The City Council meeting on Oct. 9, 2023 saw the council aligning local code with state law, adopting an ordinance that will increase the total number of Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, allowed on a residential lot citywide, including in the Culver Crest neighborhood. This updates the City’s existing code to conform with the state law, allowing for three ADUs on a property, as long as other rules and regulations are met.
The Culver Crest was a special consideration because of a history of landslides in the area.
While the process, initially brought to the council the last Sept. 11, was a part of the consent calendar it was the final chapter in a years-long controversy over the permissibility of additional dwelling units in the city.
From the ordinance, “The proposed Zoning Code Text Amendments will help to ensure that the Zoning Code is clear and internally consistent with State mandated accessory dwelling unit laws. The amendments will serve to improve Current Planning’s implementation of General Plan policies and Zoning standards affecting residential property owners and developers. The amendments support the public interest, health, safety, convenience, and welfare of the City.”
The ADU ordinance is also “considered exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 21080.17 which exempts the adoption of an ordinance approving Zoning Code amendments related to accessory dwelling units implementing the provisions of Government Code Section(s) 65852.1 and 65852.2.”
Judith Martin-Straw
