 Telegraph Avenue in South Berkeley, Alameda County. The latest application significantly increases the overall unit count without adding building height. Developer Panoramic Interests, through 2712 Telegraph LLC, is leveraging California's State Density Bonus law to achieve higher density and streamline the approval process.

This marks the fourth iteration of plans for the site. Initial permits in June 2022 proposed a five-story, 35-unit mixed-use project. Subsequent filings in late 2022 and late 2025 led to approvals for 41 units across six floors. The most recent application, submitted earlier this week, proposes 60 apartments above ground-floor retail. Studio KDA has previously provided illustrations for the development.

The project requires the demolition of two 1904 wood-frame houses at 2712 and 2714 Telegraph Avenue. A 2022 historic evaluation found these structures ineligible for landmark status due to alterations and loss of original context. Located on a 0.21-acre property near Willard Park and UC Berkeley, this development exemplifies how the State Density Bonus law is utilized by developers to maximize housing units and potentially expedite approvals in California.