Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts zoning updates to conform to recent state housing laws, expands ADU and SB 9 options
Summary
A consultant presentation and public hearing led to council adoption of zoning and subdivision code updates that expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs), junior ADUs, supportive housing and SB 9-style lot splits; council approved the ordinance by voice vote.
The Lindsay City Council adopted a package of zoning and subdivision ordinance updates intended to bring local code into conformance with recent state housing laws and to make it easier to develop a wider range of housing types.
Consultant Steve Grant summarized the changes as measures to “make it easier to construct a variety of housing types in Lindsay.” Among the principal changes discussed were expanded allowances for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs, permissions for small single‑room‑occupancy (SRO) units in certain zones, allowances for supportive housing and emergency shelters in designated commercial and residential zones, and a provision aligned with SB 9 that permits certain lot splits and two‑unit projects in single‑family zones.
Grant said ADU technical standards were relaxed in several respects: detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 square feet, JADUs up to 500 square feet, side/rear setbacks as small as 4 feet in some cases, and on‑site parking is required only when on‑street parking is unavailable. The consultant noted that the code change shifts more administrative authority to staff (site plan review at staff level) and that the changes respond to state directives intended to increase housing supply.
During public comment, residents and the council discussed concerns about parking, alley access and fire‑truck access in neighborhood alleys; staff acknowledged the issues and said a parking study or targeted coordination with the school district could be considered as a next step. The ordinance was adopted following a motion and second, and the council recorded the vote as 4–0 in favor.
Next steps: staff will implement the ordinance changes, update permit processes to reflect the expanded ADU and lot‑split rules and incorporate revised site‑plan and subdivision checklists at the staff level. Council indicated it will consider targeted studies (for parking and emergency access) to inform administration of the new rules.
