The state requires ministerial approval (no zoning/planning permit) for projects that meet the standards or requirements. A summary table of the proposed changes to the standards or requirements is provided below. 2003 Ordinance 1.
2017 Ordinance Same
4.
May be attached to the primary unit, entirely within the footprint of primary unit, or detached from primary unit Prohibited in Vallejo Heights, Old City, St. Vincent’s Hill and Beverly Hills neighborhoods Single-family residential unit or primary unit must exist on lot or can be constructed in conjunction with the construction of an ADU Lots less than 5,000 sf cannot be subdivided
5.
2.
2017 State Mandated (Yes/No) Yes
City-wide; all areas are included
No
Same and must be on a residentially zoned property which contains no more than one existing, single-family dwelling Same
Yes
One ADU per lot
Same
No
6.
Minimum lot size is 5,000 sf
Same
No
7.
Maximum unit size for lots 10,000 sf or less is 640 sf; maximum unit size for lots more than 10,000 sf is 800 sf Minimum side and rear yards may be 3’with a Minor Exception Permit
Maximum unit size is 50% of the primary unit or 1,200 sf, whichever is less
3.
8.
9. 10. 11. 12.
13.
14.
Detached unit may not be closer to front property line than primary unit Detached unit must be 5’ from primary unit or building Maximum lot coverage is the same as zoning district (e.g. 50% for LDR, 60% for HDR) Maximum height of detached unit is 25’
Privacy design elements: Windows facing side yards must be opaque, or a minimum height of 5’, or yard must include vegetative screening Architectural design elements: Entrances for attached ADUs must be in rear; design must be consistent with primary unit (exterior doors, windows, details, building materials, paint color and roof style/pitch)
Minimum side and rear yards are 5’ (Minor Exception Permit not offered) No new minimum yard required where an existing garage is converted to an ADU; a setback of 5’ is required for a new ADU built above a garage. Same, except where an existing garage is converted into an ADU Same, except where an existing garage is converted into an ADU Same
No
Yes; however, a smaller maximum unit size is allowed Yes
Yes Yes No
Same; however, the unit height shall not exceed the height of the primary structure unless above a detached garage which must be located in the rear of the property. Same
No
Same, to the extent feasible
No
No
2003 Ordinance 15.
16.
17.
18.
19. 20. 21.
22.
23.
24.
Applicant must be owner-occupant; either primary unit or ADU must be owneroccupied; deed restriction required Parking: One additional space required Space can be covered/uncovered and tandem Parking Spaces
2017 Ordinance Same
2017 State Mandated (Yes/No) No
Yes Same Same
No additional space is required if: a) ADU is 500 sf or less and is entirely within the primary unit b) ADU is within ½ mile of a public transit stop or terminal c) On-street Parking Permits are required d) Property is within an Historic District e) Car Share Vehicle is located within one block Replacement Parking When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished for an ADU, replacement parking spaces may be located in another configuration on the same lot and may be covered, uncovered, or tandem Deviation of standards for ADU with disabled Same occupants N/A No ADU rentals for 30 days or less (Deed restriction required) N/A No Certificate of Appropriateness Permit required if project meets Secretary of Interior Standards N/A No garage conversions unless garage is detached and property provides required parking for primary unit and ADU N/A City must approve an application for a building permit to create within a singlefamily residential zone one ADU per single-family lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a single family residence or accessory structure, has independent exterior access from the existing residence, meets fire and building code requirements, and the side and rear setbacks are sufficient for fire safety 16.04.398 – Accessory Dwelling Unit is an Redefined second unit for consistency additional dwelling unit constructed or with “Accessory Dwelling Unit” definition adapted within, onto, or apart from an in Section 65852.2 of the State existing dwelling unit on a residentially Government Code zoned property.
Yes
Yes
No No Yes
No
Yes
No