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Board discusses ADU changes in 2024 codes and potential zoning alignment to encourage accessory units
Summary
Members reviewed 2024 IRC provisions that ease ADU creation (including split ADU allowances and interconnected detector requirements) and discussed making ADUs a use by right in zoning to encourage more units.
Board members reviewed IRC provisions (including appendix BC and IRC section R302.3 referenced in discussion) that make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) easier to create and discussed aligning zoning to make ADUs a use by right. Staff explained 2024 language permits certain split ADUs in existing single-family dwellings when detectors are interconnected, and noted that some of the appendix language would need to be adopted to obtain specific ADU allowances.
Several board members said aligning the building code and zoning (for example, removing conditional-use requirements for ADUs on parcels under an acre) would promote ADU creation and qualify the county to pursue funding and incentive programs tied to 'ADU-friendly' policy designations. Staff said they would propose code and zoning amendments to begin the alignment work and would bring the changes forward for the board’s review.
Why it matters: ADU policy affects housing supply, affordability, and options for homeowners; aligning code and zoning reduces regulatory friction for applicants.
What’s next: Staff will draft code amendment language and, where necessary, coordinate with the planning/zoning office to pursue a zoning text amendment to make ADUs a use by right in targeted zones.
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