Ordinance amending the Planning Code and Business and Tax Regulations Code to modify the City’s State-mandated Accessory Dwelling Unit (“ADU”) approval process and conform to changes to State ADU law, including by removing any appeal to the Board of Appeals, and increasing size limits for certain detached, new construction ADUs on a lot containing a single-family dwelling; affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; making findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1; and making findings of public necessity, convenience, and welfare pursuant to Planning Code, Section 302.

This ordinance, introduced by Mayor Lurie on September 2, 2025, amends the Planning Code and Business and Tax Regulations Code to conform with State ADU law (Assembly Bill 130, effective June 2025). Key changes include renaming the "Hybrid ADU" program to "Streamlined ADU," eliminating appeals of ADU permitting decisions to the Board of Appeals, and increasing size limits for new detached ADUs on single-family lots to 850 sq ft (for 1 bedroom or less) or 1,000 sq ft (for more than 1 bedroom), with height limits increasing to 18 feet plus an additional 2 feet for roof pitch. The Planning Commission recommended approval on October 23, 2025 (Resolution No. 21850).

This ordinance will streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by removing appeals and increasing size and height limits, potentially increasing housing options in single-family neighborhoods, but removes a public appeal mechanism for ADU permits.

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