Committee continues ADU ordinance after staff explains state‑driven changes

Aaron Stark, manager of legislative affairs at the Planning Department, briefed the committee on an ordinance that would make the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules consistent with state law (staff referenced amendments tied to AB 2221 and SB 897). The staff presentation covered ministerial approval for qualifying ADUs, clarifications of lot‑coverage and setback rules to allow 800‑square‑foot ADUs with 4‑foot setbacks, owner‑occupancy exceptions for some institutional owners, changes to the hybrid ADU program, and related reporting and findings.

Stark said planning staff had coordinated with the Department of Housing and Community Development and that some items require further referral back to the Planning Commission. President Aaron Peskin and other supervisors said substantive amendments were circulated after the published packet and that they needed time to review the longer, amended draft. Planning staff explained the newer amendments were drafted in response to a recent HCD letter and asked for time to take the revised language back to the Planning Commission. The committee voted to continue the item to Jan. 22, 2024, so members could review the amendments.