Council holds workshops on SB 9 and ADU rules; staff seeks direction on objective local standards

The Norwalk City Council on March 18 reviewed state laws that alter how single‑family lots may be subdivided under SB 9 and how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are regulated, and asked staff to return with draft objective standards aimed at limiting neighborhood impacts while complying with state requirements.

Planning staff presented SB 9 background, explaining the law (effective Jan. 1, 2022) allows ministerial approval in many cases for up to two primary dwellings on a parcel and enables an ‘‘urban lot split’’ into two parcels in many single‑family zones. Senior staff explained that the law restricts local discretion in certain cases but does permit cities to impose objective development standards in order to address impacts such as parking, building separation, open space and privacy.

City…