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Seaside updates ADU rules to align with state law; council approves ordinance
Summary
Council approved a first-reading ordinance to update local accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior ADU rules to match recent state changes, clarifying measurement, exemptions, and timelines for permit completeness and approval.
Seaside’s City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on June 4 to amend municipal code provisions for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs to conform to recent state laws.
Housing and planning manager Andrew Myrick said the ordinance aligns local rules with state requirements: interior living area is measured excluding exterior walls; certain ADUs that meet objective criteria must be approved (exempt ADUs); detached ADUs at multifamily sites must be allowed up to the number of existing multifamily units (up to eight in some cases); and updated timelines require a 15‑business‑day completeness determination and approval within 60 calendar days once an application is deemed complete. The draft also updates deed-restriction wording for JADUs and clarifies parking and setback rules to reflect state law.
Myrick told council staff had already implemented these standards administratively while the ordinance update formalizes the code. Council members asked whether the council should retain appeal rights; staff noted options including final decisions at the planning commission with or without a right to appeal to council. The council approved the ordinance as presented and the motion passed on a roll-call vote.
The change puts the city’s ADU rules in compliance with state law and is intended to streamline permit processing and reduce discretionary barriers for homeowners and small multifamily projects.
