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Planning commission reviews draft ADU code updates to align with new state laws
Summary
City staff presented proposed amendments to Piedmont's zoning code and design guidelines to conform to 2024–25 state ADU legislation (AB 462, AB 1154, SB 543, AB 2904). Changes cover owner‑occupancy rules for JADUs, interior measurement of ADU square footage, impact‑fee language and longer noticing requirements for zoning changes.
City planning staff presented a study session on proposed amendments to Chapter 17 of the Piedmont Municipal Code to align local rules with recent state accessory dwelling unit (ADU) laws. Staff said the package incorporates emergency‑effective provisions (AB 462 effective Oct. 2025) and updates that will largely take effect Jan. 1, 2026, including rules about owner‑occupancy for junior ADUs, the definition of ADU floor area based on interior square footage, and updated impact‑fee language in response to SB 543.
Staff also noted AB 2904’s requirement to increase the minimum public noticing period for zoning changes from 10 to 20 days and that the draft includes language to create a limited appeal process for ministerial ADU decisions as required by state law. Commissioners asked procedural questions — for example, how past JADU owner‑occupancy deed restrictions are tracked — and staff responded that prior JADU approvals used deed restrictions and that owners may request removal if allowed by law. Staff said the full ordinance and objective design standards will return for action at the Jan. 12, 2026 meeting.
