(A) Location. Accessory dwelling units are allowed on lots zoned for single-family residential which contain or are proposed to be developed with a single-family dwelling, or on lots zoned for multi-family residential or mixed-use residential use which contain or are proposed to be developed with a multi-family dwelling. Subject to standards of this section, accessory dwelling units may be attached, detached, or located within an existing primary residence or an accessory structure. Junior accessory dwelling units shall only be allowed on lots zoned for single-family residential use, and which are contained or are proposed to be developed with a single-family dwelling.
(B) Setbacks. No setback is required for an existing garage living area or accessory structure or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit or to a portion of an accessory dwelling unit. A setback of no more than four feet from the side and rear lot lines is required for an accessory dwelling unit that is not converted from an existing structure or a new structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.
(C) Height of accessory dwelling unit structure. An ADU shall be limited to one floor or 16 feet in height and shall not exceed the height limit of the zone in which the ADU is located.
(D) Lot size. There shall be no minimum lot size required for the establishment of an ADU or a JADU.
(E) Lot coverage. No requirement.
(F) Attached ADU size. The total floor area of an attached ADU shall not exceed 50% of the floor area of the primary residence or 850 square feet, whichever is greater. However, if the ADU contains more than one bedroom, maximum size of the ADU shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.
(G) Detached ADU size. The total floor area of a detached ADU shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
(H) JADU size. The total floor area of a JADU shall not exceed 500 square feet.
(I) Conversion of existing space to an ADU. There is no unit size limit, height limit, lot coverage, or setback requirement, except for compliance with building and safety codes, for conversion of existing space to an ADU.
(J) Fire sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall be required for ADUs if fire sprinklers are required for the primary residence.
(K) Number of dwelling units.
(1) Single-family zones. A maximum of three dwelling units shall be permitted on a lot, including the primary single-family residence, a single ADU and a single JADU on lots that contain or are proposed to be developed with a single-family dwelling.
(2) Multi-family zones. The number of accessory dwelling units that may be constructed on any lot in a multi-family zone is limited as follows:
(a) A maximum of two detached accessory dwelling units may be constructed on lots which contain or are proposed to be developed with a multi-family dwelling unit, so long as the accessory dwelling unit has at least four-foot side and rear yards setbacks.
(b) Within an existing multi-family dwelling structure, an accessory dwelling unit may be converted from areas not used as livable space (i.e., storage room, office, and the like), including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages.
(c) One accessory dwelling unit within an existing multi-family dwelling and shall allow up to 25% of the existing multi-family dwelling units.
(d) Junior accessory dwelling units are not permitted in multi-family zones.
(L) Off-street parking. One parking space per accessory dwelling unit shall be provided. These spaces may be provided as tandem parking on an existing driveway, or on a driveway in a side yard and rear yard. No additional parking for the accessory dwelling unit is required if any one of the following conditions are met:
(1) The unit is located within a half-mile of public transit;
(2) The unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district;
(3) The unit is part of (i.e., contained within) the footprint of the primary residence or an accessory building;
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the unit; or
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the ADU.
(M) Location of required parking. Parking required for accessory dwelling units may be located in the following locations, as approved by the city, ordered from most preferred to least preferred:
(1) When an existing permitted garage or carport is converted to an ADU or JADU, replacement parking does not need to be provided;
(2) A garage, carport, or covered space on a driveway, which complies with required setbacks for both the primary and accessory structures;
(3) An uncovered tandem space on a driveway;
(4) Within the required street side yard setback;
(5) Within the required rear yard setback;
(6) Within the required front yard setback; and
(7) Parking in setbacks and tandem driveway parking may be denied if the Building Official determines that parking in those areas is unsafe due to site specific fire and/or life safety conditions.
(N) Access. The accessory dwelling unit shall utilize the same vehicular access that serves the existing main dwelling, unless:
(1) The second unit has access from an alley contiguous to the lot; or
(2) The lot is a corner lot with a second driveway, and the second driveway is located on the side street; and
(3) A second driveway does not result in the loss of an on-street parking space.
(4) No passageway connecting the accessory dwelling unit to a street is required. Each accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall maintain independent exterior access from the existing residence.
(O) Way finding. Each unit shall display address in compliance with the current Cal. Residential Code as adopted and amended by the city.
(P) Utilities. All utilities servicing the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit may be metered in conjunction with the primary dwelling, in compliance with state law.
(Ord. 2021-03, passed 12-7-2021)