Eureka council adopts ADU rules and short-term rental code in unanimous votes

EUREKA — At its Jan. 12 meeting the Eureka City Council approved two land-use ordinances: one creating rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and internal dwelling units, and another establishing a short-term rental code.

Council motioned to adopt "ordinance number 2026-01-12-01," described on the agenda as regulations for accessory dwelling units and internal dwelling units; the motion was seconded and the mayor declared the vote unanimous. Minutes of the meeting indicate the measure carried without further amendment.

Immediately afterward council considered "ordinance number 2026-01-12-02," described as an ordinance creating a short-term rental code. The council made the motion, a member seconded it, and the mayor again announced the vote as unanimous.

Why it matters: The ADU ordinance establishes local rules that affect housing density, accessory dwelling creation, and potential rental options on properties across the city. The short-term rental code creates a regulatory framework for rentals used for less-than-monthly stays; it may affect hosts, property-management businesses and neighborhoods depending on the final regulatory details and enforcement approach.

Council procedure and next steps: Both proposals were presented and adopted on first consideration at the Jan. 12 meeting by motion and voice vote. Staff did not present additional substantive material or extended debate on either ordinance during the meeting; council indicated these adopted ordinances will be entered into the city’s code and enforced per the city’s standard ordinance-adoption process.

The council did not provide detailed implementation steps, permit fees, or enforcement timelines in the Jan. 12 discussion; staff will publish the enacted text and next administrative steps following codification.