Committee backs closing ADU loophole but urges wider housing-policy discussion

Two committee members told the hearing they support staff's proposed edits to the ADU owner-occupancy language but said the ordinance is only part of a larger housing-policy picture.

One committee member said they worked with Councilman Hero on the draft and "intend to vote for it," while stressing that eliminating some ADUs could shift demand back to single-family homes and reduce the supply of housing. "ADUs are one element of a healthy housing market. They provide or can provide housing for caregivers. They can provide housing for aging relatives who would like to age in place," the member said, arguing the city should pursue a broader public discussion with ample opportunity for feedback before broader regulatory changes.

Another member agreed, recounting a constituent's experience who planned an ADU conversion only to discover owner-occupancy requirements and questioning whether current rules unintentionally prevent new housing. Both speakers emphasized fairness and clarity in enforcement and said they want further public engagement before expanding policy changes. The committee concluded the hearing without taking a vote.