Commission recommends ADU code changes to implement state rules, adds parking-size correction

The Planning Commission on Aug. 27 forwarded to City Council a package of code amendments to chapter 19.20 to implement state law on accessory dwelling units, including detached ADUs. Senior planner David Jelen told commissioners the city is reorganizing the chapter to cover all ADU types, adding state-based definitions and special provisions for detached ADUs.

Jelen said the state imposes a minimum lot size of 11,000 square feet to allow detached ADUs and proposed parking requirements of one additional stall for DADUs under 660 square feet and two additional stalls for DADUs 660 square feet or larger, in addition to the primary-dwelling requirement. He also noted restrictions (no front-yard placement, no location in public utility easements, height and design consistency with the primary dwelling), impact-fee collection at permitting, and the need to validate utility capacity before permitting. Commissioners praised the proactive approach but raised concerns about enforcement, HOA interactions, rental licensing and maximum unit size; Commissioner Harris voted in favor but asked for revisiting several limits. The motion included a staff-requested correction to make the parking-size threshold read “equal to or greater than 660 square feet.”