75A - PH ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

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Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2017-04 — Amend Sections of Chapter 41 of the SAMC Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units March 20, 2018 Page 3 occupants of a second dwelling unit, or if second dwelling unit involves the conversion of a portion of the existing primary residence or an accessory structure. Modifications to sections 41-194.9 and 41-194.10 of the proposed ordinance reviewed by the Planning Commission have been made to comply with Senate Bill 229 and Assembly Bill 494, which took effect January 1, 2018. 3. Setbacks and Site Planning - Sections 41-194.6(1), 41-194.6(3), 41-194.6(4), and 41- 194.7(1) The location of buildings on an individual parcel greatly influences the ability to develop an ADU and how it impacts neighboring properties. Zoning district standards and general provisions of the Zoning Code contain a set of development standards that determine how far back buildings must be set from property lines (called setbacks or yards), how far they must be distanced from each other, as well as several specific location requirements. These zoning standards will continue to be applicable to an ADU's location. However, a rear yard setback of 10 feet will be required for detached ADUs instead of the 20 feet required for primary buildings. The reduced setback for ADUs will allow flexibility in site planning and spatial relationships between buildings to be maintained. Design standards will also be applicable to ensure that privacy of neighboring properties and neighborhood character are maintained. Public outreach and notification of the proposed changes to the ordinance was conducted in various manners. Staff held a community meeting with community groups and neighborhood association members from various districts throughout the city in November 2016. Staff also met with Community Linkage Forum (ComLink) in August and September 2017 to discuss the proposed amendments. Further, staff communicated the proposed changes via phone to various members of the community and held a meeting with housing advocacy groups to discuss the proposed changes. Generally, community members expressed concerns regarding ADUs being constructed in areas of the city that lack open space (parks), on -street parking being further impacted by ADUs, and the impact that these units might have on the unique character of Santa Ana neighborhoods. Community comments from these meetings were incorporated into the proposed amendments. Ultimately, with one exception, members of the public at the October 23, 2017 Planning Commission meeting voiced their support for the proposed ordinance. Moreover, members of the public were informed of the two study sessions regarding the ordinance and generally expressed support for the staff recommended changes. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT Approval of these items supports the City's efforts to meet Goal #5 - Community Health, Livability, Engagement & Sustainability, Objective #3 (facilitate diverse housing opportunities and support efforts to preserve and improve the livability of Santa Ana neighborhoods). 75A-3