Temecula council introduces revised ADU ordinance to conform with state law; vote splits 3'2

The Temecula City Council on May 13 introduced an ordinance to repeal and replace Chapter 17.23 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of the Temecula Municipal Code. The motion passed 3'2; Councilmember Ron and Mayor Pro Tem Alexander voted no.

What the ordinance does Planning staff told the council the draft ordinance updates the municipality's ADU rules to implement multiple state statutory changes and to correct renumbered Government Code citations. Key provisions staff highlighted: - Revised definitions, including the junior ADU (JADU) definition and explicit inclusion of cooking facilities and food preparation/storage when applicable. - Ministerial review pathways: building-permit-only ADUs (generally under 750 sq ft) remain ministerial; larger ADUs up to the state maximum continue to be processed ministerially but require planning submittal when above certain thresholds. - Addressing and separation: staff codified an addressing…