Resident urges Ripon to update ADU rules to match state law; staff says draft update coming to planning commission

Adam Corkins, a Ripon resident, told the City Council he is seeking clarity and compliance from the city on accessory dwelling units and urged staff and council to apply current state standards.

Corkins said Ripon’s ADU ordinance contains provisions that conflict with the state’s Government Code and that the city has continued to deny ADU applications under the outdated local code. "I urge you to direct the staff to follow the government code, that you would either rescind or amend the ADU ordinance to comply with law," Corkins said during public comment.

Why it matters: ADU rules determine whether homeowners can add or rent small secondary units on single-family lots, a change that can affect housing supply, property rights and neighborhood development in Ripon.

At the meeting, city planning staff (Ken) responded in the reports section, saying the city has a draft ADU ordinance update under staff review and that staff hopes to present it to the Planning Commission at its June meeting. "We do have a draft ADU ordinance update that we are working through at staff level. Hopefully, have that in front of the planning commission for their review at the June meeting as well, if all goes well," Ken said.

Corkins cited several Government Code provisions by number during his remarks, noting that state law now limits some local ADU requirements. He said examples in Ripon’s rules include an owner-occupancy requirement and height and setback restrictions that he believes are no longer lawful under the state provisions he quoted.

Ken’s report did not specify the exact text changes in the draft ordinance, nor did it provide a timeline for final council action beyond the Planning Commission review. Council members did not take a formal vote on the matter at this meeting; staff characterized the matter as an item under active review at the staff and Planning Commission level.

What was not decided: No ordinance amendment or formal council direction was voted on at the meeting. The record shows public comment from a resident and a staff statement that a draft update will go to the Planning Commission in June.

Ending: Councilmembers and staff indicated follow-up is expected; the council’s agenda for the coming month will include the Planning Commission review and a separate housing element presentation and adoption anticipated at the June council meeting.