Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council introduces ADU code updates to reflect recent state law changes
Summary
City staff presented and council introduced updates to Westminster’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to comply with new state laws affecting ADU sizes, heights and multifamily properties.
City staff presented a zoning text amendment to update Westminster’s ADU code (Case 2025‑0183). Ken Fichtelman, principal planner, said changes are driven by recent state legislation and that the city must adopt code language consistent with state requirements.
Fichtelman summarized several state‑driven changes: AB 2221 and SB 897 (as cited in staff remarks) expand allowable ADU types and sizes in certain settings; SB 1211 allows multifamily properties to add multiple detached ADUs up to the number of existing units; attached ADUs may be two stories or up to the underlying zone’s height in many cases; and detachable ADUs may be permitted at up to 20 feet depending on transit proximity and roof pitch. "Per SB 1211, a multifamily property may add up to 8 detached ADUs, not to exceed the number of units on a lot," Fichtelman said in his summary of state law changes.
Planning staff said the draft also modifies local implementation details to limit community impacts: junior ADUs (JADUs) would be allowed in single‑family zones only, ADUs would count toward lot coverage and the draft curtails uncontained exterior lighting from ADUs. The planning commission recommended approval on Sept. 3; council introduced the ordinance for first reading and waived further reading by a 5‑0 vote.
Public commenters raised drafting questions and asked staff to clarify enforcement and inspection processes. The council asked staff to continue technical edits and return the item for final adoption.
