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Board updates accessory dwelling unit ordinance to reflect new state law, allows more detached units
Summary
The Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to the county ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) ordinance to align with state law changes effective January, including allowing additional detached ADUs on multifamily lots and easing parking and junior ADU rules.
Contra Costa County supervisors on May 13 approved revisions to the county's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance (Chapter 82-24) to conform the local code to state law changes that took effect in January.
County planning staff told the board the update is the ninth revision since the ordinance was adopted in 1987 and reflects recent state changes. Major changes in the ordinance include updating statutory references, allowing up to eight detached ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling, allowing up to two detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, waiving replacement parking requirements when an on-site parking space is converted to an ADU, and allowing a combination of ADU types on single-family lots (for example, a detached ADU up to 800 square feet, an internal conversion ADU and a junior ADU). The proposal also requires a deed restriction only for junior ADUs, not for regular ADUs.
Planning staff said the amendments track state law and are intended to expand housing opportunities, including small units and infill on existing lots. The board heard no public speakers on the item and voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance amendment.
Supervisor comments at the meeting stressed ADUs as a tool for expanding affordable and multigenerational housing locally. The ordinance change takes immediate effect upon adoption according to staff.
Action: the board adopted the ordinance amendment on a unanimous vote.
