HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/12/2025 Item 4a, Ewer
Planning Commission ADU amendments
From: Emily Ewer <
Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 4:28 PM
To: Estrada, Ethan <EJEstrad@slocity.org>; McClish, Teresa <tmcclish@slocity.org>
Cc: Carol Florence <
Subject: Planning Commission ADU amendments
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Hello Ethan and Teresa,
We reviewed the sta? report and attachments for the Planning Commission’s consideration for the ADU and ULS
amendments. As we have a few ADU projects in process, we have a keen interest in the proposed amendments
and have two initial comments as below. We are available if you have any questions or would like to discuss
further. We can also provide information about our projects as relevant case studies, if needed.
3.c. Design Standards
iv. Accessory dwelling units that include the creation of new square footage shall be limited to sixteen feet in
height. Up to one hundred fifty square feet of new square footage may be exempted from this requirement in
connection to a conversion of existing upper floor square footage, but only as needed to accommodate ingress
and egress.
(a) In order to provide additional design options for accessory dwelling units, units that include the creation
of new square footage can be constructed up to twenty-five feet in height if consistent with the setback
standards provided in Article 2 of this title (Zones, Allowable Uses and Development and Design
Standards).
Comment: We would request consideration to amend the building height allowance to be consistent with the
zoning height standards when the underlaying zone setback standards are utilized (this would include upper story
setbacks, as applicable). Site development would continue to be consistent with zoning development envelope,
but allow for greater design flexibility since ADU are now allowed in a broad range of zones. The 16-foot height
limitation when utilizing the ADU setback standards would remain applicable.
4. Procedural Requirements
c. Building permit applications involving the construction of new space or the alteration of existing space within an
existing residential structure may be designed in such a manner as to facilitate the conversion to an accessory
dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit. Said new construction or alterations to an existing single-family
residential structure shall be consistent with the City’s objective design standards and any applicable zoning
regulations. An accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit created through such a building permit
application cannot be combined with the provisions of California Government Code Section 66323.
Comment: I read the draft ordinance before I read the sta? report and could not identify the intent or application of
the above statement. Without the explanation from the sta? report, the proposed “preemptive conversion”
provision is not clear. We definitely support the streamlining of allowing attached ADU/JADUs in new construction
that would otherwise be allowed as a conversation, but this language may benefit from additional wordsmithing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Emily Ewer, AICP
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O A S I S A S S O C I A T E S, I N C.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE + PLANNING
3427 Miguelito Court, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Office: 805.541.4509 Direct: 805-548-1564
www.OASISASSOC.COM
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