A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for the development of accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units through a ministerial process consistent with Government Code Sections 65852 and 65852.22. The standards in this section minimize adverse impacts on the public health, safety, and general welfare that may be associated with accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. The city recognizes that accessory dwelling units expand housing opportunities by increasing the number of housing units available within existing neighborhoods and provide housing generally at lower cost. Property owners who create accessory dwelling units benefit from added income, and an increased sense of security. Allowing accessory dwelling units in single-unit or multi-unit residential zones provides additional rental housing stock in California. Thus, accessory dwelling units are a residential use which is consistent with the general plan objectives and zoning regulations.
B.
Applicability. The regulations established in this section shall apply to all accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units where allowed in compliance with Division 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards). Any construction, establishment, alteration, enlargement, or modification of an accessory dwelling unit shall comply with the requirements of this section and the building code. An accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that conforms to the standards of this section shall not be:
1.
Found inconsistent with the general plan land use designation and/or zone for the parcel on which the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit is located;
2.
Allowed to exceed the allowable density for the parcel on which the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit is located;
3.
Considered in the application of any city ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth; and
C.
Where Allowed. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are allowed on parcels zoned for single-unit or multi-unit dwellings where such parcels include a proposed or existing dwelling.
D.
Types. An accessory dwelling unit(s) approved under this section include:
1.
Attached. An accessory dwelling unit that is created in whole or in part from newly constructed space that is attached to the proposed or existing primary dwelling, such as through a shared wall, floor, or ceiling.
2.
Detached. An accessory dwelling unit that is created in whole or in part from newly constructed space that is detached or separated from the proposed or existing primary dwelling, including an existing stand-alone garage converted into an accessory dwelling unit. The detached accessory dwelling unit shall be located on the same parcel as the proposed or existing primary dwelling.
3.
Converted. Is entirely located within the proposed or existing primary dwelling or accessory structure, including but not limited to attached garages, storage areas, or similar uses; or an accessory structure, including but not limited to studio, pool house, or other similar structure. Such conversion may include an expansion of not more than one hundred fifty square feet beyond the same physical dimensions as the existing structure if the expansion is for the sole purpose of accommodating ingress and egress to the converted structure.
4.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A junior accessory dwelling unit is an attached accessory dwelling unit that meets all the following:
a.
Is entirely located within a single-unit detached primary dwelling and shall consist of the conversion of an existing single-unit dwelling, including attached garages, or a part of a proposed single-unit dwelling.
b.
Is less than five hundred square feet.
c.
Has independent exterior access from the primary dwelling.
d.
Has sanitation facilities that are either shared with or separate from those of the primary dwelling.
e.
Includes an efficiency kitchen, which includes a cooking facility with appliances, food preparation counter, and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the size of the junior accessory dwelling unit.
E.
Location and Number of Units Allowed. Accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following:
1.
Single-Unit Dwelling Zones. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are allowed in single-unit dwelling zones as follows:
a.
Attached or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. Only one attached accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a parcel with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling on it, where the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit:
b.
Detached. One detached new construction accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a parcel with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling, in addition to a junior accessory dwelling unit, if it meets all the following requirements:
i.
Is detached from the primary dwelling;
ii.
Does not exceed fifty percent of the square footage of the primary dwelling, up to a maximum of one thousand two hundred square feet, whichever is less;
iii.
Has a maximum height of one story; and
iv.
Has side and rear setbacks that comply with the applicable zone, but in no case shall have less than a four-foot side and rear yard setback.
c.
Types and Number of Units Allowed. In any single-unit dwelling zones, only the following combination of accessory dwelling units may be provided on a single parcel:
2.
Multi-Unit Dwelling Zones. Accessory dwelling units are allowed in multi-unit dwelling zones as follows:
a.
Converted Spaces Within a Multi-Unit Dwelling.
i.
Within any multi-unit dwelling structure used exclusively for residential use, portions of such structures that are not used as livable space may be converted to accessory dwelling units, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages; provided, that any such space converted to an accessory dwelling unit complies with minimum state building standards for dwellings.
ii.
At least one accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed within an existing multi-unit dwelling structure as long as the total number of accessory dwelling units within the structure does not exceed twenty-five percent of the existing units.
b.
Detached. Up to two detached accessory dwelling units shall be allowed on a parcel where a multi-unit dwelling structure exists if each of the detached accessory dwelling units meets all the following requirements:
F.
Standards Applicable to All Accessory Dwelling Units. The following standards apply to all accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units constructed on or moved to a new parcel and to the remodeling or rebuilding of existing single-unit dwelling or multi-unit dwelling structure to create an accessory dwelling unit:
1.
Parcel Size and Width. No minimum parcel size or parcel width shall apply for the construction of an accessory dwelling unit.
2.
Access. Every accessory dwelling unit shall have direct exterior access independent of the exterior access of the primary dwelling.
3.
Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers are required in an accessory dwelling unit if they are required in the primary dwelling.
4.
Permanent Foundation. Accessory dwelling units shall be installed on and attached to a permanent foundation as follows:
5.
Nonconforming Conditions. The correction of nonconforming zoning conditions is not required in order to establish an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit, in compliance with Government Code Section 65852.2.
6.
No Separate Conveyance. An accessory dwelling unit may be rented, but no accessory dwelling unit, unless otherwise permitted by state law, may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the parcel and the primary dwelling in the case of a single-unit dwelling parcel or from the parcel and all of the dwellings in the case of a multi-unit dwelling parcel.
7.
Design. The color, material and texture of the roof, exterior walls and fenestration of an accessory dwelling unit shall be the same as the primary dwelling unit.
8.
Rental Term. No accessory dwelling unit may be rented for a term that is shorter than thirty days, unless otherwise allowed by state law.
9.
Impact Fees. No city-imposed impact fees shall be charged to an accessory dwelling unit that is less than seven hundred fifty square feet in size. If, at a later time, an expansion to an accessory dwelling unit occurs, development impact fees shall apply. Any impact fee charged to an accessory dwelling unit seven hundred fifty square feet or greater shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit (i.e., the floor area of the primary dwelling, divided by the floor area of the accessory dwelling unit, multiplied by the typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling). For the purposes of this subsection, impact fees do not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
10.
Address Numbers. Accessory dwelling units shall install address numbers in compliance with Section 505 of the California Fire Code. Address numbers shall contrast with their background and be a minimum of four inches high with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch. If the address numbers for the accessory dwelling unit cannot be visible from the street, the address numbers can be placed on the primary dwelling unit, existing front yard fence or placard at the entrance to the site.
11.
United States Postal Service. The applicant must coordinate and comply with the U.S. Postal Service requirements for delivery of mail to the accessory dwelling unit.
G.
Additional Standards Applicable to Attached and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. The following standards shall apply only to attached and detached accessory dwelling units:
1.
Size. Attached and detached accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following size standards:
a.
Detached. May not exceed eight hundred fifty square feet if it has fewer than two bedrooms or one thousand square feet if it has two bedrooms.
b.
Attached. May not exceed eight hundred fifty square feet if it has fewer than two bedrooms or one thousand square feet if it has two bedrooms. An attached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed fifty percent of the floor area of the primary dwelling.
2.
Height.
a.
The maximum height for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a parcel with an existing or proposed single-unit or multi-unit dwelling unit that is within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, as defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code shall be eighteen feet. The maximum height may be increased by an additional two feet, to twenty feet, for the purpose of accommodating a roof pitch on the accessory dwelling unit that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit; or
b.
The maximum height for a detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily, multi-story dwelling shall be eighteen feet.
3.
Passageways. No passageway, breezeway, or similar connection between structures on the parcel shall be required in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit.
4.
Parking. Attached and detached accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following parking standards:
a.
One off-street parking space is required for each attached and detached accessory dwelling unit, unless otherwise specified below. The parking requirement for an attached or detached accessory dwelling unit shall be in addition to the parking requirement for the existing residence on the property. This space may be provided as tandem parking, including on an existing driveway. No parking shall be permitted in the front yard other than on the paved driveway. Parking spaces may also be provided through a mechanical vehicle parking lift.
b.
Replacement Parking.
i.
When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure providing required parking for the primary residence or residences is demolished to allow for the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or is converted to an accessory dwelling unit, those parking spaces are not required to be replaced. This subsection shall not apply to attached garage conversions into a junior accessory dwelling unit.
ii.
When an attached garage, carport, or covered parking structure providing required parking for the primary residence or residences is converted to a junior accessory dwelling unit, those parking spaces are required to be replaced as usable covered parking consistent with the zone district’s parking standards.
c.
Additional parking for the accessory dwelling unit is not required in the following instances:
i.
The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit, including transit stations and bus stations.
ii.
The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally or historically significant historic district.
iii.
The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
iv.
When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
v.
When there is a designated car share vehicle parking space located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.
vi.
When a permit application for an accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family dwelling or a new multifamily dwelling on the same lot; provided, that the accessory dwelling unit or the parcel satisfies any other criteria listed in this subsection.
5.
Permit Requirements. Attached and detached accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following permit requirements:
a.
Ministerial Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit. Prior to constructing any attached or detached accessory dwelling unit, the property owner shall obtain a building permit. The city shall issue the permit within sixty working days from the date that the city received a completed application, unless:
i.
The applicant requests a delay, in which case the sixty-day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay;
ii.
The city requires corrections to the building permit application, in which case the sixty-day time period is tolled until the applicant resubmits a corrected application; or
iii.
The building permit application is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the parcel, in which case the city may delay acting on the building permit application until the city has acted on the permit application to create the new single-family or multifamily dwelling, but the building permit application for the accessory dwelling unit will be issued in conjunction with the permit application approval.
b.
Application and Processing Fees. The city council shall establish a schedule of fees for the application and processing of a building permit for an accessory dwelling unit.
c.
Demolition Permit. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an accessory dwelling unit shall be reviewed with the application for the accessory dwelling unit and issued at the same time. The applicant shall not be required to provide written notice or post a placard for the demolition of a detached garage that is to be replaced with an accessory dwelling unit, unless the property is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
H.
Additional Standards Applicable to Converted Accessory Dwelling Units. The following standards apply only to converted accessory dwelling units:
1.
Setback. No setback is required for a legally existing structure that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit.
2.
Parking. No additional off-street parking is required for the converted accessory dwelling unit, regardless of if a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is converted into an accessory dwelling unit. If replacement parking is provided, the replacement spaces shall be located in any configuration on the same parcel as the accessory dwelling unit and may include but are not limited to covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces. Replacement parking may only occur on driveways leading to a required parking space or in rear yard on a paved surface, provided such paved area can be easily accessed via the driveway or an alley. No parking shall be permitted in the front yard other than on the paved driveway.
3.
Building Permit. The property owner shall obtain a valid building permit for the converted accessory dwelling unit, subject to all the standard application and processing fees and procedures that apply to building permits generally.
I.
Additional Standards Applicable to Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. The following standards apply only to junior accessory dwelling units:
1.
Size. The total area of floor space for a junior accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed five hundred feet and shall not expand the size of an existing single-family dwelling by more than one hundred fifty square feet, provided such expansion is provided solely for the purpose of accommodating ingress and egress.
2.
Efficiency Kitchen. A junior accessory dwelling unit shall include an efficiency kitchen, requiring and limited to the following components:
a.
A sink with a maximum waste line drain of one-and-one-half inches;
b.
A cooking facility with appliances which do not require electrical service greater than one hundred twenty volts or natural or propane gas;
c.
A food preparation counter or counters that total at least fifteen square feet in area; and
d.
Food storage cabinets that total at least thirty square feet of shelf space.
3.
Parking. No additional off-street parking is required for the junior accessory dwelling unit, except when the junior accessory dwelling unit is a garage conversion. A junior accessory dwelling unit created in an attached garage shall provide usable replacement of covered parking consistent with the zone district’s parking standards.
4.
Permits. Junior accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following permit requirements:
a.
Ministerial Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit. The property owner shall obtain a valid building permit for the junior accessory dwelling unit, subject to all standard application and processing fees and procedures that apply to building permit generally. The city shall issue a ministerial permit within sixty days from the date that the city received a completed application, unless either:
i.
The applicant requests a delay, in which case the sixty-day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay;
ii.
The city requires corrections to the building permit application, in which case the sixty-day time period is tolled until the applicant resubmits a corrected application; or
iii.
The application to create a junior accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family dwelling on the parcel. The city may delay acting on the permit application for the junior accessory dwelling unit until the city acts on the permit application to create the new single-family dwelling, but the application to create the junior accessory dwelling unit will still be considered ministerial without discretionary review or a hearing.
b.
Application and Processing Fees. The council shall establish a schedule of fees for the application and processing of a building permit for a junior accessory dwelling unit.
5.
Owner-Occupancy Requirement. A junior accessory dwelling unit application submitted before January 1, 2024, shall be subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A person with legal or equitable title to the property shall reside on the property in either the primary dwelling or junior accessory dwelling unit as that person’s legal domicile and permanent residence. However, the owner-occupancy requirement of this subsection does not apply if the property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.
6.
Deed Restriction. Junior accessory structures shall be required to file a deed restriction in compliance with the following:
a.
Prior to issuance of a building permit for a junior accessory dwelling unit, a deed restriction shall be recorded against the title of the property in the county of Fresno recorder’s office and a copy filed with the director. The deed restriction shall run with the land and bind all future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the city and shall provide that:
i.
The junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold separately from the primary dwelling, except as may otherwise be permitted by state law.
ii.
The junior accessory dwelling unit is restricted to the approved size and other attributes allowed by this section.
iii.
The deed restriction runs with the land and shall be enforced against future property owners.
b.
The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the junior accessory dwelling unit, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request to the director, providing evidence that the junior accessory dwelling unit has in fact been eliminated. The director may then determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the junior accessory dwelling unit has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the director’s determination consistent with Chapter 17.114 (Appeals). If the junior accessory dwelling unit is not entirely physically removed but is only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of a junior accessory dwelling unit removed, the remaining structure and improvements shall otherwise comply with all applicable development and building standards.
c.
The deed restriction is enforceable by the director 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 accessory dwelling unit in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
J.
Review Process for Structures Not Complying With Development Standards. An accessory dwelling unit that does not comply with standards in this section may be allowed with an administrative use permit at the discretion of the director subject to the following findings:
1.
To deny an application or permit under this section, the director shall find that the accessory dwelling unit would be detrimental to the public health and safety or would introduce unreasonable privacy impacts to the immediate neighbors.
2.
To approve an application or permit to waive required accessory dwelling unit parking, the director shall find that additional or new on-site parking would be detrimental, and that granting the waiver will meet the purposes of this section.
(Ord. 24-01 § 2(Exh. A-1))