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Council's removal of ADU reforms from agenda draws sharp public criticism
Summary
Public speakers filled council chambers and the virtual queue after the council pulled item 50 (ADU/JADU regulation amendments). Speakers accused lack of transparency and urged the council to protect community plans; Council President Lacava said the item was deferred because the council lacked the five votes needed for final passage.
Dozens of speakers packed the chamber and the virtual queue on July 1 after the City Council unexpectedly returned item 50 — proposed accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit regulation amendments — to staff instead of considering it today.
Public commenters described the late removal as disrespectful and disruptive. Becca Bautista told the council: "Our mayor so clearly works for his developer donors and not for us," and warned activists would return at the next hearing. Kathy McClelland said residents "deserve an explanation" for why the item was dropped. Several speakers urged a moratorium on projects in the pipeline until the council provides legal and safety guidance.
Council President Lacava responded to public concern, saying the item had passed first reading 5–4 and that the council needed five votes for final passage. "The probability that this item would pass today was remote," Lacava said, and added that the item was pulled "on the abundance of caution" until the council can assemble sufficient votes. He apologized for the late notice and said the item will be rescheduled so supporters can "set it up for success."
Councilmembers at the dais validated the public's frustration. Councilmember Campillo acknowledged constituents who traveled to testify and called the late change "unbecoming of a city government." Multiple community members and advocacy groups signaled they will return at the item's next hearing and pressed the council for clearer communications and timelines about when the item will return to the docket.
No formal action on the ADU regulations was taken at this meeting; the council will consider the item at a later date after additional staff work and scheduling.
