South Gate council introduces ordinance to update ADU rules to match state law, waives reading
Loading...
Summary
The council voted to introduce zoning code amendments to South Gate Municipal Code Chapter 11.43 to align accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules with recent state law changes, including allowance for multiple detached ADUs on multifamily parcels and removal of owner-occupancy requirement for new ADU applications.
City planners and council members on Sept. 23 advanced zoning amendments to South Gate’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance to conform local rules to a series of recent state laws.
Associate Planner Joshua Valdez summarized proposed revisions to South Gate Municipal Code Chapter 11.43, explaining that state bills — including AB 345, SB 897, AB 976, SB 477 and SB 1211 — have changed how municipalities may regulate ADUs and junior ADUs. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal on Aug. 19 and voted 5–0 to recommend approval; the council voted to waive full reading and introduce the ordinance at the meeting.
Key changes described by staff include updating state-code citations and definitions; allowing objective standards only (setbacks, parking, height, landscape, architectural compatibility) where permitted by state law; removing owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs submitted after Jan. 1, 2025; allowing up to eight detached ADUs on multifamily parcels where the number of ADUs does not exceed the number of existing units on the lot; clarifying procedures for separate conveyance of ADUs when certain nonprofit/qualified-buyer rules apply; and codifying architectural-design compatibility and size/height rules consistent with state minimums.
Planner Joshua Valdez said the code adjustments also reframe review standards, align local definitions (e.g., livable space, lot coverage, qualified buyer) with state statute and clarify ADU review process and ministerial approval timelines. Staff also proposed a modest change to allow detached garage heights up to 12 feet to accommodate pitched roofs consistent with primary structures.
Vice Mayor Baron and other council members raised concerns about parking and neighborhood impacts; Baron emphasized parking shortages in South Gate and urged continued advocacy to state representatives while acknowledging the council’s obligation to update the municipal code to stay in compliance with state law. Council members also discussed RHNA (regional housing needs allocation) pressures and parking and infrastructure impacts.
The council voted to waive reading in full and introduce the ordinance; staff said the project is ministerial under CEQA guidelines and therefore exempt from further environmental review. Planning staff will return with the final ordinance language and second reading as required.
Ending: The council introduced the zoning code amendments to bring Chapter 11.43 into compliance with state ADU law and directed staff to proceed with final ordinance preparations and necessary ministerial steps under CEQA.
