Dublin To Consider New ADU Rules Aimed At Easing Approval

DUBLIN, CA — The Dublin City Council will vote Tuesday on an ordinance to change its rules for accessory and junior accessory dwelling units to bring them into compliance with state law. The new ordinance reflects guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which must review all local ADU laws.

If approved, the new ordinance would make large changes to existing rules, including:

• Allowing ADUs of least 800 square feet with only four-foot side and rear setbacks, regardless of lot size, floor area ratio, or open space requirements
• Allowing ADU permits despite minor code violations that do not pose safety risks
• No longer requiring fire sprinklers in existing homes when an ADU is added
• Allowing up to eight detached ADUs on a multifamily lot, as long as the number of ADUs not exceed the number of existing units on the property
• Updated rules on parking, fire codes, and a timeline for permit approvals
• Recognition of “State Exempt ADUs” - ADUs meeting certain state-approved standards for size that cannot be affected by any local ordinance
• Removal of local restriction of separate conveyance of ADUs. In compliance with state law, the new ordinance allows the conveyance under certain narrowly-defined circumstances, such as being built by a qualified nonprofit, or owned by a housing organization.
• ADUs built before 2020 must be legalized.

The new ordinance was already unanimously approved by the Dublin Planning Commission. See here for more information, here for the ordinance, and here for Tuesday’s full agenda.