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Council introduces rewrite of Sunnyvale ADU rules to reflect recent state laws
Summary
City staff presented a substantial rewrite of Title 19 zoning rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to align Sunnyvale code with several new state laws, expand some streamline ADU categories, and to clarify definitions, tree‑replacement rules and applicability; council introduced the ordinance on first reading, 7–0.
Astha (senior planner) presented the City Council with a draft ordinance on March 25 that would repeal and readopt chapter 19.79 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code and amend related zoning definitions to align local ADU rules with state law.
"Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units… are considered an essential form of housing by the state," Astha said during her presentation, and she walked council through recent state bills that change ADU treatment and local options.
Staff said the proposed rewrite is intended to (1) ensure compliance with new state laws; (2) improve readability and navigation for applicants; and (3) clarify objective development standards such as setbacks, mechanical equipment and solar analysis. The biggest substantive changes included: - Increased ADU counts: single‑family lots would be allowed up…
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