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Folsom council introduces ADU ordinance, softens proposed enclosed-stair rule to 'screened' after public concern
Summary
Council introduced ordinance 1361 to update accessory dwelling unit rules to match state law and standardize objective design standards; after residents and commissioners raised design and cost concerns about a requirement to 'enclose' external ADU stairs, the council changed the language to require screening and moved the first reading forward.
The Folsom City Council introduced Ordinance 1361 on March 24 to update the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules to align with recent California law while preserving local design guidance where permissible. Planning Division staff said the draft keeps the city's local standards where state law allows and standardizes objective design rules that permit ministerial review.
Nathan from the Planning Division told the council the state now requires ADU applications be processed administratively and expands ADU types and privileges; the draft ordinance also includes a discretionary staff-level design-review option for design departures. He said the ordinance "maintains the city's existing ADU requirements to the extent permissible under state law" and added staff will return with any required ministerial adjustments.
The most contested change was a proposed rule that exterior staircases providing access to second-story ADUs be "enclosed" to reduce sight lines into adjacent yards. Councilmember Kozlowski described that provision as "a little over the top" and said enclosing a deck stair could force extensive, visually awkward construction. Several residents and commissioners urged a less prescriptive approach.
Miranda Pond, a nearby resident, said an enclosed staircase can provide privacy for users: "When I'm wearing dresses, having a fenceline and enclosed stairs provides me privacy when I'm going up." Student commenter Lilly also questioned strict material- and color-matching requirements.
After discussion and public comment, council directed staff to replace the word "enclosed" with a requirement that staircases be "screened" or use screening elements and materials and colors compatible with the building. The council voted to introduce the ordinance for first reading with that modification; the second reading is scheduled for April 14. Staff said the change will be included in the revised staff draft and reviewed at the second reading.
Council and staff emphasized that the state's timeline requires objective standards and ministerial processing for many ADU applications; the city's approach is intended to balance predictability for applicants with neighborhood compatibility.
