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Greenfield council holds first reading of updated accessory-dwelling-unit ordinance; staff says it mirrors state law
Summary
The City Council held the first reading of a revised ADU ordinance that staff says aligns closely with recent state changes. Council and one public commenter asked about rent limits, parking and technical details; staff said the draft will be submitted to the state Department of Housing and Community Development for review.
City Council of the City of Greenfield on April 8 held a first reading of a revised ordinance updating local rules for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units.
City planning staff said the draft largely implements recent state ADU law and will be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for review. "I'm pretty confident that this ordinance is compliant with state law because it is based upon almost verbatim what is in the state law," the staff member told the council.
The staff presentation summarized changes enacted at the state level since Greenfield last updated local rules in 2018, including new timelines for ministerial approval, limits on parking requirements, rules for ADUs on multifamily parcels, and HCD's enhanced enforcement authority. Staff emphasized that some elements must follow state minimums — for example, 4-foot side and rear setbacks for certain by-right ADUs and restrictions on requiring replacement parking when an ADU replaces existing parking.
During public comment, a resident identified as Daniel asked whether the proposed ordinance includes any rent caps; staff answered, "We don't have any rent caps in Greenfield at this time point other than the state requirements." Council members asked follow-up questions about conversions, garage and shed conversions, and whether ADUs could be built over existing structures. Staff clarified that ADUs must comply with building code and that certain smaller units (JADUs) have different size limits and owner-occupancy options.
Councilmember comments requested staff return with final wording on a small number of points and to note a letter the city had just received from a housing advocacy group; staff said they would review that letter and consider edits before the ordinance returns for second reading.
The council voted to introduce the ordinance and waive full reading to begin the state review process. Because this was the ordinance's first reading, no final adoption occurred; staff will bring the ordinance back for a required second reading and to incorporate any clarifications identified in the review process.
What’s next: The ordinance will be revised as needed and returned to council for second reading; staff will submit the draft to HCD for its statutorily required review.
