Aliso Viejo council introduces corrected ADU/JADU ordinance to align with state rules

The Aliso Viejo City Council voted Jan. 20 to introduce for first reading a corrected ordinance updating local rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) so the city remains consistent with recent state housing law.

Senior planner Rose Rivera told the council the revised draft removes four architectural requirements that had been reintroduced in error after the ordinance’s initial introduction on Dec. 3. Rivera said the corrected changes bring the code into alignment with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and described the items being removed or deferred to code: minimum interior width and wall height; window and door line-of-sight standards; clerestory and obscured-glazing requirements; and a 4-foot mechanical equipment setback that will instead be governed by building and fire codes.

Rivera recommended the council find the ordinance exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code section 21080.17 and introduce it by title for first reading. Councilmembers described the item as principally a housekeeping action to keep local code consistent with state law. Councilmember Mike called it “housekeeping of housekeeping,” and Tiffany Ackley thanked staff for keeping the city in compliance.

A motion to introduce the revised ordinance passed on the council’s vote. The council did not specify an ordinance number on the record during the meeting; staff indicated the change was corrective and limited to the listed architectural provisions.

Next steps: staff will finalize the ordinance language for formal second reading and adoption at a future meeting, consistent with the city’s normal ordinance process.