Laserfiche WebLink
requirement, height, and allowable number of bedrooms in an ADU. 7.B. - Page 2 <br /> On September 9, 2014, staff sought direction from the Planning Commission on <br /> potential opportunities in the existing ordinance where flexibility in the ADU requirements <br /> could be accommodated while respecting neighborhood character. Based on further <br /> discussion at the October 6, 2015 Planning Commission hearing, staff has prepared a <br /> Draft Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Attachment 1). Details regarding the initial <br /> community outreach activities and outcomes are located on the City's website at <br /> http://www.redwoodcity.org/adu. <br /> State Law and City Housing Policies. State law encourages the creation of ADUs, and <br /> requires that the local rules not unreasonably restrict the ability of homeowners to build <br /> ADUs (Government Section 65852.2, <br /> http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?IawCode=GOV&amp;s <br /> ectionNum=65852.150 and Section 65852.150) <br /> http://leqinfo.legislature.ca.qov/faces/codes displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;s <br /> ectionNum=65852.150). The City's Housing Element encourages a variety of <br /> housing types and affordability levels to meet the varied needs of residents and its <br /> workforce, minimize potential constraints to housing production and affordability, and <br /> provide rules that facilitate the development of ADUs while retaining neighborhood <br /> character. <br /> ANALYSIS <br /> Under the existing ADU Ordinance, ADUs up to 640 square feet are permitted in all <br /> residential zoning districts (RH, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5). Based on feedback from <br /> the initial outreach efforts and from staff's observations, the development standards that <br /> preclude the construction of an ADU are: <br /> 1. The 20-foot minimum rear yard setback requirement; <br /> 2. The three parking stall requirement (2 covered spaces for the main residence <br /> and 1 uncovered space for the ADU), all of which may not be located in a <br /> required setback area; <br /> 3. The requirement that homeowners must live in the main house. <br /> Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Amendments <br /> In summary, the Draft ADU Ordinance Amendments would include the following <br /> changes: <br /> 1. Flexibility in Parking Design: Allow parking in the required front, side, and rear <br /> yard setbacks to meet the one additional space requirement for the ADU. The <br /> Ordinance will no longer require single-family homes to provide two covered <br /> spaces as well as provide one additional space for the ADU. <br /> 2. Reduced Rear Yard Setback: Allow a six-foot rear yard setback and 14-foot <br /> height limit for a detached, one-story ADU, provided that the ADU meets all <br /> other single- family residential development standards of the underlying zoning <br /> district. The 6-foot rear yard setback and 14-foot height limit would be <br /> consistent with the rear yard setback and height limitations for accessory <br /> buildings such as detached garages or sheds. <br /> Page 2 of 8 <br />