On September 12, 2019, the SLO County Planning Commission heard a presentation by Planning and Building staff regarding proposed updates to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance. During the hearing, public comment primarily focused on parking, fire safety and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) permitted in the Agriculture and Rural Lands category. The proposed amendments are anticipated to be before the Board of Supervisors early in 2020, with the amendments to the Coastal Zone before the Coastal Commission in mid-2020.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendments to the Board of Supervisors with the following changes:
- Prohibiting ADUs in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone countywide
- Allowing one ADU on Agriculture and Rural Lands parcels in addition to the two primary dwellings allowed
- Adding language that an ADU is considered Residential Accessory Use for the purpose of determining land use limitations in Article 9 (Planning Area Standards) and Article 10 (Community Planning Standards)
- Allowing ADUs in front of the primary residence as long as it still meets the setback requirements.
Staff is anticipating that the ADU Ordinance will be heard by the Board of Supervisors in early 2020. You can check out the staff report, current proposed ordinance and video of the September 12th Planning Commission hearing at the link below:
https://agenda.slocounty.ca.gov/iip/sanluisobispo/meeting/Details/1035
We'd like to hear your thoughts. Submit comments to our government affairs specialist James Green, or give us a call at 805-543-3654.
