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Planning Commission recommends ADU ordinance update to align with state law
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to recommend a replacement of Calabasas Municipal Code section 17.12.170 on accessory dwelling units to conform with recent California ADU statutes; staff summarized required changes including interior living‑space measurement, a 1,200‑square‑foot ADU cap, ministerial review limits and deletion of subjective appearance rules.
The Calabasas Planning Commission on March 5 unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt an ordinance rescinding and replacing Municipal Code section 17.12.170 to align local ADU rules with recent changes in California law.
Tom Klein, director (staff), told commissioners the changes are largely compelled by state law and were necessary to avoid having the local ordinance be superseded. He outlined key changes: measurement of ADU and JADU sizes by interior habitable space (interior measurement rather than exterior wall dimensions), a clarified maximum ADU living‑space of 1,200 square feet, revised setback and intrusion rules that allow limited intrusion where existing conditions are nonconforming, and deletion of code language that allowed discretionary review of ADU appearance because state law generally requires ministerial (objective) review.
Klein said the ordinance also addresses multifamily properties (allowing ADUs on such parcels consistent with state rules), reduces project review time to meet state timelines and eliminates the city’s ability to require replacement off‑street parking in many cases. “This is an ordinance that we have to do to be consistent with state law,” he said, adding the city would keep as much local control as the law allows.
Commissioners asked about water and sanitation impacts and whether water or sanitation districts are engaged; staff said districts undertake their own planning and the city provides land‑use inputs but does not control district connection policies. Commissioners also requested clearer, consistent terminology in the ordinance text (property/lot/parcel capitalization and definitions); staff said city code definitions will be applied and the draft will be cleaned up before submittal.
Vice Chair Washburn moved to recommend Council adoption of the ordinance; the motion carried unanimously. Staff will forward the draft ordinance and findings to the City Council and submit required materials to state housing agencies per the transmittal process.
