HomeMy WebLinkAbout75B - PUBLIC HEARING ZONNG ORDINANCE NO. 2019-05REQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
MARCH 17, 2020
TITLE: APPROVED
❑ As Recommended
PUBLIC HEARING — ZONING ORDINANCE ❑ As Amended
AMENDMENT NO. 2019-05 TO AMEND ❑ Ordinanceon 1" Reading
SEVERAL SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 41 El Ordinance on Reading
❑ Re Implementing Resolution
(ZONING) OF THE SANTA ANA ❑ Set Public Hearing For
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
CONTINUED TO
/s/Kristine Ridge FILE NUMBER
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2019-05 to amend
several sections of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) relating to
accessory dwelling units.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
At its regular meeting on February 10, 2020, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 (Contreras -Leo
and Garcia absent) to recommend that the City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment
No. 2019-05 to amend several sections of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code
(SAMC) relating to accessory dwelling units.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
On January 1, 2020, new state regulations supplanted the existing Accessory Dwelling Unit
Ordinance, which was adopted on April 3, 2018. Amendments to Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the SAMC
to establish a local ordinance that is consistent with state housing law for regulating development
of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) is necessary.
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGY
Effective January 1, 2020, multiple housing bills relating to ADUs, also known as second dwelling
units or granny flats, and JADUs, a smaller accessory unit that is contained within the floor plan of
a single-family residence, became law. The bills include Assembly Bill (AB) 68, AB 587, AB 670,
671, AB 881 and Senate Bill (SB) 13. Collectively, the bills made changes to development
standards that can be imposed by local agencies, the number of units that can be constructed on
a site, set limits on parking standards and clarified language related to parking exemptions, and
created a streamlined review process which limits review times to a maximum of 60 cumulative
days. In addition, the new law also includes language stating that local ordinances that are not in
complete compliance with the new changes are superseded by state law. Specifically, with respect
to ADUs, Subsection (a)(4) of Government Code 65852.2 states, "if a local agency has an existing
accessory dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the requirements of this subdivision, that
75B-1
Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2019-05
March 17, 2020
Page 2
ordinance shall be null and void..." As such, Santa Ana's local ADU ordinance became null and
void January 1 of this year, leaving staff to implement state ADU standards as set forth in the
Government Code since that time.
The subject Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA)(Exhibit 1) was scheduled for Planning
Commission consideration on January 27, 2020 but was continued to February 10, 2020 (Exhibit
2) to allow the City sufficient time to respond to comments from the California Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD) and Californians for Homeownership, which
expressed concerns about the following areas: definition of existing buildings, enumeration of
zoning districts, discretionary process for sites listed on the Historic Register, and standards that
address special categories of ADUs listed in state law. Staff subsequently reviewed and modified
the draft ordinance to address expressed concerns. The revised ordinance was subsequently
shared with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and
Californians for Homeownership, and no additional comments were received as of the preparation
of this staff report.
PROJECT ANALYSIS
The proposed ordinance has been created in order to preserve the limited remaining authority the
City has to regulate ADUs and JADUs as a result of new state laws. If the City does not adopt a
local ordinance, it is required to continue reviewing and processing applications for ADUs and
JADUs pursuant to the minimum standards set forth in the Government Code, or it could be subject
to litigation.
To ensure compliance with the newest state ADU and JADU laws and to establish an ordinance
that is responsive to local conditions and community concerns, staff is proposing to amend several
sections of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the SAMC. These amendments are described and analyzed in
Table 1: Summary of Amendments:
Table 1: Summary of Amendments
Table 1: Proposed Amendments
Item
Existing
New State Law
Proposed
Zoning
Permitted in all
Permitted in all
Section 41-194.2
Districts Where
residential zoning
residential or mixed -use
Permitted
districts and in the
zoning districts where
PermitADUs and/or JADUs in all zoning districts
Professional (P)
residential is an
where residential or mixed -use development
zoning district where
allowable use.
that allows residential uses are permitted.
properties are
developed with a
Results:
single-family
Permits ADUs and JADUs in all residential and
residence.
mixed -use zoning districts.
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Page 3
Table 1: Proposed Amendments
Item
Existing
New State Law
Proposed
Number of
One ADU permitted
Permit one ADU and
Proposed: Section 41-194.2
Units Allowed
per lot developed
one JADU per lot
Permit ADUs and/or JADUs on properties that
with a single-family
developed with a single-
are developed with single-family and multiple -
residence.
family residence. Where
family residences at a rate that complies with
multiple -family
state law.
residences exist, permit
the conversion of
Results:
existing non -habitable
Permits the construction of one ADU or one
space into ADUs at a
JADU, or both, on properties developed with
rate up to 25 percent
a single-family residence.
the number of units at
Permits the conversion of existing non -
the site. Permit the
habitable space within the multi -family
construction of two
residential building into ADUs at a rate up to
detached ADUs on
25 percent the number of units at the site
properties developed
(e.g., a multi -family residence with 20 units
with multi -family
may convert existing non -habitable space
residences.
into a maximum of five ADUs).
• Permits the conversion of detached non -
habitable space or the construction of two
new detached ADUs on properties
developed with a multi -family residence.
Size of Units
ADUs permitted up to
Permit at minimum 850
Proposed: Section 41-194.3
750 square feet in
square foot ADUs that
PermitADUs up to 1,000 square feet in size, and
size or 50 percent the
provide one bedroom or
shall not exceed 50 percent the size of primary
size of the primary
less, and permit at
dwelling if attached.
dwelling unit on the
minimum 1,000 square
lot, whichever is less.
foot ADUs that provide
Results:
Shall not provide
more than one
Permits ADUs with more than one bedroom.
more than one
bedroom. May permit
Maintains maximum size below upper limit
bedroom.
ADUs up to 1,200
set in state law as a response to local
square feet in size.
conditions and smaller lot sizes.
Setbacks
Detached ADUs
ADUs shall not be
Proposed: Section 41-194.3
required to provide a
required to provide
Permit ADUs with a minimum of four foot side
10 foot rear yard
more than four foot side
and rear yard setbacks. Permit existing buildings
setback and a five
and rear yard setbacks.
being converted or replaced by ADUs to
foot side yard
Existing buildings being
maintain existing setbacks.
setback. Attached
converted or replaced
ADUs required to
by ADUs may maintain
Results:
provide the same
existing setback.
Permits ADUs to be constructed four feet
setbacks as the
from side and rear yard property lines.
primary dwelling on
Permits existing buildings being converted
the lot, which are
or replaced by ADUs to maintain existing
prescribed by the
setbacks.
underlying zoning
district.
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Table 1: Proposed Amendments
Item
Existing
New State Law
Proposed
On -site Open
Required a minimum
May require the
Proposed: Section 41-194.3
Space
of 1,200 square feet
provision of open space
Require a minimum of 1,200 square feet of
of usable, non -front
on the lot, but shall in no
usable, non -front yard open space.
yard open space.
way preclude the
development of at least
Results:
an 800 square footADU.
. Requires a total of 1,200 square feet of
usable, non -front yard open space with a
minimum dimension of 15 feet by 15 feet.
• Permits the reduction of open space
provision to permit at least an 800 square
foot ADU.
On -site
Required one parking
May require up to one
Proposed: Section 41-194.3
Parking
space per ADU,
parking space per ADU
Require one off-street parking space per ADU.
unless ADU was
or per bedroom,
designed as a studio
whichever is less.
Results:
unit or qualified for
Parking spaces lost to
. One off-street parking space shall be
one of the five parking
garage/carport
provided per ADU, unless exempt pursuant
exemptions in state
conversions shall not be
to state law.
law. Parking spaces
required to be replaced.
. Replacement of spaces lost to
lost to garage/carport
No parking shall be
garage/carport conversions not required.
conversions required
required for JADUs, or
. JADUs are not required to provide any on-
to be replaced on the
ADUs that meet one of
site parking per state law.
site.
the five parking
exemptions established
by state law.
Number of Units Allowed
As is required by state law, each property developed or proposed to be developed with a single-
family residence will be permitted to construct both an ADU and a JADU. This could result,
potentially, in a single-family property with up to three units.
Moreover, properties developed with multi -family residences are permitted to convert existing non -
habitable space within the building, including garages, into ADUs in the amount up to 25 percent
the number of existing units on the site. For example, a multi -family residence with 20 units may
convert existing non -habitable space up to a total of five ADUs. In addition to converting existing
non -habitable space within the building, two detached ADUs are also permitted, either through the
conversion of existing detached non -habitable space or new construction. The proposed ordinance
will reflect these changes to state law.
Size of Units
Santa Ana's prior ordinance limited ADUs to a minimum of 220 square feet and a maximum of 750
square feet in size; units could not exceed 50 percent the size of the primary residence, and a
maximum of one bedroom. The size and bedroom limitations were established as a response to
community concerns related to overcrowding, the scale of ADUs in comparison to smaller homes
that are found in the city, and exacerbation of on -street parking issues that many neighborhoods
are experiencing if multiple bedrooms were permitted. New state law allows local agencies to
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Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2019-05
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Page 5
permit ADUs up to 1,200 square feet in size. However, it also allows cities to establish maximums
below that threshold as long as maximums are not set below 1,000 square feet for ADUs that
provided two or more bedrooms and 850 square feet for ADUs that provide one bedroom or less.
To establish a uniform maximum that complies with state law and is in keeping with the feedback
received when the prior ordinance was established, the proposed ordinance will limit ADUs to a
maximum 1,000 square feet for detached units and 1,000 square feet or 50 percent the size of the
primary residence for attached units, regardless of number of bedrooms. Staff believes that setting
two maximums will create confusion and is unnecessary as there is no incentive for a property
owner to provide less bedrooms and limit the potential size of their unit. Thus, setting one maximum
will result in a uniform product. The limitation on ADU size will not affect development standards
that apply to the primary residence on the site.
On -Site Open Space
Currently open space in Santa Ana is provided at a rate below the two acres per 1,000 residents
goal established in the Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element in the City's General Plan.
With the city being built out and land prices that make construction of new parks prohibitive,
requiring open space on private property is critical to provide residents recreational opportunities,
gathering spaces, and outdoor amenities.
The proposed ordinance maintains the 1,200 square feet of non -front yard open space requirement
on single-family residential properties that was part of the prior ordinance to ensure residents are
provided with outdoor amenities. However, state law, while allowing for these types of development
standards to be imposed, states that they cannot prohibit the construction of an ADU of at least
800 square feet in size. For those properties that cannot meet this requirement, they will be
permitted to reduce the amount of open space provided on the site in the amount necessary to
create at least an 800 square foot ADU.
On -site Parking
The proposed ordinance will require the most amount of parking per ADU that is allowed pursuant
state law, which is one parking space per unit, unless the unit meets one of the five exemptions
established by the state. Pursuant to state law, local agencies shall not require parking for ADUs
in any of the following instances: 1) the ADU is located within one-half (1/2) mile walking distance
of public transit, 2) the ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic
district, 3) the ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary dwelling or an existing accessory
structure, 4) when on -street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the
ADU, and 5) when there is a car share vehicle located within one (1) block of the ADU.
The prior ADU ordinance required that a property that did not conform to the parking requirement
for the primary unit, which is two covered and two non -covered spaces for a single-family
residence, be brought into conformance prior to or concurrent with the establishment of an ADU.
State law now prohibits local agencies from using non -conformities of the primary residence from
precluding the construction of an ADU or from requiring that the non -conformities be brought into
conformance before approval of an ADU. As such, the proposed ordinance does not require
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Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2019-05
March 17, 2020
Page 6
parking non -conformities of the primary residence to be resolved, but will only require that the
parking minimum established for the ADU be provided on the site.
Additionally, the City's prior ordinance required that any parking spaces lost through a garage or
carport conversion be replaced in any configuration on the property. The ability to require
replacement of those spaces has also been prohibited by the state. Effective January 1, garage or
carport parking spaces that are lost to a conversion do not have to be replaced, and local agencies
shall not require that they be replaced. The proposed ordinance reflects these changes to state
law as they relate to the construction of ADUs and JADUs but does not affect development
standards that apply to non -conforming properties found in Chapter 41 of the SAMC.
Appeals Process
The proposed ordinance grants the Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency, or
his/her designee, ADU and JADU application review authority. Should an applicant wish to appeal
the Executive Director's determination or requests to vary from the development standards in the
ordinance, an application for a minor exception will be required and heard by the Zoning
Administrator pursuant to Article V of Chapter 41. The decision of the Zoning Administrator shall
be final unless appealed to the planning commission pursuant to Section 41-645 of the SAMC.
Limitations and State Oversight
State ADU law prohibits the adoption of a local ordinance that imposes a minimum lot size, has
bedroom number maximums, requires owner -occupancy (owner -occupancy requirement
permitted for JADUs), or that requires replacement of garage or carport parking spaces that are
lost to conversions. State law also prohibits the adoption of development standards that would
otherwise preclude the development of an 800 square foot ADU, including separation
requirements, lot coverage maximums, and open space minimums. In addition, a local ordinance
must permit ADUs on multi -family residential properties, non -conforming sites, and must include
provisions for the establishment of JADUs on properties developed with single-family residences.
State law also prohibits local agencies from imposing any impact fees for ADUs that are less than
750 square feet in size. Larger units shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square
footage of the primary dwelling unit. Lastly, state law sets strict time limits for review of ADU and
JADU applications (maximum of 60 days from date of application submittal). If the local agency
fails to act within the allotted time, the application shall be deemed approved.
To ensure compliance with state law, HCD has been granted oversight authority over local ADU
ordinances. HCD is now responsible for reviewing local ordinances within 60 days of adoption to
ensure compliance with state law. Additionally, HCD may refer local agencies to the Attorney
General for further action if a local agency's ordinance conflicts with state law and said agency
fails to amend its ordinance in response to the department's findings or does not adopt a resolution
addressing HCD's comments and explaining the reason the ordinance complies with state ADU
law. However, based on staff's discussions with HCD, the proposed ordinance will not require
Attorney General involvement.
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Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2019-05
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Page 7
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
As part of the City's permitting process, the proposed project is required to undergo an environmental
review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In accordance with the
CEQA, the recommended action is exempt from CEQA per Section 15282(h). This exemption applies
to the adoption of an ordinance regarding accessory dwelling units by a city or county to implement
the provisions of Sections 65852.1 and 65852.2 of the Government Code as set forth in Section
21080.17 of the Public Resources Code, therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA (ER No. 2019-
123).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet Goal No. 5 - Community Health, Livability,
Engagement & Sustainability, Objective No. 3 (facilitate diverse housing opportunities and support
efforts to preserve and improve the livability of Santa Ana neighborhoods).
Minh Thai
Executive Director
Planning and Building Agency
Exhibits: 1. Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance — ZOA 2019-05
2. February 10, 2020 Planning Commission Staff Report
75B-7
EXHIBIT 1
LS 3.17.20
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SANTA ANA APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO
PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 41 OF THE SANTA ANA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines
and declares as follows:
A. The Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) requires updates periodically in
order to gain compliance with new state or federal legislation.
B. The City's current accessory dwelling unit ordinance, NS-2940, was
adopted on April 3, 2018.
C. NS-2940 established in 2018, has been superseded by changes made to
state accessory dwelling unit laws (Assembly Bill 68, Assembly Bill 587, Assembly Bill
670, Assembly Bill 671, Assembly Bill 881, and Senate Bill 13) that took effect January 1,
2020, and is no longer enforceable. These statutes impose new limitations on local
authority to regulate accessory dwelling units (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling units
(JADU).
D. The proposed changes to the ADU and JADU development standards are
proposed to comply with the new state legislation to allow greater flexibility in allowing
these units.
E. The proposed amendments would change the ADU ordinance to be in full
compliance with state law by repealing the City's 2018 ADU ordinance, incorporating
new state provisions, and introducing new tailored ADU and JADU regulations that
recognize and protect the diversity of Santa Ana neighborhoods.
F. The City desires to amend its local regulatory program for the construction
of ADUs and JADUs that fully complies with sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 of the
Government Code, and finds that the proposed ordinance promotes the public health,
safety and welfare of the community.
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 1 of 17
75B-8
G. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on February
10, 2020, regarding this ordinance and recommended that the City Council adopt the
amended ordinance.
H. The City Council has held a duly noticed public hearing on this ordinance
on March 17, 2020, and has considered all testimony presented thereto.
Section 2. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and
the State CEQA Guidelines, the adoption of this ordinance is exempt from CEQA review
pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Chapter 3, section 15282(h) as
CEQA is not applicable to the adoption of an ordinance by a city to implement the
provisions of Section 65852.1 or Section 65852.2 of the Government Code, and a
Notice of Exemption will be filed upon adoption of this ordinance.
Section 3: Section 41-11.1 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby deleted.
MIN
Section 4: Sections 41-194 through Section 41-194.14 of the Santa Ana Municipal
Code are hereby deleted and replaced with the new Sections 41-194 through Section 41-
194.7 to read as follows:
Sec. 41-194. - Accessory Dwelling Units - Purpose.
Thepurpose of this section is to establish regulations for the development of accessory
dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units as defined in this section and in
California Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22, or any successor statute.
Sec. 41-194.1. - Definitions.
As used in this section, the following words, terms or phrases have the following
meanings:
1) "Accessory dwelling unit" or "ADU" means an attached or detached residential
dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one (1) or
more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary
residential building. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping
eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel that the primary residential
building is situated or will be situated. It shall have the same meaning as that
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 2 of 17
75B-9
term is defined in California Government Code section 65852.2 as amended
from time to time.
(2) "Existing accessory structure" means an accessory structure, as defined in this
chapter, which was legally established and existing prior to the submittal of an
ADU or JADU application.
(3) "Existing carport" and "Existing covered parking structure" and "Existing garage"
means a building or portion of a building designed or used for parking or storage
of motor vehicles that was legally established and existing prior to the submittal
of an ADU or JADU application.
4) "Junior accessory dwellina unit' or "JADU" means a unit that is no more than 500
square feet in size, contained entirely within the living area of a single-family
residence, provides a cooking facility with appliances, food preparation counter
and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the unit, and has
independent exterior access. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include
separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing
structure.
(5) "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.
(6) "Mixed -Use" for purposes of ADU development means a development that
combines residential land use with one or more additional land uses where
uses are physically and functionally integrated (horizontally or vertically).
7) "Multi-familv buildina" for purposes of ADU development means a building, other
than a hotel or motel, with two (2) or more attached dwellina units used to house
two (2) or more families, living independently of each other.
(8) "Public transit' means a location including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train
station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of
transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the
public.
(9) "Single-family residence" means a residential building containing one (1) or more
habitable rooms with only one (1) kitchen, designed for occupancy by one (1)
independent household unit with common access to, and common use of all
living, kitchen and bathroom areas.
(10) 'Tandem parking" means that two or more automobiles are parked on a driveway
or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 3 of 17
75B-10
Sec. 41-194.2. — Permitted Zones and Applicability.
(A)ADUs and JADUs may be permitted in all zoning districts where residential or mixed -
use development is permitted.
(B) The Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency, or his/her designee,
shall review and approve or deny ministerial permits for ADUs and JADUs upon
determining whether the application submitted is complete, the proposed unit
conforms to all requirements of this code, and a non-refundable application review
fee in the amount established by the City Council, and amended from time to time,
has been paid. Applications deemed incomplete or not in full conformance with the
requirements of this code will be rejected.
(C)Sites developed or proposed to be developed with a single-family residence shall not
be permitted more than one (1) ADU.
(D)Sites developed with a multi -family building may convert existing non -habitable
square footage within the building to a minimum of one (1) ADU and a maximum that
shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the number of units on the site. Sites
developed with a multi -family building are also permitted to construct two (2) ADUs
or to convert existing detached accessory buildings, garages, carports, or covered
parking structures to a maximum of two (2) ADUs.
(E)A maximum of one (1) JADU shall be permitted on a site developed or proposed to
be developed with a single-family residence, unless the subject site proposes or
contains an attached ADU. In such cases, a JADU shall not be permitted.
(F) An ADU shall only be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the primary
building on the site if the primary building and the ADU were built or developed by a
qualified non-profit corporation in accordance with Government Code Section
65852.26, as amended from time to time, and an affordable housing agreement is
entered into by the applicant and the city.
Sec. 41-194.3. — Development Standards
The development standards in Table 41-194.3 shall be applicable to all accessory
dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. Additional provisions related to
accessory dwelling units and 'junior accessory dwelling units are referenced in the
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 4 of 17
75B-11
"Additional Provisions" column of the table. Such provisions may include references to
other applicable code sections or limitations.
City of Santa Ana Municipal Code Table 41-194.3
Specific
Regulations
ADU
JADU
Additional
Attached
Detached
Provisions
Minimum Size
220 sg. ft.
220 sg. ft.
220 sg. ft.
Maximum Size
1,000 sg. ft.
1,000 sg. ft.
500 s . ft.
A B C
Maximum Height
Same as
prima re
building
16 ft.
Same as
prima
building
Minimum Side
Yard Setback
4 ft.
4 ft.
Same as
prima re
building
(D)
Minimum Rear
Yard Setback
4 ft.
4 ft.
Same as
prima re
building
(D)
Maximum Lot
Coverage/Use
Intensity
Same as
zoning district
Same as
zoning district
Same as
zoning district
(E)
Open Space
1,200 sg. ft.
1,200 sa. ft.
-
F G
Separation from
Primary
Buildings
-
-
15 ft.
-
(H)
Separation from
5 ft.
5 ft.
-
(H)
Accessory
Buildings
Minimum Parking
1 space
1 space
-
I J
Tandem Parkin
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Design
Guidelines
Apply
Apply
Apply
(A)Attached ADUs may be fifty (50) percent of the size of the habitable space of the
Primary dwelling on the site, not to exceed 1,000 square feet in size.
(B)ADUs may not exceed 800 square feet in size in cases where both an ADU and
JADU are developed or proposed on a site.
(C)Existing accessory structures may be converted into an ADU and may be expanded
by up to 150 square feet of the existing footprint to accommodate ingress and
egress only.
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 5 of 17
75B-12
(D)No minimum setback shall be required for an ADU constructed in the same location
and to the same dimensions as an existing structure that encroached into a required
setback that was demolished to construct the proposed unit. This provision shall not
apply to conversions of existing buildings.
(E) Lot coverage and use intensity maximum established in zoning district may be
exceeded to permit an ADU up to eight hundred (800) square feet in size. This
provision shall not apply to conversions of existing buildings.
(F) Required open space may be reduced to permit an ADU up to eight hundred (800)
square feet in size. Open space requirement shall only apply to properties
developed or proposed to be developed with a single-family residence. This
provision shall not apply to conversions of existing buildings.
(G)Shall be usable, continuous, non -front yard open -space, excluding driveways and
parking areas. Any open space with a minimum dimension of fifteen (15) feet by
fifteen (15) feet shall be deemed continuous open space.
(H)Separation requirement may be reduced to permit an ADU up to eight hundred (800)
square feet in size. Separation shall be measured from the nearest points between
the structures. This provision shall not apply to conversions of existing buildings.
(1) No parking for the ADU is required if one or more of the following applies:
1. The ADU is located within one-half (1/2) mile walking distance of public
transit.
2. The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic
district.
3. The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary dwelling or an existing
accessory structure.
4. When on -street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant
of the ADU.
5. When there is a car share vehicle located within one (1) block of the ADU.
6. The ADU is constructed as a studio, without bedrooms.
(J) When an existing garage, carport, or other covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, or converted to an
accessory dwelling unit, replacement of those off-street parking spaces shall not be
required.
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 6 of 17
75B-13
Sec. 41-194.4. — Historic Properties.
ADUs and JADUs shall conform to the United States Secretary of Interior's Official
Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Sec. 41-194.5 Restrictive Covenant.
Prior to issuance of a building permit for a JADU, a covenant consenting that either the
primary dwelling unit or the JADU be owner -occupied shall be recorded against the title
of the property in the County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Planning
Division. Said covenant shall run with the land, and shall bind all future owners heirs,
successors, or assigns. The form of the deed restriction shall be provided by the City
and shall provide that:
1. The JADU shall not be sold separately from the primary dwelling.
2. The unit is restricted to the approved size and attributes of this chapter.
3. The covenant restrictions run with the land and may be enforced against
future purchasers.
4. The covenant restrictions may be removed if the owner eliminates the
JADU.
5. The covenant restriction shall be enforced by the Executive Director of
Planning and Building or his or her designee for the benefit of the City of
Santa Ana. Failure of the property owner to comply with the covenant
restrictions may result in legal action against the property owner and the City
shall be authorized to obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity,
including but not limited to obtaining an injunction enjoining use of the JADU
in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
Sec. 41-194.6. — Appeals of Executive Director decision.
Any person wanting to appeal the determination of the Executive Director of the
Planning and Building Agency, or his/her designee to disapprove plans and drawings
submitted pursuant to section 41-194, et seq., or to the standards of section 41-194, et
seq., may file an application for a minor exception pursuant to Article V of this chapter.
Sec. 41-194.7 — Applicability to other reaulations.
Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units must comply with any and
all applicable regulations imposed in other articles of the zoning code, other city
ordinances and state and federal law. Should a conflict exist between the provisions of
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 7 of 17
75B-14
this article and the provisions of other articles of Chapter 41 of this Code, the provisions
of this article shall prevail.
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Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
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Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
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Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 11 of 17
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Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
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Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 13 of 17
75B-20
Section 5. Section 41-239 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 41-239. - Development standards in the R1 district.
Lots in the R1 district shall comply with the following standards:
(a) Front and street oriented side yards shall be landscaped with the
exception of approved driveways and sidewalks.
(b) Side yards shall be completely landscaped, except a walkway or driveway
may encroach into required side yard.
(c) Driveways shall lead to a garage and not exceed the width of such garage
or fifty (50) percent of the lot width at the street, whichever is less. There
shall be no parking of vehicles in the front yard except in such driveways.
(d) Garages facing the street shall occupy no more than fifty (50) percent of
the lot width.
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 14 of 17
75B-21
(e) Porte-cocheres shall be architecturally integrated with the structure and
may encroach up to the side property line located on a driveway that
leads to the garage. A two -car garage must be provided prior to approval
of a porte-cochere.
(1) A porte-cochere shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in length.
(2) Porte-cocheres shall comply with the setbacks established for the
building it is attached to, except that the side yard setback may be
reduced to three (3) feet. On corner lots the side yard setback on the
street side shall be no less than ten (10) feet.
(f) Accessory buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) percent of the
required rear yard area. This subsection shall not apply to accessory
dwelling units.
(g) An accessory building shall be not less than five (5) feet from a main
building.
(h) Maximum square footage of accessory building shall not exceed fifty (50)
percent of the main structure square footage. Required detached garages
may exceed fifty (50) percent of the main structure square footage, but
shall not exceed four hundred forty (440) square feet for a two -car garage,
six hundred forty (640) square feet for a required three -car garage and
eight hundred forty (840) square feet for a required four -car garage.
Section 6. Section 41-681.3 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 41-681.3. - Rehabilitation of multiple -family dwellings.
Rehabilitation of a nonconforming building which is a multiple -family dwelling, including
structural alteration and/or enlargement, is permitted subject to the following limitations:
(1) There shall be no enlargement which would intrude into any required
yard.
(2) There shall be no enlargement which would result in a new nonconformity
with the requirements of this chapter.
(3) There shall be no increase in the number or size of bedrooms unless the
site on which the building is located will be in conformance with the off-
street parking requirements of this chapter.
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 15 of 17
75B-22
(4) For the purpose of this section the limitations listed in subsections (1),
(2), and (3) shall not apply to accessory dwelling units as defined and
regulated in Section 41-194 of this Chapter.
Section 7. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this ordinance. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby declares that
it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause
phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections,
subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
ADOPTED this day of , 2020.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
By: vC,
Lisa Storck
Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
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75B-23
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, DAISY GOMEZ, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify that the attached
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX to be the original ordinance adopted by the City Council of the
City of Santa Ana on , 2020, and that said ordinance was published
in accordance with the Charter of the City of Santa Ana.
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
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75B-24
EXHIBIT 2
REQUESTFOR
Planning Commission Action
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE:
FEBRUARY 10, 2020
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING — ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT NO. 2019-05 TO AMEND
SEVERAL SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 41
(ZONING) OF THE SANTA ANA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS — CITY OF
SANTA ANA, APPLICANT
(STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 5,3)
Prepared by Ricardo Soto
PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY
APPROVED
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Set Public Hearing For
DENIED
❑ Applicant's Request
❑ Staff Recommendation
CONTINUED TO
j
Executive Director Plann' g Vanager
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment
(ZOA) No. 2019-05 to amend several sections of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the Santa Ana Municipal
Code (SAMC) relating to accessory dwelling units.
Executive Summary
On January 1, 2020, new state regulations supplanted the existing Accessory Dwelling Unit
Ordinance, which was adopted on April 3, 2018. Amendments to Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the SAMC
to establish a local ordinance that is consistent with state housing law for regulating development
of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) is necessary.
Project Background
Effective January 1, 2020, multiple housing bills relating to ADUs, also known as second dwelling
units or granny flats, and JADUs, a smaller accessory unit that is contained within the floor plan of
a single-family residence, became law. The bills include Assembly Bill (AB) 68, AB 587, AB 670,
AB 881 and Senate Bill (SB) 13. Collectively, the bills made changes to development standards
that can be imposed by local agencies, the number of units that can be constructed on a site, set
limits on parking standards and clarified language related to parking exemptions, and created a
streamlined review process which limits review times to a maximum of 60 cumulative days. In
addition, the new law also includes language stating that local ordinances that are not in complete
compliance with the new changes are superseded by state law. Specifically, with respect to ADUs,
Subsection (a)(4) of Government Code 65852.2 states, "if a local agency has an existing accessory
dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the requirements of this subdivision, that ordinance shall
be null and void..." As such, Santa Ana's local ADU ordinance became null and void January 1 of
75B-25
ZOA No. 2019-05 — Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Amendments
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Page 2
this year, leaving staff to implement state ADU standards as set forth in the Government Code
since that time.
The subject ZOA was scheduled for Planning Commission consideration on January 27, 2020 but
was continued to February 10, 2020 to allow the City sufficient time to respond to comments from
the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and Californians for
Homeownership, which expressed concerns about the following areas: definition of existing
buildings, enumeration of zoning districts, discretionary process for sites listed on the Historic
Register, and standards that address special categories of ADUs listed in state law. Staff
subsequently reviewed and modified the draft ordinance to address expressed concerns. The
revised ordinance was subsequently shared with the California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) and Californians for Homeownership, and no additional
communications were received as of the printing of this staff report.
The attached ordinance has been created in order to preserve the limited remaining authority the
City has to regulate ADUs and JADUs as a result of these new state laws. If the City does not
adopt a local ordinance, it is required to continue reviewing and processing applications for ADUs
and JADUs pursuant to the minimum standards set forth in the Government Code, or it could be
subject to litigation.
Planning Commission Study Session and Previous Outreach
On December 9, 2019, staff held a work-study session with the Planning Commission to review
state legislation pertaining to ADUs and JADUs that took effect January 1, 2020, and the limitations
on local agencies to regulate their construction. In addition, staff provided an overview of the
community outreach effort undertaken in 2017 and 2018 that included a project meeting open to
the public, presentations at ComLink, a meeting with the ComLink Board, meetings with housing
advocacy groups, study sessions with the Planning Commission Zoning and General Plan
Subcommittee, as well as the complete Planning Commission, and several presentations to City
Council. That effort resulted in the creation of an ADU ordinance that reflected the community's
values and delivered additional housing options to residents. Lastly, staff informed the Planning
Commission of its intent of maintaining as many of the standards developed as a result of that
process in the proposed ADU ordinance and only amending those sections in conflict with new
state law. At that time, the Planning Commission did not make any recommendations.
Protect Description and Analysis
Multiple changes to state ADU law have prompted staff to revisit Santa Ana's local ADU ordinance.
To ensure compliance with the newest state ADU and JADU laws and to establish an ordinance
that is responsive to local conditions and community concerns, staff is proposing to amend several
sections of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the SAMC. These amendments are described and analyzed in
Table 1: Summary of Amendments, on the following page:
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ZOA No. 2019-05 — Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Amendments
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Table 1: Summary of Amendments
Table 1: Proposed Amendments
Item
Existing
New State Law
Proposed
Zoning
Permitted in all
Permitted in all
Section 41-194.2
Districts Where
residential zoning
residential or mixed -use
Permitted
districts and in the
zoning districts where
Permit ADUs and/or JADUs in all zoning
Professional (P)
residential is an
districts where residential or mixed -use
zoning district where
allowable use.
development that allows residential uses
properties are
are permitted.
developed with a
single-family
Results:
residence.
• Permits ADUs and JADUs in all
residential and mixed -use zoning
districts.
Number of
One ADU permitted
Permit one ADU and one
Proposed: Section 41-194.2
Units Allowed
per lot developed with
JADU per lot developed
a single-family
with a single-family
Permit ADUs and/or JADUs on properties
residence.
residence. Where
that are developed with single-family and
multiple -family
multiple -family residences at a rate that
residences exist, permit
complies with state law.
the conversion of
existing non -habitable
Results:
space into ADUs at a
rate up to 25 percent the
• Permits the construction of one ADU
number of units at the
or one JADU, or both, on properties
site. Permit the
developed with a single-family
construction of two
residence.
detached ADUs on
• Permits the conversion of existing non -
properties developed
habitable space within the multi -family
with multi -family
residential building into ADUs at a rate
residences.
up to 25 percent the number of units at
the site (e.g., a multi -family residence
with 20 units may convert existing non -
habitable space into a maximum of five
ADUs).
• Permits the conversion of detached
non -habitable space or the
construction of two new detached
ADUs on properties developed with a
multi -family residence.
Size of Units
ADUs permitted up to
Permit at minimum 850
Proposed: Section 41-194.3
750 square feet in
square foot ADUs that
size or 50 percent the
provide one bedroom or
Permit ADUs up to 1,000 square feet in
size of the primary
less, and permit at
size, and shall not exceed 50 percent the
dwelling unit on the
minimum 1,000 square
size of primary dwelling if attached.
lot, whichever is less.
foot ADUs that provide
Shall not provide
more than one bedroom.
Results:
more than one
May permit ADUs up to
bedroom.
1,200 square feet in
• Permits ADUs with more than one
size.
bedroom.
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ZOA No. 2019-05 — Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Amendments
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Page 4
Table 1: Proposed Amendments
Item
Existing
New State Law
Proposed
• Maintains maximum size below upper
limit set in state law as a response to
local conditions and smaller lot sizes.
Setbacks
Detached ADUs
ADUs shall not be
Proposed: Section 41-194.3
required to provide a
required to provide more
10 foot rear yard
than four foot side and
Permit ADUs with a minimum of four foot
setback and a five
rear yard setbacks.
side and rear yard setbacks. Permit
foot side yard
Existing buildings being
existing buildings being converted or
setback. Attached
converted or replaced by
replaced by ADUs to maintain existing
ADUs required to
ADUs may maintain
setbacks.
provide the same
existing setback,
setbacks as the
Results:
primary dwelling on
the lot, which are
. Permits ADUs to be constructed four
prescribed by the
feet from side and rear yard property
underlying zoning
lines.
district.
• Permits existing buildings being
converted or replaced by ADUs to
maintain existing setbacks.
On -site Open
Required a minimum
May require the
Proposed: Section 41-194.3
Space
of 1,200 square feet
provision of open space
of usable, non -front
on the lot, but shall in no
Require a minimum of 1,200 square feet of
yard open space.
way preclude the
usable, non -front yard open space.
development of at least
an 800 square foot ADU.
Results:
• Requires a total of 1,200 square feet of
usable, non -front yard open space with
a minimum dimension of 15 feet by 15
feet.
• Permits the reduction of open space
provision to permit at least an 800
square foot ADU.
On -site
Required one parking
May require up to one
Proposed: Section 41-194.3
Parking
space per ADU,
parking space per ADU
unless ADU was
or per bedroom,
Require one off-street parking space per
designed as a studio
whichever is less.
ADU.
unit or qualified for
Parking spaces lost to
one of the five parking
garage/carport
Results:
exemptions in state
conversions shall not be
law. Parking spaces
required to be replaced.
• One off-street parking space shall be
lost to garage/carport
No parking shall be
provided per ADU, unless exempt
conversions required
required for JADUs, or
pursuant to state law.
to be replaced on the
ADUs that meet one of
• Replacement of spaces lost to
site.
the five parking
garage/carport conversions not
exemptions established
required.
by state law.
• JADUs are not required to provide any
on -site parking per state law.
75B-28
ZOA No. 2019-05 — Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Amendments
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Page 5
Number of Units Allowed
As is required by state law, each property developed or proposed to be developed with a single-
family residence will be permitted to construct both an ADU and a JADU. This could result,
potentially, in a single-family property with up to three units.
Moreover, properties developed with multi -family residences are permitted to convert existing non -
habitable space within the building, including garages, into ADUs in the amount up to 25 percent
the number of existing units on the site. For example, a multi -family residence with 20 units may
convert existing non -habitable space up to a total of five ADUs. In addition to converting existing
non -habitable space within the building, two detached ADUs are also permitted, either through the
conversion of existing detached non -habitable space or new construction. The proposed ordinance
will reflect these changes to state law.
Size of Units
Santa Ana's prior ordinance limited ADUs to a minimum of 220 square feet and a maximum of 750
square feet in size; units could not exceed 50 percent the size of the primary residence, and a
maximum of one bedroom. The size and bedroom limitations were established as a response to
community concerns related to overcrowding, the scale of ADUs in comparison to smaller homes
that are found in the city, and exacerbation of on -street parking issues that many neighborhoods
are experiencing if multiple bedrooms were permitted. New state law allows local agencies to
permit ADUs up to 1,200 square feet in size. However, it also allows cities to establish maximums
below that threshold as long as maximums are not set below 1,000 square feet for ADUs that
provided two or more bedrooms and 850 square feet for ADUs that provide one bedroom or less.
To establish a uniform maximum that complies with state law and is in keeping with the feedback
received when the prior ordinance was established, the proposed ordinance will limit ADUs to a
maximum 1,000 square feet for detached units and 1,000 square feet or 50 percent the size of the
primary residence for attached units, regardless of number of bedrooms. Staff believes that setting
two maximums will create confusion and is unnecessary as there is no incentive for a property
ownerto provide less bedrooms and limit the potential size of their unit. Thus, setting one maximum
will result in a uniform product. The limitation on ADU size will not affect development standards
that apply to the primary residence on the site.
On -site Open Space
Currently open space in Santa Ana is provided at a rate below the two acres per 1,000 residents
goal established in the Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element in the City's General Plan.
With the city being built out and land prices that make construction of new parks prohibitive,
requiring open space on private property is critical to provide residents recreational opportunities,
gathering spaces, and outdoor amenities.
The proposed ordinance maintains the 1,200 square feet of non -front yard open space requirement
on single-family residential properties that was part of the prior ordinance to ensure residents are
provided with outdoor amenities. However, state law, while allowing for these types of development
standards to be imposed, states that they cannot prohibit the construction of an ADU of at least
75B-29
ZOA No. 2019-05 — Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Amendments
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Page 6
800 square feet in size. For those properties that cannot meet this requirement, they will be
permitted to reduce the amount of open space provided on the site in the amount necessary to
create at least an 800 square foot ADU.
On -site Parking
The proposed ordinance will require the most amount of parking per ADU that is allowed pursuant
state law, which is one parking space per unit, unless the unit meets one of the five exemptions
established by the state. Pursuant to state law, local agencies shall not require parking for ADUs
in any of the following instances: 1) the ADU is located within one-half (1/2) mile walking distance
of public transit, 2) the ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic
district, 3) the ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary dwelling or an existing accessory
structure, 4) when on -street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the
ADU, and 5) when there is a car share vehicle located within one (1) block of the ADU.
The prior ADU ordinance required that a property that did not conform to the parking requirement
for the primary unit, which is two covered and two non -covered spaces for a single-family
residence, be brought into conformance prior to or concurrent with the establishment of an ADU.
State law now prohibits local agencies from using non -conformities of the primary residence from
precluding the construction of an ADU or from requiring that the non -conformities be brought into
conformance before approval of an ADU. As such, the proposed ordinance does not require
parking non -conformities of the primary residence to be resolved, but will only require that the
parking minimum established for the ADU be provided on the site.
Additionally, the City's prior ordinance required that any parking spaces lost through a garage or
carport conversion be replaced in any configuration on the property. The ability to require
replacement of those spaces has also been prohibited by the state. Effective January 1, garage or
carport parking spaces that are lost to a conversion do not have to be replaced, and local agencies
shall not require that they be replaced. The proposed ordinance reflects these changes to state
law as they relate to the construction of ADUs and JADUs but does not affect development
standards that apply to non -conforming properties found in Chapter 41 of the SAMC.
Appeals Process
The proposed ordinance grants the Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency, or
his/her designee, ADU and JADU application review authority. Should an applicant wish to appeal
the Executive Director's determination or requests to vary from the development standards in the
ordinance, an application for a minor exception will be required and heard by the Zoning
Administrator pursuant to Article V of Chapter 41. The decision of the Zoning Administrator shall
be final unless appealed to the planning commission pursuant to Section 41-645 of the SAMC.
Limitations and State Oversight
State ADU law prohibits the adoption of a local ordinance that imposes a minimum lot size, has
bedroom number maximums, requires owner -occupancy (owner -occupancy requirement
permitted for JADUs), or that requires replacement of garage or carport parking spaces that are
lost to conversions. State law also prohibits the adoption of development standards that would
otherwise preclude the development of an 800 square foot ADU, including separation
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ZOA No. 2019-05 — Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Amendments
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Page 7
requirements, lot coverage maximums, and open space minimums. In addition, a local ordinance
must permit ADUs on multi -family residential properties, non -conforming sites, and must include
provisions for the establishment of JADUs on properties developed with single-family residences.
State law also prohibits local agencies from imposing any impact fees for ADUs that are less than
750 square feet in size. Larger units shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square
footage of the primary dwelling unit. Lastly, state law sets strict time limits for review of ADU and
JADU applications (maximum of 60 days from date of application submittal). If the local agency
fails to act within the allotted time, the application shall be deemed approved.
To ensure compliance with state law, HCD has been granted oversight authority over local ADU
ordinances. HCD is now responsible for reviewing local ordinances within 60 days of adoption to
ensure compliance with state law. Additionally, HCD may refer local agencies to the Attorney
General for further action if a local agency's ordinance conflicts with state law and said agency
fails to amend its ordinance in response to the department's findings or does not adopt a resolution
addressing HCD's comments and explaining the reason the ordinance complies with state ADU
law. However, based on staff's discussions with HCD, the proposed ordinance will not require
Attorney General involvement.
Table 2: CEQA, Strategic Plan Alignment and Public Notification & Community Outreach
CEQA
CEQA Type
Exempt per Section 15282 h
Reason(s)
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the recommended
Exempt or Analysis
action is exempt from CEQA per Section 15282(h). This exemption applies to the adoption
of an ordinance regarding accessory dwelling units by a city or county to implement the
provisions of Sections 65852.1 and 65852.2 of the Government Code as set forth in Section
21080.17 of the Public Records Code, therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Strategic Plan Alignment
Goal(s) and Policy(s)
Approval of this item supports the Citys efforts to meet Goal No. 5 - Community Health,
Livability, Engagement & Sustainability, Objective No. 3 (facilitate diverse housing
opportunities and support efforts to preserve and improve the livability of Santa Ana
neighborhoods).
Public Notification & Community Outreach
Required Measures
The proposed amendments are citywide, and the project site is not located within the
boundaries of one single neighborhood association. However, a notice was published in
the Orange County Register. At the time of this printing, staff received a phone call and
electronic correspondence from the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD), and one written correspondence from Californians for
Homeownership, which are attached to this report.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis provided within this report, staff recommends that the Planning Commission
recommend that the City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2019-05,
/Z<� ��
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Associate Planner
75B-31
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February 10, 2020
Page 8
SAPIanning Commission\2020\1-27-20\ZOA No. 2019-05\ZOA 2019-5 Staff Report 02102020
Exhibits: 1. Draft Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
2. Correspondence
75B-32
EXHIBIT 1
75B-33
Xxx
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SANTA ANA APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO
PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 41 OF THE SANTA ANA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines
and declares as follows:
A. The Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) requires updates periodically in
order to gain compliance with new state or federal legislation.
B. The City's current accessory dwelling unit ordinance, NS-2940, was
adopted on April 3, 2018,
C. NS-2940 established in 2018, has been superseded by changes made to
state accessory dwelling unit laws (Assembly Bill 68, Assembly Bill 587, Assembly Bill
670, Assembly Bill 671, Assembly Bill 881, and Senate Bill 13) that took effect January 1,
2020, and is no longer enforceable. These statutes impose new limitations on local
authority to regulate accessory dwelling units (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling units
(JADU).
D. The proposed changes to the ADU and JADU development standards are
proposed to comply with the new state legislation to allow greater flexibility in allowing
these units.
E. The proposed amendments would change the ADU ordinance to be in full
compliance with state law by repealing the City's 2018 ADU ordinance, incorporating
new state provisions, and introducing new tailored ADU and JADU regulations that
recognize and protect the diversity of Santa Ana neighborhoods.
F. The City desires to amend its local regulatory program for the construction
of ADUs and JADUs that fully complies with sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 of the
Government Code, and finds that the proposed ordinance promotes the public health,
safety and welfare of the community.
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX
Page 1 of 17
75B-34
G. Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on February 10,
2020, regarding this ordinance and recommended that the City Council adopt the
amended ordinance.
H. The City Council has held a duly noticed public hearing on this ordinance
on March 17, 2020, and has considered all testimony presented thereto.
Section 2. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and
the State CEQA Guidelines, the adoption of this ordinance is exempt from CEQA review
pursuant to 14 California Code of Regulations section 15282(h), and a Notice of
Exemption will be filed upon adoption of this ordinance.
Section 3: Section 41-11.1 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby deleted.
Section 4: Sections 41-194 through Section 41-194.14 of the Santa Ana Municipal
Code are hereby deleted and replaced with the new Sections 41-194 through Section 41-
194.7 to read as follows:
Sec. 41-194. - Accessory Dwellina Units - Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for the development of accessonr
dwelling units and 'junior accessory dwelling units as defined in this section and in
California Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 or any successor statute.
Sec. 41-194.1. - Definitions.
As used in this section the following words terms or phrases have the following
meanings:
1) "Accessory dwelling unit' or "ADU means an attached or detached residential
dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one (1) or
more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary
residential building It shall include permanent provisions for living sleeping
eating cooking and sanitation on the same parcel that the primary residential
building is situated or will be situated It shall have the same meaning as that
term is defined in California Government Code section 65852.2, as amended
from time to time.
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(2) "Existing accessory structure" means an accessory structure as defined in this
chapter, which was legally established and existing prior to the submittal of an
ADU or JADU application.
(3) "Existinq carport' and "Existing covered parking structure" and "Existing garage"
mean a building or portion of a building designed or used for parking or storage
of motor vehicles that was legally established and existing prior to the submittal
of an ADU or JADU application.
4) "Junior accessory dwelling unit' or "JADU" means a unit that is no more than 500
square feet in size, contained entirely within the living area of a single-family
residence, provides a cooking facility with appliances food preparation counter
and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the unit and has
independent exterior access. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include
separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing
structure.
5) "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwellinq unit, includin
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure
(6) "Mixed -Use" for purposes of ADU development means a development that
combines residential land use with one or more additional land uses where
uses are physically and functionally integrated (horizontally or vertically)
(7) "Multi -family building" for purposes of ADU development means a building other
than a hotel or motel with two (2) or more attached dwelling units used to house
two (2) or more families, living independently of each other.
(8) "Public transit' means a location, including but not limited to a bus stop or train
station, where the public may access buses trains subways and other forms of
transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the
public.
(9) "Single-family residence" means a residential building containing one (1) or more
habitable rooms with only one (1) kitchen designed for occupancy by one (11)
independent household unit with common access to and common use of all
living, kitchen and bathroom areas.
(10) "Tandem parking" means that two or more automobiles are parked on a driveway
or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
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Sec. 41-194.2. — Permitted Zones and Applicability.
(A)ADUs and JADUs may be permitted in all zoning districts where residential or mixed -
use development is permitted.
(B) The Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency, or his/her designee,
shall review and approve or deny ministerial permits for ADUs and JADUs upon
determining whether the application submitted is complete, the proposed unit
conforms to all requirements of this code and a non-refundable application review
fee in the amount established by the City Council and amended from time to time,
has been paid Applications deemed incomplete or not in full conformance with the
requirements of this code will be rejected.
(C)Sites developed or proposed to be developed with a single-family residence shall not
be permitted more than one (1) ADU.
(D)Sites developed with a multi -family building may convert existing non -habitable
square footage within the building to a minimum of one (1) ADU and a maximum that
shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the number of units on the site. Sites
developed with a multi -family building are also permitted to construct two (2) ADUs
or to convert existing detached accessory buildings, garages carports, or covered
parking structures to a maximum of two (2) ADUs.
(E)A maximum of one (1) JADU shall be permitted on a site developed or proposed to
be developed with a single-family residence unless the subject site proposes or
contains an attached ADU. In such cases a JADU shall not be permitted.
(F) An ADU shall only be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the primary
building on the site if the primary building and the ADU were built or developed by a
qualified non-profit corporation in accordance with Government Code Section
65852 26 as amended from time to time and an affordable housing agreement is
entered into by the applicant and the city.
Sec. 41-194.3. — Development Standards
The development standards in Table 41-194.3 shall be applicable to all accessory
dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. Additional provisions related to
accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are referenced in the
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"Additional Provisions" column of the table. Such provisions may include references to
other applicable code sections or limitations.
City of Santa Ana Municipal Code Table 41-194.3
Specific
Regulations
ADU
JADU
Additional
Attached
Detached
Provisions
Minimum Size
220 s . ft.
220 s . ft.
220 s
Maximum Size
1 000 s . ft.
1 000 s . ft.
—.ft—.
500 sq. ft.
A B C
Maximum Height
Same as
prima
building
16 ft.
Same as
np •mart/
buildin
Minimum Side
Yard Setback
4 ft.
4 ft.
Same as
prima
building
Minimum Rear
Yard Setback
4 ft.
4 ft.
Same as
prima ry
buildin
LD
Maximum Lot
Coverage/Use
Intensity
Same as
zoning district
Same as
zoning district
Same as
zoning district
Open Space
1200 sq. ft.
1,200 sq, ft.
F G
Separation from
Primary
Buildin s
-
15 ft.
-
-
(H)
Separation from
5 ft.
5 ft.
_-
Accessory
Buildings
Minimum Parking
1 space
1 space
I J
Tandem Parking
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Design
Guidelines
Apply
Apply
Apply
(A)Attached ADUs may be fifty (50) percent of the size of the habitable space of the
Primary dwelling on the site, not to exceed 1,000 square feet in size.
(B)ADUs may not exceed 800 square feet in size in cases where both an ADU and
JADU are developed or proposed on a site.
(C) Existing accessory structures may be converted into an ADU and may be expanded
by up to 150 square feet of the existing footprint to accommodate ingress and
egress only.
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(D) No minimum setback shall be required for an ADU constructed in the same location
and to the same dimensions as an existing structure that encroached into a required
setback that was demolished to construct the proposed unit. This provision shall not
apply to conversions of existing buildings.
(E) Lot coverage and use intensity maximum established in zoning district may be
exceeded to permit an ADU up to eight hundred (800) square feet in size. This
provision shall not apply to conversions of existing buildings.
(F) Required open space may be reduced to permit an ADU up to eight hundred (800)
square feet in size Open space requirement shall only apply to properties
developed or proposed to be developed with a single-family residence. This
provision shall not apply to conversions of existing buildings.
(G)Shall be usable continuous non -front yard open -space excluding driveways and
parking areas Any open space with a minimum dimension of fifteen (15) feet by
fifteen (15) feet shall be deemed continuous open space.
(H)Separation requirement may be reduced to permit an ADU up to eight hundred (800)
square feet in size Separation shall be measured from the nearest points between
the structures. This provision shall not apply to conversions of existing buildings.
(1) No parking for the ADU is required if one or more of the following applies:
1. The ADU is located within one-half (1/2) mile walkin distance of public
transit.
2. The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic
district.
3. The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary dwelling or an existing
accessory structure.
4. When on -street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant
of the ADU.
5. When there is a car share vehicle located within one (1) block of the ADU.
(J) When an existing -garage carport or other covered parking structure is demolished
in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, or converted to an
accessory dwelling unit, replacement of those off-street parking spaces shall not be
required.
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Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties,
primary dwelling unit or the JADU be owner -occupied shall be recorded against the title
of the property in the County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Planning
Division. Said covenant shall run with the land, and shall bind all future owners heirs
successors, or assigns. The form of the deed restriction shall be provided by the City
and shall provide that:
1. The JADU shall not be sold separately from the primary dwelling
2. The unit is restricted to the approved size and attributes of this chapter.
3. The covenant restrictions run with the land and may be enforced against
future purchasers.
4. The covenant restrictions may be removed if the owner eliminates the
JADU.
5. The covenant restriction shall be enforced by the Executive Director of
Planning and Building or his or her designee for the benefit of the City of
Santa Ana. Failure of the property owner to comply with the covenant
restrictions may result in legal action against the property owner and the Citv
shall be authorized to obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity,
including but not limited to obtaining an injunction enjoining use of the JADU
in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit
Planning and Building Agency, or his/her designee to disapprove plans and drawings
submitted pursuant to section 41-194, et seq. or to the standards of section 41-194 et
seq. may file an application for a minor exception pursuant to Article V of this chapter.
Sec. 41-194.7 — Applicability to other regulations.
Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units must comply with any and
all applicable regulations imposed in other articles of the zoning code other citv
ordinances and state and federal law. Should a conflict exist between the provisions of
this article and the provisions of other articles of Chapter 41 of this Code the provisions
of this article shall prevail.
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Section 5. Section 41-239 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 41-239. - Development standards in the R1 district.
Lots in the R1 district shall comply with the following standards:
(a) Front and street oriented side yards shall be landscaped with the
exception of approved driveways and sidewalks.
(b) Side yards shall be completely landscaped, except a walkway or driveway
may encroach into required side yard.
(c) Driveways shall lead to a garage and not exceed the width of such garage
or fifty (50) percent of the lot width at the street, whichever is less. There
shall be no parking of vehicles in the front yard except in such driveways.
(d) Garages facing the street shall occupy no more than fifty (50) percent of
the lot width.
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(e) Porte-cocheres shall be architecturally integrated with the structure and
may encroach up to the side property line located on a driveway that
leads to the garage. A two -car garage must be provided prior to approval
of a porte-cochere.
(1) A porte-cochere shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in length.
(2) Porte-cocheres shall comply with the setbacks established for the
building it is attached to, except that the side yard setback may be
reduced to three (3) feet. On corner lots the side yard setback on the
street side shall be no less than ten (10) feet.
(f) Accessory buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) percent of the
required rear yard area. This subsection shall not apply to accessory
dwelling units.
(g) An accessory building shall be not less than five (5) feet from a main
building.
(h) Maximum square footage of accessory building shall not exceed fifty (50)
percent of the main structure square footage. Required detached garages
may exceed fifty (50) percent of the main structure square footage, but
shall not exceed four hundred forty (440) square feet for a two -car garage,
six hundred forty (640) square feet for a required three -car garage and
eight hundred forty (840) square feet for a required four -car garage.
Section 6. Section 41-681.3 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 41-681.3. - Rehabilitation of multiple -family dwellings.
Rehabilitation of a nonconforming building which is a multiple -family dwelling, including
structural alteration and/or enlargement, is permitted subject to the following limitations:
(1) There shall be no enlargement which would intrude into any required
yard.
(2) There shall be no enlargement which would result in a new nonconformity
with the requirements of this chapter.
(3) There shall be no increase in the number or size of bedrooms unless the
site on which the building is located will be in conformance with the off-
street parking requirements of this chapter.
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(4) For the purpose of this section the limitations listed in subsections (1),
(2) and (3) shall not apply to accessory dwelling units as defined and
regulated in Section 41-194 of this Chapter.
Section 7. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this ordinance. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby declares that
it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause
phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections,
subsections, sentences,
unconstitutional.
ADOPTED this
clauses, phrases,
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
IN
Lisa Storck
Assistant City Attorney
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
NOT PRESENT:
day of
Councilmembers
Councilmembers
Councilmembers
Councilmembers
or portions be
2020.
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
declared invalid or
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CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, DAISY GOMEZ, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify that the attached
Ordinance No. NS-XXXX to be the original ordinance adopted by the City Council of the
City of Santa Ana on , 2020, and that said ordinance was published
in accordance with the Charter of the City of Santa Ana.
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
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