HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-22-2017 PC Correspondence - Item P1 (American Institute of Architects, Central Coast - Goodwin)AIA California
Central Coast
February 22, 2017
RE: Zoning Ordinance - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
Commissioners,
Meeting: F& i . z -L. I':? --
item:_ � 2 --
RECEIVED RECEIVED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FEB 2 2 2017
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
We write to you today to support housing diversity in our community, and the importance of the
accessory dwelling unit ordinance (ADU) within our community. The American Institute of
Architects California Central Coast is an organization dedicating to advancing the profession of
architecture, providing leadership in our community, and sharing our knowledge to improve
civic life. We support housing of all types and see the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance as
one of many solutions we should use to create needed housing in our city.
Our membership is made up of creative architects and affiliates that care about the sustainability
of our community, and to that end ask your Commission to modify the size cap of 450 SF
proposed by staff. With only 450 SF to work with, creative and appropriate solutions called out
in the Community Design Guidelines are hindered. We request you remove staff's suggested
language and recommend Council adopt the language provided by the State of California,
specifically 50% of the Primary Unit or 1,200 SF, whichever is less.
In recent years when SLO County produced an Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, our local
AIA was proactive in creating a series of design solutions that residents could `pick off the shelf'
as pre-packaged solutions for typical conditions. This allowed Owners to get an idea of what
they could do with their ADU and lower the cost of design and permitting. We would like to
offer a similar service to the City but request flexibility in the size requirement so that a variety
of solutions can be presented, not a `one -size -fits -all' ground level tiny -box. Help us create a
diverse housing stock that fits within each neighborhood.
As California architects, we are required to uphold the law. When the state gives us a new law,
we work to find solutions that meet the law of the land and the needs of our clients. We hope
your Commission can make a similar effort. Let's comply with state law and make creative
solutions that enrich our community.
Thank you.
Andrew C. Goodwin, AIA, LEED AP
AIACCC President 2016-2017
and
The AIA CCC 2017 Board of Directors
PO Box 12344, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Telephone: 805.439.1611 www.aiacentralcoast.org