Relax restrictions on building second dwelling units to comply with state law
In Plain English
California requires cities to make it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units like granny flats or garage apartments. Richmond's current rules are stricter than state law allows. The city must update its housing code within 60 days to match state requirements and streamline the approval process.
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Votes
Motion · Official minutes
Approve the item
6 aye · 1 nay
Why This Vote Matters
Richmond will update its housing code to make it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units like granny flats and garage apartments. The council voted 6-1 to bring the city's rules into compliance with state law, which requires streamlined approval processes for these units. Councilmember Pimplé was the sole dissenting vote. This is a mandatory change—California law gives cities only 60 days to update their codes to match state requirements for accessory dwelling units.
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Related agenda records
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Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance amendment
Ordinance amending accessory dwelling unit regulations
Amending various sections regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
Zoning Text Amendments Related to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
INTRODUCE an ordinance (first reading) amending section 15.04.104.020, Definitions, section 15.04.201.020, Land Use Regulations, section 15.04.201.030.A, Accessory Building Height, section 15.04.201.050.B, Accessory Building Height, section 15.04.202.020, Land Use Regulations, section 15.04.607.040, Calculation of Parking Requirements, and section 15.04.610.030, Accessory Short-Term Rentals ("Home-Shares") and repealing section 15.04.610.020, Accessory Dwelling Units, and adopting section 15.04.610.020, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units of the Richmond Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units