Committee discusses ADU process changes; votes to continue with Planning Department amendments

The Land Use & Transportation Committee on March 4 reviewed an ordinance to amend administrative and building codes and update the business and tax approval process for certain accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to conform with state ADU law and to clarify notification rules for landmarks and historic districts.

Aaron Starr of the Planning Department summarized changes made in response to an HCD review and said the Planning Commission recommended approval with modifications to clarify notification procedures when ADUs are proposed within Article 10 or 11 landmarks or historic districts. The department provided draft amendments clarifying that Article 10/11 notification requirements (not section 3.11) should apply in those cases.

Committee members accepted the Planning Department’s suggested amendments. Because the Planning Department characterized some of the late amendments as substantive, the committee voted to continue the item one week (to March 11) to allow review and finalize the ordinance text. President Peskin moved to continue and the motion passed with three ayes.