CC SR 20190618 07 - Accessory Dwelling Units Code Update
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/18/2019
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to initiate a code amendment to consider amending
Chapters 17.10 (Second Units) and 17.96 (Definitions) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to update the development standards for second
dwelling units (Case No. PLCA2019-0006).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1) Initiate code amendment proceedings to consider amending Chapters 17.10
(Second Units) and 17.96 (Definitions) of Title 17 (Zoning) to update the
development standards for Second Units.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner
REVIEWED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Assembly Bill 2299 and Senate Bill 1069 (page A-1)
B. Assembly Bill 2406 (page B-1)
C. Senate Bill 229 and Assembly Bill 494 (page C-1)
D. Chapter 17.10 of the RPVMC (Second Units Development Standards) (page
D-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
On September 28, 2016, then-Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 2299 and
Senate Bill 1069 (Attachment A), renaming second units to “accessory dwelling units”
(ADUs) and requiring cities to update their zoning codes relating to ADUs no later
than January 1, 2017. These bills amended Government Code Section 65852.2 to
establish detailed standards regulating ADUs and to provide that a city ordinance
that does not comply with these standards could be invalidated.
The intent of these bills is to “support infill and affordable housing development.” The
bills would “ease and streamline” current statewide regulations, encourage the
building of ADUs, and create more housing options. The bills would also “improve
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and incentivize the creation of ADUs as ways to create more rental property and
incomes for families to stay in their current homes.” Overall, the bills were intended
to “ease barriers” to the construction and permitting of ADUs by local governments.
On September 28, 2016, then-Governor Brown also approved Assembly Bill 2406
(Attachment B), which authorized local governments to permit junior accessory dwelling
units (JADUs) through an ordinance. However, adoption of a JADU ordinance is optional.
In December 2016, Staff presented the City Council an urgency ordinance and code
amendment initiation to amend the City’s standards for second units based on the state
requirements. The City’s Zoning Code already allows second units subject to certain
development standards and permitting processes (Attachment D). However, that
evening, the City Council expressed a concern with the state requirements eroding local
control and opted not to proceed with Staff’s recommendation at the time and to explore
legally challenging these new laws.
On October 8, 2017, then-Governor Brown approved Senate Bill 229 and Assembly Bill
494 (Attachment C), which clarified provisions contained in the ADU laws passed the
prior year (AB 2229 and SB 1069).
Additionally, the City is subject to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
mandated by state housing law as part of the periodic process of updating local
jurisdictions’ housing elements of their General Plans. The RHNA quantifies the need
for housing within each jurisdiction during specified planning periods. Second units
(ADUs) may qualify toward meeting the City’s affordable housing requirements if the
second unit meets certain rental market rate levels (very low, low, moderate, etc.).
Thus, amending the City’s development standards for second units to comply with state
law will put the City in a better position toward meeting its state-allocated RHNA
numbers for the current fifth cycle, which ends in 2021.
In order to achieve consistency with state laws, Chapter 17.10 (Second Units) of the
RPVMC, which establishes the City’s second unit development standards, should be
amended as follows:
Replace “Second Unit” in the chapter title with “Accessory Dwelling Unit”
Provide a definition for an ADU, which will replace the current Municipal Code
definition for a “second unit”
Allow one ADU per single-family residential lot with a Minor Site Plan Review
Permit, subject to certain criteria
Update the maximum allowed floor area for attached ADUs
Clarify that ADUs will not be required to install a new or separate utility
connection directly between the ADU and the utility, or to pay a related
connection fee or capacity charge
Provide exemptions to the parking requirement for some ADUs, most notably, no
additional parking required for attached ADUs
Eliminate passageway and shared entry requirements
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Provide that no setback shall be required for the conversion of an existing garage
to an ADU
Provide that an ADU above a garage maintain at minimum side and rear yard
setbacks of five feet
Establish the definition and development standards for JADUs
Add a 120-day time limit for approval (which is actually longer than the City
currently takes to process a second unit)
Prohibit ADUs from being used as short-term rentals
Require the analysis of Neighborhood Compatibility if an ADU exceeds 12 feet in
height (as currently required)
Since the new laws were enacted by the State pertaining to ADUs in 2017, the City has
processed three second units. Staff anticipates to continue receiving applications for
second units, but not at the rate seen in more urbanized areas of Los Angeles County.
Staff recommends that the City Council initiate code amendment proceedings, which
would allow the Planning Commission to review the draft code language and forward a
recommendation for consideration by the City Council at a future duly-noticed public
hearing.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative is available for the
City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to take no action at this time, thereby continuing to risk
possible legal challenges that may invalidate the City’s current
Second Dwelling Unit Ordinance and its Housing Element.
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Assembly Bill No. 2299
CHAPTER 735
An act to amend Section 65852.2 of the Government Code, relating to
land use.
[Approved by Governor September 27, 2016. Filed with
Secretary of State September 27, 2016.]
legislative counsel’s digest
AB 2299, Bloom. Land use: housing: 2nd units.
The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes the legislative body of a city
or county to regulate, among other things, the intensity of land use, and also
authorizes a local agency to provide by ordinance for the creation of 2nd
units in single-family and multifamily residential zones, as specified. Existing
law authorizes the ordinance to designate areas within the jurisdiction of
the local agency where 2nd units may be permitted, to impose specified
standards on 2nd units, and to provide that 2nd units do not exceed allowable
density and are a residential use, as specified.
This bill would replace the term “second unit” with “accessory dwelling
unit.”The bill would, instead, require the ordinance to include the elements
described above and would also require the ordinance to require accessory
dwelling units to comply with specified conditions. This bill would require
ministerial, nondiscretionary approval of an accessory dwelling unit under
an existing ordinance. The bill would also specify that a local agency may
reduce or eliminate parking requirements for any accessory dwelling unit
located within its jurisdiction.
Existing law requires that parking requirements for 2nd units not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom. Under existing law, additional
parking may be required provided that a finding is made that the additional
parking requirements are directly related to the use of the 2nd unit and are
consistent with existing neighborhood standards applicable to residential
dwellings.
This bill would delete the above-described authorization for additional
parking requirements.
By increasing the duties of local officials with respect to land use
regulations, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This bill would incorporate additional changes in Section 65852.2 of the
Government Code proposed by SB 1069 that would become operative only
if SB 1069 and this bill are both chaptered and become effective on or before
January 1, 2017, and this bill is chaptered last.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies
and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory
provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
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This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for
a specified reason.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 65852.2 of the Government Code is amended to
read:
65852.2. (a) (1) A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the
creation of accessory dwelling units in single-family and multifamily
residential zones. The ordinance shall do all of the following:
(A) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where
accessory dwelling units may be permitted. The designation of areas may
be based on criteria, that may include, but are not limited to, the adequacy
of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on
traffic flow and public safety.
(B) Impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but are
not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape, architectural
review, maximum size of a unit, and standards that prevent adverse impacts
on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historic
Places.
(C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), a local agency may reduce or
eliminate parking requirements for any accessory dwelling unit located
within its jurisdiction.
(D) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable
density for the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and
that accessory dwelling units are a residential use that is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designation for the lot.
(E) Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the
following:
(i) The unit is not intended for sale separate from the primary residence
and may be rented.
(ii) The lot is zoned for single-family or multifamily use.
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to the existing dwelling
or located within the living area of the existing dwelling or detached from
the existing dwelling and located on the same lot as the existing dwelling.
(iv) The increased floor area of an attached accessory dwelling unit shall
not exceed 50 percent of the existing living area.
(v) The total area of floorspace for a detached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
(vi) No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction
of an accessory dwelling unit.
(vii) No setback shall be required for an existing garage that is converted
to a accessory dwelling unit, and a setback of no more than five feet from
the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit
that is constructed above a garage.
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(viii) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings,
as appropriate.
(ix) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal
system is being used, if required.
(x) (I) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom. These spaces may be provided
as tandem parking on an existing driveway.
(II) Offstreet parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations
determined by the local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific
findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not
feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life
safety conditions, or that it is not permitted anywhere else in the jurisdiction.
(xi) When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, and the
local agency requires that those offstreet parking spaces be replaced, the
replacement spaces may be located in any configuration on the same lot as
the accessory dwelling unit, including, but not limited to, as covered spaces,
uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile
parking lifts.
(2) The ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(3) When a local agency receives its first application on or after July 1,
2003, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision, the application shall be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, within 120 days after
receiving the application. A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse it
for costs that it incurs as a result of amendments to this paragraph enacted
during the 2001–02 Regular Session of the Legislature, including the costs
of adopting or amending any ordinance that provides for the creation of
accessory dwelling units.
(4) Any existing ordinance governing the creation of accessory dwelling
units by a local agency or any such ordinance adopted by a local agency
subsequent to the effective date of the act adding this paragraph shall provide
an approval process that includes only ministerial provisions for the approval
of accessory dwelling units and shall not include any discretionary processes,
provisions, or requirements for those units except as otherwise provided in
this subdivision. In the event that a local agency has an existing accessory
dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the requirements of this
subdivision, that ordinance shall be null and void upon the effective date
of the act adding this paragraph and that agency shall thereafter apply the
standards established in this subdivision for the approval of accessory
dwelling units, unless and until the agency adopts an ordinance that complies
with this section.
(5) No other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for
the denial of a building permit or a use permit under this subdivision.
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(6) This subdivision establishes the maximum standards that local
agencies shall use to evaluate proposed accessory dwelling units on lots
zoned for residential use that contain an existing single-family dwelling.
No additional standards, other than those provided in this subdivision, shall
be utilized or imposed, except that a local agency may require an applicant
for a permit issued pursuant to this subdivision to be an owner-occupant.
(7) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to
incorporate the policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the
creation of accessory dwelling units if these provisions are consistent with
the limitations of this subdivision.
(8) An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to this subdivision shall
be deemed to be an accessory use or an accessory building and shall not be
considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is
located, and shall be deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with
the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. The accessory
dwelling units shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(b) When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing
accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a) receives its first
application on or after July 1, 1983, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision,
the local agency shall accept the application and approve or disapprove the
application ministerially without discretionary review pursuant to subdivision
(a) within 120 days after receiving the application.
(c) A local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size
requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units. No
minimum or maximum size for a accessory dwelling unit, or size based
upon a percentage of the existing dwelling, shall be established by ordinance
for either attached or detached dwellings that does not permit at least an
efficiency unit to be constructed in compliance with local development
standards.
(d) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units shall
be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
66000).
(e) This section does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt
less restrictive requirements for the creation of accessory dwelling units,
provided those requirements comply with subdivision (a).
(f) Local agencies shall submit a copy of the ordinances adopted pursuant
to subdivision (a) to the Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption.
(g) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit
including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
(3) For purposes of this section, “neighborhood” has the same meaning
as set forth in Section 65589.5.
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(4) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one
or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family
dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of Health and Safety
Code.
(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health
and Safety Code.
(C) “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky
and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any way
alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act (Division
20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources Code), except
that the local government shall not be required to hold public hearings for
coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling units.
SEC. 1.5. Section 65852.2 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65852.2. (a) (1) A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the
creation of accessory dwelling units in single-family and multifamily
residential zones. The ordinance shall do all of the following:
(A) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where
accessory dwelling units may be permitted. The designation of areas may
be based on criteria, that may include, but are not limited to, the adequacy
of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on
traffic flow and public safety.
(B) (i) Impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but
are not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape,
architectural review, maximum size of a unit, and standards that prevent
adverse impacts on any real property that is listed in the California Register
of Historic Places.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a local agency may reduce or eliminate
parking requirements for any accessory dwelling unit located within its
jurisdiction.
(C) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable
density for the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and
that accessory dwelling units are a residential use that is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designation for the lot.
(D) Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the
following:
(i) The unit is not intended for sale separate from the primary residence
and may be rented.
(ii) The lot is zoned for single-family or multifamily use and contains
an existing, single-family dwelling.
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to the existing dwelling
or located within the living area of the existing dwelling or detached from
the existing dwelling and located on the same lot as the existing dwelling.
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(iv) The increased floor area of an attached accessory dwelling unit shall
not exceed 50 percent of the existing living area, with a maximum increase
in floor area of 1,200 square feet.
(v) The total area of floorspace for a detached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
(vi) No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction
of an accessory dwelling unit.
(vii) No setback shall be required for an existing garage that is converted
to a accessory dwelling unit, and a setback of no more than five feet from
the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit
that is constructed above a garage.
(viii) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings,
as appropriate.
(ix) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal
system is being used, if required.
(x) (I) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom. These spaces may be provided
as tandem parking on an existing driveway.
(II) Offstreet parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations
determined by the local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific
findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not
feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life
safety conditions, or that it is not permitted anywhere else in the jurisdiction.
(III) This clause shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision
(d).
(xi) When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, and the
local agency requires that those offstreet parking spaces be replaced, the
replacement spaces may be located in any configuration on the same lot as
the accessory dwelling unit, including, but not limited to, as covered spaces,
uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile
parking lifts. This clause shall not apply to a unit that is described in
subdivision (d).
(2) The ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(3) When a local agency receives its first application on or after July 1,
2003, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision, the application shall be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, within 120 days after
receiving the application. A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse it
for costs that it incurs as a result of amendments to this paragraph enacted
during the 2001–02 Regular Session of the Legislature, including the costs
of adopting or amending any ordinance that provides for the creation of an
accessory dwelling unit.
(4) An existing ordinance governing the creation of an accessory dwelling
unit by a local agency or an accessory dwelling ordinance adopted by a
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local agency subsequent to the effective date of the act adding this paragraph
shall provide an approval process that includes only ministerial provisions
for the approval of accessory dwelling units and shall not include any
discretionary processes, provisions, or requirements for those units, except
as otherwise provided in this subdivision. In the event that a local agency
has an existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the
requirements of this subdivision, that ordinance shall be null and void upon
the effective date of the act adding this paragraph and that agency shall
thereafter apply the standards established in this subdivision for the approval
of accessory dwelling units, unless and until the agency adopts an ordinance
that complies with this section.
(5) No other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for
the denial of a building permit or a use permit under this subdivision.
(6) This subdivision establishes the maximum standards that local
agencies shall use to evaluate a proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot
zoned for residential use that contains an existing single-family dwelling.
No additional standards, other than those provided in this subdivision, shall
be utilized or imposed, except that a local agency may require an applicant
for a permit issued pursuant to this subdivision to be an owner-occupant or
that the property be used for rentals of terms longer than 30 days.
(7) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to
incorporate the policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the
creation of an accessory dwelling unit if these provisions are consistent with
the limitations of this subdivision.
(8) An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to this subdivision shall
be deemed to be an accessory use or an accessory building and shall not be
considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is
located, and shall be deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with
the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. The accessory
dwelling unit shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(b) When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing
accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a) receives its first
application on or after July 1, 1983, for a permit to create an accessory
dwelling unit pursuant to this subdivision, the local agency shall accept the
application and approve or disapprove the application ministerially without
discretionary review pursuant to subdivision (a) within 120 days after
receiving the application.
(c) A local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size
requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units. No
minimum or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, or size based
upon a percentage of the existing dwelling, shall be established by ordinance
for either attached or detached dwellings that does not permit at least an
efficiency unit to be constructed in compliance with local development
standards. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire
sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
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(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency, whether or not it has
adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance
with subdivision (a), shall not impose parking standards for an accessory
dwelling unit in any of the following instances:
(1) The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile of public
transit.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and
historically significant historic district.
(3) The accessory dwelling unit is part of the existing primary residence
or an existing accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the
occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, a local agency
shall ministerially approve an application for a building permit to create
within a single-family residential zone one accessory dwelling unit per
single-family lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a
single-family residence or accessory structure, has independent exterior
access from the existing residence, and the side and rear setbacks are
sufficient for fire safety. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to
provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(f) (1) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units
shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
66000) and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 66012).
(2) Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered new residential uses
for the purposes of calculating local agency connection fees or capacity
charges for utilities, including water and sewer service.
(A) For an accessory dwelling unit described in subdivision (e), a local
agency shall not require the applicant to install a new or separate utility
connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility or
impose a related connection fee or capacity charge.
(B) For an accessory dwelling unit that is not described in subdivision
(e), a local agency may require a new or separate utility connection directly
between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility. Consistent with Section
66013, the connection may be subject to a connection fee or capacity charge
that shall be proportionate to the burden of the proposed accessory dwelling
unit, based upon either its size or the number of its plumbing fixtures, upon
the water or sewer system. This fee or charge shall not exceed the reasonable
cost of providing this service.
(g) This section does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt
less restrictive requirements for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit.
(h) Local agencies shall submit a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant
to subdivision (a) to the Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption.
(i) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
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(1) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit
including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
(3) For purposes of this section, “neighborhood” has the same meaning
as set forth in Section 65589.5.
(4) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one
or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family
dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of Health and Safety
Code.
(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health
and Safety Code.
(5) “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky
and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any way
alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act (Division
20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources Code), except
that the local government shall not be required to hold public hearings for
coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling units.
SEC. 2. Section 1.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
65852.2 of the Government Code proposed by both this bill and Senate Bill
1069. It shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become
effective on or before January 1, 2017, (2) each bill amends Section 65852.2
of the Government Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Senate Bill 1069,
in which case Section 1 of this bill shall not become operative.
SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6
of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or
school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments
sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act,
within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
O
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Senate Bill No. 1069
CHAPTER 720
An act to amend Sections 65582.1, 65583.1, 65589.4, 65852.150, 65852.2,
and 66412.2 of the Government Code, relating to land use.
[Approved by Governor September 27, 2016. Filed with
Secretary of State September 27, 2016.]
legislative counsel’s digest
SB 1069, Wieckowski. Land use: zoning.
The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes the legislative body of a city
or county to regulate, among other things, the intensity of land use, and also
authorizes a local agency to provide by ordinance for the creation of 2nd
units in single-family and multifamily residential zones, as specified. That
law makes findings and declarations with respect to the value of 2nd units
to California’s housing supply.
This bill would replace the term “second unit” with “accessory dwelling
unit” throughout the law. The bill would additionally find and declare that,
among other things, allowing accessory dwelling units in single-family or
multifamily residential zones provides additional rental housing stock, and
these units are an essential component of housing supply in California.
The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes the ordinance for the creation
of 2nd units in single-family and multifamily residential zones to include
specified provisions regarding areas where accessory dwelling units may
be located, standards, including the imposition of parking standards, and
lot density. Existing law, when a local agency has not adopted an ordinance
governing 2nd units as so described, requires the local agency to approve
or disapprove the application ministerially, as provided.
This bill would instead require the ordinance for the creation of accessory
dwelling units to include the provisions described above. The bill would
prohibit the imposition of parking standards under specified circumstances.
The bill would revise requirements for the approval or disapproval of an
accessory dwelling unit application when a local agency has not adopted
an ordinance. The bill would also require the ministerial approval of an
application for a building permit to create one accessory dwelling unit within
the existing space of a single-family residence or accessory structure, as
specified.The bill would prohibit a local agency from requiring an applicant
for this permit to install a new or separate utility connection directly between
the unit and the utility or imposing a related connection fee or capacity
charge. The bill would authorize a local agency to impose this requirement
for other accessory dwelling units.
This bill would incorporate additional changes in Section 65852.2 of the
Government Code proposed by AB 2299 that would become operative only
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if AB 2299 and this bill are both chaptered and become effective on or
before January 1, 2017, and this bill is chaptered last.
By increasing the duties of local officials, this bill would impose a
state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies
and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory
provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for
a specified reason.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 65582.1 of the Government Code is amended to
read:
65582.1. The Legislature finds and declares that it has provided reforms
and incentives to facilitate and expedite the construction of affordable
housing. Those reforms and incentives can be found in the following
provisions:
(a) Housing element law (Article 10.6 (commencing with Section 65580)
of Chapter 3).
(b) Extension of statute of limitations in actions challenging the housing
element and brought in support of affordable housing (subdivision (d) of
Section 65009).
(c) Restrictions on disapproval of housing developments (Section
65589.5).
(d) Priority for affordable housing in the allocation of water and sewer
hookups (Section 65589.7).
(e) Least cost zoning law (Section 65913.1).
(f) Density bonus law (Section 65915).
(g) Accessory dwelling units (Sections 65852.150 and 65852.2).
(h) By-right housing, in which certain multifamily housing are designated
a permitted use (Section 65589.4).
(i) No-net-loss-in zoning density law limiting downzonings and density
reductions (Section 65863).
(j) Requiring persons who sue to halt affordable housing to pay attorney
fees (Section 65914) or post a bond (Section 529.2 of the Code of Civil
Procedure).
(k) Reduced time for action on affordable housing applications under
the approval of development permits process (Article 5 (commencing with
Section 65950) of Chapter 4.5).
(l) Limiting moratoriums on multifamily housing (Section 65858).
(m) Prohibiting discrimination against affordable housing (Section
65008).
(n) California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 (commencing
with Section 12900) of Division 3).
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(o) Community redevelopment law (Part 1 (commencing with Section
33000) of Division 24 of the Health and Safety Code, and in particular
Sections 33334.2 and 33413).
SEC. 2. Section 65583.1 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65583.1. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development,
in evaluating a proposed or adopted housing element for substantial
compliance with this article, may allow a city or county to identify adequate
sites, as required pursuant to Section 65583, by a variety of methods,
including, but not limited to, redesignation of property to a more intense
land use category and increasing the density allowed within one or more
categories. The department may also allow a city or county to identify sites
for accessory dwelling units based on the number of accessory dwelling
units developed in the prior housing element planning period whether or
not the units are permitted by right, the need for these units in the
community, the resources or incentives available for their development, and
any other relevant factors, as determined by the department. Nothing in this
section reduces the responsibility of a city or county to identify, by income
category, the total number of sites for residential development as required
by this article.
(b) Sites that contain permanent housing units located on a military base
undergoing closure or conversion as a result of action pursuant to the Defense
AuthorizationAmendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act (Public
Law 100-526), the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990
(Public Law 101-510), or any subsequent act requiring the closure or
conversion of a military base may be identified as an adequate site if the
housing element demonstrates that the housing units will be available for
occupancy by households within the planning period of the element. No
sites containing housing units scheduled or planned for demolition or
conversion to nonresidential uses shall qualify as an adequate site.
Any city, city and county, or county using this subdivision shall address
the progress in meeting this section in the reports provided pursuant to
paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 65400.
(c) (1) The Department of Housing and Community Development may
allow a city or county to substitute the provision of units for up to 25 percent
of the community’s obligation to identify adequate sites for any income
category in its housing element pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c)
of Section 65583 where the community includes in its housing element a
program committing the local government to provide units in that income
category within the city or county that will be made available through the
provision of committed assistance during the planning period covered by
the element to low- and very low income households at affordable housing
costs or affordable rents, as defined in Sections 50052.5 and 50053 of the
Health and Safety Code, and which meet the requirements of paragraph (2).
Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the community may
substitute one dwelling unit for one dwelling unit site in the applicable
income category. The program shall do all of the following:
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(A) Identify the specific, existing sources of committed assistance and
dedicate a specific portion of the funds from those sources to the provision
of housing pursuant to this subdivision.
(B) Indicate the number of units that will be provided to both low- and
very low income households and demonstrate that the amount of dedicated
funds is sufficient to develop the units at affordable housing costs or
affordable rents.
(C) Demonstrate that the units meet the requirements of paragraph (2).
(2) Only units that comply with subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) qualify
for inclusion in the housing element program described in paragraph (1),
as follows:
(A) Units that are to be substantially rehabilitated with committed
assistance from the city or county and constitute a net increase in the
community’s stock of housing affordable to low- and very low income
households. For purposes of this subparagraph, a unit is not eligible to be
“substantially rehabilitated” unless all of the following requirements are
met:
(i) At the time the unit is identified for substantial rehabilitation, (I) the
local government has determined that the unit is at imminent risk of loss to
the housing stock, (II) the local government has committed to provide
relocation assistance pursuant to Chapter 16 (commencing with Section
7260) of Division 7 of Title 1 to any occupants temporarily or permanently
displaced by the rehabilitation or code enforcement activity, or the relocation
is otherwise provided prior to displacement either as a condition of
receivership, or provided by the property owner or the local government
pursuant to Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 17975) of Chapter 5 of
Part 1.5 of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code, or as otherwise
provided by local ordinance; provided the assistance includes not less than
the equivalent of four months’ rent and moving expenses and comparable
replacement housing consistent with the moving expenses and comparable
replacement housing required pursuant to Section 7260, (III) the local
government requires that any displaced occupants will have the right to
reoccupy the rehabilitated units, and (IV) the unit has been found by the
local government or a court to be unfit for human habitation due to the
existence of at least four violations of the conditions listed in subdivisions
(a) to (g), inclusive, of Section 17995.3 of the Health and Safety Code.
(ii) The rehabilitated unit will have long-term affordability covenants
and restrictions that require the unit to be available to, and occupied by,
persons or families of low- or very low income at affordable housing costs
for at least 20 years or the time period required by any applicable federal
or state law or regulation.
(iii) Prior to initial occupancy after rehabilitation, the local code
enforcement agency shall issue a certificate of occupancy indicating
compliance with all applicable state and local building code and health and
safety code requirements.
(B) Units that are located either on foreclosed property or in a multifamily
rental or ownership housing complex of three or more units, are converted
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with committed assistance from the city or county from nonaffordable to
affordable by acquisition of the unit or the purchase of affordability
covenants and restrictions for the unit, are not acquired by eminent domain,
and constitute a net increase in the community’s stock of housing affordable
to low- and very low income households. For purposes of this subparagraph,
a unit is not converted by acquisition or the purchase of affordability
covenants unless all of the following occur:
(i) The unit is made available for rent at a cost affordable to low- or very
low income households.
(ii) At the time the unit is identified for acquisition, the unit is not
available at an affordable housing cost to either of the following:
(I) Low-income households, if the unit will be made affordable to
low-income households.
(II) Very low income households, if the unit will be made affordable to
very low income households.
(iii) At the time the unit is identified for acquisition the unit is not
occupied by low- or very low income households or if the acquired unit is
occupied, the local government has committed to provide relocation
assistance prior to displacement, if any, pursuant to Chapter 16 (commencing
with Section 7260) of Division 7 of Title 1 to any occupants displaced by
the conversion, or the relocation is otherwise provided prior to displacement;
provided the assistance includes not less than the equivalent of four months’
rent and moving expenses and comparable replacement housing consistent
with the moving expenses and comparable replacement housing required
pursuant to Section 7260.
(iv) The unit is in decent, safe, and sanitary condition at the time of
occupancy.
(v) The unit has long-term affordability covenants and restrictions that
require the unit to be affordable to persons of low- or very low income for
not less than 55 years.
(vi) For units located in multifamily ownership housing complexes with
three or more units, or on or after January 1, 2015, on foreclosed properties,
at least an equal number of new-construction multifamily rental units
affordable to lower income households have been constructed in the city or
county within the same planning period as the number of ownership units
to be converted.
(C) Units that will be preserved at affordable housing costs to persons
or families of low- or very low incomes with committed assistance from
the city or county by acquisition of the unit or the purchase of affordability
covenants for the unit. For purposes of this subparagraph, a unit shall not
be deemed preserved unless all of the following occur:
(i) The unit has long-term affordability covenants and restrictions that
require the unit to be affordable to, and reserved for occupancy by, persons
of the same or lower income group as the current occupants for a period of
at least 40 years.
(ii) The unit is within an “assisted housing development,” as defined in
paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 65863.10.
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(iii) The city or county finds, after a public hearing, that the unit is
eligible, and is reasonably expected, to change from housing affordable to
low- and very low income households to any other use during the next five
years due to termination of subsidy contracts, mortgage prepayment, or
expiration of restrictions on use.
(iv) The unit is in decent, safe, and sanitary condition at the time of
occupancy.
(v) At the time the unit is identified for preservation it is available at
affordable cost to persons or families of low- or very low income.
(3) This subdivision does not apply to any city or county that, during the
current or immediately prior planning period, as defined by Section 65588,
has not met any of its share of the regional need for affordable housing, as
defined in Section 65584, for low- and very low income households. A city
or county shall document for any housing unit that a building permit has
been issued and all development and permit fees have been paid or the unit
is eligible to be lawfully occupied.
(4) For purposes of this subdivision, “committed assistance” means that
the city or county enters into a legally enforceable agreement during the
period from the beginning of the projection period until the end of the second
year of the planning period that obligates sufficient available funds to provide
the assistance necessary to make the identified units affordable and that
requires that the units be made available for occupancy within two years of
the execution of the agreement. “Committed assistance” does not include
tenant-based rental assistance.
(5) For purposes of this subdivision, “net increase” includes only housing
units provided committed assistance pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B)
of paragraph (2) in the current planning period, as defined in Section 65588,
that were not provided committed assistance in the immediately prior
planning period.
(6) For purposes of this subdivision, “the time the unit is identified”
means the earliest time when any city or county agent, acting on behalf of
a public entity, has proposed in writing or has proposed orally or in writing
to the property owner, that the unit be considered for substantial
rehabilitation, acquisition, or preservation.
(7) In the third year of the planning period, as defined by Section 65588,
in the report required pursuant to Section 65400, each city or county that
has included in its housing element a program to provide units pursuant to
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) shall report in writing to the
legislative body, and to the department within 30 days of making its report
to the legislative body, on its progress in providing units pursuant to this
subdivision.The report shall identify the specific units for which committed
assistance has been provided or which have been made available to low-
and very low income households, and it shall adequately document how
each unit complies with this subdivision. If, by July 1 of the third year of
the planning period, the city or county has not entered into an enforceable
agreement of committed assistance for all units specified in the programs
adopted pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2), the city
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or county shall, not later than July 1 of the fourth year of the planning period,
adopt an amended housing element in accordance with Section 65585,
identifying additional adequate sites pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision
(c) of Section 65583 sufficient to accommodate the number of units for
which committed assistance was not provided. If a city or county does not
amend its housing element to identify adequate sites to address any shortfall,
or fails to complete the rehabilitation, acquisition, purchase of affordability
covenants, or the preservation of any housing unit within two years after
committed assistance was provided to that unit, it shall be prohibited from
identifying units pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2)
in the housing element that it adopts for the next planning period, as defined
in Section 65588, above the number of units actually provided or preserved
due to committed assistance.
(d) A city or county may reduce its share of the regional housing need
by the number of units built between the start of the projection period and
the deadline for adoption of the housing element. If the city or county reduces
its share pursuant to this subdivision, the city or county shall include in the
housing element a description of the methodology for assigning those
housing units to an income category based on actual or projected sales price,
rent levels, or other mechanisms establishing affordability.
SEC. 3. Section 65589.4 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65589.4. (a) An attached housing development shall be a permitted use
not subject to a conditional use permit on any parcel zoned for an attached
housing development if local law so provides or if it satisfies the
requirements of subdivision (b) and either of the following:
(1) The attached housing development satisfies the criteria of Section
21159.22, 21159.23, or 21159.24 of the Public Resources Code.
(2) The attached housing development meets all of the following criteria:
(A) The attached housing development is subject to a discretionary
decision other than a conditional use permit and a negative declaration or
mitigated negative declaration has been adopted for the attached housing
development under the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13
(commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code). If no
public hearing is held with respect to the discretionary decision, then the
negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration for the attached
housing development may be adopted only after a public hearing to receive
comments on the negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration.
(B) The attached housing development is consistent with both the
jurisdiction’s zoning ordinance and general plan as it existed on the date
the application was deemed complete, except that an attached housing
development shall not be deemed to be inconsistent with the zoning
designation for the site if that zoning designation is inconsistent with the
general plan only because the attached housing development site has not
been rezoned to conform with the most recent adopted general plan.
(C) The attached housing development is located in an area that is covered
by one of the following documents that has been adopted by the jurisdiction
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within five years of the date the application for the attached housing
development was deemed complete:
(i) A general plan.
(ii) A revision or update to the general plan that includes at least the land
use and circulation elements.
(iii) An applicable community plan.
(iv) An applicable specific plan.
(D) The attached housing development consists of not more than 100
residential units with a minimum density of not less than 12 units per acre
or a minimum density of not less than eight units per acre if the attached
housing development consists of four or fewer units.
(E) The attached housing development is located in an urbanized area
as defined in Section 21071 of the Public Resources Code or within a
census-defined place with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per
square mile or, if the attached housing development consists of 50 or fewer
units, within an incorporated city with a population density of at least 2,500
persons per square mile and a total population of at least 25,000 persons.
(F) The attached housing development is located on an infill site as
defined in Section 21061.0.5 of the Public Resources Code.
(b) At least 10 percent of the units of the attached housing development
shall be available at affordable housing cost to very low income households,
as defined in Section 50105 of the Health and Safety Code, or at least 20
percent of the units of the attached housing development shall be available
at affordable housing cost to lower income households, as defined in Section
50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code, or at least 50 percent of the units
of the attached housing development available at affordable housing cost
to moderate-income households, consistent with Section 50052.5 of the
Health and Safety Code. The developer of the attached housing development
shall provide sufficient legal commitments to the local agency to ensure the
continued availability and use of the housing units for very low, low-, or
moderate-income households for a period of at least 30 years.
(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a local agency from applying
design and site review standards in existence on the date the application
was deemed complete.
(d) The provisions of this section are independent of any obligation of a
jurisdiction pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65583 to identify
multifamily sites developable by right.
(e) This section does not apply to the issuance of coastal development
permits pursuant to the California Coastal Act (Division 20 (commencing
with Section 30000) of the Public Resources Code).
(f) This section does not relieve a public agency from complying with
the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with
Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code) or relieve an applicant or
public agency from complying with the Subdivision Map Act (Division 2
(commencing with Section 66473)).
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(g) This section is applicable to all cities and counties, including charter
cities, because the Legislature finds that the lack of affordable housing is
of vital statewide importance, and thus a matter of statewide concern.
(h) For purposes of this section, “attached housing development” means
a newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated structure containing two
or more dwelling units and consisting only of residential units, but does not
include an accessory dwelling unit, as defined by paragraph (4) of
subdivision (j) of Section 65852.2, or the conversion of an existing structure
to condominiums.
SEC. 4. Section 65852.150 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65852.150. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1) Accessory dwelling units are a valuable form of housing in California.
(2) Accessory dwelling units provide housing for family members,
students, the elderly, in-home health care providers, the disabled, and others,
at below market prices within existing neighborhoods.
(3) Homeowners who create accessory dwelling units benefit from added
income, and an increased sense of security.
(4) Allowing accessory dwelling units in single-family or multifamily
residential zones provides additional rental housing stock in California.
(5) California faces a severe housing crisis.
(6) The state is falling far short of meeting current and future housing
demand with serious consequences for the state’s economy, our ability to
build green infill consistent with state greenhouse gas reduction goals, and
the well-being of our citizens, particularly lower and middle-income earners.
(7) Accessory dwelling units offer lower cost housing to meet the needs
of existing and future residents within existing neighborhoods, while
respecting architectural character.
(8) Accessory dwelling units are, therefore, an essential component of
California’s housing supply.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that an accessory dwelling unit
ordinance adopted by a local agency has the effect of providing for the
creation of accessory dwelling units and that provisions in this ordinance
relating to matters including unit size, parking, fees, and other requirements,
are not so arbitrary, excessive, or burdensome so as to unreasonably restrict
the ability of homeowners to create accessory dwelling units in zones in
which they are authorized by local ordinance.
SEC. 5. Section 65852.2 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65852.2. (a) (1) A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the
creation of accessory dwelling units in single-family and multifamily
residential zones. The ordinance shall do all of the following:
(A) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where
accessory dwelling units may be permitted. The designation of areas may
be based on criteria, that may include, but are not limited to, the adequacy
of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on
traffic flow and public safety.
(B) Impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but are
not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, architectural review,
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maximum size of a unit, and standards that prevent adverse impacts on any
real property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Places.
(C) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable
density for the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and
that accessory dwelling units are a residential use that is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designation for the lot.
(2) The ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(3) When a local agency receives its first application on or after July 1,
2003, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision, the application shall be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, within 120 days of submittal
of a complete building permit application. A local agency may charge a fee
to reimburse it for costs that it incurs as a result of amendments to this
paragraph enacted during the 2001–02 Regular Session of the Legislature,
including the costs of adopting or amending any ordinance that provides
for the creation of accessory dwelling units.
(b) (1) When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing
accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a) receives its first
application on or after July 1, 1983, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision,
the local agency shall accept the application and approve or disapprove the
application ministerially without discretionary review pursuant to this
subdivision unless it adopts an ordinance in accordance with subdivision
(a) within 120 days after receiving the application. Notwithstanding Section
65901 or 65906, every local agency shall ministerially approve the creation
of an accessory dwelling unit if the accessory dwelling unit complies with
all of the following:
(A) The unit is not intended for sale separate from the primary residence
and may be rented.
(B) The lot is zoned for single-family or multifamily use.
(C) The lot contains an existing single-family dwelling.
(D) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to the existing dwelling
and located within the living area of the existing dwelling or detached from
the existing dwelling and located on the same lot as the existing dwelling.
(E) The increased floor area of an attached accessory dwelling unit shall
not exceed 50 percent of the existing living area, with a maximum increase
in floor area of 1,200 square feet.
(F) The total area of floorspace for a detached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
(G) Requirements relating to height, setback, lot coverage, architectural
review, site plan review, fees, charges, and other zoning requirements
generally applicable to residential construction in the zone in which the
property is located.
(H) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings,
as appropriate.
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(I) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal
system is being used, if required.
(2) No other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for
the denial of a building permit or a use permit under this subdivision.
(3) This subdivision establishes the maximum standards that local
agencies shall use to evaluate proposed accessory dwelling units on lots
zoned for residential use that contain an existing single-family dwelling.
No additional standards, other than those provided in this subdivision or
subdivision (a), shall be utilized or imposed, except that a local agency may
require an applicant for a permit issued pursuant to this subdivision to be
an owner-occupant or that the property be used for rentals of terms longer
than 30 days.
(4) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to
incorporate the policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the
creation of accessory dwelling units if these provisions are consistent with
the limitations of this subdivision.
(5) An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to this subdivision shall
not be considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it
is located, and shall be deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with
the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. The accessory
dwelling units shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(c) A local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size
requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units. No
minimum or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, or size based
upon a percentage of the existing dwelling, shall be established by ordinance
for either attached or detached dwellings that does not otherwise permit at
least an efficiency unit to be constructed in compliance with local
development standards. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to
provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(d) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom. These spaces may be provided
as tandem parking on an existing driveway. Off-street parking shall be
permitted in setback areas in locations determined by the local agency or
through tandem parking, unless specific findings are made that parking in
setback areas or tandem parking is not feasible based upon fire and life
safety conditions. This subdivision shall not apply to a unit that is described
in subdivision (e).
(e) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency, whether or not it has
adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance
with subdivision (a), shall not impose parking standards for an accessory
dwelling unit in any of the following instances:
(1) The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile of public
transit.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and
historically significant historic district.
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(3) The accessory dwelling unit is part of the existing primary residence
or an existing accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the
occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(f) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, a local agency shall
ministerially approve an application for a building permit to create within
a single-family residential zone one accessory dwelling unit per single-family
lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a single-family
residence or accessory structure, has independent exterior access from the
existing residence, and the side and rear setbacks are sufficient for fire
safety. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire
sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(g) (1) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units
shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
66000) and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 66012).
(2) Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered new residential uses
for the purposes of calculating local agency connection fees or capacity
charges for utilities, including water and sewer service.
(A) For an accessory dwelling unit described in subdivision (f), a local
agency shall not require the applicant to install a new or separate utility
connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility or
impose a related connection fee or capacity charge.
(B) For an accessory dwelling unit that is not described in subdivision
(f), a local agency may require a new or separate utility connection directly
between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility. Consistent with Section
66013, the connection may be subject to a connection fee or capacity charge
that shall be proportionate to the burden of the proposed accessory dwelling
unit, based upon either its size or the number of its plumbing fixtures, upon
the water or sewer system. This fee or charge shall not exceed the reasonable
cost of providing this service.
(h) This section does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt
less restrictive requirements for the creation of accessory dwelling units.
(i) Local agencies shall submit a copy of the ordinances adopted pursuant
to subdivision (a) to the Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption.
(j) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit
including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
(3) For purposes of this section, “neighborhood” has the same meaning
as set forth in Section 65589.5.
(4) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one
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or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family
dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of Health and Safety
Code.
(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health
and Safety Code.
(k) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any way
alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act (Division
20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources Code), except
that the local government shall not be required to hold public hearings for
coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling units.
SEC. 5.5. Section 65852.2 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65852.2. (a) (1) A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the
creation of accessory dwelling units in single-family and multifamily
residential zones. The ordinance shall do all of the following:
(A) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where
accessory dwelling units may be permitted. The designation of areas may
be based on criteria, that may include, but are not limited to, the adequacy
of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on
traffic flow and public safety.
(B) (i) Impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but
are not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape,
architectural review, maximum size of a unit, and standards that prevent
adverse impacts on any real property that is listed in the California Register
of Historic Places.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a local agency may reduce or eliminate
parking requirements for any accessory dwelling unit located within its
jurisdiction.
(C) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable
density for the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and
that accessory dwelling units are a residential use that is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designation for the lot.
(D) Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the
following:
(i) The unit is not intended for sale separate from the primary residence
and may be rented.
(ii) The lot is zoned for single-family or multifamily use and contains
an existing, single-family dwelling.
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to the existing dwelling
or located within the living area of the existing dwelling or detached from
the existing dwelling and located on the same lot as the existing dwelling.
(iv) The increased floor area of an attached accessory dwelling unit shall
not exceed 50 percent of the existing living area, with a maximum increase
in floor area of 1,200 square feet.
(v) The total area of floorspace for a detached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
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(vi) No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction
of an accessory dwelling unit.
(vii) No setback shall be required for an existing garage that is converted
to a accessory dwelling unit, and a setback of no more than five feet from
the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit
that is constructed above a garage.
(viii) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings,
as appropriate.
(ix) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal
system is being used, if required.
(x) (I) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom. These spaces may be provided
as tandem parking on an existing driveway.
(II) Offstreet parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations
determined by the local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific
findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not
feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life
safety conditions, or that it is not permitted anywhere else in the jurisdiction.
(III) This clause shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision
(d).
(xi) When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, and the
local agency requires that those offstreet parking spaces be replaced, the
replacement spaces may be located in any configuration on the same lot as
the accessory dwelling unit, including, but not limited to, as covered spaces,
uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile
parking lifts. This clause shall not apply to a unit that is described in
subdivision (d).
(2) The ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(3) When a local agency receives its first application on or after July 1,
2003, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision, the application shall be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, within 120 days after
receiving the application. A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse it
for costs that it incurs as a result of amendments to this paragraph enacted
during the 2001–02 Regular Session of the Legislature, including the costs
of adopting or amending any ordinance that provides for the creation of an
accessory dwelling unit.
(4) An existing ordinance governing the creation of an accessory dwelling
unit by a local agency or an accessory dwelling ordinance adopted by a
local agency subsequent to the effective date of the act adding this paragraph
shall provide an approval process that includes only ministerial provisions
for the approval of accessory dwelling units and shall not include any
discretionary processes, provisions, or requirements for those units, except
as otherwise provided in this subdivision. In the event that a local agency
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has an existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the
requirements of this subdivision, that ordinance shall be null and void upon
the effective date of the act adding this paragraph and that agency shall
thereafter apply the standards established in this subdivision for the approval
of accessory dwelling units, unless and until the agency adopts an ordinance
that complies with this section.
(5) No other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for
the denial of a building permit or a use permit under this subdivision.
(6) This subdivision establishes the maximum standards that local
agencies shall use to evaluate a proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot
zoned for residential use that contains an existing single-family dwelling.
No additional standards, other than those provided in this subdivision, shall
be utilized or imposed, except that a local agency may require an applicant
for a permit issued pursuant to this subdivision to be an owner-occupant or
that the property be used for rentals of terms longer than 30 days.
(7) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to
incorporate the policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the
creation of an accessory dwelling unit if these provisions are consistent with
the limitations of this subdivision.
(8) An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to this subdivision shall
be deemed to be an accessory use or an accessory building and shall not be
considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is
located, and shall be deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with
the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. The accessory
dwelling unit shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(b) When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing
accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a) receives its first
application on or after July 1, 1983, for a permit to create an accessory
dwelling unit pursuant to this subdivision, the local agency shall accept the
application and approve or disapprove the application ministerially without
discretionary review pursuant to subdivision (a) within 120 days after
receiving the application.
(c) A local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size
requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units. No
minimum or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, or size based
upon a percentage of the existing dwelling, shall be established by ordinance
for either attached or detached dwellings that does not permit at least an
efficiency unit to be constructed in compliance with local development
standards. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire
sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency, whether or not it has
adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance
with subdivision (a), shall not impose parking standards for an accessory
dwelling unit in any of the following instances:
(1) The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile of public
transit.
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(2) The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and
historically significant historic district.
(3) The accessory dwelling unit is part of the existing primary residence
or an existing accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the
occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, a local agency
shall ministerially approve an application for a building permit to create
within a single-family residential zone one accessory dwelling unit per
single-family lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a
single-family residence or accessory structure, has independent exterior
access from the existing residence, and the side and rear setbacks are
sufficient for fire safety. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to
provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(f) (1) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units
shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
66000) and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 66012).
(2) Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered new residential uses
for the purposes of calculating local agency connection fees or capacity
charges for utilities, including water and sewer service.
(A) For an accessory dwelling unit described in subdivision (e), a local
agency shall not require the applicant to install a new or separate utility
connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility or
impose a related connection fee or capacity charge.
(B) For an accessory dwelling unit that is not described in subdivision
(e), a local agency may require a new or separate utility connection directly
between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility. Consistent with Section
66013, the connection may be subject to a connection fee or capacity charge
that shall be proportionate to the burden of the proposed accessory dwelling
unit, based upon either its size or the number of its plumbing fixtures, upon
the water or sewer system. This fee or charge shall not exceed the reasonable
cost of providing this service.
(g) This section does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt
less restrictive requirements for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit.
(h) Local agencies shall submit a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant
to subdivision (a) to the Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption.
(i) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit
including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
(3) For purposes of this section, “neighborhood” has the same meaning
as set forth in Section 65589.5.
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(4) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one
or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family
dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of Health and Safety
Code.
(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health
and Safety Code.
(5) “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky
and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any way
alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act (Division
20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources Code), except
that the local government shall not be required to hold public hearings for
coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling units.
SEC. 6. Section 66412.2 of the Government Code is amended to read:
66412.2. This division shall not apply to the construction, financing, or
leasing of dwelling units pursuant to Section 65852.1 or accessory dwelling
units pursuant to Section 65852.2, but this division shall be applicable to
the sale or transfer, but not leasing, of those units.
SEC. 7. Section 5.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
65852.2 of the Government Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly
Bill 2299. It shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and
become effective on or before January 1, 2017, (2) each bill amends Section
65852.2 of the Government Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly
Bill 2299, in which case Section 5 of this bill shall not become operative.
SEC. 8. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6
of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or
school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments
sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act,
within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
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Assembly Bill No. 2406
CHAPTER 755
An act to add Section 65852.22 to the Government Code, relating to
housing, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately.
[Approved by Governor September 28, 2016. Filed with
Secretary of State September 28, 2016.]
legislative counsel’s digest
AB 2406, Thurmond. Housing: junior accessory dwelling units.
The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes a local agency to provide by
ordinance for the creation of 2nd units in single-family and multifamily
residential areas, as prescribed.
This bill would, in addition, authorize a local agency to provide by
ordinance for the creation of junior accessory dwelling units, as defined, in
single-family residential zones. The bill would require the ordinance to
include, among other things, standards for the creation of a junior accessory
dwelling unit, required deed restrictions, and occupancy requirements. The
bill would prohibit an ordinance from requiring, as a condition of granting
a permit for a junior accessory dwelling unit, additional parking
requirements.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency
statute.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 65852.22 is added to the Government Code,
immediately following Section 65852.2, to read:
65852.22. (a) Notwithstanding Section 65852.2, a local agency may,
by ordinance, provide for the creation of junior accessory dwelling units in
single-family residential zones. The ordinance may require a permit to be
obtained for the creation of a junior accessory dwelling unit, and shall do
all of the following:
(1) Limit the number of junior accessory dwelling units to one per
residential lot zoned for single-family residences with a single-family
residence already built on the lot.
(2) Require owner-occupancy in the single-family residence in which
the junior accessory dwelling unit will be permitted. The owner may reside
in either the remaining portion of the structure or the newly created junior
accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner
is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.
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(3) Require the recordation of a deed restriction, which shall run with
the land, shall be filed with the permitting agency, and shall include both
of the following:
(A) A prohibition on the sale of the junior accessory dwelling unit
separate from the sale of the single-family residence, including a statement
that the deed restriction may be enforced against future purchasers.
(B) A restriction on the size and attributes of the junior accessory dwelling
unit that conforms with this section.
(4) Require a permitted junior accessory dwelling unit to be constructed
within the existing walls of the structure, and require the inclusion of an
existing bedroom.
(5) Require a permitted junior accessory dwelling to include a separate
entrance from the main entrance to the structure, with an interior entry to
the main living area. A permitted junior accessory dwelling may include a
second interior doorway for sound attenuation.
(6) Require the permitted junior accessory dwelling unit to include an
efficiency kitchen, which shall include all of the following:
(A) A sink with a maximum waste line diameter of 1.5 inches.
(B) A cooking facility with appliances that do not require electrical
service greater than 120 volts, or natural or propane gas.
(C) A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable
size in relation to the size of the junior accessory dwelling unit.
(b) (1) An ordinance shall not require additional parking as a condition
to grant a permit.
(2) This subdivision shall not be interpreted to prohibit the requirement
of an inspection, including the imposition of a fee for that inspection, to
determine whether the junior accessory dwelling unit is in compliance with
applicable building standards.
(c) An application for a permit pursuant to this section shall,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, be considered ministerially,
without discretionary review or a hearing. A permit shall be issued within
120 days of submission of an application for a permit pursuant to this section.
A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse the local agency for costs
incurred in connection with the issuance of a permit pursuant to this section.
(d) For the purposes of any fire or life protection ordinance or regulation,
a junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be considered a separate or new
dwelling unit. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a city, county,
city and county, or other local public entity from adopting an ordinance or
regulation relating to fire and life protection requirements within a
single-family residence that contains a junior accessory dwelling unit so
long as the ordinance or regulation applies uniformly to all single-family
residences within the zone regardless of whether the single-family residence
includes a junior accessory dwelling unit or not.
(e) For the purposes of providing service for water, sewer, or power,
including a connection fee, a junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be
considered a separate or new dwelling unit.
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B-2
(f) This section shall not be construed to prohibit a local agency from
adopting an ordinance or regulation, related to parking or a service or a
connection fee for water, sewer, or power, that applies to a single-family
residence that contains a junior accessory dwelling unit, so long as that
ordinance or regulation applies uniformly to all single-family residences
regardless of whether the single-family residence includes a junior accessory
dwelling unit.
(g) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following
meanings:
(1) “Junior accessory dwelling unit” means a unit that is no more than
500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-family
structure.A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation
facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
SEC. 2. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of
Article IV of the Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts
constituting the necessity are:
In order to allow local jurisdictions the ability to promulgate ordinances
that create secure income for homeowners and secure housing for renters,
at the earliest possible time, it is necessary for this act to take effect
immediately.
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Senate Bill No. 229
CHAPTER 594
An act to amend Section 65852.2 of the Government Code, relating to
land use.
[Approved by Governor October 8, 2017. Filed with
Secretary of State October 8, 2017.]
legislative counsel’s digest
SB 229, Wieckowski. Accessory dwelling units.
(1) The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes the legislative body of a
city or county to regulate, among other things, the intensity of land use, and
also authorizes a local agency to provide by ordinance for the creation of
accessory dwelling units in single-family and multifamily residential zones,
as specified. Existing law requires the ordinance to designate areas within
the jurisdiction of the local agency where these units may be permitted,
impose specified standards on these units, provide that accessory dwelling
units do not exceed allowable density and are a residential use, as specified,
and require these units to comply with specified conditions, including a
requirement that the unit is not intended for sale separate from the primary
residence and may be rented. Existing law establishes the maximum
standards that local agencies are required to use to evaluate a proposed
accessory dwelling unit on a lot zoned for residential use that contains an
existing single-family dwelling.
This bill instead would authorize a local agency to provide by ordinance
for the creation of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned to allow
single-family or multifamily use. The bill would authorize the ordinance to
prohibit the sale or other conveyance of the unit separate from the primary
residence. The bill would extend the use of the maximum standards to a
proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot zoned for residential use that
includes a proposed single-family dwelling.
(2) Existing law authorizes the location of required replacement parking
spaces in any configuration on an accessory dwelling unit lot when a garage,
carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the
construction of an accessory dwelling unit.
This bill would extend this authorization to when the garage, carport, or
covered parking structure is converted to an accessory dwelling unit. The
bill would also define tandem parking for these purposes.
(3) Existing law prohibits an accessory dwelling unit from being
considered a new residential use for the purposes of calculating local agency
connection fees or capacity charges for utilities, including water and sewer
service. Existing law prohibits, for an accessory dwelling unit constructed
in an existing space, a local agency from requiring the applicant to install
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a new or separate utility connection directly between the accessory dwelling
unit and the utility and from imposing a related connection fee or capacity
charge.
This bill would extend the applicability of both of the above prohibitions
to special districts and water corporations.
(4) Existing law requires a local agency that has adopted an ordinance
authorizing the creation of accessory dwelling units to submit a copy of the
ordinance to the Department of Housing and Community Development
within 60 days of adoption of the ordinance.
This bill would authorize the department to review and comment on an
ordinance submitted to the department pursuant to these provisions.
(5) This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 65852.2 of
the Government Code proposed by AB 494 to be operative only if this bill
andAB 494 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.
(6) By increasing the duties of local officials with respect to land use
regulations, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies
and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory
provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for
a specified reason.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 65852.2 of the Government Code is amended to
read:
65852.2. (a) (1) A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the
creation of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned to allow single-family
or multifamily use. The ordinance shall do all of the following:
(A) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where
accessory dwelling units may be permitted. The designation of areas may
be based on criteria that may include, but are not limited to, the adequacy
of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on
traffic flow and public safety.
(B) (i) Impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but
are not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape,
architectural review, maximum size of a unit, and standards that prevent
adverse impacts on any real property that is listed in the California Register
of Historic Places.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a local agency may reduce or eliminate
parking requirements for any accessory dwelling unit located within its
jurisdiction.
(C) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable
density for the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and
that accessory dwelling units are a residential use that is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designation for the lot.
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C-2
(D) Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the
following:
(i) The unit may be rented separate from the primary residence, but may
not be sold or otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence.
(ii) The lot is zoned to allow single-family or multifamily use and includes
a proposed or existing single-family dwelling.
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to or located within
the living area of the proposed or existing primary dwelling or detached
from the proposed or existing primary dwelling and located on the same lot
as the proposed or existing primary dwelling.
(iv) The total area of floorspace of an attached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 50 percent of the proposed or existing primary dwelling
living area or 1,200 square feet.
(v) The total area of floorspace for a detached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
(vi) No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction
of an accessory dwelling unit.
(vii) No setback shall be required for an existing garage that is converted
to an accessory dwelling unit, and a setback of no more than five feet from
the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit
that is constructed above a garage.
(viii) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings,
as appropriate.
(ix) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal
system is being used, if required.
(x) (I) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom. These spaces may be provided
as tandem parking on a driveway.
(II) Offstreet parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations
determined by the local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific
findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not
feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life
safety conditions, or that it is not permitted anywhere else in the jurisdiction.
(III) This clause shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision
(d).
(xi) When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, or
converted to an accessory dwelling unit, and the local agency requires that
those offstreet parking spaces be replaced, the replacement spaces may be
located in any configuration on the same lot as the accessory dwelling unit,
including, but not limited to, as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem
spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile parking lifts. This clause
shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision (d).
(2) The ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(3) When a local agency receives its first application on or after July 1,
2003, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision, the application shall be
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Ch. 594—3 —
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considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, within 120 days after
receiving the application. A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse it
for costs that it incurs as a result of amendments to this paragraph enacted
during the 2001–02 Regular Session of the Legislature, including the costs
of adopting or amending any ordinance that provides for the creation of an
accessory dwelling unit.
(4) An existing ordinance governing the creation of an accessory dwelling
unit by a local agency or an accessory dwelling ordinance adopted by a
local agency subsequent to the effective date of the act adding this paragraph
shall provide an approval process that includes only ministerial provisions
for the approval of accessory dwelling units and shall not include any
discretionary processes, provisions, or requirements for those units, except
as otherwise provided in this subdivision. In the event that a local agency
has an existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the
requirements of this subdivision, that ordinance shall be null and void upon
the effective date of the act adding this paragraph and that agency shall
thereafter apply the standards established in this subdivision for the approval
of accessory dwelling units, unless and until the agency adopts an ordinance
that complies with this section.
(5) No other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for
the denial of a building permit or a use permit under this subdivision.
(6) This subdivision establishes the maximum standards that local
agencies shall use to evaluate a proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot
zoned for residential use that includes a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling. No additional standards, other than those provided in this
subdivision, shall be utilized or imposed, except that a local agency may
require an applicant for a permit issued pursuant to this subdivision to be
an owner-occupant or that the property be used for rentals of terms longer
than 30 days.
(7) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to
incorporate the policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the
creation of an accessory dwelling unit if these provisions are consistent with
the limitations of this subdivision.
(8) An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to this subdivision shall
be deemed to be an accessory use or an accessory building and shall not be
considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is
located, and shall be deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with
the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. The accessory
dwelling unit shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(b) When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing
accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a) receives its first
application on or after July 1, 1983, for a permit to create an accessory
dwelling unit pursuant to this subdivision, the local agency shall accept the
application and approve or disapprove the application ministerially without
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C-4
discretionary review pursuant to subdivision (a) within 120 days after
receiving the application.
(c) A local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size
requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units. No
minimum or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, or size based
upon a percentage of the proposed or existing primary dwelling, shall be
established by ordinance for either attached or detached dwellings that does
not permit at least an efficiency unit to be constructed in compliance with
local development standards. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required
to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency, whether or not it has
adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance
with subdivision (a), shall not impose parking standards for an accessory
dwelling unit in any of the following instances:
(1) The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile of public
transit.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and
historically significant historic district.
(3) The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary
residence or an accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the
occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, a local agency
shall ministerially approve an application for a building permit to create
within a zone for single-family use one accessory dwelling unit per
single-family lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a
single-family residence or accessory structure, has independent exterior
access from the existing residence, and the side and rear setbacks are
sufficient for fire safety. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to
provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(f) (1) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units
shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
66000) and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 66012).
(2) Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered by a local agency,
special district, or water corporation to be a new residential use for the
purposes of calculating connection fees or capacity charges for utilities,
including water and sewer service.
(A) For an accessory dwelling unit described in subdivision (e), a local
agency, special district, or water corporation shall not require the applicant
to install a new or separate utility connection directly between the accessory
dwelling unit and the utility or impose a related connection fee or capacity
charge.
(B) For an accessory dwelling unit that is not described in subdivision
(e), a local agency, special district, or water corporation may require a new
or separate utility connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit
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Ch. 594—5 —
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and the utility. Consistent with Section 66013, the connection may be subject
to a connection fee or capacity charge that shall be proportionate to the
burden of the proposed accessory dwelling unit, based upon either its size
or the number of its plumbing fixtures, upon the water or sewer system.
This fee or charge shall not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this
service.
(g) This section does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt
less restrictive requirements for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit.
(h) Local agencies shall submit a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant
to subdivision (a) to the Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption. The department may review
and comment on this submitted ordinance.
(i) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit
including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
(3) For purposes of this section, “neighborhood” has the same meaning
as set forth in Section 65589.5.
(4) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one
or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family
dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health
and Safety Code.
(5) “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky
and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
(6) “Tandem parking” means that two or more automobiles are parked
on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any way
alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act of 1976
(Division 20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources
Code), except that the local government shall not be required to hold public
hearings for coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling
units.
SEC. 1.5. Section 65852.2 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65852.2. (a) (1) A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the
creation of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned to allow single-family
or multifamily use. The ordinance shall do all of the following:
(A) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where
accessory dwelling units may be permitted. The designation of areas may
be based on criteria that may include, but are not limited to, the adequacy
90
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C-6
of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on
traffic flow and public safety.
(B) (i) Impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but
are not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape,
architectural review, maximum size of a unit, and standards that prevent
adverse impacts on any real property that is listed in the California Register
of Historic Places.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a local agency may reduce or eliminate
parking requirements for any accessory dwelling unit located within its
jurisdiction.
(C) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable
density for the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and
that accessory dwelling units are a residential use that is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designation for the lot.
(D) Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the
following:
(i) The unit may be rented separate from the primary residence, buy may
not be sold or otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence.
(ii) The lot is zoned to allow single-family or multifamily use and includes
a proposed or existing single-family dwelling.
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached or located within the
living area of the proposed or existing primary dwelling or detached from
the proposed or existing primary dwelling and located on the same lot as
the proposed or existing primary dwelling.
(iv) The total area of floorspace of an attached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 50 percent of the proposed or existing primary dwelling
living area or 1,200 square feet.
(v) The total area of floorspace for a detached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
(vi) No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction
of an accessory dwelling unit.
(vii) No setback shall be required for an existing garage that is converted
to an accessory dwelling unit or to a portion of an accessory dwelling unit,
and a setback of no more than five feet from the side and rear lot lines shall
be required for an accessory dwelling unit that is constructed above a garage.
(viii) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings,
as appropriate.
(ix) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal
system is being used, if required.
(x) (I) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less. These spaces
may be provided as tandem parking on a driveway.
(II) Offstreet parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations
determined by the local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific
findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not
feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life
safety conditions.
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Ch. 594—7 —
C-7
(III) This clause shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision
(d).
(xi) When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or
converted to an accessory dwelling unit, and the local agency requires that
those offstreet parking spaces be replaced, the replacement spaces may be
located in any configuration on the same lot as the accessory dwelling unit,
including, but not limited to, as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem
spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile parking lifts. This clause
shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision (d).
(2) The ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(3) When a local agency receives its first application on or after July 1,
2003, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision, the application shall be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, within 120 days after
receiving the application. A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse it
for costs that it incurs as a result of amendments to this paragraph enacted
during the 2001–02 Regular Session of the Legislature, including the costs
of adopting or amending any ordinance that provides for the creation of an
accessory dwelling unit.
(4) An existing ordinance governing the creation of an accessory dwelling
unit by a local agency or an accessory dwelling ordinance adopted by a
local agency subsequent to the effective date of the act adding this paragraph
shall provide an approval process that includes only ministerial provisions
for the approval of accessory dwelling units and shall not include any
discretionary processes, provisions, or requirements for those units, except
as otherwise provided in this subdivision. In the event that a local agency
has an existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the
requirements of this subdivision, that ordinance shall be null and void upon
the effective date of the act adding this paragraph and that agency shall
thereafter apply the standards established in this subdivision for the approval
of accessory dwelling units, unless and until the agency adopts an ordinance
that complies with this section.
(5) No other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for
the denial of a building permit or a use permit under this subdivision.
(6) This subdivision establishes the maximum standards that local
agencies shall use to evaluate a proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot
zoned for residential use that includes a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling. No additional standards, other than those provided in this
subdivision, shall be utilized or imposed, except that a local agency may
require an applicant for a permit issued pursuant to this subdivision to be
an owner-occupant or that the property be used for rentals of terms longer
than 30 days.
(7) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to
incorporate the policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the
90
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C-8
creation of an accessory dwelling unit if these provisions are consistent with
the limitations of this subdivision.
(8) An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to this subdivision shall
be deemed to be an accessory use or an accessory building and shall not be
considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is
located, and shall be deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with
the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. The accessory
dwelling unit shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(b) When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing
accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a) receives an
application for a permit to create an accessory dwelling unit pursuant to this
subdivision, the local agency shall approve or disapprove the application
ministerially without discretionary review pursuant to subdivision (a) within
120 days after receiving the application.
(c) A local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size
requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units. No
minimum or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, or size based
upon a percentage of the proposed or existing primary dwelling, shall be
established by ordinance for either attached or detached dwellings that does
not permit at least an efficiency unit to be constructed in compliance with
local development standards. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required
to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency, whether or not it has
adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance
with subdivision (a), shall not impose parking standards for an accessory
dwelling unit in any of the following instances:
(1) The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile of public
transit.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and
historically significant historic district.
(3) The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary
residence or an accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the
occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, a local agency
shall ministerially approve an application for a building permit to create
within a zone for single-family use one accessory dwelling unit per
single-family lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a
single-family residence or accessory structure, including, but not limited
to, a studio, pool house, or other similar structure, has independent exterior
access from the existing residence, and the side and rear setbacks are
sufficient for fire safety. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to
provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence. A
90
Ch. 594—9 —
C-9
city may require owner occupancy for either the primary or the accessory
dwelling unit created through this process.
(f) (1) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units
shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
66000) and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 66012).
(2) Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered by a local agency,
special district, or water corporation to be a new residential use for the
purposes of calculating connection fees or capacity charges for utilities,
including water and sewer service.
(A) For an accessory dwelling unit described in subdivision (e), a local
agency, special district, or water corporation shall not require the applicant
to install a new or separate utility connection directly between the accessory
dwelling unit and the utility or impose a related connection fee or capacity
charge.
(B) For an accessory dwelling unit that is not described in subdivision
(e), a local agency, special district, or water corporation may require a new
or separate utility connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit
and the utility. Consistent with Section 66013, the connection may be subject
to a connection fee or capacity charge that shall be proportionate to the
burden of the proposed accessory dwelling unit, based upon either its size
or the number of its plumbing fixtures, upon the water or sewer system.
This fee or charge shall not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this
service.
(g) This section does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt
less restrictive requirements for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit.
(h) Local agencies shall submit a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant
to subdivision (a) to the Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption. The department may review
and comment on this submitted ordinance.
(i) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit
including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
(3) For purposes of this section, “neighborhood” has the same meaning
as set forth in Section 65589.5.
(4) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one
or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family
dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health
and Safety Code.
90
—10 —Ch. 594
C-10
(5) “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky
and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
(6) “Tandem parking” that two or more automobiles are parked on a
driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any way
alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act of 1976
(Division 20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources
Code), except that the local government shall not be required to hold public
hearings for coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling
units.
SEC. 2. Section 1.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
65852.2 of the Government Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly
Bill 494. That section shall only become operative if (1) both bills are
enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2018, (2) each bill
amends Section 65852.2 of the Government Code, and (3) this bill is enacted
afterAssembly Bill 494, in which case Section 1 of this bill shall not become
operative.
SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6
of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or
school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments
sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act,
within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
O
90
Ch. 594—11 —
C-11
Assembly Bill No. 494
CHAPTER 602
An act to amend Section 65852.2 of the Government Code, relating to
land use.
[Approved by Governor October 8, 2017. Filed with
Secretary of State October 8, 2017.]
legislative counsel’s digest
AB 494, Bloom. Land use: accessory dwelling units.
The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes a local agency to provide by
ordinance for the creation of accessory dwelling units in single-family and
multifamily residential zones, as specified. That law requires the ordinance
to require the accessory dwelling unit to comply with certain conditions,
including, but not limited to, that the accessory dwelling unit is not intended
for sale separate from the primary residence and may be rented.
This bill would revise that condition to provide that the accessory dwelling
unit may be rented separately from the primary residence.
Existing law provides that no setback be required for an existing garage
that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit, as specified.
This bill also would provide that no setback be required for an existing
garage that is converted to a portion of an accessory dwelling unit.
Existing law requires that parking requirements for accessory dwelling
units not exceed one parking space per unit or per bedroom and allows
required parking spaces to be provided as tandem parking on an existing
driveway. Existing law also requires specified offstreet parking to be
permitted for an accessory dwelling unit unless, among other things, that
specified offstreet parking is not allowed anywhere else in the jurisdiction.
When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in
conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, and the
local agency requires that those offstreet parking spaces be replaced, existing
law allows, with specified exceptions, the replacement spaces to be located
in any configuration, including as tandem parking, on the same lot as the
accessory dwelling unit.
This bill instead would require that parking requirements for accessory
dwelling units not exceed one parking space per unit or per bedroom,
whichever is less. The bill would define tandem parking for these purposes
and would also allow replacement parking spaces to be located in any
configuration if a local agency requires replacement of offstreet parking
spaces when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is converted to
an accessory dwelling unit. This bill would remove the prohibition on
specified offstreet parking where that parking is not allowed anywhere else
in the jurisdiction.
95
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
AUTHENTICATED
ELECTRONIC LEGAL MATERIAL
C-12
Existing law requires ministerial, nondiscretionary approval of an
application for a building permit to create within a single-family residential
zone one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot if the unit is contained
within the existing space of a single-family residence or accessory structure
and specified other conditions are met.
This bill would provide that for these purposes, an accessory structure
includes a studio, pool house, or other similar structure. The bill would also
authorize a city to require owner occupancy for either the primary or the
accessory unit created through this process.
This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 65852.2 of the
Government Code proposed by SB 229 to be operative only if this bill and
SB 229 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.
By increasing the duties of local officials with respect to land use
regulations, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies
and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory
provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for
a specified reason.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 65852.2 of the Government Code is amended to
read:
65852.2. (a) (1) A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the
creation of accessory dwelling units in single-family and multifamily
residential zones. The ordinance shall do all of the following:
(A) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where
accessory dwelling units may be permitted. The designation of areas may
be based on criteria, that may include, but are not limited to, the adequacy
of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on
traffic flow and public safety.
(B) (i) Impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but
are not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape,
architectural review, maximum size of a unit, and standards that prevent
adverse impacts on any real property that is listed in the California Register
of Historic Places.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a local agency may reduce or eliminate
parking requirements for any accessory dwelling unit located within its
jurisdiction.
(C) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable
density for the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and
that accessory dwelling units are a residential use that is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designation for the lot.
(D) Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the
following:
95
—2 —Ch. 602
C-13
(i) The unit may be rented separate from the primary residence, but may
not be sold or otherwise conveyed from the primary residence.
(ii) The lot is zoned for single-family or multifamily use and contains
an existing, single-family dwelling.
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to the existing dwelling
or located within the living area of the existing dwelling or detached from
the existing dwelling and located on the same lot as the existing dwelling.
(iv) The increased floor area of an attached accessory dwelling unit shall
not exceed 50 percent of the existing living area, with a maximum increase
in floor area of 1,200 square feet.
(v) The total area of floorspace for a detached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
(vi) No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction
of an accessory dwelling unit.
(vii) No setback shall be required for an existing garage that is converted
to an accessory dwelling unit or to a portion of an accessory dwelling unit,
and a setback of no more than five feet from the side and rear lot lines shall
be required for an accessory dwelling unit that is constructed above a garage.
(viii) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings,
as appropriate.
(ix) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal
system is being used, if required.
(x) (I) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less. These spaces
may be provided as tandem parking on an existing driveway.
(II) Offstreet parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations
determined by the local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific
findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not
feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life
safety conditions.
(III) This clause shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision
(d).
(xi) When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, or is
converted to an accessory dwelling unit, and the local agency requires that
those offstreet parking spaces be replaced, the replacement spaces may be
located in any configuration on the same lot as the accessory dwelling unit,
including, but not limited to, as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem
spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile parking lifts. This clause
shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision (d).
(2) The ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(3) When a local agency receives its first application on or after July 1,
2003, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision, the application shall be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, within 120 days after
95
Ch. 602—3 —
C-14
receiving the application. A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse it
for costs that it incurs as a result of amendments to this paragraph enacted
during the 2001–02 Regular Session of the Legislature, including the costs
of adopting or amending any ordinance that provides for the creation of an
accessory dwelling unit.
(4) An existing ordinance governing the creation of an accessory dwelling
unit by a local agency or an accessory dwelling ordinance adopted by a
local agency subsequent to the effective date of the act adding this paragraph
shall provide an approval process that includes only ministerial provisions
for the approval of accessory dwelling units and shall not include any
discretionary processes, provisions, or requirements for those units, except
as otherwise provided in this subdivision. In the event that a local agency
has an existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the
requirements of this subdivision, that ordinance shall be null and void upon
the effective date of the act adding this paragraph and that agency shall
thereafter apply the standards established in this subdivision for the approval
of accessory dwelling units, unless and until the agency adopts an ordinance
that complies with this section.
(5) No other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for
the denial of a building permit or a use permit under this subdivision.
(6) This subdivision establishes the maximum standards that local
agencies shall use to evaluate a proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot
zoned for residential use that contains an existing single-family dwelling.
No additional standards, other than those provided in this subdivision, shall
be utilized or imposed, except that a local agency may require an applicant
for a permit issued pursuant to this subdivision to be an owner-occupant or
that the property be used for rentals of terms longer than 30 days.
(7) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to
incorporate the policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the
creation of an accessory dwelling unit if these provisions are consistent with
the limitations of this subdivision.
(8) An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to this subdivision shall
be deemed to be an accessory use or an accessory building and shall not be
considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is
located, and shall be deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with
the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. The accessory
dwelling unit shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(b) When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing
accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a) receives an
application for a permit to create an accessory dwelling unit pursuant to this
subdivision, the local agency shall approve or disapprove the application
ministerially without discretionary review pursuant to subdivision (a) within
120 days after receiving the application.
(c) A local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size
requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units. No
minimum or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, or size based
95
—4 —Ch. 602
C-15
upon a percentage of the existing dwelling, shall be established by ordinance
for either attached or detached dwellings that does not permit at least an
efficiency unit to be constructed in compliance with local development
standards. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire
sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency, whether or not it has
adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance
with subdivision (a), shall not impose parking standards for an accessory
dwelling unit in any of the following instances:
(1) The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile of public
transit.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and
historically significant historic district.
(3) The accessory dwelling unit is part of the existing primary residence
or an existing accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the
occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, a local agency
shall ministerially approve an application for a building permit to create
within a single-family residential zone one accessory dwelling unit per
single-family lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a
single-family residence or accessory structure, including, but not limited
to, a studio, pool house, or other similar structure, has independent exterior
access from the existing residence, and the side and rear setbacks are
sufficient for fire safety. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to
provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence. A
city may require owner occupancy for either the primary or the accessory
dwelling unit created through this process.
(f) (1) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units
shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
66000) and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 66012).
(2) Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered new residential uses
for the purposes of calculating local agency connection fees or capacity
charges for utilities, including water and sewer service.
(A) For an accessory dwelling unit described in subdivision (e), a local
agency shall not require the applicant to install a new or separate utility
connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility or
impose a related connection fee or capacity charge.
(B) For an accessory dwelling unit that is not described in subdivision
(e), a local agency may require a new or separate utility connection directly
between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility. Consistent with Section
66013, the connection may be subject to a connection fee or capacity charge
that shall be proportionate to the burden of the proposed accessory dwelling
unit, based upon either its size or the number of its plumbing fixtures, upon
95
Ch. 602—5 —
C-16
the water or sewer system. This fee or charge shall not exceed the reasonable
cost of providing this service.
(g) This section does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt
less restrictive requirements for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit.
(h) Local agencies shall submit a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant
to subdivision (a) to the Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption.
(i) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit
including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
(3) For purposes of this section, “neighborhood” has the same meaning
as set forth in Section 65589.5.
(4) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one
or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family
dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health
and Safety Code.
(5) “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky
and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
(6) “Tandem parking” means that two or more automobiles are parked
on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any way
alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act of 1976
(Division 20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources
Code), except that the local government shall not be required to hold public
hearings for coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling
units.
SEC. 1.5. Section 65852.2 of the Government Code is amended to read:
65852.2. (a) (1) A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the
creation of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned to allow single-family
or multifamily use. The ordinance shall do all of the following:
(A) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where
accessory dwelling units may be permitted. The designation of areas may
be based on criteria that may include, but are not limited to, the adequacy
of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on
traffic flow and public safety.
(B) (i) Impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but
are not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape,
architectural review, maximum size of a unit, and standards that prevent
95
—6 —Ch. 602
C-17
adverse impacts on any real property that is listed in the California Register
of Historic Places.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), a local agency may reduce or eliminate
parking requirements for any accessory dwelling unit located within its
jurisdiction.
(C) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable
density for the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and
that accessory dwelling units are a residential use that is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designation for the lot.
(D) Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the
following:
(i) The unit may be rented separate from the primary residence, buy may
not be sold or otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence.
(ii) The lot is zoned to allow single-family or multifamily use and includes
a proposed or existing single-family dwelling.
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached or located within the
living area of the proposed or existing primary dwelling or detached from
the proposed or existing primary dwelling and located on the same lot as
the proposed or existing primary dwelling.
(iv) The total area of floorspace of an attached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 50 percent of the proposed or existing primary dwelling
living area or 1,200 square feet.
(v) The total area of floorspace for a detached accessory dwelling unit
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
(vi) No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction
of an accessory dwelling unit.
(vii) No setback shall be required for an existing garage that is converted
to an accessory dwelling unit or to a portion of an accessory dwelling unit,
and a setback of no more than five feet from the side and rear lot lines shall
be required for an accessory dwelling unit that is constructed above a garage.
(viii) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings,
as appropriate.
(ix) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal
system is being used, if required.
(x) (I) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed
one parking space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less. These spaces
may be provided as tandem parking on a driveway.
(II) Offstreet parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations
determined by the local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific
findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not
feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life
safety conditions.
(III) This clause shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision
(d).
(xi) When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or
converted to an accessory dwelling unit, and the local agency requires that
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those offstreet parking spaces be replaced, the replacement spaces may be
located in any configuration on the same lot as the accessory dwelling unit,
including, but not limited to, as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem
spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile parking lifts. This clause
shall not apply to a unit that is described in subdivision (d).
(2) The ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(3) When a local agency receives its first application on or after July 1,
2003, for a permit pursuant to this subdivision, the application shall be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing,
notwithstanding Section 65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating
the issuance of variances or special use permits, within 120 days after
receiving the application. A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse it
for costs that it incurs as a result of amendments to this paragraph enacted
during the 2001–02 Regular Session of the Legislature, including the costs
of adopting or amending any ordinance that provides for the creation of an
accessory dwelling unit.
(4) An existing ordinance governing the creation of an accessory dwelling
unit by a local agency or an accessory dwelling ordinance adopted by a
local agency subsequent to the effective date of the act adding this paragraph
shall provide an approval process that includes only ministerial provisions
for the approval of accessory dwelling units and shall not include any
discretionary processes, provisions, or requirements for those units, except
as otherwise provided in this subdivision. In the event that a local agency
has an existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the
requirements of this subdivision, that ordinance shall be null and void upon
the effective date of the act adding this paragraph and that agency shall
thereafter apply the standards established in this subdivision for the approval
of accessory dwelling units, unless and until the agency adopts an ordinance
that complies with this section.
(5) No other local ordinance, policy, or regulation shall be the basis for
the denial of a building permit or a use permit under this subdivision.
(6) This subdivision establishes the maximum standards that local
agencies shall use to evaluate a proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot
zoned for residential use that includes a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling. No additional standards, other than those provided in this
subdivision, shall be utilized or imposed, except that a local agency may
require an applicant for a permit issued pursuant to this subdivision to be
an owner-occupant or that the property be used for rentals of terms longer
than 30 days.
(7) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to
incorporate the policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the
creation of an accessory dwelling unit if these provisions are consistent with
the limitations of this subdivision.
(8) An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to this subdivision shall
be deemed to be an accessory use or an accessory building and shall not be
considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is
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located, and shall be deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with
the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. The accessory
dwelling unit shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(b) When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing
accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a) receives an
application for a permit to create an accessory dwelling unit pursuant to this
subdivision, the local agency shall approve or disapprove the application
ministerially without discretionary review pursuant to subdivision (a) within
120 days after receiving the application.
(c) A local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit size
requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units. No
minimum or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, or size based
upon a percentage of the proposed or existing primary dwelling, shall be
established by ordinance for either attached or detached dwellings that does
not permit at least an efficiency unit to be constructed in compliance with
local development standards. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required
to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency, whether or not it has
adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance
with subdivision (a), shall not impose parking standards for an accessory
dwelling unit in any of the following instances:
(1) The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile of public
transit.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and
historically significant historic district.
(3) The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary
residence or an accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the
occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, a local agency
shall ministerially approve an application for a building permit to create
within a zone for single-family use one accessory dwelling unit per
single-family lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a
single-family residence or accessory structure, including, but not limited
to, a studio, pool house, or other similar structure, has independent exterior
access from the existing residence, and the side and rear setbacks are
sufficient for fire safety. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to
provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence. A
city may require owner occupancy for either the primary or the accessory
dwelling unit created through this process.
(f) (1) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units
shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section
66000) and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 66012).
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(2) Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered by a local agency,
special district, or water corporation to be a new residential use for the
purposes of calculating connection fees or capacity charges for utilities,
including water and sewer service.
(A) For an accessory dwelling unit described in subdivision (e), a local
agency, special district, or water corporation shall not require the applicant
to install a new or separate utility connection directly between the accessory
dwelling unit and the utility or impose a related connection fee or capacity
charge.
(B) For an accessory dwelling unit that is not described in subdivision
(e), a local agency, special district, or water corporation may require a new
or separate utility connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit
and the utility. Consistent with Section 66013, the connection may be subject
to a connection fee or capacity charge that shall be proportionate to the
burden of the proposed accessory dwelling unit, based upon either its size
or the number of its plumbing fixtures, upon the water or sewer system.
This fee or charge shall not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this
service.
(g) This section does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt
less restrictive requirements for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit.
(h) Local agencies shall submit a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant
to subdivision (a) to the Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption. The department may review
and comment on this submitted ordinance.
(i) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit
including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(2) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether
general law or chartered.
(3) For purposes of this section, “neighborhood” has the same meaning
as set forth in Section 65589.5.
(4) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one
or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family
dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health
and Safety Code.
(5) “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky
and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
(6) “Tandem parking” means that two or more automobiles are parked
on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or in any way
alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal Act of 1976
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(Division 20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources
Code), except that the local government shall not be required to hold public
hearings for coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling
units.
SEC. 2. Section 1.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
65852.2 of the Government Code proposed by both this bill and Senate Bill
229. That section shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted
and become effective on or before January 1, 2018, (2) each bill amends
Section 65852.2 of the Government Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after
Senate Bill 229, in which case Section 1 of this bill shall not become
operative.
SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6
of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or
school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments
sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act,
within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
O
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Chapter 17.10 - SECOND UNIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Sections:
17.10.010 - Purpose.
This chapter provides standards for the development and maintenance of second units on residential
lots in accordance with California State Government Code Section 65852.2. This chapter ensures that
second units in residential districts are developed and operated on adequate sites, at proper and
desirable locations, and that the goals and objectives of the general plan are observed. A second unit
which conforms to the following requirements shall not be considered to exceed the allowable density for
the lot upon which it is located and shall be deemed to be a residential use which is consistent with the
existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot.
(Ord. 320 § 7 (part), 1997)
17.10.020 - Development standards.
Second unit developments which adhere to the following standards, shall be permitted in all RS and
RM districts with the approval of a site plan review application by the director. Second unit developments
which do not meet the standards of this chapter shall be allowed in all RS and RM districts with the
approval of a conditional use permit, pursuant to Chapter 17.60 (Conditional Use Permits) and any other
applicable permits.
A. The lot on which a second unit is constructed shall contain a single-family residence, which
shall be considered as the primary use and dwelling unit, along with other nonhabitable
accessory structures, as normally allowed on such a lot. The distinction between the primary
unit and the second unit shall be made by the director and that distinction shall be incorporated
as a condition of approval of the appropriate application.
B. A trailer, as defined in Chapter 17.96 (Definitions) or any other recreational vehicle, may not be
stored, or maintained as a habitable unit, on a residential lot.
C. All second unit developments shall comply with all applicable building, housing, zoning and site
development standards, codes and regulations of the base zoning district in which it will be
located. This shall include, but not be limited to, standards regarding height (see subsection E
below), setbacks and lot coverage. All second units exceeding 12 feet in height shall comply
with the neighborhood compatibility requirements of Section 17.02.030(B).
D. The total area of floor space for a detached second unit, excluding any required garage space,
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet. The total area of floor space for an attached second unit,
excluding any required garage space, shall not exceed 30 percent of the primary residence's
main building floor area.
E. Whether attached or detached to the primary unit, the second unit shall not exceed 16 feet in
height, unless a height variation permit is granted pursuant to Section 17.02.040 (View
Preservation and Restoration). The height of a second unit shall be measured as follows,
whichever is lower:
1. The preconstruction (existing) grade at the highest elevation of the existing building pad
area covered by the structure, to the ridgeline or highest point of the structure, or
2. The post-construction grade where the lowest foundation or slab meets finished grade, to
the ridgeline or highest point of the structure.
F. Second units which are located on the second level of a primary unit shall share the same
entrance/exit as the primary unit. Exterior stairs leading to a second unit located on the second
level of a primary unit shall be prohibited, unless the stairs are leading to and/or connected to a
common hallway, deck or entry, rather than a specific room.
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G. The second unit shall include, in accordance with the Uniform Building Code, one full bathroom
and one kitchen and shall not include any additional bathrooms or kitchens. The second unit
shall also be limited to a maximum of two bedrooms.
H. The second unit shall be located on a lot or parcel which is served by a public sanitary sewer
system.
I. A minimum of one enclosed parking space shall be provided in an enclosed garage on the
property for the second unit, in addition to the parking requirements described in Section
17.02.030 (Development Standards) for the primary residence. Such parking area shall not be
tandem to, or block the access of, the parking areas for the primary residence.
J. Prior to the development of a second unit, the primary unit shall conform to the parking
standards described in Section 17.02.030 (Development Standards).
K. The primary unit and the second unit shall remain under the same ownership. The second unit
shall not be sold separately from the primary unit.
L. Either the primary unit or the second unit shall be owner occupied in order for the second unit to
qualify for and maintain the right to have an occupancy certification.
(Amended during 11-97 supplement; Ord. 320 § 7 (part), 1997)
(Ord. No. 615U, § 4, 1-15-19; Ord. No. 619, § 4, 3-19-19)
17.10.030 - Filing for record.
Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for approved second unit developments pursuant
to this chapter, a covenant accompanied with the adopting resolution and/or conditions of approval shall
be recorded by the city with the county recorder as a covenant running with the land. The covenant shall
also state that the owner agrees to all conditions of approval.
(Ord. 320 § 7 (part), 1997)
17.10.040 - Revocation.
If the site plan review application and/or the conditional use permit is revoked by the city pursuant to
the provisions of Chapter 17.86 (Enforcement) of this code, then the director shall file notice with the
county recorder that the second unit approval has been revoked and the property owner shall forthwith
convert the second unit to a legal structure or shall demolish such structure.
(Ord. 320 § 7 (part), 1997)
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