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La Habra Heights introduces ADU ordinance update to align with state law; hearing set for June 8
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance No. 2026-01 to update Chapter 7.28 (ADUs/JADUs) to conform with recent state law and HCD guidance; a second reading and public hearing are scheduled for June 8, 2026. Staff said changes primarily affect multifamily zones and preserve limited local discretion where law allows.
The council voted on May 11 to introduce an update to the city’s accessory-dwelling-unit (ADU) regulations to align the municipal code with recent state statutory changes.
Community development staff said the city’s ADU ordinance was last updated in 2023 and that Housing and Community Development (HCD) had requested the city make its local code consistent with state law. The draft ordinance (introduced as Ordinance No. 2026-01) includes regulatory changes and a redlined version that highlights differences from the current code. The planning commission recommended that council adopt the ordinance.
Staff and the city attorney explained that state law can preempt inconsistent local rules, and that updating the local ordinance preserves limited local discretion where state law allows. Staff said most of the numerical changes would affect multifamily-zoned properties rather than the city’s single-family parcels.
Council moved to introduce the ordinance and set the public hearing and second reading for the June 8 regular meeting. No final adoption occurred at this meeting; the ordinance requires a second reading following the public hearing.
Why it matters: The update implements state ADU rules at the local level and clarifies where the city retains limited decision-making authority. Residents in multifamily zones are likeliest to see the changes affect development options.
What’s next: The public hearing and second reading on June 8 will give residents a formal opportunity to comment before the council acts on final adoption.
