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Palos Verdes Estates council introduces ADU ordinance to comply with state law
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance No. 772, aligning local accessory‑dwelling‑unit (ADU) rules with state law. Staff said the ordinance mirrors the earlier urgency ordinance and preserves local lot‑coverage and height measurements; the ordinance was introduced on first reading and will return for a second reading.
Palos Verdes Estates — The City Council on April 14 introduced an ordinance to amend Municipal Code chapter 18.45 so the city’s ADU rules conform to recent changes in California law.
Community Development Director Cheryl Brady told the council the draft ordinance is identical to the urgency ordinance the council adopted in January. Brady said, “The proposed ordinance before you tonight is identical to the urgency ordinance, which was adopted, which is referred to as ordinance number 770,” and explained the measure preserves the city’s measurement of building height and existing lot‑coverage rules while meeting state requirements.
Council members asked whether the council could waive a second reading and adopt the ordinance outright; the city attorney said the council must introduce the ordinance on first reading and then consider it again at a later meeting. Staff said the Planning Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation following its March 17 hearing.
The council voted to introduce Ordinance No. 772 on first reading and to find the ordinance exempt from CEQA; staff said the ordinance will be placed on the consent calendar for the second reading and final adoption at a later meeting.
City staff said the changes largely implement state mandates that took effect Jan. 1, 2026, and that the local rules retain the city’s 65% lot‑coverage standard (split into building and hardscape) and the city’s existing approaches to measuring accessory dwelling unit height and open space. The council and staff said the action is meant to preserve local zoning while avoiding state enforcement outcomes if the city does not adopt conforming regulations.
The council did not alter the content of the ordinance at introduction. Next steps: second reading and final adoption at a future meeting after the ordinance appears on a consent calendar.