For Economic Development Committee [August 28, 2025]
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Christina Taylor, Interim Community Development Director
FROM: Sandra Robles, Senior Planner
Title
Amendment to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance
Body
BACKGROUND
The City first adopted its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance in 2020 in response to a state mandate (California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22). Since then, state laws governing ADUs have changed, rendering the City's ordinance out of compliance. Under state regulations, if a local ADU ordinance is not updated to align with current state law, it becomes null and void, and state regulations take precedence. While cities are permitted to adopt local ADU ordinances that offer additional flexibility or address topics not covered by state law, they may not impose standards that are more restrictive than those established by the state. In response, City staff has prepared a revised ADU ordinance that aligns with current state regulations.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Typically, when municipal code amendments are proposed, decision-makers are provided with a redlined version showing the specific changes. In this case, due to the comprehensive nature of the revisions, a summary of the key updates to the ADU ordinance is provided below:
• Location of ADU Code: The existing ADU regulations are currently located within the R-1 Single-Family Zone. The revised ordinance will relocate the ADU regulations into a standalone section of the code with its own numbering, as ADUs are not limited to single-family zones.
• Increased ADU Allowance in Single-Family Zones: Previously, a maximum of one ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) was allowed per lot. Current state law now permits an additional conversion ADU (e.g., a unit converted from an existing structure like a detached garage or storage building), allowing for a total of up to three units: one newly constructed ADU (attached or detached), one conversion ADU, and one JADU.
• Expanded ADU Allowance in Multifamily Properties: For existing multifamily properties (defined as two or more units sharing a common wall), the number of allowable detached ADUs has increased. While previous regulations allowed two detached ADUs per lot, the revised code allows up to eight, depending on the number of existing units. For example, a multifamily property with four existing units may be eligible for up to four detached ADUs.
• New and Clarified Definitions: Several new definitions have been added to improve clarity, including terms such as Major Transit Stop and State-Exempt ADUs.
• Application and Timeframe Standards: A new section has been added to clarify application requirements and timelines for ADUs, distinguishing between those proposed with an existing primary dwelling and those proposed as part of entirely new developments.
• Two-Story ADUs: Design standards have been added for two-story ADUs to enhance architectural articulation and protect neighboring privacy. In accordance with state law, two-story ADUs are allowed when the primary dwelling is two stories. However, state law is silent on detached two-story ADUs. The revised ordinance clarifies that detached two-story ADUs will not be permitted unless they qualify as state-exempt.
• ADU Conversions: Additional guidance is included on what constitutes an ADU conversion, along with associated development and design standards.
• Other Updates: The ordinance also includes revisions to standards related to utility service connections, placement of mechanical equipment, and fire sprinkler requirements.
• Simplified Format: The new ordinance streamlines complex state laws and separates development standards for ADUs on single-family and multifamily properties for greater clarity and ease of use.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Economic Development Committee receive this report, discuss and provide feedback to staff.