HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-08 Ordinance 541220170419_Palo Alto ADU FINAL 1
Ordinance No. 5412
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 18 (Zoning) of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Implement New State Law Requirements Relating
to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and to Reorganize
and Update City Existing Regulations
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. Housing in California is becoming increasingly unaffordable. The average California
home currently costs about 2.5 times the national average home price and the monthly rent is 50%
higher than the rest of the nation. Rent in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and Los Angeles are
among the top 10 most unaffordable in the nation. With rising population growth, California must
not only provide housing but also ensure affordability.
B. Despite a high median income in Palo Alto, nearly 30 percent of all households
overpaid for their housing (more than 30 percent of their income) in 2010.
C. It is estimated that 63 percent of extremely low income renter households and 75
percent of extremely low income owner households overpaid for housing in 2010. Of the
estimated 1,520 low income households, 75 percent of renter households and 44 percent of
homeowner households paid more than 30 percent of their income for housing.
D. The Palo Alto City Council, recognizing the severity of the regional housing crisis,
requested that the Planning and Transportation Commission review constraints affecting the
production of second (accessory) dwelling units and recommend modifications to the City
development standards.
E. While existing law enables accessory dwellings as a source of housing, recent studies
show that local standards like P unintentionally, prevent homeowners from
building ADUs with standards like lot coverage, large setbacks, offstreet parking, or costly
construction requirements.
F. In September 2016, Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill 1069, Assembly Bill
2299 and Assembly Bill 2406 relating to the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior
accessory dwelling units.
G. These new bills were intended to address the housing crisis by easing regulatory
barriers for homeowners who choose to build affordable housing in their own backyards.
H. This ordinance is adopted to comply with these new State mandates regarding
ADUs and junior accessory dwelling units, and to reduce regulatory constraints affecting their
production.
SECTION 2. Section 18.04.030 (Definitions) of Chapter 18.04 (Definitions) of Title 18
(Zoning) is amended to read as follows:
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18.04.030 Definitions
. . .
(4) Accessory dwelling means an attached or a detached residential dwelling
unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It shall
include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same
parcel as the singlefamily dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the
following:
a. An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code.
b. A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.
In some instances this Code uses the term second dwelling unit interchangeably with accessory
dwelling unit.
(46.5) Dwelling unit, se means a separate and complete dwelling unit, other than
and subordinate to the main dwelling unit, whether a part of the same structure or detached, on
the same residential lot.
(74.5) Junior accessory dw means a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in
size and contained entirely within an existing singlefamily structure. A junior accessory dwelling
unit may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing
structure.
(132) Singlefamily use means the use of a site for only one dwelling unit and,
where permitted, an accessory second dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit.
. . .
SECTION 3. In Section 18.10.010 (a) substitute the ter essory dwelling unit( for
second dwelling unit(s).
SECTION 4. Section 18.10.030 Table 1 and Footnote (2) are amended as follows:
TABLE 1
PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED LOWDENSITY RESIDENTIAL USES
[P = Permitted Use CUP = Conditional Use Permit Required]
RE R2 RMD Subject to
Regulations in:
ACCESSORY AND SUPPORT USES
Accessory facilities and uses customarily incidental to permitted
uses (no limit on number of plumbing fixtures) P P P 18.10.080
Home Occupations, when accessory to permitted residential
uses. P P P 18.42.060
Horticulture, gardening, and growing of food products for
consumption by occupants of the site. P P P
Sale of agricultural products produced on the premises (1) P 18.10.110
Second Accessory Dwelling Units P P(2) P(2) 18.4210.0470
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Junior Accessory Dwelling Units P P(2) P(2) 18.42.040
AGRICULTURE AND OPEN SPACE USES
Agriculture P 18.10.110
EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, AND ASSEMBLY USES
Private Educational Facilities CUP CUP CUP
Religious Congregations and Institutions CUP CUP CUP
PUBLIC/QUASIPUBLIC USES
Community Centers CUP CUP CUP
Utility Facilities essential to provision of utility services to the
neighborhood, but excluding business offices, construction or
storage yards, maintenance facilities, or corporation yards.
CUP CUP CUP
RECREATION USES
Neighborhood Recreational Centers CUP
Outdoor Recreation Services CUP CUP
RESIDENTIAL USES
SingleFamily P P P
TwoFamily use, under one ownership P P
Mobile Homes P P P 18.42.100
Residential Care Homes P P P
RETAIL USES
Cemeteries CUP
Commercial Plant Nurseries CUP
SERVICE USES
Convalescent Facilities CUP
Day Care Centers CUP CUP CUP
Small Adult Day Care Homes P P P
Large Adult Day Care Homes CUP CUP CUP
Small Family Day Care Homes P P P
Large Family Day Care Homes P P P
Bed & Breakfast Inns P(3)
P = Permitted Use CUP = Conditional Use Permit
Required
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. . .
(2) Second Accessory Dwelling Units in R2 and RMD Zones: An accessory second dwelling
unit or a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit associated with a singlefamily residence on a lot in the R
2 or RMD zones is permitted, subject to the provisions of Section 18.10.07018.42.040, and such
that no more than two units result on the lot.
. . .
SECTION 5. Section 18.10.040 (Development Standards) of Chapter 18.10 (LowDensity
Residential (RE, R2 and RMD) Districts) of Title 18 (Zoning) is amended to read as follows:
18.10.040 Development Standards
(a) Site Specifications, Building Size, Height and Bulk, and Residential Density
. . .
18.10.040(a) Table 2, Footnote
. . .
(5) Maximum House Size: The gross floor area of attached garages and attached second
accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are included in the calculation of
maximum house size. If there is no garage attached to the house, then the square footage of one
detached covered parking space shall be included in the calculation. This provision applies only to
singlefamily residences, not to duplexes allowed in the R2 and RMD districts.
. . .
(i) Individual Review
The Individual Review provisions of Section 18.12.110 of the Zoning Ordinance shall be applied
to any singlefamily or twofamily residence in the R2 or RMD districts to those sides of a site that
share an interior side lot line with the interior side or rear lot line of a property zoned for or used for
single family or twofamily dwellings. , except where architectural review board review is required for
an accessory second dwelling on an RMDzoned site. The individual review criteria shall be applied
only to the project's effects on adjacent singlefamily and twofamily uses.
SECTION 6. Section 18.10.060 Table 3 is amended as follows:
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TABLE 3
PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR RE, R2 AND RMD USES
Use Minimum OffStreet Parking
Requirement
Singlefamily residential use (excluding second accessory
dwelling units)
2 spaces per unit, of which one must be
covered
Two family (R2 & RMD districts) 3 spaces total, of which at least two must
be covered
Second Accessory dwelling unit, attached or detached:
>450 sf in size
50 sf in size
2 spaces per unit, of which one must be
covered
1 space per unit, which may be covered or
uncovered
No parking required
Junior accessory dwelling unit No parking required
Other Uses See Chapter 18.40
. . .
SECTION 7. Section 18.10.070 (Second Dwelling Units) of Chapter 18.10 (LowDensity
Residential (RE, R2 and RMD) Districts) of Title 18 (Zoning) is repealed in its entirety and a new
18.10.070 is added to read as follows:
18.10.070 Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units are subject to the
regulations set forth in Section 18.42.040.
SECTION 8. Section 18.10.120 (Architectural Review) of Chapter 18.10 (LowDensity
Residential (RE, R2 and RMD) Districts) of Title 18 (Zoning) is amended to read as follows:
18.10.120 Architectural Review
Architectural review, as required in Section 18.76.020, is required in the RE, R2, and RMD
districts whenever three or more adjacent residential units are intended to be developed
concurrently, whether through subdivision or individual applications. Architectural review is also
required for second dwelling units of more than 900 square feet, when located in the Neighborhood
Preservation Combining District (NP).
SECTION 9. Section 18.10.140 (Neighborhood Preservation Combining District (NP)
Standards) of Chapter 18.10 (LowDensity Residential (RE, R2 and RMD) Districts) of Title 18 (Zoning)
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is amended to read as follows:
18.10.140 Neighborhood Preservation Combining District (NP) Standards
. . .
(b)(2) Design Review Required
For properties on which two or more residential units are developed or modified, design
review and approval shall be required by the architectural review board in compliance with
procedures established in Section 18.76.020 for any new development or modification to any
structure on the property and for site amenities. No design review is required for construction of or
modifications to singlefamily structures that constitute the only principal structure on a parcel of
land or for accessory dwelling units or junior accessory units.
No design review is required for construction of second dwelling units on a parcel except
when the second unit exceeds 900 square feet in size.
. . .
SECTION 10. Section 18.10.150(e) (Existing Second Dwelling Units on Substandard Size Lots)
is deleted in its entirety and reserved for future use.
. . .
SECTION 11. Section 18.12.010(a) is amended as follows:
(a) Single Family Residential District [R1]
The R1 single family residential district is intended to create, preserve, and enhance areas
suitable for detached dwellings with a strong presence of nature and with open area affording
maximum privacy and opportunities for outdoor living and children's play. Minimum site area
requirements are established to create and preserve variety among neighborhoods, to provide
adequate open area, and to encourage quality design. Second Accessory dwelling units, junior
accessory dwelling units and accessory structures or buildings are appropriate. where consistent with
the site and neighborhood character. Community uses and facilities, such as churches and schools,
should be limited unless no net loss of housing would result.
. . .
SECTION 12. Section 18.12.030 Table 1, is amended as follows:
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Table 1
PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL R1 RESIDENTIAL USES
R1and all R1
Subdistricts
Subject to
Regulations for:
ACCESSORY AND SUPPORT USES
Accessory facilities and uses customarily
incidental to permitted uses with no more than
two plumbing fixtures and no kitchen facility, or
of a size less than or equal to 200 square feet
P 18.04.030(a)(3)
18.12.080
Accessory facilities and uses customarily
incidental to permitted uses with more than
two plumbing fixtures (but with no kitchen), and
in excess of 200 square feet in size, but
excluding second accessory dwelling units
CUP 18.12.080
Home occupations, when accessory to
permitted residential
P 18.42.060
Horticulture, gardening, and growing of food
products for consumption by occupants of the
site
P
Second Accessory Dwelling Units P(1)18.42.04012.070
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit P(1)18.42.040
EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUSAND ASSEMBLY USES
Private Educational Facilities CUP
Churches and Religious Institutions CUP
PUBLIC/QUASI PUBLIC USES
Community Centers CUP
Utility Facilities essential to provision of utility
services to the neighborhood, but excluding
business offices, construction or storage yards,
maintenance facilities, or corporation yards
CUP
RECREATION USES
Outdoor Recreation Services CUP
RESIDENTIAL USES
SingleFamily P
Mobile Homes P 18.42.100
Residential Care Homes P
SERVICE USES
Day Care Centers CUP
Small Adult Day Care Homes P
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Large Adult Day Care Homes CUP
Small Family Day Care Homes P
Large Family Day Care Homes P
P=Permitted Use CUP = ConditionalUsePermitRequired
(1) An Accessory Dwelling Unit or a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit associated with a single
family residence on a lot is permitted, subject to the provisions of Section 18.42.040, and such that
no more than two total units result on the lot.
SECTION 13. Section 18.12.040 Table 2, footnote (8) is amended as follows:
(8) Maximum House Size: The gross floor area of attached garages and attached accessory second
dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are included in the calculation of maximum house
size. If there is no garage attached to the house, then the square footage of one detached covered
parking space shall be included in the calculation.
SECTION 14. Section 18.12.060 Table 4 is amended as follows:
Table 4 shows the minimum offstreet automobile parking requirements for specific uses in
the R1 district.
Table 4
Parking Requirements for Specific R1 Uses
Use Minimum OffStreet Parking Requirement
Singlefamily residential use (excluding second accessory
dwelling units)
2 spaces per unit, of which one must be
covered.
Second Accessory dwelling unit , attached or detached
2 spaces per unit, of which one must be
covered
No parking required
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit No parking required
Other Uses See Chs. 18.52 and 18.54
. . .
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SECTION 15. Section 18.12.070 (Second Dwelling Units) of Chapter 18.12 (R1 Single
Family Residential District) of Title 18 (Zoning) is repealed in its entirety and a new 18.12.070 is
added to read as follows:
18.12.070 Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units are subject to the regulations
set forth in Section 18.42.040.
SECTION 16. Section 18.12.090(b)(2) is amended to read as follows:
. . .
(2) basement area is deemed to be habitable space but the finished level of the first floor is no
more than three feet above the grade around the perimeter of the building foundation.
Basement space used as a second dwelling unit or portion thereof shall be counted as floor
area for the purpose of calculating the maximum size of the unit (but may be excluded from
calculations of floor area for the total site). This provision is intended to assure that second
units are subordinate in size to the main dwelling and to preclude the development of duplex
zoning on the site.
. . .
SECTION 17. Section 18.12.150(d) (Existing Second Dwelling Units on Substandard Size Lots)
is deleted in its entirety and reserved for future use.
. . .
SECTION 18. Section 18.28.040, Table 1, is amended as follows:
Table 1
Land Uses
Subject to
in
Chapter:
ACCESSORYAND SUPPORTUSES
facilities accessory uses
Chs. 18.40
and 18.42
and drinking services in conjunction with a
use
(1)
CUP
services as accessory to the administrative
offices of a organization, that such
services do not exceed 25% of the gross floor area
of the combined services and retail
uses
(1)
CUP
services in with a permitted use (1)
CUP
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of on the premises;
provided, that no commercial for
the sale or of agricultural shall be
permitted.
Second Accessory dwelling units, to
regulations in Section 18.28.07042.040 18.28.070
18.42.040
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit 18.42.040
AGRICULTURALANDOPEN SPACEUSES
Uses, including husbandry, crops,
dairying, horticulture, livestock farming, tree
farming, viticulture, and similar uses not inconsistent
with the intent and of this chapter
conservatories, nature
laboratories, facilities
sanctuaries
Park uses and uses to park operation
EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, AND ASSEMBLY USES
schools (1)
CUP
Churches and institutions (1)
CUP
research, and philanthropic
institutions CUP
facilities (1)
CUP
Public or colleges and and
facilities thereto CUP
classes (1)
CUP
OFFICEUSES
services for nonprofit
organizations
(1)
CUP
OTHER USES
Other uses which, in the opinion of the director, are
similar to as or conditionally
uses
CUP (1)
FACILITY USES
All facilities or leased, and or used, by
the City of Alto, the of Santa Clara, the State
of California, the of the United States, the
Palo Alto District, or any other
agency
Facilities CUP
Centers CUP (1)
Utility Facilities CUP CUP CUP
RECREATIONALUSES
centers CUP (1)
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services CUP (1)CUP
uses including riding clubs,
stables, clubs, and golf courses CUP
Youth clubs CUP (1)
RESIDENTIALUSES
dwellings
(including mobile homes on
foundations) 18.40.
Guest ranches CUP
care when existing
on the site CUP (1)
Homes
use, and accessory and uses
to dwellings; provided,
that such dwellings shall be the
of the owner or owners, or or lessor
of land upon which the is
conducted, the of other of the
same family and bona fide employees of the
aforementioned
SERVICEUSES
care, including boarding and kennels CUP CUP
Cemeteries CUP
Cemeteries, not including mausolea, crematoria, or
columbaria CUP
day care homes
day care homes CUP
Day care centers CUP (1)
Art, dance,gymnastic,exerciseor music studiosor CUP (1)
Medical Services:
Hospitals
Outpatient medical facilitieswith associated
medical research
TEMPORARY USES
Temporary parking facilities,provided that such facilities CUP (1)
TRANSPORTATION USES
Airports and airportrelateduses CUP (1)
. . .
(2) An accessory dwelling unit or a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit associated with a single
family residence on a lot in the OS District is permitted, subject to the provisions of Section 18.42.040,
and such that no more than two total units result on the lot.
SECTION 19. Section 18.28.070(a) (Second Dwelling Units) is amended as follows:
18.28.070 Additional OS District Regulations
The following additional regulations shall apply in the OS district:
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(a) Second Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units are subject to the regulations
set forth in Section 18.42.040.
Not more than one attached or detached second dwelling units shall be allowed on a lot in the
OS district, and shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1) Second dwelling shall only be permitted on sites with a minimum site area of 10
acres;
(2) Attached second dwelling units shall comply with the OS district height limitation of
25 feet;
and
(3) Second dwelling units shall follow the standards set forth in the Residential Estate (R
E) District for second dwelling units (18.10.070(b)), with the exceptions outlined in subsections 1 and 2
above.
. . .
SECTION 20. Section 18.42.040 (Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) is added as
follows:
18.42.040 Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
The following regulations apply to zoning districts where accessory dwelling units and junior
accessory dwelling units are permitted.
(a) Accessory Dwelling Units
1. Purpose
The intent of this section is to provide regulations to accommodate accessory dwelling units,
in order to provide for variety to the city's housing stock and additional affordable housing
opportunities. Accessory Dwelling Units shall be separate, selfcontained living units, with separate
entrances from the main residence, whether attached or detached. The standards below are provided
to minimize the impacts of accessory dwelling units on nearby residents and throughout the city, and
to assure that the size and location of such dwellings is compatible with the existing residence on the
site and with other structures in the area.
2. Minimum Lot Sizes
(i) In the R1 district and all R1 subdistricts, RE district, R2 district, and RMD
district, the minimum lot size for the development of an accessory dwelling unit is 5,000 square feet.
(ii) In the OS District, the minimum lot size for the development of an accessory
dwelling unit is 10 acres.
3. Setbacks and Daylight Plane
(i) Except as otherwise provided in this section, accessory dwelling units shall
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comply with the underlying zo setbacks, including daylight plane requirements.
(ii) Notwithstanding section (i) above, no setback shall be required for an
existing garage that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit, except as provided in subsection
(a)(5) below.
(iii) In districts permitting second story accessory dwelling units, a setback of no
more than five feet from the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit
constructed above a garage.
4. Lot Coverage/FAR
(i) An accessory dwelling unit shall be included in the lot coverage and FAR
requirements applicable to the parcel.
(ii) Exceptions:
a. Lot Coverage. When the development of an accessory dwelling unit on a
parcel with an existing single family residence would result in the parcel exceeding the lot coverage
requirement, the accessory dwelling unit shall not be included in the calculation of lot coverage
applicable to the property, so long as the parcel meets
requirement or
minimum lot size requirement.
b. Basement FAR. In the R1 district and all R1 subdistricts, basement space
used as an accessory dwelling unit, or portion thereof, shall not be included in the calculation of floor
area for the entire site, providing the measurement from first finished floor to grade around the
perimeter of the building is no more than three (3) feet.
c. FAR. When the development of a new onestory accessory dwelling unit on
a parcel with an existing single family residence would result in the parcel exceeding the maximum floor
area, an additional 175 square feet of floor area above the maximum amount of floor area otherwise
permitted by the underlying zoning district shall be allowed. This additional area shall be permitted only
to accommodate the development of the accessory dwelling unit.
5. Conversion of Space in Existing Single Family Residence or Existing Accessory
Structure
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(7) and (a)(8), in the R1
district and all R1 subdistricts and RE district only, an Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be permitted if the
unit is contained within the existing space of a singlefamily residence or an existing accessory
structure, has independent exterior access from the existing residence, and the side and rear setbacks
are sufficient for fire safety, and if the accessory dwelling unit conforms with the following:
a. For the purposes of this section, the portion of the singlefamily residence or
accessory structure subject to the conversion shall be legally permitted and existing as of January 1,
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2017.
b. Notwithstanding the allowance in this section, only one accessory dwelling unit or
junior accessory dwelling unit may be located on any lot subject to this section.
c. No new or separate utility connection shall be required between the accessory
dwelling unit and utility service, such as water, sewer, and power.
d. The accessory dwelling unit shall comply with the provisions of subsections
(a)(6), (a)(9), and (a)(10).
6. Privacy
Any window, door or deck of a second story accessory dwelling unit shall utilize techniques to
lessen views onto adjacent properties to preserve the privacy of residents. These techniques may
include placement of doors, windows and decks to minimize overview of neighboring dwelling units,
use of obscured glazing, window placement above eye level, and screening between the properties.
7. Additional Development Standards for Attached Accessory Dwelling Units
(i) Attached accessory dwelling units are those attached to the main dwelling. All
attached accessory dwelling units shall be subject to the additional development requirements
specified below.
(ii) Attached unit size counts toward the calculation of maximum house size.
(iii) Unit Size: The maximum size of an attached accessory dwelling unit living area
shall not exceed 600 square feet and shall not exceed 50% of the existing living area of the primary
existing dwelling unit. The accessory dwelling unit and any covered parking provided for the accessory
dwelling unit shall be included in the total floor area for the site, but the covered parking area is not
included in the maximum 600 square feet for attached unit. Any basement space used as an accessory
dwelling unit or portion thereof shall be counted as floor area for the purpose of calculating the
maximum size of the accessory unit.
(iv) Maximum height (including property in a special flood hazard zone): One story
and 17 feet. However, in the RE District attached Accessory Dwelling Units may be two stories and 30
feet. In the OS zone, attached Accessory Dwelling Units may be two stories and 25 feet.
(v) Separate Entry Required for Attached Units: A separate exterior entry shall be
provided to serve an accessory dwelling unit.
(vi) Except on corner lots, the accessory dwelling unit shall not have an entranceway
facing the same lot line (property line) as the entranceway to the main dwelling unit unless the second
entranceway is located in the rear half of the lot. Exterior staircases to second floor units shall be
located toward the interior side or rear yard of the property.
(vii) If covered parking for an accessory dwelling unit is provided in the RE zone, the
maximum size of the covered parking area for the accessory dwelling unit is 200 square feet.
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8. Additional Development Standards for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units
(i) Detached accessory dwelling units are those detached from the main dwelling.
All detached accessory dwelling units shall be subject to the additional development standards
specified below.
(ii) The maximum size of the detached accessory dwelling unit living area shall be
900 square feet.
a. The accessory dwelling unit and any covered parking shall be included in the
total floor area for the site, but the covered parking area is not included within the maximum 900
square feet for detached unit.
b. Any basement space used as an accessory dwelling unit or portion thereof
shall be counted as floor area for the purpose of calculating the maximum size of the accessory unit.
(iii) Maximum height (including property in a special flood hazard zone): one story
and 17 feet.
(iv) Setbacks: notwithstanding section (a)(3)(i), a detached accessory dwelling unit
may be located in a rear yard, but must maintain a minimum s
encroach into a daylight plane beginning at a height of eight fee
one foot (1 .
(v) If covered parking is provided for an accessory dwelling unit in the RE District,
the maximum size of covered parking area for the detached accessory dwelling unit is 200 square feet.
(vi) There shall be no windows, doors, mechanical equipment, or venting or exhaust
systems located within six feet of a property line.
9. Additional Requirements for All Accessory Dwelling Units
(i) Sale of Units: The Accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold separately from the
primary residence.
(ii) Short term rentals. The accessory dwelling unit shall not be rented for periods
of less than 30 days.
(iii) Number of Units Allowed: Only one accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory
dwelling unit may be located on any residentially zoned lot.
(iv) Existing Development: A singlefamily dwelling shall exist on the lot or shall be
constructed on the lot in conjunction with the construction of the accessory dwelling unit.
(v) Occupancy: The owner of a parcel proposed for accessory dwelling use shall
occupy as a principal residence either the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling, unless both the
primary dwelling and the accessory dwelling are rented to the same tenant and such tenant is
prohibited from subleasing the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling.
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(vi) Prior to issuance of a building permit for the accessory dwelling unit, the owner
shall record a deed restriction in a form approved by the city that: includes a prohibition on the sale of
the accessory dwelling unit separate from the sale of the singlefamily residence; requires owner
occupancy consistent with subsection (a)(9)(v) above; does not permit shortterm rentals; and restricts
the size and attributes of the accessory dwelling unit to those that conform with this section.
(vii) Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they
are not required for the primary residence.
(viii) Street Address Required: Street addresses shall be assigned to all accessory
dwellings to assist in emergency response.
(ix) Street Access: When parking is provided, the accessory dwelling unit shall have
street access from a driveway in common with the main residence in order to prevent new curb cuts,
excessive paving, and elimination of street trees, unless separate driveway access is permitted by the
director upon a determination that separate access will result in fewer environmental impacts such as
excessive paving, unnecessary grading or unnecessary tree removal, and that such separate access will
not create the appearance, from the street, of a lot division or twofamily use.
(x) For properties listed in the Palo Alto Historic Inventory, the California Register of
Historical Resources, the National Register of Historic Places, or considered a historic resource after
Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties shall be required, as determined by the Planning
Director.
(xi) No protected tree shall be removed for the purpose of establishing an
accessory dwelling unit unless the tree is dead, dangerous or constitutes a nuisance under Section
8.04.050. Any protected tree removed pursuant to this subsection shall be replaced in accordance with
the standards it the Tree Technical Manual.
(xii) Except as modified by this Section 18.42.040, the accessory dwelling unit shall
conform to all requirements of the underlying zoning district, any applicable combining district, and all
other applicable provisions of this Title 18.
10. Parking
(i) No additional parking shall be required for accessory dwelling units.
(ii) If an accessory dwelling unit replaces existing required covered parking,
replacement spaces shall be provided. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is
demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, any required
replacement spaces may be located in any configuration on the same lot as the accessory dwelling unit,
including, but not limited to, within the front setback if on an existing driveway, as covered spaces,
uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile parking lifts. All new
parking structures shall comply with development standards of the underlying zoning.
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20170419_Palo Alto ADU FINAL 17
(b) Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
1. Purposes: This Section provides standards for the establishment of junior accessory
dwelling units, an alternative to the standard accessory dwelling unit. Junior accessory dwelling units
will typically be smaller than an accessory dwelling unit, will be constructed within the walls of an
existing single family structure and requires owner occupancy in the single family residence where the
unit is located.
2. Development Standards. Junior accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following
standards:
(i) Number of Units Allowed: Either one accessory dwelling unit or one junior
accessory dwelling unit, may be located on any residentially zoned lot that permits a singlefamily
dwelling except as otherwise regulated or restricted by an adopted Coordinated Area Plan or Specific
Plan. A junior accessory dwelling unit shall only be located on a lot which already contains one legal
singlefamily dwelling.
(ii) Size: A junior accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 500 square feet in size.
(iii) Lot Coverage/FAR:
a. A junior accessory dwelling unit shall be included in the calculation of lot
coverage and FAR applicable to the property.
b. A lot with a junior accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted to develop an
additional 50 square feet of floor area above the maximum amount of floor area otherwise permitted
by the underlying zoning district. This additional area shall be permitted to accommodate the junior
accessory dwelling unit.
(iv) Owner Occupancy: The owner of a parcel proposed for a junior accessory
dwelling unit shall occupy as a principal residence either the primary dwelling or the junior accessory
dwelling. Owneroccupancy is not required if the owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or
housing organization.
(v) Sale Prohibited: A junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold independently
of the primary dwelling on the parcel.
(vi) Short term rentals: The junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be rented for
periods of less than 30 days.
(vii) Location of Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit: A junior accessory dwelling unit
shall be created within the existing walls of an existing primary dwelling, and shall include conversion of
an existing bedroom.
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20170419_Palo Alto ADU FINAL 18
(viii) Separate Entry Required: A separate exterior entry shall be provided to serve a
junior accessory dwelling unit, with an interior entry to the main living area. A junior accessory
dwelling may include a second interior doorway for sound attenuation.
(ix) Kitchen Requirements: The junior accessory dwelling unit shall include an
efficiency kitchen, requiring and limited to the following components:
a. A sink with a maximum waste line diameter of oneandahalf (1.5) inches,
b. A cooking facility or appliance which does not require electrical service
greater than one hundred and twenty (120) volts, or natural or propane gas, and
c. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size
in relation to the size of the junior accessory dwelling unit.
(x) Parking. No additional parking is required beyond that required at the time the
existing primary dwelling was constructed.
(xi) Fire Protection; Utility Service. For the purposes of any fire or life protection
ordinance or regulation or for the purposes of providing service for water, sewer, or power, a junior
accessory dwelling unit shall not be considered a separate or new unit.
(xii) Deed Restriction. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for a junior
accessory dwelling unit, the owner shall record a deed restriction in a form approved by the city that
includes a prohibition on the sale of the junior accessory dwelling unit separate from the sale of the
singlefamily residence, requires owneroccupancy consistent with subsection (b)(2)(iv) above, does
not permit shortterm rentals, and restricts the size and attributes of the junior dwelling unit to those
that conform with this section.
SECTION 21. Section 18.52.040 (6)(c) Table 1, is amended as follows:
Table 1
Minimum OffStreet Parking Requirements
Use Vehicle Parking Requirement
(# of spaces)
Bicycle Parking Requirement
Spaces Class1
Long Term (LT)
and Short Term
(ST)
RESIDENTIAL USES
Single Family Residential (Primary Unit) Tandem Parking Allowed
(a) In the OS district 4 spaces, of which at least one
space must be covered
None
(b) In all other districts 2 spaces, of which at least one
space must be covered
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20170419_Palo Alto ADU FINAL 19
(c) Underground parking for single family uses is prohibited, except
pursuant to a variance granted in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 18.76 (Permits and Approvals) of this title, in which case the area
of the underground garage shall be counted toward the gross floor area.
Second Accessory DwellingUnit
(In addition to main dwelling unit
requirements)
>450 sf in size
<450 sf in size
2spaces, of which at least one
must be covered
1 space, covered or
uncovered
No parking required
None
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units No parking required None
TwoFamily Residential
(R2 & RMD Districts)
1.5 spaces per unit, of which
at least one space per unit
must be covered
Tandem Parking Allowed, with
one tandem space per unit,
associated directly with
another parking space for the
same unit
1 space per
Unit
100% LT
Multiple Family Residential 1.25 per studio unit
1.5 per 1bedroom unit
2 per 2bedroom or larger
unit At least one space per
unit must be covered
Tandem parking allowed for
any unit requiring two spaces
(one tandem space per unit,
associated directly with
another parking space for the
same unit, up to a maximum
of 25% of total required
spaces for any project with
more than four (4) units)
1 per unit 100% LT
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20170419_Palo Alto ADU FINAL 20
(a) Guest Parking For projects exceeding 3
units; 1 space plus 10% of
total number of units,
provided that if more than
one space per unit is assigned
or secured parking, then guest
spaces equal to 33% of all
units is required.
1 space for
each 10 units
100% ST
. . .
SECTION 22.
SECTION 23. Any provision of the Palo Alto Municipal Code or appendices thereto
inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no
further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to effect the provisions of this
Ordinance.
SECTION 24. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for
any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council
hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection,
sentence, clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any
portion of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
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20170419_Palo Alto ADU FINAL 21
SECTION 25. The Council finds that the adoption of this ordinance is exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Public Resources Code section
21080.17 (Application of Division to Ordinances Implementing Law Relating to Construction of Dwelling
Units and Second Units) and CEQA Guideline sections 15061(b) and 15301, 15303 and 15305 because it
simply provides a comprehensive permitting scheme for accessory dwelling units whose construction
is exempt from CEQA.
SECTION 26. This ordinance shall be effective on the thirtyfirst date after the date of
its adoption.
INTRODUCED: April 17, 2017
PASSED: May 8, 2017
AYES: DUBOIS, FILSETH, FINE, KNISS, SCHARFF, TANAKA, WOLBACH
NOES: HOLMAN, KOU
ABSENT:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
Senior Assistant City Attorney City Manager
Director of Planning & Community
Environment
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