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Norco council approves first reading of ADU zoning update to comply with state law
Summary
The Norco City Council voted unanimously to conduct first reading of ordinance 1138, a zone code amendment to align accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules with 2025 state laws (SB 543 and AB 1154), clarifying sizes, processing timelines and a path to legalize unpermitted ADUs.
Norco’s City Council on first reading approved Ordinance 1138, a zoning code amendment intended to bring the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules into alignment with recent state legislation. The measure updates definitions, application timelines and maximum interior sizes for ADUs and junior ADUs and creates a procedure to legalize unpermitted ADUs.
“Year 2025 has been a banner year for housing legislation,” said Colin, the interim community development director, during the staff presentation, noting the amendments respond to HCD comments and requirements of Senate Bill 543 and Assembly Bill 1154. The ordinance reduces the maximum interior livable area for detached ADUs to 850 square feet for a studio/one-bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two bedrooms or more, clarifies that junior ADUs are limited to 500 square feet of interior space, and removes the city’s owner-occupancy requirement when a JADU has separate sanitary facilities.
Councilmembers pressed staff on technical points: timing for application completeness under SB 543 (15 days), how attached and detached ADUs are defined, and whether school impact fees would still apply. Colin said the ordinance will be resubmitted to the state Department of Housing and Community Development for review; if HCD refers the matter to the attorney general, the city could face a writ challenge but staff said they believe the amendments comply with state law.
Councilmember Newton urged staff to evaluate reserving specific on‑site areas during discretionary approvals so properties retain capacity for ADUs while protecting the city’s animal‑keeping areas. The council also asked staff for outreach to encourage legalization of existing unpermitted ADUs if fees or waivers make legalization feasible. The council voted yes on first reading: Sullivan, Newton, Basch, Mayor Pro Tem Bowen and Mayor Kozell.
Staff recommended second reading and subsequent adoption in a later meeting after required state review and any clarifying amendments.
