Planning commission delays ADU code changes tied to state law, asks staff and attorney to refine language

The Sunset Planning Commission on May 14 discussed required changes to local rules for accessory dwelling units after passage of Senate Bill 284, but postponed formal action to give staff and the city attorney time to refine the draft.

Staff summarized the state requirement that municipalities adopt land‑use regulations permitting detached ADUs on lots 11,000 square feet or larger and explained the commission must integrate that language into Title 10, Chapter 12. Commissioners raised practical concerns including unit size and parking (staff observed municipalities can require two on‑site parking spaces for ADUs 650 square feet or larger), whether detached units must have separate utility laterals and meters, fire‑access and hydrant distance, and how to avoid creating a detached unit larger than the primary dwelling.

Chair and commissioners said they were not opposed to complying with the state law but wanted to fold conditional limits into the local code to protect neighborhood character and limit burdens such as utility work and fire‑safety upgrades. A motion to postpone the ADU amendment until commissioners receive a revised draft for attorney review passed unanimously.

The commission asked staff to merge prior meeting notes into the draft, highlight conditional language (parking, utility capacity, fire access), and return the item at the next meeting with redlines for legal review.