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Planning commission recommends council adopt ADU and coastal second-dwelling code updates
Summary
The Dana Point Planning Commission on July 13 recommended that the city council adopt two zone text amendments aligning local accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules with state law and reinserting certified Local Coastal Program standards for second-dwelling units into the zoning code; both recommendations carried unanimously by the commissioners present.
The Dana Point Planning Commission on July 13 voted to recommend that the City Council adopt two zoning text amendments intended to align local rules for accessory dwelling units and second-dwelling units in the coastal zone with state law and the city’s certified Local Coastal Program.
Planning staff, identified in the meeting as Jonathan, told the commission the first proposal, ZTA 26-0002, reflects recent changes in state ADU law and incorporates feedback from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Jonathan said the item follows an urgency ordinance already in effect and that HCD had issued technical assistance letters, which "often proceed" enforcement actions if recommendations are not implemented.
Commissioner Nelson asked whether the technical assistance letters meant the state had identified deficiencies that could lead to enforcement. Jonathan confirmed that HCD uses technical assistance and, when recommendations are not followed, enforcement can follow. Nelson said the city had been updating ADU requirements frequently to keep pace with state law and that excluding mandatory ADUs from certain local special-district geographic restrictions—consistent with Government Code 66323—"makes sense" based on HCD feedback.
On ZTA 26-0002 (ADUs), Commissioner Nelson moved to recommend approval to the City Council and the commission voted in favor; the vice chair announced the motion carried.
The second item, ZTA 26-0003, would reinsert into the zoning code the second-dwelling-unit language already operative under the city’s certified Local Coastal Program so that applicants in the coastal zone see the standards recognized by the California Coastal Commission. Jonathan described that reinsertion as a cleanup to make the operative LCP standards clearer for applicants. Commissioner Nelson called the change a helpful clarification and moved to recommend approval; the motion carried.
Both recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. No members of the public spoke during either public hearing.
Votes at a glance - ZTA 26-0002 (ADU ordinance alignment): Motion to recommend approval moved by Commissioner Nelson; commission voted in favor; item carried. - ZTA 26-0003 (LCP second-dwelling standards): Motion to recommend approval moved by Commissioner Nelson; commission voted in favor; item carried.
Context Planning staff said the urgency ordinance initially implemented interim standards and that the current amendments aim to make long-term, permanent code language consistent with state law and HCD guidance. Staff noted the distinction between mandatory ADUs governed by Government Code 66323 (which would not be subject to additional local geographic restrictions) and other ADU proposals that remain subject to local review.
The commission also approved routine meeting business, including the minutes of June 22, 2026, and heard no public comments. The meeting adjourned with the next regular Planning Commission meeting set for July 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point, California.
