Adelanto council introduces ADU update to align local code with state rules

Adelanto Mayor Reyes and the City Council voted to introduce Ordinance 660 on first reading, a staff-drafted update to the city's ADU and junior ADU regulations intended to bring the Adelanto Municipal Code into conformance with California Government Code provisions for accessory dwelling units.

In a staff presentation, Naika Allen, project planner, said the ordinance amends chapter 17.2 of the municipal code to align local rules with Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13 of state law. She identified three notable changes staff implemented to comply with state requirements: increasing the backyard setback to the state minimum (from the city's previous four feet to five feet), explicitly allowing up to two backyard ADUs in some circumstances, and adding clear review procedures for junior ADUs. Allen said an initial study and draft CEQA document were prepared and made available for 30 days and that staff found the update would not have significant environmental effects.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the top three changes; Allen confirmed the setback change and the inclusion of regulations specifying how many ADUs may be allowed. No public comments were received during the public-notice period, and staff recommended the council adopt the ordinance for first reading. The motion to introduce and conduct first reading carried by voice vote.

The ordinance will return to council for the required second reading and formal adoption at a later meeting. Councilmembers asked staff to bring related topics back for future discussion, including flexible residential housing types (container homes and other options) that would run parallel to the ADU rules.

The council's action advances Adelanto toward state certification for ADU compliance and clarifies local permitting and development standards for small accessory units.