The City Council on March 2025 introduced and waived the first reading of an ordinance updating the municipal code on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) to align with recent state legislation.

Associate Planner Stacy Schafer and Senior Planner Kristin Bitz presented changes required by Assembly Bill 2533 and Senate Bill 1211, which took effect Jan. 1 of this year, Schafer said. Key effects described by staff include expanded legalization pathways for unpermitted ADUs and JADUs constructed before Jan. 1, 2020 (AB 2533), limits on the use of general “health and safety” grounds to deny legalization permits and changes to replacement-parking rules when garages or covered parking are converted to ADUs (SB 1211). SB 1211 also amended multifamily rules by allowing up to eight detached ADUs on a lot that contains a multifamily dwelling or as many ADUs as there are primary dwelling units, whichever is fewer.

Schafer explained staff now provides preapproved ADU plans to streamline permitting. She said lot-coverage, setback, height and other objective standards remain in place and that ADUs still must meet applicable building and life-safety requirements. Public testimony included a set of questions from Ken Lee about enforcement and how addresses, pets, occupancy and noise would be handled for new ADUs; staff said addresses and coordination with public safety are part of the permitting process and that conversion or legalization requires building- and safety-code compliance.

After public comment and questions, Councilmember Pratten moved to introduce and waive the first reading; Councilmember Reid seconded. The roll call was unanimous and the motion passed 4–0.