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Council continues ADU policy discussion; height, parking and incentives deferred for further review
Summary
Councilors continued a policy discussion on accessory dwelling unit standards—height, parking, single‑story incentives and ADU size—without taking final action on April 15.
The City Council continued a policy discussion about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) at its April 15 meeting after a lengthy staff briefing and council exchange.
Staff outlined options on four primary topics: maximum ADU building height measurement (options included the existing 25 feet measured to the eave, a 24‑foot cap measured to eave, or 24 feet measured to roof peak for detached units), required off‑street parking (staff recommended one stall for most lots), a single‑story incentive toolbox of items (capped incentives such as reduced setbacks, relaxed impervious‑surface limits, etc.), and maximum ADU size (staff proposed up to 1,200 square feet). Staff also noted the new state law removes some local discretion and preempts certain impact‑fee and review processes.
Why it matters
The city must adopt ADU standards consistent with new state rules before a June statutory deadline; the rules will determine how many small rental units may be added and the standards that builders must meet.
What happened at the meeting
Council members pressed staff for clearer consequences of several options: whether measuring to roof peak would prevent some ADUs built over garages, how lowering height limits would interact with single‑story incentives, and whether parking requirements should vary by lot size. Senior planning staff suggested the regional norm is typically to measure building height to roof average or peak and recommended the council use a measurement consistent with surrounding jurisdictions. Staff asked for direction to return with a marked‑up code for final council action.
Council direction and next steps
The council did not adopt final ADU rules at the April 15 session. After a contentious exchange during discussion (the council paused and reset before continuing), the body asked staff to return with a consolidated draft that aligns building‑height measurement with regional practice, clarifies which handbook or code items would trigger immediate council review (especially budgetary items), and presents a “pick‑two” approach for single‑story incentives so councilors can weigh the tradeoffs.
Staff said they will present updated draft language and a clearer list of options after public outreach and planning commission review and will aim to meet the June statutory deadline for required ADU code changes.
