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La Verne council introduces four zoning code updates to implement state housing and safety rules
Summary
The council introduced four ordinances to align La Verne’s municipal code with state law and the city’s updated general plan: ADU changes (including increased ADU counts on some multifamily lots), historic‑structure protections tied to disasters, revised noise standards, and reasonable‑accommodation rules; council introduced each ordinance and voted 5–0 to move them forward for additional readings.
La Verne — The City Council on Monday introduced four separate ordinances aimed at updating La Verne’s zoning code to reflect recent state law changes and the city’s newly updated general plan. Staff said the amendments are intended to keep the city eligible for state housing compliance and grant programs while clarifying local protections for historic resources and noise standards.
The package includes: updates to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules (including provisions that allow up to eight ADUs on some multifamily parcels in limited circumstances); a historic‑structure protection ordinance that restricts demolition or alteration of designated historic resources after disasters except where health or safety is at risk; a revised noise ordinance tied to the general plan’s noise element with clearer time‑of‑day standards and exemptions for parks and schools; and a reasonable‑accommodation ordinance intended to streamline disability‑related housing requests.
Why it matters: Staff said the city’s earlier zoning provisions were out of sync with state requirements and the new ordinances are needed to implement commitments made in La Verne’s 2024 general plan and housing element, and to preserve eligibility for grants and state review processes. The ADU changes reflect successive state law changes; the historic‑structure clause preserves certain properties in disaster scenarios; and the noise update moves locally relevant standards into the municipal code.
What was said: Principal planner Candace Bo and consultant Amanda Tropiano presented the package and answered council questions. On ADUs, staff noted most of the provisions follow state law; a council member pressed for clarity about how many ADUs could realistically fit on local lots. On historic protections, staff recommended copying the FEMA/definition language directly into the ordinance rather than cross‑referencing the floodplain code; council voted to add that amendment when the ordinance is introduced.
Formal action: The council introduced each ordinance by title and voted to move them forward: - ADU ordinance: motion moved by Council Member Crosby, seconded by Council Member Lao; introduced and moved forward, approved 5–0. - Historic structures & noise ordinance (as amended to add a verbatim definition of “historic structure”): moved by Council Member Lao, seconded by Council Member Johnson; introduced and moved forward, approved 5–0. - Reasonable‑accommodation ordinance: introduced and waived further reading, approved 5–0. - Two‑unit housing / SB9 / urban lot split ordinance: introduced and waived further reading, approved 5–0.
Council next steps: Each ordinance was introduced (first reading) and will return for subsequent readings and potential final adoption at a later meeting once staff incorporates any directed edits. Several council members and staff emphasized that state law limits some local discretion — e.g., when objective standards must match those applied to primary units.
Reported segments supporting this article: staff introduction and ordinance presentations and votes.
