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Council introduces changes to ADU rules to conform with new state law
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance No. 18‑83 to update Gardena’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior ADU rules to reflect recent state laws (AB 2533, SB 1211). Key changes include expanded treatment of unpermitted ADUs, parking rules by bedroom, and limits for detached ADUs on multifamily lots.
The Gardena City Council introduced Ordinance No. 18‑83 on May 20 to amend local ADU and junior‑ADU rules to align with state legislation enacted in 2024.
Planning staff explained the changes required by Assembly Bill 2533 and Senate Bill 1211. The amendments update definitions to allow for the permitting of some previously unpermitted ADUs and junior ADUs, extend the date used to qualify older unpermitted units from Jan. 1, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2020, and add state‑ mandated rules for multifamily properties. Under the revisions a multifamily lot may have up to eight detached ADUs overall but cannot exceed the number of existing units on the lot (for example, a five‑unit property may add up to five detached ADUs; a 17‑unit property may add up to eight detached ADUs subject to municipal development standards).
Nut graf: The ordinance brings the city code into compliance with state ADU laws that loosen some local constraints, add unit‑count limits for multifamily parcels and change parking rules tied to bedroom counts. Staff noted the city removed a proposed reference to deed restrictions after legal review to remain consistent with state guidance.
Staff also told the council that parking requirements will be governed by bedroom counts in state law: a one‑bedroom ADU would require one parking space, while units created from existing living space or studios are not subject to additional parking. The ordinance includes a sequencing rule that prevents issuance of a certificate of occupancy for an ADU created in conjunction with a new primary dwelling until both units are ready for occupancy.
Ending: The council introduced the ordinance and directed staff to file a CEQA notice of exemption. Staff noted it received and reviewed one public comment and revised the draft to remove deed‑restriction language to conform with state law.
