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Council introduces ADU ordinance update to comply with state law; sets Feb. 4 public hearing
Summary
Council introduced and waived further reading of an ordinance to update Monrovia’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior ADU rules to align with recent state law, and set a public hearing for Feb. 4; staff also presented a pilot preapproved plan program.
The City Council introduced an ordinance updating Monrovia’s zoning rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs to comply with recent statewide changes and directed a public hearing for Feb. 4.
Senior Planner Jennifer Driver told the council the ordinance responds to a series of state bills effective Jan. 1, 2025, that reduce local barriers and streamline ministerial review for ADUs. The ordinance creates two review tracks: state‑streamlined permit standards that provide guaranteed minimums (for example, an 800‑square‑foot baseline for certain detached units) and an alternative set of Monrovia‑centric objective standards that an applicant may choose if seeking larger units or design features that match the primary dwelling.
Driver explained how the new rules differ by lot type: single‑family lots may now accommodate a combination of converted space, detached ADUs and a junior ADU under the streamlined standards, while multifamily lots may be allowed up to eight detached ADUs subject to state limits and site conditions. The ordinance also implements objective design standards aimed at neighbor compatibility and clarifies how historic‑resource protections apply.
Driver noted the state requires local agencies to offer preapproved ADU plans; Monrovia is participating in a San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments pilot and selected five prototype plans that comply with the state streamlined standards to help reduce costs and review time. Staff said the pilot can expand to accept additional preapproved plans.
After a council Q&A on parking (most streamlined ADUs are not subject to local parking requirements under state law, though limited parking rules remain for alternative local‑standards projects), the council voted to introduce and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 2025‑01 and set a Feb. 4 public hearing.
Driver and other planners said the city will publish guidance, workshops and materials to help homeowners and designers understand the new rules and the preapproved plan program.
