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Fullerton adopts ADU/JADU ordinance to align zoning with state law
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance No. 3343 updating accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior ADU rules to comply with new state definitions and the city's housing element; staff said the changes will streamline standards and offer an off‑ramp for some unpermitted units.
The Fullerton City Council on June 3 unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 3343, amending the Fullerton Municipal Code to update local accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior ADU (JADU) regulations to align with recent state law and the city’s housing element.
City planning staff told the council that the proposed amendments add 12 statutory definitions drawn from recent state assembly and senate bills and material from the California Department of Housing and Community Development so that local rules match state law. “The proposed amendments are required in order to have the city's ADU standards in compliance with state law as well as the housing element,” staff said during the presentation.
Staff said the ordinance seeks to restructure the code to make ADU standards easier to follow and implement, and that it also provides a pathway to permit some previously unpermitted ADUs and JADUs. Planning staff clarified that ADUs are intended to provide permanent housing and that state law prohibits their use as short‑term rentals.
A handful of public commenters supported the update and urged the council to consider tiny homes and shipping‑container dwellings as part of the ADU toolkit. After questions and clarifications from council members, the city clerk called the roll and the council adopted the ordinance.
The city will publish the new zoning language and staff said they will assist property owners seeking to legalize qualifying ADUs or JADUs under the revised standards.
