HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02 - Approve Code Amendment PCTY-24-0002 (Accessory Dwelling Units)ORDINANCE N0. 2025-02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT PCTY-24-0002 AMENDING
CHAPTER V, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 13-35 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) OF
TITLE 13 0F THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO CONFORM TO RECENT
REVISIONS TO ST ATE LAW
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA DOES
HEREBY FIND AND DECLARE AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, updates to the City's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) provisions are required to provide consistencies
between the City's Zoning Code and the State law; and
WHEREAS, in response to the implementation of State and local law regarding
ADUs and JADUs, City staff and the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) found inconsistencies in the City's ADU provisions that require
updating; and
WHEREAS, recently adopted State housing laws, including SB 477, SB 1211,
AB2533, and AB 1033, require updates to the City's ADU and JADU provisions; and
WHEREAS, the City has acknowledged all HCD comments in the proposed
Ordinance with the exception of prohibiting the use of JADUs for short-term rentals.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 66310, the legislature has determined the
following: (1) ADUs and JADUs are "a valuable form of housing in California"; (2) ADUs
and JADUs "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
Ordinance No. 2025-02 Page 1 of 4
existing and future residents within existing neighborhoods, while respecting architectural
character"; and (8) Accessory dwelling units are, therefore, an essential component of
California's housing supply. Thus, allowing JADUs to be rented for short-term rentals that
are facilitated by online marketplaces would reduce and threaten the availability of
housing, including affordable housing, within the City during the State housing crisis, and
therefore allowing the prohibition of short-term rentals of the City's JADUs is consistent
with State ADU law, specifically Government Code Section 66310; and
WHEREAS, Government Code section 66316 provides in part, "if 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;" and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance is necessary to implement State and local ADU
provisions, establish the minimum development standards in the Costa Mesa Municipal
Code to regulate ADUs, and to ensure consistency with State law.
Now, therefore, THE CITY' COUNCIL OF THE CITY' OF COSTA MESA HEREBY
ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Code Amendment. Section 13-35 (Accessory Dwellinq Units). Chapter V,
Article 1, Section 13-35 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of Title 13, Planning, Zoning and
Development of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code, as specified in Exhibit A, attached
hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, is hereby amended as set forth therein.
Section 2. Repeal. All portions of prior ordinances, including those within Urgency
Ordinance 1 9-'19, to the extent that they are inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance
are hereby repealed and replaced by this Ordinance.
Section 3. Compliance with CEQA. Adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Public Resources Code
Section 21080.17 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15282(h), in that the adoption of an
ordinance regarding second units in a single-family or multifamily zone by a city or county
to implement the provisions of Sections 65852. 1, 65852.150 and 65852.2 is exempt from
the requirements of CEQA. In addition, the proposed ordinance amendment is exempt
from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 1506'l(b)(3) in that there is no
possibility that the minor updates to the City's ADU provisions will have a significant
impact on the environment.
Ordinance No. 2025-02 Page 2 of 4
Section 4. Inconsistencies with State Law. Any provision of this Ordinance which is
inconsistent with State law shall be interpreted in a manner which is the most limiting on
the ability to create ADUs or Junior ADUs, but which is consistent with State law. Any
provision of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the
provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is
hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to effect the provisions of this
Ordinance.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion
of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision
of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa hereby
declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection,
sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more
sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or portions be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
Section6. EffectiveDate. ThisOrdinanceshalltakeeffectonthe31stdayafteradoption.
Section 7. Certification. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall certify to the
passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published or
posted in the manner required by law.
Section 8. Transmit Ordinance to HCD. The City Clerk is directed to send a copy of this
ordinance to the Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days of
the adoption of this Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2025-02 Page 3 of 4
PASSED AND ADOPTED this Ist day of April, 2025
ATTEST:APPROVED AS TO FORM
Kimberly H Barlow,City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
CITY'OFCOSTAMESA )
SS
1, BRENDA GREEN, City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa, DO HEREBY CERTIFY
that the above and foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-02 was introduced at a regular meeting
of the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa held on the IBth day of March, 2025, and
was thereaffer was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held
on the I s' day of April, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BULEY,
CHAVEZ,
GAMEROS, MARR, PETTIS, REYNOLDS,
AND STEPHENS.
NOES:COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE.
ABSENT:COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereby set my hand and affixed the seal of the City of
Costa Mesa this 2nd day of April, 2025.
BrendaGreen,Ch;yClerk
Ordinance No. 2025-02 Page 4 of 4
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§ 13-35 Accessory dwelling units.
(a)Purpose, general plan consistency, definitions.
(1)Purpose and interpretation. The intent of this section is to ensure that
accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs remain as an accessory uses
in residential and mixed-use zones, that the structures on parcels are organized
to accommodate an ADU and/or Junior ADU, and that such dwelling units do not
adversely impact surrounding residents or the community. This section 13-35 is
intended to retain the ability of the city to regulate ADUs in terms of design,
aesthetics, massing and integration with existing structures and to comply with
the requirements of state law.
(2)General plan consistency. In adopting these standards, the city recognizes
that the approval of dwelling units may, in some instances, result in dwelling
densities exceeding the maximum densities prescribed by the general plan. The
city finds that this occurrence is consistent with the general plan, as allowed
under state planning and zoning law applicable to ADUs, and that the
amendment furthers the goals, objectives, and policies of the general plan
housing element.
(3)Definitions. For purpose of this section 13-35 only:
a.The terms "accessory dwelling unit" (ADU), "public transit,"
"passageway" and "tandem parking" all have the same meaning as that
stated in Government Code section 65852.266313 as that section may be
amended from time to time.
b."Junior ADU" shall have the same meaning as that stated in
Government Code section 65852.2266313(dh)(1) as that section may be
amended from time to time.
c.A structure is considered "existing" if a building permit was issued and
finalized before an ADU or JADU application is submitted under this
section.
d.The terms "single-family dwelling" and "multifamily dwelling" exclude all
detached accessory structures.
e.The term "single-family dwelling" is a dwelling (excluding any ADU or
Junior ADU) that is not attached to another dwelling. Single-family
dwellings may include detached single-family homes where there is more
than one primary dwelling on a lot.
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f. A "multifamily dwelling" is a dwelling (excluding any ADU or Junior ADU)
within a multifamily dwelling structure.
g. A "multifamily dwelling structure" is a structure which contains at least
two lawful dwellings within the structure, excluding ADUs and Junior
ADUs. Storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements,
garages and other non-habitable spaces are considered within a
"multifamily dwelling structure" if such non-habitable spaces are within the
same structure as at least two other multifamily dwellings.
(b) Accessory dwelling units.
(1) Residential and mixed use zones only. ADUs are permitted in single-family,
multifamily, and mixed-use zones (i.e., zones where single-family and/or
multifamily dwellings are allowed), and within approved master plan sites with
residential uses in other zones, and only on a legal lot with proposed or existing
residential dwelling(s) which will remain on site. By way of illustration only, the
zones where accessory dwellings are allowed are shown on the Citywide Land
Use Matrix at section 13-30. If there is any conflict between the requirement that
ADUs be approved in (and only in) zones where single-family and multifamily
dwellings are allowed and the Land Use Matrix, the former shall control.
(2) Underlying zone. Except as otherwise provided in this section, ADUs shall
conform to the development standards of the underlying zone.Reserved.
(3) Ministerial. Any application for an ADU that meets the requirements of this
section shall be approved ministerially by the city by applying the standards
herein and without a public hearing or notice of decision or zoning approval in
compliance with government code section 66317.
(4) Maximum number of dwelling units. The following is the maximum number of
ADUs and or Junior ADUs allowed on any lot. Only one category may be used
per lot including lots that include a mixture of single-family and multiple family
dwellings with the exception as allowed in subsection c below.
a. Single-family. One detached, new construction ADU, one conversion
ADU, and one junior ADU Only one ADU and only one Junior ADU may
be permitted on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling
subject to the following:
1. Conversion within a single-family dwelling.
Page 3 of 12
(i) An ADU or and Junior ADU may be within the existing
footprint of a lawful single-family dwelling. Alternatively, an
ADU may be within a lawfully constructed existing detached
accessory structure; in this case up to 150 square feet may
be added beyond the physical dimensions of the existing
accessory structure solely to accommodate ingress and
egress to the ADU; and
(ii) Each such ADUs and Junior ADUs must have
independent exterior access from the single-family dwelling,
and have side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire safety;
orand
2. New construction (attached or detached). One new construction
ADU may be permitted on a lot with proposed or existing single-
family dwelling. One new construction Junior ADU may be allowed
on the lot if the Junior ADU is to be in a single-family dwelling that
meets all applicable legal standards.
b. Multifamily. Junior ADUs are not allowed on a lot with more than one
residence. One ADUs are not is allowed within new construction
residences where, after construction, there will be at least two residences
on the lot (e.g. detached residential structures, duplexes, apartments); up
to two ADUs are allowed with such structures pursuant to subsection 32,
below. For lots with an existing legal multifamily dwelling (e.g., a legal non-
conforming multifamily dwelling), the applicant may have ADU(s) pursuant
to one of the following:
1. Maximum ADUs within existing multifamily dwelling structure. No
more than 25%, with any partial unit rounded down) of the number
of existing multifamily dwelling units on the lot, but at least one unit,
shall be permitted as ADU(s) constructed within the enclosed
nonlivable space (e.g., a space in a dwelling not intended for
human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or
sanitation)storage rooms, boiler rooms, hallways, attics,
basements, or garages) of the existing multifamily dwelling
structures; or
2. Maximum attached ADUs. No more than one attached ADU is permitted. The
attached ADU shall be included in the number of detached ADUs. The ADU shall be
attached to the multifamily dwelling structure; or
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3. 2. Maximum detached ADUs. No more than two eight detached
ADUs are permitted, provided that the number of accessory
dwelling units allowable pursuant to this clause shall not exceed the
number of existing units on the lot.. Both The units shall be
detached from every residence on site (but need not be detached
from each other) with the exception of one ADU, which may be
attached to the multifamily dwelling structure. This section shall
apply to detached structures that are converted and new
construction detached ADUs. Conversion detached ADUs are not
subject to height, setbacks, and maximum square footage; or
4. Maximum mixed (detached/within) ADUs. No more than 25%,
with any partial unit rounded down) of the number of existing
multifamily dwelling units on the lot, but at least one unit, shall be
permitted as ADU(s) constructed within the enclosed nonlivable
space (e.g., storage rooms, boiler rooms, hallways, attics,
basements, or garages) of the existing multifamily dwelling
structures; and no more than two ADUs that are detached from
each multifamily dwelling structure on site.
c. Common interest developments. One conversion ADU may be
permitted per unit on lots developed with common interest developments.
(5) Maximum size.
a. Single-family.
1. Detached. For lots with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling, a detached ADU shall not have more than 1,200 square
feet.
2. Attached. An ADU attached to a single-family dwelling shall be
no more than the greater of 50% of the square footage of the
existing single-family dwelling or 1,000 square feet.
b. Multifamily, exterior new construction.
1. Detached. For lots with an existing legal multifamily dwelling
structure the maximum square footage for a detached ADU is 850
square feet or 1,000 square feet for an ADU that provides more
than one bedroom, except as allowed in Government Code Section
66323.; proposing one new construction detached ADU, the ADU
shall not exceed 1,200 square feet. For lots with an existing or
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proposed legal multifamily dwelling structure proposing two
detached ADUs, the ADUs shall not exceed 800 square feet; or
2. Attached. For lots with an existing legal multifamily dwelling
structure, an attached ADU shall not exceed the greater of 1,000
square feet or 50% of the average floor area of the existing multiple
family dwelling units.
c. Interior conversions. Notwithstanding subsections a and b immediately
above, ADUs which are converted from space entirely within lawful
existing structures, and ADUs entirely within proposed lawful single-family
dwellings, are not subject to a limit on maximum square footage.
(6) Minimum size.
a. ADUs may be efficiency units. Notwithstanding the general limitation on
efficiency units being no smaller than 220 square feet, ADUs may also be
less than 220 square feet, provided that they are no smaller than 150
square feet, and comply with all other legal requirements.
(7) Conversions of dwelling units.
a. Total conversion of single-family dwelling. An entire existing single-
family dwelling may be converted to an ADU if the ADU complies with all
applicable requirements of this section and a new single-family residence
with a total gross floor area exceeding that of the ADU is constructed in
full compliance with code requirements.
b. Partial conversion/addition. A portion of the existing single-family or
multifamily dwelling may be converted to an ADU with new additional
square footage, which additional square footage shall comply with all
standards applicable to attached ADUsthe underlying zone, and all
converted square footage shall comply with standards applicable to
conversions. The maximum square footage of the attached ADU shall be
based upon the size of the existing dwelling before construction of the
ADU addition.
(8) Short-term rentals prohibited. An ADU shall not be rented for periods of less
than 31 days.
(c) Junior ADUs.
(1) Rule. Junior ADUs shall comply with the requirements of this subsection, in
addition to the requirements of subsection (d) of this section 13-35.
Page 6 of 12
(2) Maximum size. A Junior ADU shall not exceed 500 square feet in gross floor
area.
(3) Owner occupancy requirement. The owner of a parcel proposed for a Junior
ADU shall occupy as a primary residence either the primary dwelling unit or the
Junior ADU. Owner-occupancy is not required if the owner is a governmental
agency, land trust, or "housing organization" as that term is defined
in Government Code section 65589.5(k)(2), as that section may be amended
from time to time.
(4) Short-term rentals prohibited. A Junior ADU shall not be rented for periods of
less than 31 days unless otherwise authorized by the municipal code.
(5) Location of Junior ADU. A Junior ADU shall be entirely within an existing or
proposed single-family dwelling, including an attached garage.
(6) Kitchen requirements. A Junior ADU shall include an efficiency kitchen,
including a cooking facility with appliances, outlet for a small refrigerator, food
preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation
to the size of the Junior ADU.
(7) Parking. No additional parking is required beyond that already required for the
primary dwelling.
(8) Fire protection; utility service. For the purposes of any fire or life protection
ordinance or regulation or for the purposes of providing service for water, sewer,
or power, a Junior ADU shall not be considered a separate or new unit, unless
the Junior ADU was constructed in conjunction with a new single-family dwelling.
No separate connection between the Junior ADU and the utility shall be required
for units created within a single-family dwelling, unless the Junior ADU is being
constructed in connection with a new single-family dwelling.
(9) Exterior and interior access. The Junior ADU shall include an exterior
entrance separate from the main entrance to the single-family dwelling. If the
Junior ADU shares bathroom facilities with the main dwelling, the Junior ADU
shall also have interior entry to the main dwelling's living area.
(d) Development standards and requirements. The following development standards
shall not apply to a unit built subject to Government Code section 66323 (a), which
includes: 1.) all converted unitsADUs (converted accessory structures are eligible for a
150 square foot expansion for purposes of ingress and egress), 2.) all converted
JADUs, 3.) maximum 800 -square -foot, new-construction, detached ADUs with four-
foot side and rear setbacks and height not exceeding 18 feet (two additional feet of
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height may be permitted to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with
the roof pitch of the primary unit), with single-family primary dwellings, and 4.) detached
units with multifamily primary dwelling structures with four-foot side and rear setbacks
and height not exceeding 18 feet (two additional feet of height may be permitted to
accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary
units). Otherwise, Aall ADUs and Junior ADUs must comply with the following
requirements unless the below standards and requirements preclude the development
of an 800 square foot ADU with four-foot side and rear setbacks :
(1) Ministerial project. Any application for an ADU or Junior ADU that meets the
requirements of this section or as permissible in Government Code Section
66332 shall be approved without a public hearing.
(2) Application by owner. An application for a building permit for an ADU or
Junior ADU building permit shall be made by the owner of the parcel on which
the primary unit sits and shall be filed with the city on a city-approved application
form and subject to the established fee set by city council resolution as it may be
amended from time to time.
(3) Separate sale prohibited. Except as otherwise provided by law
(e.g., Government Code section 65852.26), ADUs and Junior ADUs may not be
sold or otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence.
(4) Utilities.
a. All ADUs and Junior ADUs must be connected to public utilities (or their
equivalent), including water, electric, and sewer services.
b. Except as provided in subsection c immediately below, the city may
require the installation of a new or separate utility connection between the
ADU and the utility. For Junior ADUs, see subsection (c)(8), above.
c. No separate connection between the ADU and the utility shall be
required for units created within a single-family dwelling, unless the ADU
is being constructed in connection with a new single-family dwelling.
d. Each ADU and Junior ADU shall have a separate mailing address as
assigned by the City.
(5) Recorded covenants. Before obtaining a building permit,Prior to final
inspection and occupancy of JADUs, the owner shall file with the county
recorder, in a form approved by the city attorney, a covenant which does all of
the following:
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a. Prohibit the sale of the ADU and Junior ADU separate from the single-
family residence; and
b. Unless subsequently prohibited by an amendment to state law, for
ADUs approved on or after January 1, 2025, the JADU shall be
considered legal only as long as either the primary residence or the JADU
is occupied by the owner of record unless the owner is another
governmental agency, land trust, or housing organizationor state law is
amended to prohibit such requirements. Junior ADUs require owner
occupancy of either the single-family dwelling or the Junior ADU; and
c. Restrict the ADU or JADU to the maximum size allowed by Municipal
Code section 13-35, as it may be amended from time to time; and
d. Unless authorized by this Code, prohibit renting the ADU for periods
less than 31 days; and
de. Confirm that the restrictions shall be binding upon any successor in
ownership of the property, and lack of compliance shall result in legal
action against the property owner for noncompliance.
(6) Passageway. No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the
construction of an ADU.
(7) Building permits required. Applications for ADUs and Junior ADUs shall
conform to the requirements for, and shall obtain, a building permit consistent
with the requirements of Title 5 (Buildings and Structures). By way of reference
only, current requirements generally require all dwellings to have no less than
220 square feet. Fire sprinklers shall not be required if they are not required for
the primary residence; if, however, the ADU is attached to the primary dwelling,
and if an addition to the dwelling would require sprinklers for an addition to the
primary dwelling in the same location, then sprinklers shall be required.
(8) Setbacks.
a. None. No setbacks are required for either: (1) those portions of ADUs
that are created by converting existing living area or existing accessory
structures to a new ADU; or (2) constructing new ADUs in the same
location, while not exceeding the existing dimensions of an existing
structure, including height. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs shall, at
minimum, comply with setbacks that are sufficient for fire and life safety.
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b. Other setbacks. For all other ADUs, there shall be a minimum of
setbacks of four feet from side and rear property lines and full compliance
with all applicable front yard setbacks for the underlying zone (except as
required by (Gov. Code, § 66321, subd. (b)(3)). Second floor ADUs shall
provide setbacks in conformance with the underlying zone. All mechanical
equipment associated with the ADU shall maintain the minimum setbacks.
c. Distance between structures. The minimum required distance between
a detached ADU and the primary dwelling unit, and all other structures on
the property, including garages, shall be six feet unless otherwise
established by the California Building Code.
(9) Height. Except as authorized in subsection b, below, in no event may any
portion of a new construction ADU exceed 27 feet or two stories. or exceed the
height of any other dwelling that could legally be on the property. In all cases, a
height of at least 18 feet shall be allowed for ADUs. An additional two feet in
height may be permitted to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned
with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit. Furthermore, except as authorized
in subsection a and b, below, an ADU shall be entirely only on the first floor.
a. Second floor or two-stories. An ADU on a lot which has an existing
lawfully constructed dwelling, may be in whole or in part on a second floor,
or be a two- story ADU, if all five of the following occur:
1. All portions of the ADU structure on a second floor are at least 25
feet from the front property line; and
2. Each stairwell for the ADU is interior or complies with
subsection (10), below; and
3. The second floor of any portion of the ADU, if built above a
detached garage, does not exceed the footprint of the garage; and
4. No windows are installed on the second floor on side elevations
if such windows are within 25 feet of a neighboring dwelling and
face the neighboring property unless such windows have a
minimum sill height of at least five feet; and
5. The second floor (or the entire two story ADU as applicable)
meets the setbacks applicable to additions for the underlying zone.
b. Within structure. The ADU is built entirely within either:
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1. A proposed or existing lawfully constructed single-family
dwelling, except that an external stairwell to the ADU which meets
all requirements of this Code, including the requirements of
subsection (10), below, may be constructed to allow access to the
ADU; or
2. The non-habitable space of an existing multifamily structure or
within an accessory structure on a lot with a multifamily structure.
(10) Exterior stairways, balconies.
a. Exterior stairways. A new exterior stairway to a second-floor ADU shall
not be visible from the public right of way at the front of the property.
Second floor landings using an exterior stairway shall be kept to the
minimum size required to comply with applicable codes. Stairways and
landings shall incorporate screening materials designed to eliminate views
into abutting properties. Stairways and landings, which exceed building
code minimum sizes, are prohibited. Stairways and landings shall not be
counted toward residential open space requirements.
b. Balconies. New balconies which face the street and are located at the
front of the main residential structure are permitted provided that the
balcony be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the front property line. On
corner properties, balconies may face the side street provided that they
maintain the setback for the underlying zone. Balconies within 25 feet of a
neighboring residence shall incorporate screening to ensure there are no
direct views into the abutting property. New construction balconies that are
not facing the front of the property or a side street, are prohibited.
c. Roof decks. No new roof decks are allowed for ADUs.
(11) Architectural standards.
a. Attached and detached ADUs. Each Attached and detached ADUs
ADU which is attached to the primary dwelling shall appear to be part of
the primary dwelling. It shall have the same design, materials, finishes,
and colors as the primary dwelling and shall be in accordance with code
design standards and guidelines applicable to the zone.
b. Detached ADUs. Any detached ADU shall be compatible in exterior
appearance with the primary unit or units in terms of design, materials,
finishes, and colors within the same property on which it is proposed to be
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constructed, in accordance with code design standards and guidelines
applicable to the zone.
c. New construction Junior ADUs. New construction Junior ADUs shall
match exterior appearance with the primary unit in terms of design,
materials, finishes, and colors within the same property on which it is
proposed to be constructed, in accordance with code design standards
and guidelines applicable to the zone.
(12) Recommended gGarage conversions .design considerations.
a. No blank Blank facade. When a garage is converted to an ADU, if the
facade of the converted garage is visible from a public right-of-way, the
following design considerations are recommended:facade shall implement
at least one of the following:
1. Be covered with landscaping that covers at least 50% of the wall,
or
2. Include openings of at least 10% of the facade with at least one
door that complies with section (13) below or one window which
matches the material and design of the existing windows on the
residence.
b. (13) Driveway removal. The If a driveway leading to a garage being converted
to an ADU may only beis removed, if it is must be replaced with landscaping or
open space, and the curb cut and driveway apron are must be removed and
replaced with a curb and gutter and parkway which meets city standards. If a
driveway is Ppartially driveway removaleds, may be permitted if the remaining
driveway must provides the minimum parking dimensions per
subsection (1415) below.
(1314) Entry. The entrance to an ADU or Junior ADU shall match the materials
and color of the primary residence(s), not be located on the same building
elevation as the main reentrance of the primary residence(s) and shall be located
along the building side, rear, or within the interior of the property, unless the
economic and development services director approves an alternative
configuration due to unique development circumstances.
(1415) Parking.
a. The owner may provide parking that is at least eight and a half (8.5) feet
wide and 18 feet long and may be provided as:
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1. Tandem parking on an existing driveway in a manner that does
not encroach onto a public sidewalk; or
2. Within a setback area or in locations determined feasible by the
city. Locations will be determined infeasible based upon specific
site or regional topographical or fire and life safety conditions, or
that such parking is not permitted anywhere else in the city.
b. When any parking space or parking structure an existing garage,
carport, or covered parking structure is converted or demolished in
conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, the
off-street parking spaces do not have to be replaced, notwithstanding any
other provision of this code to the contrary (e.g., the definition of
"driveway" in section 13-6, Table 20-8(c) a driveway does not lose its
status as a lawful "driveway" if it leads to a structure that was either
converted from a garage into either an ADU or Junior ADU or demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or Junior ADU. In no event
shall the demolition of a parking space or parking structure garage be
considered "in conjunction with" the construction of an ADU if the ADU will
not be constructed within any portion of the footprint of the demolished
garage.
(1516) Non-conforming. The city shall not require, as a condition of a permit for
an ADU or Junior ADU the correction of nonconforming development standards.
(16) Short-term rentals prohibited. ADUs and Junior ADUs shall not be rented for
a term of less than 31 days, unless otherwise authorized by this Code.
(17) Open space and landscaping. ADUs which exceed 800 square feet in gross
floor area shall meet the open space requirements of section 13-32 and shall be
subject to provide landscaping as required in section 13-106.