The Lincoln City Council voted unanimously to adopt amendments to the city’s ADU ordinance to conform with state law as recommended by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

Senior Planner Efren Sanchez told the council the amendments respond to an April 24, 2025 HCD finding that Lincoln’s 2024 ADU ordinance did not fully comply with updated state statutes. HCD requested replacement of outdated statutory references, elimination of provisions that conflict with state ADU rights, and modification of design rules so standards are objective rather than subjective. The planning commission reviewed the changes on Aug. 20 and recommended adoption.

Sanchez said one illustrative change replaces language that previously asked a detached ADU to “match” the primary residence—a formulation HCD judged subjective—with a set of specific, objective materials and architectural standards (for example enumerating allowable exterior materials). The change reflects state direction that local standards be measurable and not create undue barriers to ADU construction.

Council members asked how the ordinance changes would affect the look of ADUs and whether property owners building ADUs would still be likely to construct units that are visually compatible with their homes. Planner Sanchez and other staff said the intent is to remove discretionary obstacles while still allowing objective design requirements to guide appearance.

Two members of the public supported the amendment as a way to reduce barriers to ADU construction; another speaker urged the council to push back harder against the state. Staff reported that five ADUs had been reported as upcoming in the city’s annual housing progress report and that the city had worked with HCD to respond to 11 comments during the review process; HCD subsequently confirmed approval of the proposed amendments.

The council approved the ordinance amendment by roll call. The staff report, exhibits and HCD correspondence are on file with the Community Development Department.