Tustin City Planning Commission backs code‑streamlining ordinance but removes ADU changes after housing group comment

TUSTIN CITY — The Tustin City Planning Commission on Jan. 27 recommended that the City Council adopt Ordinance 1574, a city‑initiated package of code clarifications that would codify a prohibition on short‑term rentals and implement select housing‑element programs, but the commission voted to remove proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) changes from its recommendation after staff said an advocacy group’s comment letter required more review.

Jose Hara, a city planning presenter, told commissioners the amendment package is part of the city’s Streamline Tustin initiative and said the proposal would "add a new standalone section within Article 9 of the Tustin City Code that clearly defines short‑term rentals, and explicitly prohibits them in residential zones and any zoning district where a residential use is permitted." Hara also explained two housing‑element implementation items: Program 2.7A would treat qualified employee housing for agricultural workers serving six or fewer people like single‑family uses in…