The following standards apply only to converted accessory dwelling units. However, in no event shall these provisions preclude a converted accessory dwelling unit that is eight hundred (800) square feet or smaller in size, has a height above grade of sixteen feet (16') or lower, has minimum four-foot (4') side and rear yard setbacks, and does not involve any changes to a building exterior.
(A) Size. At a minimum meets the requirements of an efficiency unit and at a maximum shall not exceed eight hundred fifty (850) square feet if it has no more than one (1) bedroom or one thousand (1,000) square feet if it has two (2) or more bedrooms.
(B) Height. The height of the existing structure being converted to an accessory dwelling unit shall not be increased.
(C) Setbacks. No new setback is required for an existing living area or accessory structure that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit or a portion of an accessory dwelling unit that has the same dimensions as the existing structure. The only exception is if up to an additional one hundred fifty (150) square feet is necessary to allow for ingress and egress (entry and exiting). In that case, the side and rear setbacks may be reduced to no less than four feet (4') from the property line. If the setback is reduced, the accessory dwelling unit must still comply with applicable Building and Fire Codes.
(D) Utilities. A converted accessory dwelling unit is not required to have a new or separate utility connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility, nor is a connection fee or capacity charge required. The applicant may voluntarily install a new or separate utility connection. Any utility charges or fees shall be consistent with Government Code Section
65852.2.
(E) Parking. No replacement of off-street parking is required when a garage, carport, or other parking structure is converted to an accessory dwelling unit. In all other situations where off-street parking is required for a converted accessory dwelling unit, the parking requirement shall not exceed one (1) parking space per converted accessory dwelling unit or per bedroom, whichever is less. The off-street parking spaces may be provided as tandem parking on a driveway or in rear yard setback areas on a paved surface.