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Board of Supervisors updates county ADU rules to match state law changes allowing more units on multi-family lots
Summary
County staff presented an amendment to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance to conform to recent state law. The board adopted the revisions to allow more detached ADUs on multi-family lots, simplify parking replacement rules and permit up to three ADUs on many single-family lots.
Contra Costa County supervisors on May 13 adopted amendments to the county's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance to conform to changes in state law and to expand local ADU allowances.
Staff described the proposed changes as the county's ninth revision of Chapter 82.24 since 1987 and said the update was necessary to align with renumbered California Government Code provisions enacted earlier in the year. Among the principal changes adopted were: updating statutory references; allowing up to eight detached ADUs on a lot that already contains a multi-family building and up to two detached ADUs on a lot proposed for multi-family development; waiving the replacement parking requirement when an on-site parking space is converted to an ADU; and allowing up to three ADUs on many single-family lots (a detached ADU of up to 800 square feet, an internal-conversion ADU, and a junior ADU). The proposal also narrowed deed-restriction requirements, requiring a deed restriction only for junior ADUs rather than for standard ADUs.
Planner Ruben Stand (Department of Conservation & Development) said the update would implement state law changes that took effect in January and refine prior county adjustments made in 2017 and 2020. "The proposed revisions of the ADU ordinance include updating references to the renumbered California government code sections," staff noted.
Supervisors described ADUs as an important avenue for housing supply and multigenerational options. No members of the public spoke against the ordinance at the hearing. The board voted to adopt the ordinance amendment.
Why it matters
ADU law changes at the state level have expanded homeowners' ability to add rental or family units. By aligning the county code with state provisions and loosening some local requirements (for example, parking replacement and deed restrictions for standard ADUs), the county aims to accelerate the production of smaller housing units without additional discretionary review in many cases.
Ending
The ordinance change takes effect following the board's adoption and required post-adoption steps. Staff will publish updated application checklists and guidance reflecting the expanded ADU allowances.
