Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Adus topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cathedral City council adopts ADU zoning amendment to conform with state law
Summary
Cathedral City council approved an amendment to Chapter 9.114 of the municipal code to conform local accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules to Senate Bill 543, clarifying a 750‑square‑foot livable space limit, permitting certain conversions on multifamily properties, and endorsing pre‑approved ADU plans.
Cathedral City’s council approved an ordinance amending local ADU rules to comply with recent state law changes.
The mayor closed the public hearing on the zoning amendment and Council Member Lamb moved to approve the ordinance, with Council Member Gordon seconding; the motion carried with unanimous support. The clerk read the ordinance title amending Chapter 9.114 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to conform with state legislation regulating accessory dwelling units.
Staff highlighted key changes in the redlined text of the staff report required by Senate Bill 543. Among the clarifications, previously unpermitted ADUs and JADUs are now limited to 750 square feet of livable space (the staff noted this had been earlier referenced as 800 square feet but was changed to 750 to meet state requirements). Staff also explained that an existing multifamily dwelling may allow up to eight detached ADUs, but no more than the number of dwelling units; non‑livable portions of multifamily buildings (for example, garages or storage) can be converted into ADUs provided the resulting total does not exceed the permissible number.
As part of implementation guidance, staff confirmed the city maintains pre‑approved ADU plans intended to streamline permitting; staff reported nine building permits in 2025 used those pre‑approved plans. City staff noted SB 543 also included modifications to impact‑fee rules and definitions that affect ADU regulation, and that the bill’s provisions are already effective.
The council’s action was limited to adopting the zoning code amendments to align with state law; staff signaled that further administrative steps and implementation details would follow as the city applies the statutory requirements.
