(a) Pre-Application Conference. Prior to filing an application for a building permit for an ADU, the applicant shall meet with appropriate staff members of the Division of Planning to discuss the proposed permit. The purpose of this conference is to discuss, at the earliest stages, the requirements, procedures and issues related to the proposed ADU, and to provide guidance for the property owner relative to the Homeowner's Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU Manual).
It is intended that this conference will help to alleviate possible conflicts by early recognition of existing conditions, necessary facilities, and the recommendations of the ADU Manual pertaining to design, layout, and other considerations. The applicant shall arrange the conference, which shall be held not less than five (5) working days nor more than three (3) months prior to submitting the application.
The staff shall keep a record of the conference date and include the information in the records of the building permit file. The Division of Planning shall not accept an application for a zoning compliance permit for an ADU for which a pre-application conference has not been held.
(b) Construction. An ADU may be created through new construction, an alteration of an existing structure, addition to an existing structure, or conversion of an existing structure to an ADU while simultaneously constructing a new primary dwelling unit on the site. A modular or manufactured home may be utilized as an ADU, provided it meets all other requirements of this section and is attached to a permanent foundation.
(c) Number of Units. One (1) ADU is permitted per single family dwelling per lot.
(d) Minimum Lot Size. None.
(e) Maximum ADU Size. Eight hundred (800) square feet, except, Conversion: There is no limit on the size for the conversion of an existing basement to an ADU, so long as the conversion remains within the footprint of the structure.
(f) Maximum Floor Area (FAR) and Lot Coverage. For an attached ADU, the maximum FAR and lot coverage shall be that of the underlying zone.
(g) Yard requirements. For an attached ADU, the yard requirements shall be those required for a principal structure in the underlying zone.
(h) Maximum Height. For an attached ADU, the maximum height shall be that of the underlying zone.
(i) Off-Street Parking. For ADUs located in a zone with a maximum parking requirement, one (1) additional space may be permitted.
(j) Short-Term Rentals shall be operated in accordance with Section 3-13.
(k) Design Standards.
Entrances: Only one (1) pedestrian entrance to the structure may be located on the primary wall plane of the dwelling unit.
Exterior Stairs: Any exterior stairs to serve as the primary entrance to an ADU within the principal structure shall be located on the side or rear of such the primary dwelling.
However, as per Section 4-4, any alterations that would result in the structure becoming less conforming to those standards it does not meet is not allowed.
(m) Maximum Occupancy Limit. A maximum of two (2) persons and any children related to either of them or under their care through a duly authorized custodial relationship may reside in the ADU.