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 ...
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