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Council introduces update to ADU rules to comply with state law
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance O-2025-05 to align Placentia's ADU and JADU development standards with state law, including 60‑day decision timelines, relaxed parking requirements, and size/height clarifications; the first reading was approved 3‑yes, 2 not voting.
The City Council opened the public hearing and introduced Ordinance O-2025-05 to amend Placentia Municipal Code Chapter 23.73 to bring accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior ADU (JADU) rules into compliance with recent state legislation.
Settlement services staff explained the key provisions: if an application is complete, denial must occur within 60 days; the city may no longer require an additional uncovered parking space for ADUs; attached ADUs can be up to 25 feet (or the district height limit), while some detached ADUs may be allowed up to 18 feet if near high‑quality transit; and unpermitted ADUs constructed before 01/01/2020 cannot be denied unless they are substandard for building, fire or life–safety reasons. Planning Commission recommended approval. "The proposed ordinance would get us in compliance with state law," staff said.
After no public comment on the item, Mayor Kevin Kerwin moved the introduction for first reading, Council member Smith seconded, and the council approved the motion — recorded as three yes votes with two members not voting. Staff recommended adoption of the ordinance after the required second reading and any additional procedures.
