Fresno City Council discusses ADU regulations and tiny homes amid housing crisis

Fresno City Council members tackled pressing housing issues during their meeting on June 12, 2025, focusing on new regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and tiny homes. The discussions highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis while ensuring neighborhood compatibility.

Council member Vang emphasized the importance of tiny homes on wheels, noting their affordability and potential to alleviate housing shortages. "If my understanding is correct, you can have a tiny home on wheels as a primary and then another one as a secondary," Vang stated, advocating for the flexibility these structures could provide in a tight housing market.

Concerns were raised about maintaining neighborhood aesthetics as ADUs become more common. Council member Maxwell pointed out that some homeowners use subpar materials for ADUs, which can clash with the character of established neighborhoods. He urged the planning department to develop objective design standards to ensure new constructions align with local styles.

The council also discussed a proposed change in language from "single-family" to "single-unit" housing, aimed at distancing the city from defining family structures, which could have implications for overcrowding regulations. Assistant Director Sofia Pagalatis assured members that this change would not affect the city's ability to enforce overcrowding laws.

Public comments included requests for adjustments to the proposed regulations, particularly regarding mobile home park densities. Developers expressed the need for lower density requirements to facilitate the construction of mobile home parks, which could provide additional affordable housing options.

The council ultimately passed the amendments with a unanimous vote, signaling a commitment to enhancing housing availability while considering community needs. As the city moves forward, the planning department will continue to refine regulations to better accommodate diverse housing types and maintain neighborhood integrity.