Salinas council introduces ADU zoning amendment to align city rules with state law

City planning staff told the Salinas City Council on Dec. 9 that the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance is out of compliance with state law and proposed rescinding the local ADU provisions while applying state ADU law for processing until a new, compliant local ordinance is adopted.

Planner Lisa Bridal said the proposed zoning-code amendment (No. 20250001) would rescind Section 37-50.25 and amend related definitions and development regulations so that ADU applications are processed pursuant to state ADU law. Staff recommended the Council find the action categorically exempt under CEQA (Class 5) as a minor land-use alteration. Bridal said the city has effectively been relying on state ADU law since 2020 and that the change is intended to avoid confusion.

Council members asked how ongoing ADU applications would be handled; staff said existing applicants will be processed under state ADU law and the amendment clarifies that approach. The council voted to introduce the ordinance and scheduled a required second reading for Jan. 13, 2026.