Woodside planning commission backs ADU code changes to allow barn conversions and new height exceptions

WOODSIDE, Calif. — The Woodside Planning Commission voted 4-0 on Feb. 26, 2025, to send a recommendation to the Town Council to amend the municipal code to ease restrictions on accessory dwelling units, including allowing conversions of existing barns and changing plate‑height and overall height rules for several ADU types.

The changes under consideration would let the full conversion of one existing barn or stable that now exceeds accessory-structure standards into one or more ADUs while preserving the building’s location, height and size and applying objective design standards to maintain equestrian and rural character. Melanie Olsen, associate planner for the Town of Woodside, told commissioners that staff recommends removing an older limit that capped barn ADUs at 1,200 square feet or 50% of a barn and instead maintaining a standard that an ADU can be up to 50% of the barn footprint given that the town already allows ADUs up to 1,500 square feet. “This would allow the full conversion of 1 existing barn or stable that exceeds accessory structure standards,” Olsen said.

Why it matters: Barn conversions and relaxed height rules are intended to increase ADU production in Woodside while preserving the town’s rural character, staff said. The council will consider the commission’s recommendation at a public hearing scheduled for March 11, 2025.

Key provisions discussed - Barn conversions: The draft ordinance would allow conversion of one existing barn or stable per property. Staff…