Monrovia adopts ordinance to align accessory dwelling unit rules with state law

The Monrovia City Council on Feb. 4 adopted an ordinance amending the city zoning code to bring local accessory dwelling unit rules into compliance with state law.

The ordinance, proposed as Ordinance No. 2025-01, was described by Sherry Bermejo, Monrovia’s Community Development Director, as intended to “streamline and facilitate ADU production” and to ensure the city’s standards match recent state changes. “This proposed ordinance would bring the city's current standards into compliance with the state law,” Bermejo said during a public hearing.

Under the newly adopted rules, the city establishes two sets of standards. The streamlined permit standards implement the state’s minimum uniform rules and generally apply to ADUs 800 square feet or smaller; under those standards single‑family property owners may construct up to three units in combinations of a newly constructed ADU, a conversion ADU and one junior ADU. The ordinance also clarifies multifamily ADU capacity, allowing conversions up to 25% of units or up to eight units depending on building size, as described by staff.

Monrovia’s alternative local standards allow larger ADUs (greater than 800 square feet) subject to objective, Monrovia‑specific design rules; because these units may be larger the local standards limit the number permitted on a lot and include parking rules when the site is more than a half‑mile from a transit stop. Bermejo noted that “there are a lot of limitations under the streamlined standards. There are no parking requirements” under that path, and that parking may apply under alternative local standards when specific distance thresholds are met.

The ordinance carries forward the city’s historic preservation protections from the prior ADU code and retains the requirement for a covenant to ensure a JADU remains owner‑occupied. Bermejo also said the city is pursuing a separate, simultaneous effort with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to develop pre‑approved ADU plans to shorten review time and reduce plan‑check costs.

Councilmember action: A motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-01 passed on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes. The ordinance will take effect within 30 days if there is no additional action, as noted by staff.

What this means for residents: The ordinance removes certain local obstacles that previously added time and cost to ADU projects by aligning Monrovia’s rules with state ministerial permit requirements for many ADUs. Property owners seeking ADUs should consult the city planning division for guidance on whether a project meets the streamlined standards or would instead follow the alternative local standards and objective design rules.

The council’s action was taken after a public hearing at which no members of the public provided testimony on the ordinance.