Soledad council adopts ADU ordinance to align local rules with state housing law

The Soledad City Council on April 1 voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance No. 777, which amends the city's zoning code to update regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs and to implement elements of the city's housing element.

Planning staff Ariana (speaker 14) told the council the ordinance reflects prior council direction and earlier drafts dating to November, and that the final text will be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for review. "This ordinance has been with the city council for review since November," Ariana said, adding that only minor changes would be brought back if HCD requests non-substantive edits.

Council members had no questions and received no public comment during the hearing. After a motion to waive further reading and adopt the ordinance, the council approved the measure by roll call vote. The council's action updates local ADU definitions and owner-occupancy clarifications for JADUs (junior ADUs) that staff and the city attorney worked to align with state revisions.

The ordinance will be forwarded to HCD; if HCD requires material changes, staff said the item would return to council for further consideration. Otherwise, the updated regulations will be implemented administratively once HCD's review is complete.

The council enacted the ordinance as part of broader city housing implementation work and said it hopes the changes will clarify rules for homeowners and speed modest housing production consistent with state law.