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Whittier introduces ADU and SB9 zoning changes to comply with state law; council advances first readings
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance No. 3167 (ADU/JADU code amendments) and Ordinance No. 3168 (SB9 two‑unit/lot split amendments), citing CEQA exemptions and discussing parking, RHNA counting, fire‑area restrictions and utility impacts; ADU first reading passed 4-0-1, SB9 passed unanimously.
The Whittier City Council on Sept. 9 introduced two zoning code amendments to align local regulations with recent state housing laws: ZCA25‑0001 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs) via Ordinance No. 3167, and ZCA25‑0002 (Senate Bill 9 two‑unit housing developments and urban lot splits) via Ordinance No. 3168.
Director of Community Development Ben Pongetti presented both items and answered questions from council about CEQA exemptions cited in state law, whether ADUs count toward the city’s RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation), parking requirements, the possibility of ADUs atop existing units or driveways, restrictions in very high and high fire hazard areas, fire‑flow testing, and potential impacts on sewer, power and other city services. Pongetti stated staff’s recommendation that the ordinances be introduced and that the actions are exempt from CEQA under the specified statutory provisions.
Teleconference public commenters including Nicholas and Christian Israelian participated during the ADU hearing; Christian Israelian also commented during the SB9 hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Octavio Martinez presided during part of the ADU hearing when Mayor Vinatieri temporarily left; the ADU ordinance first reading passed 4‑0‑1 (Council Member Warner absent) and the SB9 ordinance introduction passed unanimously.
Ending: Both ordinances were advanced via first readings; final adoption will follow the required noticing and legislative steps.
