The Solana Beach City Council unanimously approved a second reading of an accessory dwelling unit ordinance on Dec. 13.
The ordinance includes amendments to the city’s current ADU regulations, including a provision that deed-restricts them as affordable housing for 25 years.
Cities have been crafting their ADU policies in response to a series of new state laws over the past several years aimed at streamlining their construction. Many state lawmakers want to use new ADU construction as a way to help alleviate the housing crisis, although cities have complained about the loss of local control.
The amendments to the Solana Beach ordinance include updated definitions for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, as well as modifications to height limits that adhere to state law.
The ordinance also lifts a prohibition on ADUs built within environmentally-sensitive habitat areas, the Hillside Overlay Zone, and the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, according to the city staff report.
Cities throughout the state are also looking for ADUs to help them meet their state-mandated housing goals. In the sixth cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation, the city of Solana Beach has to provide zoning for 875 new housing units across all income levels.
As of the beginning of December, 31 ADUs have been built in Solana Beach from 2020 to 2022, according to city staff. None have been constructed in 2023, but three permits were issued and another 22 are under review. The city is on pace to permit 70% more ADUs than expected for the city’s housing element, according to a city staff report.
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