Citrus Heights updates ADU rules to align with state law; local pathway keeps larger detached ADU option
Loading...
Summary
The Planning Commission adopted staff-recommended motions to update accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations: the city will offer both a local pathway (allowing a detached ADU up to 1,200 sq ft) and the state pathway (state limits apply), and multifamily ADU rules will follow state law. The changes aim to ensure local code compliance with recent state legislation.
The Citrus Heights Planning Commission moved to adopt staff-recommended amendments to section 106.42.015 of the city zoning code to update rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs.
Associate Planner Stephanie Louie described two compliance pathways: a local development pathway that largely retains the city's prior ADU standards (including allowing a detached ADU up to 1,200 square feet) and the state ADU pathway, which imposes specific state size and unit-count limits (for single-family properties the state allows one attached conversion ADU, one detached ADU up to 800 square feet and a JADU up to 500 square feet under certain conditions). Louie said the local pathway offers larger floor areas and some flexibility, while the state pathway allows more units but with stricter size caps.
On multifamily properties, the city will follow state legislation: existing multifamily developments may include up to eight detached ADUs provided the number of ADUs does not exceed the number of existing units; new multifamily developments have different limits. Louie also noted changes to junior ADU owner-occupancy requirements and that replacement parking is not required for ADUs created from existing garages, consistent with state law.
After questions from commissioners about the 1,200-square-foot limit for detached ADUs under the local pathway and how attached-unit size is calculated, a motion to adopt staff recommendations was moved and seconded and carried in a voice vote recorded in the meeting transcript. Staff presented two recommended motions and the commission adopted them together.
The new ADU rules are intended to bring Citrus Heights into compliance with recent state legislation while preserving some local flexibility for homeowners who opt for the local pathway.
