Report Prepared by: Kim Espinosa, Planning Manager, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance Amending Section 20.42 and Various Other Sections of the Merced Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (Zoning Ordinance Amendment #19-02)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second reading and final adoption of ordinance which would modify the City’s zoning regulations regarding accessory dwelling units.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2502, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Sections 20.42 (“Second Units”) as well as Tables 20.08-1 (“Permitted Land Uses in the Residential Zoning Districts”), 20.16-1 (“Permitted Land Uses in the Urban Village Zoning Districts”), and 20.38-1 (“Off-Street Parking Requirements”); and Sections 20.08.030.F.1 (“Development Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Parking”), 20.20.010.C.3 (“Urban Transition Zoning District, Development Standards”); 20.46.010 (“Residential Design Standards, Purpose”), and 20.90.020 (“Glossary, Definitions”) of the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt Ordinance 2502; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Continue to a future City Council meeting (date and time to be specified in motion).
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Section 20.80, “Zoning Ordinance Amendments,” spells out procedures for amending the Zoning Ordinance.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Infill Development and Housing are both listed as City Council Priorities for FY 2019/20.
DISCUSSION
On July 1, 2019, the City Council held a public hearing on the proposed Ordinance and discussed the options regarding parking and owner occupancy. Two members of the public testified and indicated that they did not favor eliminating the owner occupancy requirement for either the primary or accessory dwelling unit because of concerns about impacts on neighborhoods.
After an extensive discussion, the City Council adopted a motion to continue the public hearing to August 5, 2019, and directed staff to prepare an alternative ordinance which would allow for parking within the setback areas for accessory dwelling units only and to retain the owner occupancy requirement only within R-1 zoning districts.
Additional language was added by Council regarding owner occupancy in either unit at the August 5, 2019 meeting and is included in the attachments.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance (Redlined Version)
2. Ordinance (Based on City Council direction for additional language given on August 5, 2019)