ADU_SB9 WorkshopAPRIL 21, 2022
Joint Workshop by the City Council and
Planning Commission/Site and Architectural
Review Board
•Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory
Dwelling Units.
•Senate Bill No.9 Pertaining to Urban Lot Splits and
Two-Unit Developments
2030 Vision
Statement
Goal 3 to Promote
Economic Development by
updating zoning and
development code in
preparation for future
growth, and to preserve and
protect our community and
its exceptional quality of life
though thoughtful planning.
Background
On January 25, 2022, the City Council adopted an
Urgency Ordinance (No. 336-U) establishing
objective standards for the regulation of lots splits
and new units developed under SB 9.
On March 3, 2022, the Planning Commission
Conducted a Noticed Public Hearing and voted
unanimously 4-0 adopting a Resolution
recommending that the City Council adopt an
Ordinance establishing SB9 standards and an
Ordinance updating the city’s ADU requirements.
Background
On March 22, 2022, the City Council Conducted a
Noticed Public Hearing and voted unanimously 5-0
to continue the Public Hearing to a date uncertain
and directed staff to conduct a joint City Council
and Planning Commission workshop to further
review and discuss the State Legislation
requirements and provide input on the city’s
proposed objective standards for SB9 and
ADU/JADU developments.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
ADUs/JADUs
ADUs/JADUs
Legislature updates
became effective on
January 1, 2021.
The city’s current ADU
ordinance was adopted in
2017.
The State Law allow cities to
impose additional objective
standards that do not
conflict with State Law.
Permitted Zoning:
•Single-family Residential
•Multifamily Residential
•Mixed-Use Residential
ADU
State Requirements
ADUs must be approved ministerially
without a public hearing.
ADUs can be attached to, detached
from, or built within other dwelling
structures, or be created by converting
non-habitable structures.
ADU
State Requirements
A parcel with one or more single-family dwellings can have up to one ADU.
The amount of ADUs allowed within a multifamily dwelling shall be equal to 25% of the number of units in the multifamily development, provided that fractional units shall be rounded down.
There can be up two detached ADU’s on a parcel with a multifamily dwelling.
ADU
State Requirements
ADUs must have complete independent living facilities and can only be limited to 850 sq ft for studio/one-bedroom units and 1,000 sq ft for units with two or more bedrooms.
ADUs can not be smaller than an “efficient unit” = 220 square feet.
Attached ADUs can be limited to 50% of the floor area of the primary unit (but no smaller than 800 square feet).
ADU
State Requirements
The city may only impose up to 4-foot rear
and side setback for ADUs.
ADUs cannot be sold separately from
other units on the property.
Only one parking space can be required
for ADUs (with some exceptions).
ADU
State Requirements
ADUs up to 750 square feet are exempt
from impact fees.
ADUs that are 750 feet or larger may be
charged impact fees but only such fees
that are proportional in size (by square
foot) to those for the primary dwelling unit.
ADU
State Requirements
JADUs
Must be completely
within a single-family
dwelling
Prohibited on multi-family
dwellings
Must have
independent living
facilities including an
efficiency kitchen
May share a bathroom
Limited to 500 sq ft
JADUs require the property owner to reside in
the JADU or the primary dwelling.
JADUs cannot be sold separately from the main
house.
No additional parking can be required for a
JADU.
A deed restriction must be recorded for a JADU
requiring compliance with State Law regulations.
JADU
State Requirements
ADUs and JADUs
DISCUSSION
Detached ADUs
Unit Type Detached ADU
maximum size
Studio/one-bedroom units 850 sq. ft.
Two or more bedrooms units 1,000 sq. ft.
Size
Attached ADUs:
Unit Type Attached ADU
Maximum size
Studio/one-bedroom units 850 sq. ft. or 50% of the
primary dwelling floor area,
whichever is less
Two or more bedrooms units 1,000 sq. ft. or 50% of the
primary dwelling floor area,
whichever is less
Size
Height
Limit to a maximum16 feet in height.
The city may restrict new ADU
construction to ground level only or
may allow ADUs to be added on as
second stories.
Height limitations will not apply to
ADUs created by converting space in
an existing structure.
Water
The Riverside Highland Water Company is
also revising their requirements for additional
units in response to the SB9 legislation, but
the requirements will also be applicable to
ADUs.
RHWC will require a separate connection for
every unit constructed.
Their board meeting will be held on April 28, 2022.
Water
Section 18.69.050-General Requirements(e)(7)(A)
(A)The City shall not require a separate utility
connection between an accessory dwelling unit or
junior accessory dwelling unit and the utility, or
impose a related connection fee or capacity
charge, for units located entirely within a primary
dwelling, unless the accessory dwelling unit or junior
accessory dwelling unit was constructed with a
new single-family home.
Water
Section 18.69.050-General Requirements(e)(7)(B)
(B)Except as provided in subdivision (A), accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units
shall have a separate connection to the main
water service line in the street and the applicant
shall submit plans for such line(s) to the Riverside
Highland Water Company for review and approval.
The applicant shall comply will all objective
requirements of the Riverside Highland Water
Company for the construction and operation of the
water line(s).
Sewer and Septic
Section 18.69.050-General Requirements(e)(8)(A)
Prior to issuance of a building permit for an accessory
dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit, the City
Engineer shall inspect existing sewer lines and/or the onsite
wastewater treatment system on the parcel. As part of this
inspection, the City Engineer may, if applicable, require
documentation of a percolation test completed within the
last five years, or, if the percolation test has been recertified,
within the last ten years. If the City Engineer determines that
the addition of a new unit or units would result in a violation
of the requirements of the California Plumbing Code, the
requirements of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality
Control Board, and/or other objective City sewer or septic
system requirements, then the City shall impose conditions of
approval on the development that are necessary to ensure
compliance with such requirements.
Sewer and Septic
Section 18.69.050-General Requirements(e)(8)(B)
If a parcel relies on an onsite wastewater treatment system, and a proposed unit would be located on the only part of the parcel that could accommodate a new onsite wastewater treatment system in the event the existing system needed to be replaced, then the City shall require that all existing and proposed units on the parcel be disconnected from the onsite wastewater treatment system and connected to the sewer system as a condition of approval of the development.
Tree Replacement
Section 18.69.050-General Requirements(10)
If the construction of an accessory dwelling unit
or junior accessory dwelling unit will result in the
removal of one or more trees with a trunk
diameter of six (6) inches or greater, then, as a
condition of obtaining a certificate of
occupancy, the owner shall plant one new 24-
inch box tree on site for each tree removed. The
proposed project site shall have a minimum of
one tree per unit.
Design Standards
Section 18.69.060
The architectural design and detailing, roof
material, exterior color, and finish materials
of an accessory dwelling unit or junior
accessory dwelling unit shall be the same
as those of the primary dwelling.
Design Standards
Manufactured home requirements:
a.if materials matching the primary dwelling arenotcommerciallyavailableforamanufacturedhome,then finish materials shall be the same colorasthefinishmaterialsontheprimarydwelling;
b.The roof shall have a minimum 16-inchoverhandandshallhaveaminimumpitchofnotlessthantwoinchesverticalriseforeach12inchesofhorizontalrun;and
c.Mechanical equipment associated with themanufacturedhomeshallbelocatedsoisnotvisiblefromapublicstreetoradjoiningproperty.
Additional Development
Standards
Are there any other development
standards that the Council or
Commission would like to see in the
ADU/JADU Ordinance?
End of Discussion
ADUs/JADUs
Sewer and Septic
Questions
What is the minimum size requirement for a sceptic service?
Colton Wastewater Department Response:
Size calculations are based on estimated flow. The bigger the house the bigger size of septic tank. The minimum septic tank size for a 2-bedroom house is 750 gallons, whereas a minimum 1200 -gallon size septic tank is needed for a 4-bedroom house.
What type of percolation test is going to be required and in what instance is it needed?
Colton Wastewater Department Response:
Most of the time percolation test is required when building a septic tank. Sometimes the soil is clay or rock and will not be suitable for a septic tank. Percolation test will know how fast the sewage is percolating into the ground.
Sewer and Septic
Questions
What kind of testing is required to determine if the existing septic system or sewer capacity is sufficient?
Colton Wastewater Department Response:
Flow rate of the percolation test and size
calculation depends on the projected sewage
flow.
Sewer and Septic
Questions
If an existing dwelling unit is served by a septic system, can the additional units be on a separate sewer line connection?
Colton Wastewater Department Response:
The new structure or ADU will be required to have a new connection. The existing house can stay with the septic tank if preferred by the owner.
Sewer and Septic
Questions
Do the Santa Ana Regional Water Board requirements supersede the SB9 requirements?
Colton Wastewater Department Response:
SB-9 is a State mandated law which will prevail.
Sewer and Septic
Questions
If an existing site has a septic system, can the system be tested to identify the projected longevity of such system to support the existing residence and additional units?
Colton Wastewater Department Response:
It’s the responsibility of the Building Department to allow or enforce the repair of the existing septic tank to satisfy with the additional flow from the new structure.
Sewer and Septic
Questions
Colton Wastewater Department Sewer requirements:
“All persons owning property within the city with any
building which has access to the sewer main shall
connect all toilets, sinks, lavatories and other
appliances on the property, with the city sewer
system….Properties on which all buildings are farther
than 200 feet from a sewer main shall either comply
with the requirements of the Uniform Building Code
regarding sewage disposal or shall be connected
to the sewer main.”
Sewer and Septic
Questions
SENATE BILL 9
Senate Bill 9
Senate Bill 9 was signed on
September 16, 2021.
The bill became effective on
January 1, 2022.
Local agencies are required
to allow SB 9 projects through
a ministerial approval process.
SB 9 Legislation
The city is required to permit up to two primary
residences per parcel in single-family residential
zone.
Under SB 9 single-family residential lots may be split
in half and create two separate smaller parcels
The State Law has established many requirements
and allows cities to impose additional objective
standards that do not conflict with State Law.
The lot must be in the single-
family residential zone:
•RH-Hillside Residential
•R1-20-Very Low-Density
Single Family Residential
•R1-10-Low Density Sigle
Family Residential
•R1-7.2-Single Family
Residential
SB 9
State Requirements
SB 9 –State Requirements
SB 9 does not apply to parcels located:
•historic district
•earthquake fault zones
•wetlands
•high fire severity zones
•hazardous waste sites
•flood hazard areas
•protected farmland
•habitat for protected species
•land under a conservation easement
Where are SB 9 projects prohibited?
SB 9 Ordinance -State Requirements
A city may deny a proposed SB 9 development
project or lot split if the building official makes a
written finding based upon a preponderance
of the evidence, that the proposed project
would have a specific adverse impact upon
public health and safety or the physical
environment, and for which there is no feasible
method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the
specific adverse impact.
SB 9
State Requirements
Developments cannot involve the demolition or alteration of the following types of housing:
Deed restricted to affordable housing
Rent-controlled housing
Housing occupied by a tenant in the last three years
No more than 25% of existing exterior structure walls shall be allowed or required
SB 9
State Requirements
Maximum of two primary units are allowed on
property, plus ADUs.
The city can only impose up to a 4-foot rear and
side setback.
SB 9 units cannot be rented for terms of less than
31 days.
The City cannot enforce standards that prevent
the construction of up to two primary units that
are at least 800 square feet each.
SB 9
State Requirements
The city can only require one parking spot
per SB 9 units to be located on the parcel,
except if:
The parcel is located within on-half mile walking
distance of either a high-quality transit corridor,
or a major transit stop.
There is a car share vehicle located withing one
block of the parcel.
A two-lot subdivision shall not result on a
parcel smaller than 40% of the lot area of the
original parcel and must be at least 1,200
square feet
SB 9
State Requirements
SB 9
State
Requirements
Vacant lots are not eligible
for urban lot splits
An urban lot split cannot be
further subdivided
No more than two units are
permitted on any parcel
created by a lot split
Only residential uses are
allowed
SB 9
State
Requirements
The owner of the parcel must live
in one of the resulting parcels for
a minimum of 3 years
Easements must be dedicated
for:
•public services and facilities
•access to public right-of-way
Urban lot splits must comply with
requirements of the Subdivision
Map Act and City standards
Urban lot splits will be ministerially
approved without the public
hearing
SB 9 Two Unit Development and Lot Split
DISCUSSION
Size
Under SB9, a lot may have either 1 or 2
primary units. Detached or attached
(i.e. a duplex).
The city can set a size requirement
that is not less than 800 square feet.
Size
Things to
consider:
Some of the units will be on
normal-sized lots.
Other units will be built on
substandard-sized lots that
result from SB 9 lot splits.
The city may want to have
different size standards
depending on whether the
unit is on a standard parcel or
a lot-split parcel.
ZONING MINIMUM
LOT SIZE
SB 9 LOT SUBDIVISION POSSIBLE
OPTIONS
40%50%60%
RH-Hillside Residential 43,560
(1 -acre)
17,424 21,780 26,136
R1-20-Very Low-
Density Single Family
Residential
20,000 8,000 10,000 12,000
R1-10-Low Density
Family Residential
10,000 4,000 5,000 6,000
R1-7.2-Single Family
Residential
7,200 2,880 3,600 4,320
Lot Size
Recommendation 1
(a) The first primary unit on a lot will have
no maximum size requirement, but will
only be subject to setback, maximum lot
coverage, and other development
standards applicable to the lot.
(b) The second primary unit on a lot will
be limited to 800 sf.
(c) A new construction duplex (2
attached units) will be limited to 1,200 sf
per unit.
Recommendation 2
Create two standards:
(a)(1)Standard-Sized Parcel: The first
primary unit on a lot will have no
maximum size requirement, but will only be
subject to setback, maximum lot
coverage, and other development
standards applicable to the lot.
(a)(2)Substandard-Sized Parcel: The first
primary unit on a lot resulting from an SB 9
lot split will be limited to 1,200 sf.
Height
Does the City want
to impose height
restrictions on the
first and/or second
primary unit on a
parcel?
Notice
Does the City want to
give adjacent property
owners notice that an
application for an
urban lot split or second
primary unit has been
submitted?
Water
The Riverside Highland Water Company
is also revising their requirements in
response to the SB9 legislation.
RHWC will require a separate
connection for every unit constructed.
Their meeting will be held on April 28, 2022.
Water
Section 18.65.040-Development Standards (G)(3)
“A second unit, and both units in a two-unit development, shall each have a separate water service line and the applicant shall submit plans for such lines(s) to the RHWC for review and approval. The applicant shall comply with all objective requirements of the RHWC for the construction and operation of the water line(s)”.
Sewer and Septic
G.Wastewater;Water Service.
1.Prior to issuance of a building permit for a second unit or either
unit of a two-unit development,the City Engineer shall inspect
existing sewer lines and/or the onsite wastewater treatment system
on the parcel.As part of this inspection,the City Engineer may,if
applicable,require documentation of a percolation test completed
within the last five years,or,if the percolation test has been
recertified,within the last ten years.If the City Engineer determines
that the addition of a new unit or units would result in a violation of
the requirements of the California Plumbing Code,the requirements
of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board,and/or
other objective City sewer or septic system requirements,then the
City shall impose conditions of approval on the development that
are necessary to ensure compliance with such requirements.
Sewer and Septic
G.Wastewater;Water Service.
2.If a parcel relies on an onsite wastewater treatment system,
and a proposed unit would be located on the only part of the
parcel that could accommodate a new onsite wastewater
treatment system in the event the existing system needed to be
replaced,then the City shall require that all existing and
proposed units on the parcel be disconnected from the onsite
wastewater treatment system and connected to the sewer
system as a condition of approval of the development.If such
disconnection and connection is not possible,or would require
off-site improvements,then the building official,or designee,
shall consider whether such circumstances are grounds for
denial of the proposed project pursuant to Section 18.65.020.C.
Deed Restriction
Section 18.65.080-Deed Restriction; affordable
rent requirements
B.Second units, and both units of a two-unit
development, if rented, shall only be rented at
an affordable rent for lower-income
households, as defined in Health and Safety
Code Section 50053, and shall only be rented
to lower-income households, as defined in
Health and Safety Code Section 50079.5, for a
minimum of 55 years.
Tree Replacement
Section 18.65.040-Development Standards (I)
If the construction of a second unit or two-unit
development will result in the removal of one or
more trees with a trunk diameter of six (6) inches
or greater, then, as a condition of obtaining a
certificate of occupancy, the owner shall plant
one new 24-inch box tree on site for each tree
removed. The proposed project site shall have a
minimum of one tree per unit.
Shape of Parcel Resulting
from a Lot Split
Does the Council or Commission prefer
side-by-side lots or flag lots, or no
preference?
For example: The City may impose
minimum frontage requirements,
minimum lot width, prohibition of flag
lots, etc.
Additional Development
Standards
Are there any other development
standards that the Council or
Commission would like to see in the SB 9
Ordinance?