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Woodside Introduces Housing‑Element Changes to Expand ADU Options
Summary
The Town Council introduced an ordinance to implement housing‑element updates: expanded allowances for accessory dwelling units (ADUs/JADUs), slope exceptions for ADU utilities, and a vendor preapproval pathway to speed ADU construction.
On Dec. 10 the Woodside Town Council introduced (first reading) amendments to the municipal zoning code to implement portions of the town’s housing element. The ordinance would allow additional ADUs on larger residential parcels, permit certain ADU utility and septic improvements on slopes exceeding 35% for accessory units, and create a process for preapproving ADU designs or vendors to speed permit review.
Planning staff described the measure as a targeted implementation of state housing requirements while allowing the council flexibility to refine standards. Staff noted the proposed text would permit up to four additional accessory units on some large parcels (a mix of detached, attached and junior ADUs as described in the draft) and that the planning commission recommended applying some of those allowances to lots of one acre or larger across residential zones.
Councilmembers generally supported the package as a necessary step to meet state deadlines while flagging future options: some members said they would like to explore allowing more ADUs on larger lots over time and focus new density nearer town and transportation corridors. Staff clarified the state process for 'preapproved' ADU designs is intended to speed building permits but would still require site‑specific checks for grading, septic suitability and fire safety.
The council voted to introduce the ordinance with the planning commission’s recommended edits and to remove any hard requirement that at least one of the additional units be attached to the main residence. The item will return for further hearings and a required second reading before final adoption.
