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Planning Commission studies broad ADU ordinance updates; commissioners split on discretionary review and size caps
Summary
San Mateo staff presented proposed changes to the city’s ADU ordinance on Aug. 20, including new height rules, a possible 1,200‑square‑foot cap for new ADUs, a citywide exemption from required off‑street ADU parking and a push toward objective ministerial approvals; commissioners generally supported streamlining but preserved a discretionary escape valve for rare parcel constraints.
San Mateo City staff presented proposed updates to the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance at a Planning Commission study session on Aug. 20, seeking commissioner feedback before drafting a formal ordinance for later hearing. Liz Gagliardi, Associate Planner, presented state‑law context and staff‑initiated changes the city proposes in addition to required updates identified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Staff said the two categories of change are: (1) updates required for state‑law compliance (front‑yard setbacks, multifamily ADU standards, clarifications on junior ADU size) and (2) staff‑initiated changes to improve local functionality. The staff‑initiated proposals the commission discussed in detail were: separate height standards for one‑ and two‑story detached ADUs (proposed top plate limits of 12 ft for one‑story and 18 ft for two‑story, with roof peaks up to 18 ft and 24 ft respectively), an optional 1,200‑square‑foot maximum size for new ADU construction (in addition to floor area ratio rules), removing required off‑street parking for ADUs citywide, and replacing the ADU discretionary review path (the “ADU Doctor”) with expanded objective, ministerial standards while leaving…
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