RHEMC Chapter 17.56 - Accessory Dwelling Units

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On October 9, 2019, Governor Newsom signed 18 housing-related bills into law, including five specific to Accessory Dwelling Units (AB 670, AB 68, AB 881, SB 13, & AB 671), all of which took effect on January 1, 2020. The new laws necessitated changes to RHEMC Chapter 17.56 - Accessory Dwelling Units, in order to comply with State law.

On February 11, 2020, the City Council and Planning Commission held a joint study session to discuss the proposed changes to RHEMC Chapter 17.56. Based on subsequent discussions with the CA Department of Housing and Community Development, the draft ordinance was further refined, prior to the Planning Commission's review of the draft ordinance at their regular meeting of March 2, 2020. The Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. PA-200213-1, recommending to the City Council, adoption of an ordinance, to amend RHEMC Chapter 17.56. Based on discussion at the Planning Commission hearing, additional minor refinements were made to the ordinance that was reviewed and adopted by the City Council on March 24, 2020.

The City Council adopted an urgency ordinance that went into effect immediately, and introduced a regular ordinance. This process ensured that the City had an effective and complying ordinance in place, while providing adequate opportunity for the public to participate in the process, prior to the second reading and adoption of the regular ordinance, which took place on May 12, 2020. The City is currently working with their consulting team to develop and ADU program, which will include an interactive web page and pre-approved plans, to better streamline the process of ADU construction. The City hopes to have the program up and running in early 2021.