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Council introduces SB 9 zoning update to allow ADUs/JADUs with two‑unit developments
Summary
City staff introduced a zoning text amendment to align Westminster’s SB 9 sections with state law, including allowing accessory dwelling units with two‑unit developments so a single lot can host up to four units under certain scenarios.
The City Council voted on Sept. 24 to introduce (first reading) a zoning text amendment to conform Westminster’s municipal code to California’s SB 9 and subsequent guidance. Alice, an associate planner, presented the staff report explaining changes required by state law and how the city’s code will be revised.
Alice told council the primary change is allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs in combination with SB 9 two‑unit developments, which “creates a total of 4 units on a lot with no lot split” and that under the proposed code “a maximum of 4 units would be allowed.” She described examples that would be allowed under the update, including two primary units plus an attached ADU and a JADU or variations with detached units.
Other changes include aligning maximum height and lot coverage for SB 9 units to the underlying R‑1 zone and removing a city‑specific 800‑square‑foot size cap for SB 9 units so lot‑coverage standards control unit sizes. Staff said the ordinance corrects typographical and statutory references and implements state timing rules for ministerial approvals.
A handful of public speakers raised legal and drafting questions and pointed staff to typographical and cross‑reference errors they had identified in the Planning Commission materials. Alice and city attorneys told the council the late communications memo corrects an omitted phrase and that staff had made edits to match state language.
The council introduced the ordinance for first reading and waived further reading. The motion passed on a 5‑0 roll call vote.
