Senate committee adopts amendment, advances bill restoring ADU approvals in resource zones

Senator Derek Golden, chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire, presided over a work session April 3 that advanced Senate Bill 75, legislation intended to restore earlier allowances for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and replacement dwellings on land zoned for resource uses.

The committee adopted the bill's dash‑3 amendment, which removes references to the statewide wildfire hazard map and eliminates certain provisions tied specifically to the map. The amendment also authorizes counties to approve ADUs in resource zones if counties adopt land‑use regulations that ensure proper setbacks from resource lands and adequate access for firefighting, evacuation and staged evacuation areas.

"Senate bill 75 defines high wildfire hazard area for the purpose of developing accessory dwelling units or…