Policy Reform Goal
The goal of this reform is to encourage the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to support homeowners as they age in place, provide a flexible option to help owners continue afford their homes, and add additional affordable housing options within existing neighborhoods.
Adopted Zoning Reforms
On February 18, 2020, the City Council unanimously adopted zoning reforms for ADUs. In order to achieve the above goal, the reforms build on the recommendations that were presented in the City’s 2018 ADU White Paper and input from the 2019 Housing Summits, including:
- Allow ADUs for all existing and new single family homes in all zoning districts as a permitted use, and no longer require that an ADU be subject to conditional use review by the DRB (some ADUs may still be subject to design review approval by the DRB).
- No longer require an ADU to have a dedicated parking space, and enable stacked parking (up to three spaces parked end-to-end) if a homeowner provides a space
- Allow the ADU to be up to 30% of the gross floor area of the home or up to a maximum size of 800 sq.ft., whichever is greater. The alternative maximum size is intended to remove the barrier faced by smaller homes throughout the city.
- Enable the DRB to grant a waiver for up to 650 sq.ft. of the footprint of the ADU to exceed the lot coverage limits if stormwater impacts are addressed. This waiver process is intended to address the barrier faced by smaller lots throughout the city that are already legally at or over their lot coverage limit.
Review More Info & Share your Thoughts
Use these quick links to review the adopted zoning reforms, and additional information about this proposal below.