HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 1354 ZOA 20-0001 - Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Dwelling UnitsSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: February 27, 2020
PREPARED BY: Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner
REQUEST: Consideration of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend Palm Desert
Municipal Code Section 25.32.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units," Section
25.10.030, Section 25.18.040, and Section 25.99.020 to comply with
recently enacted State legislation pertaining to accessory dwelling units
and junior accessory dwelling units; and adoption of a Notice of
Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act,
Case No. ZOA 20-0001.
Recommendation
Waive further reading and pass to second reading City Council Ordinance No.
1354 , approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 20-0001 to modify Palm
Desert Municipal Code Sections pertaining to accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs).
Planninq Commission Recommendation
At its meeting of February 4, 2020, the Planning Commission Considered the Zoning
Ordinance Amendment to modify the existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance. The
Planning Commission voted 4-0 (Commissioner De Luna abstaining) and adopted Resolution
No. 2771 recommending approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the City Council.
Strateqic Plan Obiective
The amendment to the City's ADU ordinance achieves the following Priority outlined in the
Envision Palm Desert Strategic Plan:
Land Use, Housing & Open Space:
Priority 2: Facilitate development of high -quality housing for people of all incomes.
Background
An ADU is a secondary dwelling with complete independent living amenities, constructed on
a lot containing an existing single-family dwelling. They are typically attached or detached
from the existing dwelling, or in the case of JADUs, converted from a portion of the existing
dwelling such as a garage or bedroom.
In 2019, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law six bills (SB
13 and ABs 68, 587, 670, 671, 881 collectively "New ADU Laws") that amended Government
February 27, 2020 —Staff Report
Case No. ZOA 20-0001 — Accessory Dwelling Units
Page 2 of 4
Code Section 65852.2 and 65852.22 to impose new limits on the local authority to regulate
ADUs and JADUs. The New ADU Laws became effective on January 1, 2020. If a city does
not have an ADU ordinance that complies with State law, the City's own ADU ordinance is
considered null and void, and any applications are subject to standards established under
Government Code Section 65852.2. The New ADU Laws address the following:
• Prohibits cities from establishing a minimum lot size requirement for ADUs and
JADUs.
• Allows any lot containing an existing or proposed single-family dwelling to have one
JADU and one ADU.
• Clarifies that cities can designate areas for ADUs based on adequacy or impacts on
water and sewer services and impacts on traffic flow and public safety.
• Prohibits cities from enforcing owner -occupancy requirements until January 1, 2025.
• Prohibits cities from establishing a maximum size of an ADU of less than 850 square
feet for studios and one -bedroom units, and 1,000 square feet for ADUs with more
than one bedroom.
• Establishes four categories of ADUs that must be approved by cities, regardless of
any other local provisions, within a residential or mixed -use zone. Following are the
four categories:
o An ADU or JADU within the proposed or existing space of a single-family
dwelling when certain conditions for emergency egress are met.
o A detached ADU that is no greater than 800 square feet, with a maximum
height of sixteen feet (16') with a minimum four -foot (4') setback from the side
and rear property lines, regardless of any other development standards for the
property zoning.
o ADUs within a multi -family dwelling converted from non -habitable building
areas such as storage rooms, boiler rooms, attics, basements, or garages,
provided the converted space complies with the Building Code. Cities must
allow up to 25% of the number of existing units and a minimum of one (1).
o Two (2) detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multi -family dwelling provided
each unit has a maximum height of sixteen feet (16') and a minimum four -foot
(4') setback from the side and rear property lines.
• Clarifies that cities cannot require replacement off-street parking spaces for ADUs or
JADUs created through the conversion of a garage, carport, or other covered parking
structure.
• Prohibits cities from requiring parking for new ADUs within a half -mile walking
distance of public transit, within a historic/architecturally significant district, contained
within the structure of an existing single-family dwelling (JADUs), in an area requiring
parking permits or adjacent to vehicle share.
• Requires cities to review applications for ADUs and JADUs within 60 days (down
from 120 days under previous legislation). The laws also stipulate that ADUs and
JADUs must be reviewed and approved ministerially.
• Establishes limitations on cities from collecting development impact fees (DIF) based
on the size of an ADU. Generally, ADUs under 750 square feet are now exempt from
the DIF. Impact fees for ADUs larger than 750 square feet must be proportional to the
fee collected for primary units.
February 27, 2020 —Staff Report
Case No. ZOA 20-0001 — Accessory Dwelling Units
Page 3 of 4
Creates a narrow exemption to the prohibition for ADUs to be sold or otherwise
conveyed separately from the primary dwelling by allowing deed -restricted sales to
occur. To qualify for this exemption, the primary dwelling and ADU must be built by a
qualified non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide affordable units to low-
income households.
Proiect Description
The City's current regulations for ADUs were adopted by the City Council in 2017. The State
has since amended ADU legislation requiring the City to comprehensively amend the
ordinance. The proposed changes are necessary to implement new State requirements with
regard to approval procedure, parking, development standards, and definitions.
The proposed amendment includes objective design standards for architecture, landscaping,
and historic preservation to ensure new ADUs are consistent with their property setting.
These standards require ADUs to match the architecture details, materials, and scale of the
existing unit.
The changes also include adjustments to areas ADUs are allowed. Under the previous
ordinance, ADUs were permitted in single-family residential zones. ADUs will now be allowed
in the City's multi -family and downtown mixed -use zones in accordance with the new ADU
laws. The proposed amendment will prohibit ADUs in the Hillside Planned Residential (HPR)
zone. Properties within the HPR zone are within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity zone, utilize
wells for water supply, and are accessible by private roads, which do not fully conform to
current Riverside County Fire requirements. Due to concerns regarding the adequacy of
existing water services in the area for residential and fire service and potential for adverse
impacts for emergency response, it is recommended that ADUs and JADUs be prohibited
within this zone.
Section 25.34.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units"
Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Section 25.34.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units" is
modified in its entirety to reflect the new State laws. Changes include modified definitions,
reduced parking requirements, the inclusion of the mandatory ADU approval categories,
architecture and landscaping design guidelines, and a prohibition of short -term -rentals within
all ADUs and JADUs.
Section 25.10.030 "Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements"
Proposed modifications to this section include a modification to Table 25.10-1: Use Matrix for
Residential Districts, which adds "Accessory Dwelling Units" and "Junior Accessory Dwelling
Units" as a land use category, which will be permitted in all residential zones with the
exception of Hillside Planned Residential.
Section 25.18.040 "Land Use and Permit Requirement"
Proposed modifications to this section include a modification to Table 25.18-1: Use Matrix for
Downtown Districts, which adds "Accessory Dwelling Units" and "Junior Accessory Dwelling
February 27, 2020 —Staff Report
Case No. ZOA 20-0001 — Accessory Dwelling Units
Page 4 of 4
Units" as a land use category, which will be permitted in all downtown mixed -use zones where
residential is allowed.
Section 25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
Updated land use definitions for "Accessory Dwelling Units' and added a definition for "Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units".
Public Input
Public noticing was conducted in accordance with State law. A public hearing notice was
published on Saturday, February 15, 2020, in The Desert Sun. To date, the Community
Development Department has received no letters in opposition to or in favor of the proposed
ordinance amendment.
Environmental Review
This Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15282(h), which
establishes a statutory exemption for local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance regarding
accessory dwelling units to implement provisions of Government Code Section 65852.1 and
65852.2.
Findinqs of Approval
Findings can be made in support of the amendment and in accordance with the City's Municipal
Code. Findings in support of this project are contained in the draft City Council Ordinance No.
1354 , attached to this staff report.
LEGAL REVIEW
(11
Robert W. HargreaGes
City Attorney
DEPT. REVIEW
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Ryan Stende ,Director of
Community Develop
City Manager Lauri Aylaian: N/A
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FINANCIAL
REVIEW
N/A
Janet Moore
Direct��Finance
ASSISTANT CITY
MANAGER
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irestine
isttnCity Manager
ATTACHMENT: 1. Draft City Council Ordinance No. 1354
2. Planning Commission Resolution No. 2771
3. Planning Commission DRAFT Minutes February 4, 2020
4. City Council Public Hearing Notice
5. CEQA Notice of Exemption
ORDINANCE NO. 1354
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT; AND A ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO REVISE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 25.34.030 "ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS" AND MODIFY
SECTION 25.10.030 "RESIDENTIAL ALLOWED LAND USES AND PERMIT
REQUIREMENTS," SECTION 25.18.040 "DOWNTOWN LAND USE AND
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS," AND SECTION 25.99.020 "LAND USE
DEFINITIONS" TO COMPLY WITH STATE LEGISLATION PERTAINING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNITS,
CASE NO: ZOA 20-0001
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the
41h day of February 2020, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City
of Palm Desert for approval of the above -noted and adopted Resolution No. 2771
recommending the City Council adopt the ZOA, subject to minor grammatical changes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, did on the 27th day of
February, 2020, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City of Palm
Desert for approval of a ZOA, and has determined that the overlay district is consistent with
the City's General Plan; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all the facts and any
testimony given adopts the following as its Findings in recommended approval of the Zoning
Ordinance Amendment to the City Council:
SECTION 1. Adoption of Recilipls. The City Council hereby adopts the foregoing
recitals as its findings in support of the following regulations and further finds that the following
regulations are beneficial and appropriate to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the
residents and businesses of Palm Desert within the City limits.
A. The City of Palm Desert, California ("City") is a municipal corporation, duly
organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and
B. The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes cities to act by ordinance to provide
for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units ("ADUs") and junior
accessory dwelling units ("JADUs"); and
C. In 2019, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law
several bills ("New ADU Laws") that, among other things, amended
Government Code section 65852.2 and 65852.22 to impose new limits on the
local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and
D. The new ADU laws take effect January 1, 2020, and if the City's ADU ordinance
does not comply with the new ADU laws, the City's ordinance becomes null
and void on that date as a matter of law; and
ORDINANCE NO.
E. The City desires to amend its local regulatory scheme for the construction of
ADUs and JADUs to comply with the amended provisions of Government Code
Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22; and
F. Failure to comply with Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 (as
amended) as of January 1, 2020, renders the City's ordinance regulating ADUs
and JADUs null and void, thereby limiting the City to the application of the few
default standards provided in Government Code Sections 65852.2 and
65852.22 for the approval of ADUs and JADUs; and
G. The approval of ADUs and JADUs based solely on the default statutory
standards, without local regulations governing height, setback, landscape,
architectural review would threaten the character of existing neighborhoods,
and negatively impact property values, personal privacy, and fire safety.
H. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources
Code, § 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA") and the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code
Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), the City has determined that the revisions to
the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) are exempt from environmental
review.
SECTION 2. Amendment. The City Council of the City of Palm Desert hereby adopts
the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Municipal Code Sections 25.34.030, 25.10.030,
25.18.040 and 25.99.020 as shown in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated
herewith.
SECTION 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or phrase in this ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be
unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any
part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section,
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective of the
fact that one (1) or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or
phrases be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective.
SECTION 4. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, California, is hereby
directed to publish this ordinance in The Desert Sun, a newspaper of general circulation,
published and circulated in the City of Palm Desert, California, and shall be in full force and in
effect thirty (30) days after its adoption.
2
ORDINANCE NO.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 27th day of February 2020, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
GINA NESTANDE, MAYOR
3
ORDINANCE NO.
EXHIBIT A
25.10.030 — Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
Table 25.10-1: Use Matrix for Residential Districts
Residential Zoning District
(P=Permitted; A=Administrative Use Permit; L=Large Family Day Care Use Permit; C=Conditional Use Permit;
N=Not Permitted)
RE I R-1 I R-2 I R-3 I
R-IM I HPR I PR I Special Use
Provisions
Residential Uses
Assisted living
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Condominium
Dwelling, duplex
Dwelling, multifamily
Dwelling, single-family
Farmworker housing
Group home
Guest dwelling
Home -based business
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
Manufactured home parks
Planned unit development,
residential
Transitional and supportive
housing
N C
C
C
N
N C
P P
P
P
P
N P
N N
C
C
N
N C
N N
P
P
N
N N
N N
P
P
N
N C
P P
P
N
N
P P
N N
N
N
+ N
I N + N
P P
, P
J N
N
P I P
P P
P
N
N I
P P
P P
+ P
, P
P
P P
P P I
P
P
P
N P
N I N
N
N
C
N N
N I N
C
C
N
C C
see Note 1
25.34.030
25.10.040.A
25.10.040.13
25.34.030
25.10.040.0
ORDINANCE NO.
25.18.040 — Land Use and Permit Requirements
Table 25.18-1: Use Matrix for Downtown Districts
Land Use
Zone
Special Use Provisions
D
D-O
DE
DE-0
Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
25.34.030
Assisted Living
N
N
N
C
Condominium
C '
C '
C
C
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, duplex
C '
C '
C
P
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, multifamily
C
C
C
P
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, single-family
C'
C'
C
N
25.16.040.13
Group home
C'
C'
C
N
25.16.040.13
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
25.34.030
Home -based business
N
N
N
P
ORDINANCE NO.
25.34.030 — Accessory Dwellinq Units
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units
(ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with California
Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section
will not be:
(1) Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan and zoning designation
for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
(2) Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU
is located.
(3) Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to limit
residential growth.
(4) Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in subsection
C. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with applicable
building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code section
17980.12.
C. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply.
(1) "Accessory Dwelling Unit' means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more
persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence.
An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health
and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
(2) "Accessory Structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to
a dwelling located on the same lot.
(3) "Complete independent living facilities" means a permanent provision for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
(4) "Efficiency Kitchen" means a kitchen that includes each of the following:
a) A cooking facility with appliances.
b) A food preparation counter or counters that total at least 15 square feet
in area.
ORDINANCE NO.
c) Food storage cabinets that total at least 30 square feet of shelf space.
(5) "Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)" means residential unit that:
a) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
b) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
c) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
d) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c) (4) of
this Code.
(6) "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(7) "Nonconforming Zoning Condition" means physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
(8) "Owner" means the property owner on the latest equalized property tax
assessment roll. If the Owner is not a natural person or group of natural persons
(e.g. the Owner is a trust or corporation), then the Owner(s) shall designate a
natural person for the purpose of satisfying the owner occupancy requirements
set forth in Subsection (E)(6). The Owner(s) designated natural person(s) shall
reside on -site shall have authority to bind the owner in all matters related to the
site, and shall not pay rent or other compensation, nor provide services to the
owner.
(9) "Owner -occupancy" means an Owner currently resides on the property in
either the Primary Dwelling Unit, ADU or JADU.
(10) "Passageway" means pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and
extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
(11) "Primary Dwelling" means an existing single-family dwelling, or the larger of
two proposed dwellings.
(12) "Proposed Dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
(13) "Public transit' means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or
train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other
forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are
available to the public.
ORDINANCE NO.
(14) "Tandem Parking" means a parking design in which two or more automobiles
are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one
another.
D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
(1) Building -permit only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general
requirements listed in subsection (D), it is allowed with only a building permit in
the following scenarios:
a) Converted on Single-family Lot: Only one ADU or JADU on a lot with
a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or
JADU:
(i) Is either contained within the floor area of a proposed single-
family dwelling; contained within the existing floor area of an
existing single-family dwelling; or contained within the space of
an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if
the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress.
(ii) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling.
(iii) Provides minimum side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and
safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
b) Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new -
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be established
on the lot under subsection D(1)a) above, if the detached ADU satisfies
the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear -yard setbacks are at least four feet.
(ii) The total floor area is below 800 square feet.
(iii) The total height of the structure, as measured from grade to the
top of pitch, is 16 feet or less.
c) Converted on Multi -family Lot: Multiple ADUs up to 25 percent of the
total multi -family dwelling units, but no less than one unit, are allowed
within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not
used as living area, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, provided that each
converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings.
d) Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two detached
ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling if each detached
ADU satisfies the following limitations:
ORDINANCE NO.
(i) The side- and rear -yard setbacks are at least four feet.
(ii) The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
(2) ADU Permit.
a) Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1) above, no ADU shall be
created without obtaining a building permit and an ADU permit in
compliance with the standards set forth in subsections E and F below.
b) The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in
processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending
the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is
determined by the Director of Building and Safety and approved by the
City Council by resolution.
(3) Process and Timing.
a) An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
b) The City must act on an application to create an ADU or JADU within
60 days from the date that the City receives a completed application,
unless either:
(i) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time
period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(ii) In the case of a JADU and the application to create a junior
accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to
create a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the City may delay
acting on the permit application for the JADU until the City acts
on the permit application to create the new single-family
dwelling, but the application to create the JADU will still be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a
hearing.
E. General ADU and JADU Requirements. The following requirements apply to all
ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections D(1) or D(2) above:
(1) Zoning.
a) An ADU or JADU subject only to a building permit under subsection D(1)
above may be created on any lot in a residential or mixed -use zone,
with exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone.
b) An ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection D(2)
above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family
dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use, with
exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone
ORDINANCE NO.
(2) Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall be required in an ADU if sprinklers are
required in the primary residence.
(3) Rental Term. No ADU or JADU shall be rented for a term that is shorter than
28 days. An ADU or JADU is not eligible for a Short -Term Rental permit.
(4) No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but no ADU or
JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the
primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of the
dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot) except where allowed for qualifying
units under Government Code Section 65852.26.
(5) Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite water -treatment
system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test
completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been
recertified, within the last 10 years.
(6) Owner Occupancy.
a) All ADUs created before January 1, 2020 are subject to the owner -
occupancy requirement that was in place when the ADU was created.
b) An ADU that is created after that date but before January 1, 2025, is not
subject to any owner -occupancy requirement.
c) All ADUs that are created on or after January 1, 2025, are subject to an
owner -occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence.
d) All JADUs are subject to an owner -occupancy requirement. A natural
person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the
property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence. However, the owner -occupancy
requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the property is entirely
owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
(7) Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for an ADU or JADU,
a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the
County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Director of Building and
Safety. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners.
The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide
that:
a) The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling
except where allowed for qualifying units under Government Code
Section 65852.26.
ORDINANCE NO.
b) The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this section.
c) The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against
future property owners.
d) The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the ADU
or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities.
To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request
of the Director, providing evidence that the ADU or JADU has in fact
been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the
evidence supports the claim that the ADU or JADU has been eliminated.
Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination consistent with
other provisions of this Code. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely
physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a
necessary component of an ADU or JADU removed, the remaining
structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable
provisions of this Code.
e) The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director of Community
Development or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure
of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in
legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to
obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not
limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or JADU
in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
(8) Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued for
an ADU or JADU prior to the Certificate of Occupancy for the primary dwelling.
F. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that
require a Ministerial ADU permit under subsection D(2) above.
(1) Maximum Size.
a) The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
subsection shall be 850 square feet for a studio or one -bedroom unit
and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two bedrooms. No more than two
bedrooms are allowed.
b) An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling shall be limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing
primary dwelling.
c) Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but no
application of FAR, lot coverage, or open -space requirements may
require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet.
ORDINANCE NO.
(2) Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this subsection shall cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed the maximum permitted floor area ratio allowed
for the underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(3) Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed the maximum lot coverage allowed for the
underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(4) Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the
total percentage of open space or landscaping of the lot to fall below the
minimum required open space percentage for the underlying zoning
designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(5) Height.
a) A single -story attached or detached ADU may not exceed 16 feet in
height above grade, measured to the peak of the structure. In no case
shall an ADU exceed the height of the primary dwelling unit.
b) A detached ADU may not exceed one story.
(6) Passageway. No passageway, as defined by this section, is required for an
ADU.
(7) Parking.
a) Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU. The
parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem parking,
as defined by this section. Such parking space shall be ten (10) feet
wide by twenty (20) feet -deep for covered spaces and nine (9) feet wide
by eighteen feet and six inches (18'-6") deep for open spaces.
b) Exceptions. No parking under subsection F(7)a) is required in the
following situations:
(i) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined by this section.
(ii) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(iii) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence,
converted non -living, or a converted accessory structure under
subsection D(1)a) above.
(iv) When on -street parking permits are required but not offered to
the occupant of the ADU.
(v) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
ORDINANCE NO.
c) No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure
is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or
converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required
to be replaced.
(8) Architectural Requirements.
a) All architectural details of an ADU shall match the style, materials,
colors, and quality of the primary dwelling.
b) The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, eaves and windows
and doors shall match the appearance and architectural design of the
primary dwelling.
c) The roof pitch, roof type, roof shape and roof material shall match the
primary dwelling.
d) All roof and ground -mounted equipment shall be fully screened from the
adjacent public right-of-way and adjacent properties. Masonry walls,
landscaping, or architectural features may be used to provide screening
and prevent a direct line of sight.
e) All exterior lighting shall comply with Chapter 24.16 of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code and shall be limited to down -lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
f) The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that
of the primary dwelling. The ADU entrance must be located on the side
or rear building fagade, not facing a public -right-of-way.
g) The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet
wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of seven feet.
h) Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an
adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass
may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight.
(9) Landscape Requirements.
a) Evergreen landscape screening must be planted and maintained
between the ADU and adjacent parcels as follows:
b) At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided for every five linear
feet of exterior wall. Alternatively, at least one 24" box size plant shall
be provided for every 10 linear feet of exterior wall.
c) For a ground -level ADU, plant specimens must be at least six feet tall
when installed. As an alternative, for a ground level ADU, a solid wall or
fence of at least six feet in height where allowed may be installed.
ORDINANCE NO.
d) All landscaping must be drought -tolerant.
e) All landscaping must be from the City's approved plant pallet.
f) The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same driveway to access
the street, unless otherwise required for fire -apparatus access, as
determined by the fire marshal.
(10) Historical Protections. The following requirements apply to ADUs on real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources or
Landmark as defined under Chapter 29.20 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code:
a) All additions and modifications affecting the exterior of the primary
dwelling shall be subject to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness in
accordance with Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code
b) Additions and exterior modifications shall preserve the architectural
character, and retain any distinctive stylistics features of the existing
research and be subject to design standards identified under Chapter
29.60.080 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
G. Fees.
(1) Impact Fees.
a) No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than 750 square feet
in size.
b) Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is 750 square feet or
larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the square
footage of the primary dwelling unit. (e.g., the floor area of the primary
dwelling, divided by the floor area of the ADU, times the typical fee
amount charged for a new dwelling.) "Impact fee" here does not include
any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
(2) Utility Fees.
a) Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-family lot, created under
subsection D(1)a) above, are not required to have a new or separate
utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility. Nor
is a connection fee or capacity charge required unless the ADO or JADU
is constructed with a new single-family home.
b) All ADUs and JADUs not covered by subsection G(2)a) above require
a new, separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU
and the utility. The connection is subject to a connection fee or capacity
charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU or JADU,
based on either the floor area or the number of drainage -fixture units
(DFU) values, as defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code, upon the
ORDINANCE NO.
water or sewer system. The fee or charge may not exceed the
reasonable cost of providing this service.
H. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU
that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections A through
G(2) of this section may be allowed by the City with a conditional use permit, in
accordance with the other provisions of this title.
25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that
provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is
located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory
dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health
and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A residential unit that:
c) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
d) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
e) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
f) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
ORDINANCE NO.
EXHIBIT B
25.10.030 — Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
Table 25.10-1: Use Matrix for Residential Districts
Residential Zoning District
(P=Permitted; A=Administrative Use Permit; L=Large Family Day Care Use Permit; C=Conditional Use Permit;
N=Not Permitted)
RE I R-1 I R-2 I R-3 I R-1M I HPR ( PR I Special Use
Provisions
Residential Uses
Assisted living
N
C
C
C
N
N
C
Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
P
N
P
25.34.030
Condominium
N
N
C
C
N
N
C
Dwelling, duplex
N
N
P
P
N
N
N
Dwelling, multifamily
N
N
P
P
N
N
C
25.10.040.A
Dwelling, single-family
P
P
P
N
N
P
P
Farmworker housing
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Group home
P
P
P
N
N
P
P
25.10.040.13
Guest dwelling
P
P
P
N
N
P
P
Home -based business
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
P
N
P
25.34.030
Manufactured home parks
N
N
N
N
C
N
N
Planned unit development,
N
N
C
C
N
C
C
25.10.040.0
residential
Transitional and supportive
see Note 1
housing
ORDINANCE NO.
25.18.040 — Land Use and Permit Requirements
Table 25.18-1: Use Matrix for Downtown Districts
Land Use
Zone
Special Use Provisions
D
D-O
DE
DE-0
Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
25.34.030
Assisted Living
N
N
N
C
Condominium
C
C
C
C
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, duplex
C
C
C
P
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, multifamily
C
C
C
P
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, single-family
C
C
C
N
25.16.040.13
Group home
C
C
C
N
25.16.040.13
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
ORDINANCE NO.
25.34.030 - Accessory Dwellinq Units
housing..
._
gulationc and permit
here'R are intended te GeMply with the requirements ef state law.
Mis-e
NOW .. .. .
C. RegiremensA,p;iea'�for an aGGesseunit must meet the fE)nm,g
rppi iirn�m�or�s
parGol muct Gentain an eXiStiRg and permitted primary4e6idontial unit.
2. ..
separate frem ' / /
3. The . runit .
,'iGes as determined
by the GE)aGhella Valley Water ■
traffoG flew. AGGeSSGry 6wA-&�� but &r8 RGt required te, be metered separately
I
.. unit sh Rot eXGeed •
/ but in no
eveRt be 1 than 100 square feet Or eXGeed 1,200 squi-aree. feet in area.
B. .. .. aGGessery unit 1
setbaG 1 11
• The aGGessery
. •Nnit shall be
1required
b. The . .
1/
G. No addifienal off street parkiRg is required when the aGc;esse.�,, unit is part
of the exosfi pit,
d. ...
ORDINANCE NO.
D. The primary unit shall be own . . 1. if the pFoperty ewner is unable to GGGWPY
..
may . .
_...
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling
units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with
California Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this
section will not be:
(1) Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's general plan and zoning
designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
(2) Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or
JADU is located.
(3) Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to
limit residential growth.
(4) Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in
subsection C. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with
applicable building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code
section 17980.12.
C. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply.
(1) "Accessory Dwelling Unit" means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or
more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary
residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California
Health and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
ORDINANCE NO.
(2) "Accessory Structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to
a dwelling located on the same lot.
(3) "Complete independent living facilities" means a permanent provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
(4) "Efficiency Kitchen" means a kitchen that includes each of the following:
a) A cooking facility with appliances.
b) A food preparation counter or counters that total at least 15 square
feet in area.
c) Food storage cabinets that total at least 30 square feet of shelf space.
(5) "Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)" means residential unit that:
a) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
b) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
c) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
d) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
(6) "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(7) "Nonconforming Zoning Condition" means physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
(8) "Owner" means the property owner on the latest equalized property tax
assessment roll. If the Owner is not a natural person or group of natural
persons (e.g. the Owner is a trust or corporation), then the Owner(s) shall
designate a natural person for the purpose of satisfying the owner occupancy
requirements set forth in Subsection (E)(6). The Owner(s) designated natural
person(s) shall reside on site, shall have authority to bind the owner in all
matters related to the site, and shall not pay rent or other compensation, nor
provide services to the owner.
(9) "Owner -occupancy" means an Owner currently resides on the property in
either the Primary Dwelling Unit, ADU or JADU.
(10) "Passageway" means pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and
extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
ORDINANCE NO.
(11) "Primary Dwelling" means an existing single-family dwelling, or the larger of
two proposed dwellings.
(12) "Proposed Dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
(13) "Public transit" means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or
train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other
forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are
available to the public.
(14) "Tandem Parking", means a parking design in which two or more
automobiles are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined
up behind one another.
D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
(1) Building -permit only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general
requirements listed in subsection (D), it is allowed with only a building permit
in the following scenarios:
a) Converted on Single-family Lot: Only one ADU or JADU on a lot
with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU
or JADU:
(i) Is either: contained within the floor area of a proposed single-
family dwelling; contained within the existing floor area of an
existing single-family dwelling; or contained within the space of
an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if
the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress.
(ii) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling.
(iii) Provides minimum side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and
safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
b) Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new -
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be established
on the lot under subsection D(1)a) above, if the detached ADU
satisfies the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear -yard setbacks are at least four -feet.
(ii) The total floor area is below 800 square -feet.
(iii) The total height of the structure, as measured from grade to the
top of pitch, is 16 feet or less.
ORDINANCE NO.
c) Converted on Multifamily Lot: Multiple ADUs up to 25 percent of the
total multi -family dwelling units, but no less than one unit, are allowed
within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not
used as living area, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, provided that
each converted ADU complies with state building standards for
dwellings.
d) Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two detached
ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling if each
detached ADU satisfies the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear -yard setbacks are at least four -feet.
(i i) The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
(2) ADU Permit.
a) Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1) above, no ADU shall be
created without obtaining a building permit and an ADU permit in
compliance with the standards set forth in subsections E and F below.
b) The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in
processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending
the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is
determined by the Director of Building and Safety and approved by the
City Council by resolution.
(3) Process and Timing.
a) An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
b) The City must act on an application to create an ADU or JADU within
60 days from the date that the City receives a completed application,
unless either:
(i) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time
period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(ii) In the case of a JADU and the application to create a junior
accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to
create a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the City may
delay acting on the permit application for the JADU until the
City acts on the permit application to create the new single-
family dwelling, but the application to create the JADU will still
be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a
hearing.
ORDINANCE NO.
E. General ADU and JADU Requirements. The following requirements apply to all
ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections D(1) or D(2) above:
(1) Zoning.
a) An ADU or JADU subject only to a building permit under subsection
D(1) above may be created on any lot in a residential or mixed -use
zone, with exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR)
Zone.
b) An ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection D(2)
above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family
dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use, with
exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone
(2) Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall be required in an ADU if sprinklers are
required in the primary residence.
(3) Rental Term. No ADU or JADU shall be rented for a term that is shorter than
28 days. An ADU or JADU is not eligible for a Short -Term Rental permit.
(4) No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but no ADU or
JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the
primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of
the dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot) except where allowed for
qualifying units under Government Code Section 65852.26.
(5) Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite water -treatment
system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test
completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been
recertified, within the last 10 years.
(6) Owner Occupancy.
a) All ADUs created before January 1, 2020 are subject to the owner -
occupancy requirement that was in place when the ADU was created.
b) An ADU that is created after that date but before January 1, 2025, is
not subject to any owner -occupancy requirement.
c) All ADUs that are created on or after January 1, 2025 are subject to an
owner -occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence.
d) All JADUs are subject to an owner -occupancy requirement. A natural
person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the
property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence. However, the owner -occupancy
requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the property is entirely
ORDINANCE NO.
owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
(7) Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for an ADU or JADU,
a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the
County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Director of Building and
Safety. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners.
The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide
that:
a) The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary
dwelling except where allowed for qualifying units under Government
Code Section 65852.26.
b) The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this section.
c) The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against
future property owners.
d) The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the ADU
or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen
facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written
request of the Director, providing evidence that the ADU or JADU has
in fact been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the
evidence supports the claim that the ADU or JADU has been
eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination
consistent with other provisions of this Code. If the ADU or JADU is
not entirely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of
having a necessary component of an ADU or JADU removed, the
remaining structure and improvements must otherwise comply with
applicable provisions of this Code.
e) The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director of Community
Development or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure
of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in
legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to
obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not
limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or
JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the
illegal unit.
(8) Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued for
an ADU or JADU prior to the Certificate of Occupancy for the primary
dwelling.
F. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that
require a Ministerial ADU permit under subsection D(2) above.
ORDINANCE NO.
(1) Maximum Size.
a) The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
subsection shall be 850 square feet for a studio or one -bedroom unit
and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two bedrooms. No more than two
bedrooms are allowed.
b) An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling shall be limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing
primary dwelling.
c) Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but no
application of FAR, lot coverage, or open -space requirements may
require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet.
(2) Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this subsection shall cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed the maximum permitted floor area ratio allowed
for the underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(3) Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed the maximum lot coverage allowed for the
underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(4) Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the
total percentage of open space or landscaping of the lot to fall below the
minimum required open space percentage for the underlying zoning
designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(5) Height.
a) A single -story attached or detached ADU may not exceed 16 feet in
height above grade, measured to the peak of the structure. In no case
shall an ADU exceed the height of the primary dwelling unit.
b) A detached ADU may not exceed one story.
(6) Passageway. No passageway, as defined by this section, is required for an
ADU.
(7) Parking.
a) Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU. The
parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem
parking, as defined by this section. Such parking space shall be ten
(10) feet -wide by twenty (20) feet -deep for covered spaces and nine
(9) feet -wide by eighteen feet and six inches (18'-6") deep for open
spaces.
ORDINANCE NO.
b) Exceptions. No parking under subsection F(7)a) is required in the
following situations:
(i) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined by this section.
(ii) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(iii) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence,
converted non -living, or a converted accessory structure under
subsection D(1)a) above.
(iv) When on -street parking permits are required but not offered to
the occupant of the ADU.
(v) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
c) No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking
structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU
or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not
required to be replaced.
(8) Architectural Requirements.
a) All architectural details of an ADU shall match the style, materials,
colors, and quality of the primary dwelling.
b) The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, eaves and
windows and doors shall match the appearance and architectural
design of the primary dwelling.
c) The roof pitch, roof type, roof shape and roof material shall match the
primary dwelling.
d) All roof and ground -mounted equipment shall be fully screened from
the adjacent public right-of-way and adjacent properties. Masonry
walls, landscaping, or architectural features may be used to provide
screening and prevent a direct line of sight.
e) All exterior lighting shall comply with Chapter 24.16 of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code and shall t be limited to down -lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
f) The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that
of the primary dwelling. The ADU entrance must be located on the
side or rear building fapade, not facing a public -right-of-way.
ORDINANCE NO.
g) The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet
wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of seven
feet.
h) Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to
an adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy
glass may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of
sight.
(9) Landscape Requirements.
a) Evergreen landscape screening must be planted and maintained
between the ADU and adjacent parcels as follows:
b) At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided for every five linear
feet of exterior wall. Alternatively, at least one 24" box size plant shall
be provided for every ten linear feet of exterior wall.
c) For a ground -level ADU, plant specimens must be at least six feet tall
when installed. As an alternative, for a ground level ADU, a solid wall
or fence of at least 6 feet in height where allowed may be installed.
d) All landscaping must be drought -tolerant.
e) All landscaping must be from the city's approved plant pallet.
f) The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same driveway to access
the street, unless otherwise required for fire -apparatus access, as
determined by the fire marshal.
(10) Historical Protections. The following requirements apply to ADUs on real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources or
Landmark as defined under Chapter 29.20 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code:
a) All additions and modifications affecting the exterior of the primary
dwelling shall be subject to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness
in accordance with Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code
b) Additions and exterior modifications shall preserve the architectural
character and retain any distinctive stylistics features of the existing
research and be subject to design standards identified under Chapter
29.60.080 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
G. Fees.
(1) Impact Fees.
a) No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than 750 square feet
in size.
ORDINANCE NO.
b) Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is 750 square feet or
larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the square
footage of the primary dwelling unit. (E.g., the floor area of the primary
dwelling, divided by the floor area of the ADU, times the typical fee
amount charged for a new dwelling.) "Impact fee" here does not
include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer
service.
(2) Utility Fees.
a) Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-family lot, created under
subsection D(1)a) above, are not required to have a new or separate
utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility.
Nor is a connection fee or capacity charge required unless the ADO or
JADU is constructed with a new single-family home.
b) All ADUs and JADUs not covered by subsection G(2)a) above require
a new, separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU
and the utility. The connection is subject to a connection fee or
capacity charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU
or JADU, based on either the floor area or the number of drainage -
fixture units (DFU) values, as defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code,
upon the water or sewer system. The fee or charge may not exceed
the reasonable cost of providing this service.
H. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU
that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections A through
G(2) of this section may be allowed by the City with a conditional use permit, in
accordance with the other provisions of this title.
ORDINANCE NO.
25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
residential oc, It --Nh&ll include permanent PrE)V;SiE)RS for living, sleeping, eating,
e mv%imum zl
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that
provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is
located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory
dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California
Health and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A residential unit that:
c) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
d) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
e) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
f) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO REVISE SECTION 25.34.030
"ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS" AND MODIFY SECTION 25.10.030
"RESIDENTIAL ALLOWED LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS,"
SECTION 25.18.040 "DOWNTOWN LAND USE AND PERMIT
REQUIREMENTS," AND SECTION 25.99.020 "LAND USE DEFINITIONS"
TO COMPLY WITH STATE LEGISLATION PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
CASE NO: ZOA 20-0001
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the
40, day of February 2020, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City
of Palm Desert for approval of the above -noted; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, in reviewing all the
facts and any testimony given adopts the following as its Findings in recommended approval
of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the City Council:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert hereby
finds that:
A. The City of Palm Desert, California ("City") is a municipal corporation, duly
organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and
B. The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes cities to act by ordinance to provide
for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units ("ADUs") and junior
accessory dwelling units ("JADUs"); and
C. In 2019, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law
several bills ("New ADU Laws") that, among other things, amended
Government Code section 65852.2 and 65852.22 to impose new limits on the
local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and
D. The new ADU laws take effect January 1, 2020, and if the City's ADU ordinance
does not comply with the new ADU laws, the City's ordinance becomes null
and void on that date as a matter of law; and
E. The City desires to amend its local regulatory scheme for the construction of
ADUs and JADUs to comply with the amended provisions of Government Code
Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22; and
F. Failure to comply with Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 (as
amended) as of January 1, 2020, renders the City's ordinance regulating ADUs
and JADUs null and void, thereby limiting the City to the application of the few
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
default standards provided in Government Code Sections 65852.2 and
65852.22 for the approval of ADUs and JADUs; and
G. The approval of ADUs and JADUs based solely on the default statutory
standards, without local regulations governing height, setback, landscape,
architectural review would threaten the character of existing neighborhoods,
and negatively impact property values, personal privacy, and fire safety.
H. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources
Code, § 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA") and the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code
Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), the City has determined that the revisions to
the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) are exempt from environmental
review.
SECTION 2. Amendment. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert
recommends that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, approve and adopt
the Municipal Code amendment to Sections 25.34.030, 25.10.030, 25.18.040 and 25.99.020
as shown in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herewith.
SECTION 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or phrase in this ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be
unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any
part thereof. The Planning Commission hereby declares that it would have passed each
section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective
of the fact that one (1) or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses,
or phrases be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective.
SECTION 4. California Environmental Gluality Act Finding. The Planning
Commission of the City of Palm Desert finds that the adoption of this ordinance is exempt
from CEQA review in accordance with Section 15282(h) of the CEQA Guidelines, which
provides a statutory exemption for the adoption of an ordinance regarding accessory dwelling
units and junior accessory dwelling units to implement the provisions of Government Code
Section 65852.1 and 65852.2.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings for approval
of the Planning Commission in this case.
2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval to the City Council
of ZOA 20-0001.
1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 4th day of February 2020, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: GREENWOOD, GREGORY, HOLT, and PRADETTO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: DE LUNA
ABSTAIN: NONE
RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
1
i
LI� SAY HOLT, C AIR
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
EXHIBIT A
fse Pawiq C�Condttnsl Use Permit;
1�
RE tt=1 R 2 It,3j,� R-IbiHPIt PR �� PniYisio
Residential Uses
Assisted living
N
C
C
C
N
N
C
Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
P
N
P
25.34.030
Condominium
N
N
C
C
N
N
C
Dwelling, duplex
N
N
P
P
N
N
N
Dwelling, multifamily
N
N
P
P
N
N
C
25.10.040.A
Dwelling, single-family
P
P
P
N +
N
P
P
Farmworker housing
N
N
N
I N
N
N
N
Group home
P
P
P
I N
N
P
P
25.10.040.13
Guest dwelling
P
p
P
N
N
P
P
Home -based business
P
P
P
P
p
P
P
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
P
N
P
25.34.030
Manufactured home parks
N
N
N
N
C
N
N
Planned unit development,
residential
N
N
C
C
N
C
C
25.10.040.0
Transitional and supportive
housing
see Note 1
1
a]
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
25.18.040 — Land Use and Permit Requirements
Table 25.18-1: Use Matrix
for Downtown
Districts
Zone
Land Use
Special Use Provisions
D
D-O
DE
DE-0
Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
I P
I P
25.34.030
Assisted Living
N
N
N
C
Condominium
C
C'
C
C
25.16.040.E
Dwelling, duplex
C'
C'
C
P
25.16.040.E
Dwelling, multifamily
C'
C'
C
P
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, single-family
C'
C'
C
N
25.16.0408
Group home
C'
C'
C
N
25.16.040.13
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
4 P
P
P
P
Home -based business
I N
I N
I N
( P
125.34.030
5
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
25.34.030 — Accessory Dwellina Units
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units
(ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with California
Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section
will not be:
(1) Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan and zoning designation
for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
(2) Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU
is located.
(3) Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to limit
residential growth.
(4) Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in subsection
C. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with applicable
building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code section
17980.12.
C. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply.
(1) "Accessory Dwelling Unit" means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more
persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence.
An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the Calif omia Health
and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
(2) "Accessory Structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to
a dwelling located on the same lot.
(3) "Complete independent living facilities" means a permanent provision for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
(4) "Efficiency Kitchen" means a kitchen that includes each of the following:
a) A cooking facility with appliances.
b) A food preparation counter or counters that total at least 15 square feet
in area.
1.1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
c) Food storage cabinets that total at least 30 square feet of shelf space.
(5) "Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)" means residential unit that:
a) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
b) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
c) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
d) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c) (4) of
this Code.
(6) "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(7) "Nonconforming Zoning Condition" means physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
(8) "Owner" means the property owner on the latest equalized property tax
assessment roll. If the Owner is not a natural person or group of natural persons
(e.g. the Owner is a trust or corporation), then the Owner(s) shall designate a
natural person for the purpose of satisfying the owner occupancy requirements
set forth in Subsection (E)(6). The Owner(s) designated natural person(s) shall
reside on -site shall have authority to bind the owner in all matters related to the
site, and shall not pay rent or other compensation, nor provide services to the
owner.
(9) "Owner -occupancy" means an Owner currently resides on the property in
either the Primary Dwelling Unit, ADU or JADU.
(10) "Passageway" means pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and
extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
(11) "Primary Dwelling" means an existing single-family dwelling, or the larger of
two proposed dwellings.
(12) "Proposed Dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
(13) "Public transit" means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or
train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other
forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are
available to the public.
7
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
(14) "Tandem Parking" means a parking design in which two or more automobiles
are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one
another.
D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
(1) Building -permit Only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general
requirements listed in subsection (D), it is allowed with only a building permit in
the following scenarios:
a) Converted on Single-family Lot: Only one ADU or JADU on a lot with
a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or
JADU:
(i) Is either contained within the floor area of a proposed single-
family dwelling; contained within the existing floor area of an
existing single-family dwelling; or contained within the space of
an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if
the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress.
(ii) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling.
(iii) Provides minimum side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and
safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
b) Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new -
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be established
on the lot under subsection D(1)a) above, if the detached ADU satisfies
the following limitations:
The side- and rear -yard setbacks are at least four feet.
The total floor area is below 800 square feet.
The total height of the structure, as measured from grade to the
top of pitch, is 16 feet or less.
c) Converted on Multi -family Lot: Multiple ADUs up to 25 percent of the
total multi -family dwelling units, but no less than one unit, are allowed
within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not
used as living area, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, provided that each
converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings.
d) Limited Detached on Multi -family Lot: No more than two detached
ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling if each detached
ADU satisfies the following limitations:
0
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
(i) The side- and rear -yard setbacks are at least four feet.
(ii) The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
(2) ADU Permit.
a) Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1) above, no ADU shall be
created without obtaining a building permit and an ADU permit in
compliance with the standards set forth in subsections E and F below.
b) The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in
processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending
the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is
determined by the Director of Building and Safety and approved by the
City Council by resolution.
(3) Process and Timing.
a) An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
b) The City must act on an application to create an ADU or JADU within
60 days from the date that the City receives a completed application,
unless either:
(i) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time
period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(ii) In the case of a JADU and the application to create a junior
accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to
create a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the City may delay
acting on the permit application for the JADU until the City acts
on the permit application to create the new single-family
dwelling, but the application to create the JADU will still be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a
hearing.
E. General ADU and JADU Requirements. The following requirements apply to all
ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections D(1) or D(2) above:
(1) Zoning.
a) An ADU or JADU subject only to a building permit under subsection D(1)
above may be created on any lot in a residential or mixed -use zone,
with exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone.
b) An ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection D(2)
above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family
dwelling residential use or multi -family dwelling residential use, with
exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
(2) Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall be required in an ADU if sprinklers are
required in the primary residence.
(3) Rental Term. No ADU or JADU shall be rented for a term that is shorter than
28 days. An ADU or JADU is not eligible for a Short -Term Rental permit.
(4) No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but no ADU or
JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the
primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of the
dwellings (in the case of a multi -family lot) except where allowed for qualifying
units under Government Code Section 65852.26.
(5) Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite water -treatment
system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test
completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been
recertified, within the last 10 years.
(6) Owner Occupancy.
a) All ADUs created before January 1, 2020 are subject to the owner -
occupancy requirement that was in place when the ADU was created.
b) An ADU that is created after that date but before January 1, 2025, is not
subject to any owner -occupancy requirement.
c) All ADUs that are created on or after January 1, 2025, are subject to an
owner -occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence.
d) All JADUs are subject to an owner -occupancy requirement. A natural
person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the
property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence. However, the owner -occupancy
requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the property is entirely
owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
(7) Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for an ADU or JADU,
a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the
County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Director of Building and
Safety. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners.
The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide
that:
a) The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling
except where allowed for qualifying units under Government Code
Section 65852.26.
10
1
1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
b) The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this section.
c) The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against
future property owners.
d) The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the ADU
or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities.
To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request
of the Director, providing evidence that the ADU or JADU has in fact
been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the
evidence supports the claim that the ADU or JADU has been eliminated.
Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination consistent with
other provisions of this Code. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely
physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a
necessary component of an ADU or JADU removed, the remaining
structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable
provisions of this Code.
e) The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director of Community
Development or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure
of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in
legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to
obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not
limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or JADU
in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
(8) Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued for
an ADU or JADU prior to the Certificate of Occupancy for the primary dwelling.
F. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that
require a Ministerial ADU permit under subsection D(2) above.
(1) Maximum Size.
a) The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
subsection shall be 850 square feet for a studio or one -bedroom unit
and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two bedrooms. No more than two
bedrooms are allowed.
b) An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling shall be limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing
primary dwelling.
c) Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but no
application of FAR, lot coverage, or open -space requirements may
require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet.
11
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
(2) Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this subsection shall cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed the maximum permitted floor area ratio allowed
for the underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(3) Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed the maximum lot coverage allowed for the
underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(4) Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the
total percentage of open space or landscaping of the lot to fall below the
minimum required open space percentage for the underlying zoning
designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(5) Height.
a) A single -story attached or detached ADU may not exceed 16 feet in
height above grade, measured to the peak of the structure. In no case
shall an ADU exceed the height of the primary dwelling unit.
b) A detached ADU may not exceed one story.
(6) Passageway. No passageway, as defined by this section, is required for an
ADU.
(7) Parking.
a) Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU. The
parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem parking,
as defined by this section. Such parking space shall be ten (10) feet
wide by twenty (20) feet -deep for covered spaces and nine (9) feet wide
by eighteen feet and six inches (16'-6") deep for open spaces.
b) Exceptions. No parking under subsection F(7)a) is required in the
following situations:
(i) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined by this section.
(ii) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(iii) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence,
converted non -living, or a converted accessory structure under
subsection D(1)a) above.
(iv) When on -street parking permits are required but not offered to
the occupant of the ADU.
(v) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
1
1
12
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
c) No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure
is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or
converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required
to be replaced.
(8) Architectural Requirements.
a) All architectural details of an ADU shall match the style, materials,
colors, and quality of the primary dwelling.
b) The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, eaves and windows
and doors shall match the appearance and architectural design of the
primary dwelling.
c) The roof pitch, roof type, roof shape and roof material shall match the
primary dwelling.
d) All roof and ground -mounted equipment shall be fully screened from the
adjacent public right-of-way and adjacent properties. Masonry walls,
landscaping, or architectural features may be used to provide screening
and prevent a direct line of sight.
e) All exterior lighting shall comply with Chapter 24.16 of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code and shall be limited to down -lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
f) The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that
of the primary dwelling. The ADU entrance must be located on the side
or rear building fagade, not facing a public -right-of-way.
g) The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet
wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of seven feet.
h) Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an
adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass
may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight.
(9) Landscape Requirements.
a) Evergreen landscape screening must be planted and maintained
between the ADU and adjacent parcels as follows:
b) At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided for every five linear
feet of exterior wall. Alternatively, at least one 24" box size plant shall
be provided for every 10 linear feet of exterior wall.
c) For a ground -level ADU, plant specimens must be at least six feet tall
when installed. As an alternative, for a ground level ADU, a solid wall or
fence of at least six feet in height where allowed may be installed.
13
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
d) All landscaping must be drought -tolerant.
e) All landscaping must be from the City's approved plant pallet.
f) The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same driveway to access
the street, unless otherwise required for fire -apparatus access, as
determined by the fire marshal.
(10) Historical Protections. The following requirements apply to ADUs on real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources or
Landmark as defined under Chapter 29.20 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code:
a) All additions and modifications affecting the exterior of the primary
dwelling shall be subject to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness in
accordance with Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code
b) Additions and exterior modifications shall preserve the architectural
character, and retain any distinctive stylistics features of the existing
research and be subject to design standards identified under Chapter
29.60.080 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
G. Fees.
(1) Impact Fees.
a) No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than 750 square feet
in size.
b) Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is 750 square feet or
larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the square
footage of the primary dwelling unit. (e.g., the floor area of the primary
dwelling, divided by the floor area of the ADU, times the typical fee
amount charged for a new dwelling.) "Impact fee" here does not include
any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
(2) Utility Fees.
a) Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-family lot, created under
subsection D(1)a) above, are not required to have a new or separate
utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility. Nor
is a connection fee or capacity charge required unless the ADU or JADU
is constructed with a new single-family home.
b) All ADUs and JADUs not covered by subsection G(2)a) above require
a new, separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU
and the utility. The connection is subject to a connection fee or capacity
charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU or JADU,
based on either the floor area or the number of drainage -fixture units
(DFU) values, as defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code, upon the
F�
Fj
1
14
1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
H. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU
that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections A through
G(2) of this section may be allowed by the City with a conditional use permit, in
accordance with the other provisions of this title.
25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that
provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is
located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory
dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health
and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A residential unit that:
c) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
d) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
e) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
f) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
15
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
EXHIBIT B
25.10.030 — Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
Table 25.10-1: Use Matrix for Residential Districts
Residential Zoning Distrito
(P--Permitted; A=Administrative Use Permit; L--Large Family Day Care Use Permit; C--Conditional Use Permit;
N=Not Permitted)
RE R-1 I R-2 I R-3 R-IM I
HPR I PR I Special Use
Provisions
Residential Uses
Assisted living
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Condominium
Dwelling, duplex
Dwelling, multifamily
Dwelling, single-family
Farmworker housing
Group home
Guest dwelling
Home -based business
Junior Accessary Dwelling Unit
Manufactured home parks
Planned unit development,
residential
Transitional and supportive
housing
N C
C
C
N
N
C
P P
P
P
P
N
P
25.34.030
N N
C
C
N
N
C
N N
P
P
N
N
N
N N
P
P
N
N
C
25.10.040.A
P P
P
N
N
P
P
N N
N
N
N
N
N
P P
P
N
N
P
P
25.10.040.13
P P
P
N
N
P
P
P P
P
P
P
P
P
P P
P
P
P
N
P
25.34.030
N N
N
N
C
N
N
N N
C
C
N
C
C
25.10.040.0
see Note 1
Fj
16
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
25.18.040 — Land Use and Permit Requirements,
Table 25.18-1: Use Matrix
for Downtown Districts
Land Use
doIke
,
pedal Ube Provisions
Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
25.34.030
Assisted Living
N
N
N
C
Condominium
C
C'
C
C
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, duplex
C'
C'
C
P
25.16.040.13
Dwelling, multifamily
C'
C'
C
P
25.16.040.11
Dwelling, single-family
C'
C'
C
N
25.16.040.B
Group home
C'
C'
C
N
25.16.040.13
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
P
P
P
P
25.34.030
Home -based business
N
N
N
P
1
1
17
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
25.34.030 — Accessory Dwellina Units
thcniom4o xpand
u A" 1planse
G. unit murst Fneet the following
req6F9r8meRW:.
1. main sn s)(let,;rRC Cnd pgFinattei! -,,imcrt-residentiat- .
t rhall
separate fFGFR the PF*'FnaFy unit.
3. The aeeesseq• anit chall K
but aY9 AG FeqUiFed to,
#eF-th9 pr+ma y r�it
arcs cf the-exi6t+er p imar�-ua+t:
knit tut Ifs R6
.
6. The unit shall only b r rcnt&l IC► .
7. The aGG9669FY Wit may not be sold 69paFately fFGFn c primmpj•-uA #-
unit 0. .1 GerepI-with -all
sairc, &r.44eskR
appeafaRGe ef-ths am a cir. .
(1 iie-Af-pu iv transit.
of the ex*st* AW
of the aGGe66OFY Wit.
18
1
L'
1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
car vNAr
D. The pFiFnarmy unit shall be GWASF-eoeupied. if the PFOPeFty cr is ►: mWe-te essupy
tth Kim. p -unit, it chw4-4rmain
d. In n4c imtan
Fne n iclivin5
lip
I. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units
(ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with California
Govemment Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
J. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section
will not be:
(1) Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's general plan and zoning designation
for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
(2) Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU
is located.
(3) Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to limit
residential growth.
(4) Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in subsection
C. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with applicable
building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code section
17980.12.
K. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply.
(1) "Accessory Dwelling Unit" means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more
persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence.
An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health
and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
19
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
(2) "Accessory Structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to
a dwelling located on the same lot.
(3) "Complete independent living facilities" means a permanent provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
(4) "Efficiency Kitchen" means a kitchen that includes each of the following:
a) A cooking facility with appliances.
b) A food preparation counter or counters that total at least 15 square feet
in area.
c) Food storage cabinets that total at least 30 square feet of shelf space.
(5) "Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)" means residential unit that:
a) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
b) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
c) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
d) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
(6) "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(7) "Nonconforming Zoning Condition" means physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
(8) "Owner" means the property owner on the latest equalized property tax
assessment roll. If the Owner is not a natural person or group of natural persons
(e.g. the Owner is a trust or corporation), then the Owner(s) shall designate a
natural person for the purpose of satisfying the owner occupancy requirements
set forth in Subsection (E)(6). The Owner(s) designated natural person(s) shall
reside on site, shall have authority to bind the owner in all matters related to
the site, and shall not pay rent or other compensation, nor provide services to
the owner.
(9) "Owner -occupancy" means an Owner currently resides on the property in
either the Primary Dwelling Unit, ADU or JADU.
(10) "Passageway" means pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and
extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
20
1
1
1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
(11) "Primary Dwelling" means an existing single-family dwelling, or the larger of
two proposed dwellings.
(12) "Proposed Dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
(13) "Public transit' means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or
train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other
forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are
available to the public.
(14) "Tandem Parking" means a parking design in which two or more automobiles
are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one
another.
L. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
(1) Building -permit only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general
requirements listed in subsection (D), it is allowed with only a building permit in
the following scenarios:
a) Converted on Single-family Lot: Only one ADU or JADU on a lot with
a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or
JADU:
(i) Is either: contained within the floor area of a proposed single-
family dwelling; contained within the existing floor area of an
existing single-family dwelling; or contained within the space of
an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if
the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress.
(ii) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling.
(iii) Provides minimum side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and
safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
b) Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new -
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be established
on the lot under subsection D(1)a) above, if the detached ADU satisfies
the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear -yard setbacks are at least four -feet.
(ii) The total floor area is below 800 square -feet.
(iii) The total height of the structure, as measured from grade to the
top of pitch, is 16 feet or less.
21
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
c) Converted on Multi -family Lot: Multiple ADUs up to 25 percent of the
total multi -family dwelling units, but no less than one unit, are allowed
within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not
used as living area, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, provided that each
converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings.
d) Limited Detached on Multi -family Lot: No more than two detached
ADUs on a lot that has an existing multi -family dwelling if each detached
ADU satisfies the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear -yard setbacks are at least four -feet.
(ii) The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
(2) ADU Permit.
a) Except as allowed under subsection (D)D(1) above, no ADU shall be
created without obtaining a building permit and an ADU permit in
compliance with the standards set forth in subsections E and F below.
b) The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in
processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending
the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is
determined by the Director of Building and Safety and approved by the
City Council by resolution.
(3) Process and Timing.
a) An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
b) The City must act on an application to create an ADU or JADU within
60 days from the date that the City receives a completed application,
unless either:
(i) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time
period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(ii) In the case of a JADU and the application to create a junior
accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to
create a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the City may delay
acting on the permit application for the JADU until the City acts
on the permit application to create the new single-family
dwelling, but the application to create the JADU will still be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a
hearing.
22
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
M. General ADU and JADU Requirements. The following requirements apply to all
ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections D(1) or D(2) above:
(1) Zoning.
a) An ADU or JADU subject only to a building permit under subsection D(1)
above may be created on any lot in a residential or mixed -use zone,
with exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone.
b) An ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection D(2)
above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family
dwelling residential use or multi -family dwelling residential use, with
exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone
(2) Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall be required in an ADU if sprinklers are
required in the primary residence.
(3) Rental Term. No ADU or JADU shall be rented for a term that is shorter than
28 days. An ADU or JADU is not eligible for a Short -Term Rental permit.
(4) No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but no ADU or
JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the
primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of the
dwellings (in the case of a multi -family lot) except where allowed for qualifying
units under Government Code Section 65852.26.
(5) Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite water -treatment
system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test
completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been
recertified, within the last 10 years.
(6) Owner Occupancy.
a) All ADUs created before January 1, 2020 are subject to the owner -
occupancy requirement that was in place when the ADU was created.
b) An ADU that is created after that date but before January 1, 2025, is not
subject to any owner -occupancy requirement.
c) All ADUs that are created on or after January 1, 2025 are subject to an
owner -occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence.
d) All JADUs are subject to an owner -occupancy requirement. A natural
person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the
property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence. However, the owner -occupancy
requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the property is entirely
23
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
(7) Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for an ADU or JADU,
a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the
County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Director of Building and
Safety. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners.
The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide
that:
a) The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling
except where allowed for qualifying units under Government Code
Section 65852.26.
b) The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this section.
c) The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against
future property owners.
d) The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the ADU
or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities.
To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request
of the Director, providing evidence that the ADU or JADU has in fact
been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the
evidence supports the claim that the ADU or JADU has been eliminated.
Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination consistent with
other provisions of this Code. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely
physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a
necessary component of an ADU or JADU removed, the remaining
structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable
provisions of this Code.
e) The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director of Community
Development or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure
of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in
legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to
obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not
limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or JADU
in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
(8) Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued for
an ADU or JADU prior to the Certificate of Occupancy for the primary dwelling.
N. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that
require a Ministerial ADU permit under subsection D(2) above.
24
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
(1) Maximum Size.
a) The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
subsection shall be 850 square feet for a studio or one -bedroom unit
and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two bedrooms. No more than two
bedrooms are allowed.
b) An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling shall be limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing
primary dwelling.
c) Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but no
application of FAR, lot coverage, or open -space requirements may
require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet.
(2) Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this subsection shall cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed the maximum permitted floor area ratio allowed
for the underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(3) Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed the maximum lot coverage allowed for the
underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(4) Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the
total percentage of open space or landscaping of the lot to fall below the
minimum required open space percentage for the underlying zoning
designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(5) Height.
a) A single -story attached or detached ADU may not exceed 16 feet in
height above grade, measured to the peak of the structure. In no case
shall an ADU exceed the height of the primary dwelling unit.
b) A detached ADU may not exceed one story.
(6) Passageway. No passageway, as defined by this section, is required for an
ADU.
(7) Parking.
a) Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU. The
parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem parking,
as defined by this section. Such parking space shall be ten (10) feet -
wide by twenty (20) feet -deep for covered spaces and nine (9) feet -wide
by eighteen feet and six inches (18'-6") deep for open spaces.
b) Exceptions. No parking under subsection F(7)a) is required in the
following situations:
25
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
(i) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined by this section.
(ii) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(iii) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence,
converted non -living, or a converted accessory structure under
subsection D(1)a) above.
(iv) When on -street parking permits are required but not offered to
the occupant of the ADU.
(v) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
c) No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure
is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or
converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required
to be replaced.
(8) Architectural Requirements.
a) All architectural details of an ADU shall match the style, materials,
colors, and quality of the primary dwelling.
b) The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, eaves and windows
and doors shall match the appearance and architectural design of the
primary dwelling.
c) The roof pitch, roof type, roof shape and roof material shall match the
primary dwelling.
d) All roof and ground -mounted equipment shall be fully screened from the
adjacent public right-of-way and adjacent properties. Masonry walls,
landscaping, or architectural features may be used to provide screening
and prevent a direct line of sight.
e) All exterior lighting shall comply with Chapter 24.16 of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code and shall t be limited to down -lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
f) The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that
of the primary dwelling. The ADU entrance must be located on the side
or rear building fagade, not facing a public -right-of-way.
g) The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet
wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of seven feet.
26
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
h) Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an
adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass
may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight.
(9) Landscape Requirements.
a) Evergreen landscape screening must be planted and maintained
between the ADU and adjacent parcels as follows:
b) At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided for every five linear
feet of exterior wall. Alternatively, at least one 24" box size plant shall
be provided for every ten linear feet of exterior wall.
c) For a ground -level ADU, plant specimens must be at least six feet tall
when installed. As an alternative, for a ground level ADU, a solid wall or
fence of at least 6 feet in height where allowed may be installed.
d) All landscaping must be drought -tolerant.
e) All landscaping must be from the City's approved plant pallet.
f) The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same driveway to access
the street, unless otherwise required for fire -apparatus access, as
determined by the fire marshal.
(10) Historical Protections. The following requirements apply to ADUs on real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources or
Landmark as defined under Chapter 29.20 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code:
a) All additions and modifications affecting the exterior of the primary
dwelling shall be subject to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness in
accordance with Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code
b) Additions and exterior modifications shall preserve the architectural
character and retain any distinctive stylistics features of the existing
research and be subject to design standards identified under Chapter
29.60.080 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
O. Fees.
(1) Impact Fees.
a) No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than 750 square feet
in size.
b) Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is 750 square feet or
larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the square
footage of the primary dwelling unit. (E.g., the floor area of the primary
dwelling, divided by the floor area of the ADU, times the typical fee
27
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
amount charged for a new dwelling.) "Impact fee" here does not include
any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
(2) Utility Fees.
a) Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-family lot, created under
subsection D(1)a) above, are not required to have a new or separate
utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility. Nor
is a connection fee or capacity charge required unless the ADU or JADU
is constructed with a new single-family home.
b) All ADUs and JADUs not covered by subsection G(2)a) above require
a new, separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU
and the utility. The connection is subject to a connection fee or capacity
charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU or JADU,
based on either the floor area or the number of drainage -fixture units
(DFU) values, as defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code, upon the
water or sewer system. The fee or charge may not exceed the
reasonable cost of providing this service.
P. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU
that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections A through
G(2) of this section may be allowed by the City with a conditional use permit, in
accordance with the other provisions of this title.
25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
, that pfevides
cn a Fcfsel-zeroed-#ef
,
seeking avid canitc '
;gar'. c
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that
provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is
located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory
dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health
and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A residential unit that:
c) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
28
1
1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.2771
d) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
e) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
f) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
29
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 — 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Ron Gregory called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioner Joseph Pradetto
Commissioner John Greenwood
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna
Vice -Chair Lindsay Holt
Chair Ron Gregory
Also Present:
Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney
Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development
Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
Jessica Gonzales, Senior Management Analyst
Christina Canales, Engineering Assistant
Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner
Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice -Chair Lindsay Holt led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
None
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 4, 2020
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of December 3, 2019.
Rec: Approve as presented.
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Parcel Map Waiver application for a
lot line adjustment at 125 Suuwat Way (APNs 771-260-044 and 771-280-068). Case
No. PMW 19-0004 (Evergreen Capital Trust, Sumner, Washington, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Case No. PMW 19-0004.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and
a 4-0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented
(AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None;
ABSTAINED: Holt).
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. SELECTION of a Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson.
Commissioner DeLuna moved to, by Minute Motion, nominate and appoint Vice -Chair
Holt to Chair. The motion was seconded by Commission Greenwood and carried by a 5-0
vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT:
None).
Commissioner DeLuna moved to, by Minute Motion, nominate and appoint
Commissioner Greenwood to Vice -Chair. The motion was seconded by Commission Pradetto
and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES:
None; ABSENT: None).
B. SELECTION of Commission Liaisons for Art in Public Places and Parks and
Recreation Commissions.
Commissioner Gregory moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Chair Holt to the Art in
Public Places Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried
by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None;
ABSENT: None).
Commissioner DeLuna moved to, by Minute Motion, reappoint Vice -Chair Greenwood
to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The motion was seconded by Commission Gregory
and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES:
None; ABSENT: None).
2
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IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of a recommendation to the City
Council for a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend Palm Desert Municipal Code
Section 25.32.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units," Section 25.10.030, Section 25.18.040,
and Section 25.99.020 to comply with recently enacted State legislation pertaining to
accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. Case No. ZOA 20-0001
(City of Palm Desert. Applicant).
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna recused herself from Public Hearing Items A and B. The
Zoning Ordinance Amendments could affect her employer, who is a multi -family housing
developer.
Assistant Planner Nick Melloni presented the staff report (staff report(s) are available at
www.citvofpalmdesert.orq). He noted that staff posted a public hearing notice in The
Desert Sun, and did not receive any comments. He recommended approval of the
resolution.
In terms of the architectural review process, Vice -Chair John Greenwood asked how the
accessory dwelling unit (ADU) legislation affects lot coverage and setbacks in comparison
to primary residences.
Mr. Melloni stated that State legislation prohibits cities from imposing a minimum lot
standard. Apart from that, the City can apply all other applicable development standards.
Except in the case where an ADU is detached less than 800 total square feet, has a
maximum height of 16 feet, and a minimum of a four -foot setback from the side and rear
of the property. (Not sure if tvoed it correctly, if I misunderstood what you were savina,_
please correct).
Vice -Chair Greenwood clarified if an owner has an ADU under the 800 square -foot
requirement, the owner can be within four feet of the property line.
Mr. Melloni replied that is correct. He mentioned that staff added design guidelines to
address an ADU that is less than 800 square feet and the minimum four -foot setback.
Commissioner Gregory inquired if the setback would influence future development in the
City. For example, if a developer wishes to build multiple residential units, would the
developer be able to go for the four -foot setback instead of the City's greater setback in
anticipation of building an ADU.
In general, Mr. Melloni replied no. He explained that any new development would need to
conform to the established minimum setback standards. If the developer is proposing an
ADU along with a single-family home, the developer has that option as long as they are
in conformance with the State.
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If someone wishes to build an ADU on a lot with an existing home and understands the
City's requirement that the architecture must match the existing home and the ADU cannot
exceed the existing architecture, Commissioner Gregory asked would the City have the
same prerogative concerning code enforcement or building inspections.
Mr. Melloni replied yes.
Vice -Chair Greenwood inquired where other cities in the Coachella Valley are, concerning
conformance with State requirements.
Mr. Melloni responded that during his research and looking for what other cities in the
Coachella Valley have done, he did not see other jurisdictions adopt the new ADU laws.
He pointed out that all cities in the State of California are subject to the State laws.
Commissioner Gregory asked Mr. Melloni to walk the Planning Commission through the
first bullet point on page two of the staff report.
Mr. Melloni communicated that a one -bedroom or a studio could have a maximum area
of 850 square feet. For a multi bedroom, the maximum area is 1,000 square feet.
Commissioner Gregory asked what if someone wanted to build a larger ADU on a lot that
was large and could accommodate a large ADU.
Based on the ordinance, Mr. Melloni stated that the developer is not allowed to build a
large ADU; however, the developer would be subject to other development standards.
Commissioner Gregory commented that it seems like a great opportunity for people to
game the system. He wondered about loopholes that the new provisions are creating and
how the City would deal with someone taking advantage of the State laws.
Mr. Melloni said that with the approval of any ADU, the City requires the applicant to record
a declaration of restrictive covenants, which states what is located within the ADU.
Director of Community Development Ryan Stendell added that Commissioner Gregory is
right to wonder what kind of loopholes the new laws may create. However, the Zoning
Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) is an attempt to preserve control of what the City may have
with design and architecture. He believed many cities are burying their heads in the sand
or dealing with the new laws in a similar way as Palm Desert. He stated the approach the
governor is taking does not fit all cities.
Chair Holt clarified that State law allows for one ADU and one junior accessory dwelling
unit (JADU), not two ADUs.
Mr. Melloni replied that is correct.
Chair Holt asked if the ordinance would require property owners to meet the minimum or
maximum lot coverage restrictions, and they would only be able to build up to what would
be allowed on the property.
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 4, 2020
Mr. Melloni replied that is correct.
Chair Holt clarified that there is no requirement for parking for JADUs, but there is a
parking requirement for the ADUs unless it is within a half -mile walking distance of public
transit.
Mr. Melloni replied that is correct.
Chair Holt inquired if sprinklers are required for new construction.
Mr. Melloni replied yes.
Chair Holt pointed out a grammatical error under Item F, 1 B in the Planning Commission
Resolution. Delete "is" after the word dwelling.
Commissioner Gregory also pointed out that the wording on page two under Item G of the
Planning Commission Resolution needed to be changed. He referred to Item B of the
Landscape Requirements. He asked if Item B was the City's recommendation.
Mr. Melloni responded that legal counsel provided the landscape requirement.
If the setback is four feet, Commissioner Joseph Pradetto inquired if the landscaping
would have to be crammed within the four -foot setback and between the neighbors.
Mr. Stendell responded that a four -foot setback is an appropriate landscape area for some
landscaping. He said staff could review landscaping on an as -needed basis. He noted
that the landscape requirement is a recommendation to the City Council. The Planning
Commission could request to have staff look at the landscape requirements and have the
requirements augmented prior to presenting the ZOA to the Council.
Commissioner Pradetto understood and summarized that the State is struggling on how
to deal with homelessness and affordability of housing, which is the impetus for these new
State laws and the idea to create new housing stock. He stated that the new laws
invalidate the City's current ordinance on ADUs. Therefore, now until the City Council
approves the ZOA, the City is under the jurisdiction of the State's law, which is almost
completely unregulated in terms of design standards —aside from health and safety
concerns. He asked if that is correct so far.
Mr. Melloni replied yes.
Commissioner Pradetto continued that City staff has determined something needs to be
in place, and there is a model ordinance from Best Best & Krieger (BBK). He asked how
the proposed ordinance amendment differs from the model ordinance, and how staff
incorporated their concerns into the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Melloni responded that one concern was height. He explained that in the R-1 (Single -
Family Residential) zone has a maximum height of 15 feet. However, the State law
maximum height requirement is 16 feet. He said staff implemented design standards that
k,
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 4, 2020
assist with Section 8. Additionally, staff addressed the concern with ADUs and JADUs in
the HPR (Hillside Planned Residential) zone.
Commissioner Pradetto asked if staff had any other concerns related to the ordinance.
Mr. Melloni replied no.
Commissioner Pradetto believed that in terms of loopholes, the governor is saying the
City's loopholes are his solution. He said from the State's perspective, they are not
loopholes it is their intent. Looking at the ordinance at a whole, he liked the architectural
requirements and dealing with health and safety. He believed there would be some
adjusting throughout the State; however, Palm Desert may not need to rush to build
ADUs/JADUs like in other areas. He commented that Palm Desert could learn from other
cities' mistakes over time.
Chair Holt declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or
OPPOSING this matter.
With further testimony offered, Chair Holt declared the public hearing closed.
Vice -Chair Greenwood stated that Commissioner Pradetto's comments were accurate.
Vice -Chair Greenwood moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2771, recommending approval of Case No. ZOA 20-0004 to the
City Council. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 4-0 vote
(AYES: Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna).
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to adopt resolutions recommending approval to
the City Council to amend the Palm Desert Municipal Code and replace Section
25.28.030 "Medium/High-Density Housing Overlay District" in its entirety with a new
"Housing Overlay District," and apply said overlay district to parcels identified in the
City's Housing Element and parcels owned by the Housing Authority. Case No. ZOA
19-0004 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant).
Principal Planner Eric Ceja outlined the salient points of the staff report and recommended
approval to the City Council. He offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner Gregory commented that in the past couple of years, staff presented
housing projects to the Planning Commission. He asked if a project like The Sands would
be more likely to move forward with the Housing Overlay District (HOD).
Mr. Ceja responded that The Sands is not a good example. He said that The Sands
property has an affordable housing component for the past 30 years. He pointed out that
a better example is Parcel G. It is a project that the Planning Commission has
recommended approval to the City Council; however, City staff were not able to take it to
the Council because staff is still negotiating the affordable housing component for that
site. If the City Council approves the ZOA, he stated the City would apply the HOD to
Parcel G.
M.
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
TO:
El
Office of Planning and Research
P. O. Box 3044, Room 113
Sacramento, CA 95812-3044
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
or
County Clerk
County of: Riverside
FROM: City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
2724 Gateway Dr, Riverside,
CA 92507
I .
Project Title:
ZOA20-0001
2.
Project Applicant:
City of Palm Desert
3.
Project Location — Identify street address and
City of Palm Desert — Citywide
cross streets or attach a map showing project
site (preferably a USGS 15' or 7 112'
topographical map identified by quadrangle
name):
4.
(a) Project Location — City: Palm Desert
(b) Project Location — County: Riverside
5.
Description of nature, purpose, and
A Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend Palm
beneficiaries of Project:
Desert Municipal Code Section 25.32.030 "Accessory
Dwelling Units," Section 25.10.030, Section
25.18.040, and Section 25.99.020 to comply with
recently enacted State legislation pertaining to
accessory dwelling units and junior accessory
dwelling units citywide.
6.
Name of Public Agency approving project:
' City of Palm Desert
7.
Name of Person or Agency undertaking the
'City of Palm Desert
project, including any person undertaking an
activity that receives financial assistance
from the Public Agency as part of the activity
or the person receiving a lease, permit,
license, certificate, or other entitlement of use
from the Public Agency as part of the activity:
8.
Exempt status: (check one)
(a) ❑ Ministerial project.
(Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(1); State CEQA
Guidelines § 15268)
(b) ❑ Not a project.
(c) ❑ Emergency Project.
(Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(4); State CEQA
Guidelines § 15269(b),(c))
(d) ❑ Categorical Exemption.
Class 32 "In -fill Development "; State CEQA
State type and section
'Guidelines §15332
number:
(c) ❑ Declared Emergency.
(Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b)(3); State CEQA
Guidelines § 15269(a))
(� ® Statutory Exemption.
(Pub. Res. Code § 21080(b); State CEQA Guidelines
State Code section number::
§ 15282(h)
Notice of Exemption FORM "B"
~^ (Q) Fl Other. �Explanation: - | General Ru-Section 15061( )(3) -'
9.-----Reason whypnojeo was exempt: - | The project is local ordinance regardingauuemoory
dwelling ho to implement Government
Code Section 65852.1 and 65852.2.
------- - -------- --
10. Lead Agency Contact Person: Nick Melloni, AssistantP|anner
__
Telephone: ! (78U)348-0S11
-- - ---------- -----'-'
ll. If filed by applicant: Attach Preliminary Exemption Assessment (Form "A") before filing.
12. Has a Notice of Exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project? Yoe El No El
-'-- ---'-- 13. Was VVaaapublic hearing held bythe lead agency toconsider the exemption? Yes No El
|fyes, the date nfthe public hearing was: February 27.2O28
'--- ' - Signature: Date:
~'~ --- �'�7�v- Date:
Title:
Signed byLead Agency ElSigned byApplicant
Ouh* Received for Filing:
(Clerk Stamp Here)
Authority cited: Sections 2|083and 2\10\Public Resources Code.
Notice of Exemption FORM "B"
73-510 PRFD WARING DR1%T
PALM DESFRT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578
TEL:760 346—o6ii
FAX: 760 341-7098
info(a palm-desert.org
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LEGAL NOTICE
CASE NO. ZOA 20-0001
NOTICE OF INTENT OF THE PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF
A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO REVISE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 25.34.030 "ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS" AND MODIFY SECTION 25.10.030
"RESIDENTIAL ALLOWED LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS." SECTION
25.18.040 "DOWNTOWN LAND USE AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS." AND SECTION
25.99.020 "LAND USE DEFINITIONS" TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAW PERTAINING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS: AND
ADOPT A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT.
The City of Palm Desert (City), in its capacity as the Lead Agency for this project under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has determined that this project is exempt from
CEQA review in accordance with Section 15282(h) of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides a
statutory exemption for the adoption of an ordinance regarding accessory dwelling units and junior
accessory dwelling units to implement the provisions of Government Code Section 65852.1 and
65852.2.
Project Location: City-wide
Code Amendment Description:
The proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) will amend Palm Desert Municipal Code
(PDMC) Section 25.34.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units" in its entirety to comply with new State
laws pertaining to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs)
and provide architecture and landscaping design requirements. Additional minor changes will be
made to land use tables for residential and mixed -use zoning designations under Sections 25.10
and Section 25.18 to reflect these changes. Section 25.99.020 "Land Use Definitions" will also be
amended to incorporate new definitions related to the changes.
Recommendation: Staff is recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance supporting
the changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
Planning Commission Recommendation: The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert
held a duly noticed public hearing on February 4, 2020, to consider the ZOA to implement the
new ADU requirements. The Planning Commission voted 4-0 (Commissioner De Luna ABSENT)
to adopt Resolutions Nos. 2771, recommending that the City Council adopt the ZOA.
Public Hearing: The public hearing will be held before the City Council on February 27, 2020, at
6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
Public Review: The ZOA is available for public review Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. at City Hall. Please submit written comments to the Planning Department. If any group
challenges the action in court, the issues raised may be limited to only those issues raised at the
public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence at, or prior to the City Council
hearing. All comments and any questions should be directed to:
Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-0611, Extension 479
nmelloni@cityofpalmdesert.org
PUBLISH: DESERT SUN RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
FEBRUARY 15, 2020 PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL