Commission recommends ADU code changes to align Lompoc ordinance with state law

The Lompoc Planning Commission voted on June 10 to recommend that City Council adopt zoning code amendments to the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to conform with recent changes in state law.

Staff (Mr. Stone) told commissioners the city's ADU ordinance, last amended in 2023, was found by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to be noncompliant in some respects. The proposed amendments to Title 17 would update Section 17.44.020 to clarify allowable ADU types and counts, add optional language related to the Starter Home Revitalization Act, and align local parking requirements with changes required by state law.

On parking, staff said the state changes reduce or remove local parking requirements for ADUs and that local review is primarily to assuredly track the state law. "That is actually a requirement under changes to the state ADU law," staff said, adding that the amendments are intended to facilitate ADU development while conforming to state requirements.

Commissioners asked practical questions about impacts on alleys and emergency access if single-car garages are converted to ADUs and parking is not replaced. Staff acknowledged the concern, noting enforcement tools for blocked alleys (tickets/tows) and that the City's building and public-works permitting processes would address construction and grading details.

After discussion the commission moved, seconded and voted to adopt Resolution 1030-426 recommending approval of the code amendments to City Council. Staff said the amendments are exempt from CEQA review under the cited public-resources-code provision in the staff report.

The commission recommended the code changes to the Council; the Council will consider the ordinance and any final adoption steps.