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Resident warns of ADU and ministerial-housing changes; calls for clear public guidance
Summary
A virtual commenter urged the commission to clearly explain attic/garage and square-footage definitions to the public because forthcoming state ministerial housing bills and expanded ADU rules could enable unexpected conversions.
Jennifer Griffin, a virtual speaker, told the commission she was "extremely nervous" about multiple upcoming ministerial housing bills and expanded ADU allowances that could create confusion about what counts as living space. She urged Cupertino to adopt clear, public-facing definitions so homeowners and HOAs understand the implications for attics, basements and garages.
"A lot of the upcoming ministerial housing bills make me extremely nervous," Griffin said. She gave examples from other jurisdictions where finishing a basement or converting garage spaces led to ADU conversions in practice and recommended staff ensure the public-facing guidance is clear about the city's definition choices.
Commissioners acknowledged the public concern and said the purpose of the code revisions is to provide clarity for both staff and the public; staff noted they will prepare guidance and that several large housing bills at the state level make consistent local terminology more important.
