Report Prepared by: Kim Espinosa, Planning Manager, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Presentation and Discussion Regarding Potential Modifications to Chapter 20.42 of the Merced Municipal Code Regarding Secondary Dwelling Units (Now Referred to as Accessory Dwelling Units) and Possible New City Housing Programs to Encourage the Construction of New Accessory Dwelling Units
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City Council will receive an update on upcoming changes to Chapter 20.42 of the Merced Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and possible new City Housing programs to encourage the building of accessory dwelling units.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council to provide direction to staff on possible next steps.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
Not Applicable.
AUTHORITY
SB 1069 and AB 2299 provided changes to State law regarding accessory dwelling units.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This item relates to both "Housing" and "Infill Development" referenced in the FY 2018-19 Council Goals and Priorities.
DISCUSSION
Background
On September 17, 2018, the City Council directed staff to review the City's Zoning Ordinance to determine what changes were needed in order to comply with the new State laws regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's), and to consider alternative approaches to facilitate the development of ADU's in the City of Merced.
Proposed Changes to the Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 20.42 of the Merced Municipal Code allows the construction of "Second Units" or "Secondary Dwelling Units," the terms that had previously been used in State law and was written to be in compliance with State law which was effective at the time of adoption in 2015. Interim City Attorney Jolie Houston asked a member of her firm, Berliner Cohen, to prepare a list of suggested changes to the City's Zoning Ordinance to address the latest revisions to State law, SB 1069 and AB 2299.
A summary of those changes are as follows:
* The terms "Second Units" or "Secondary Dwelling Units" will...
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