Title
First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Zoning Code Sections 1.12.108 and 2.04.388 to Modify Regulations Pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) to Conform with the Requirements of State Law (ZCA26-002)
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
Housing and Homelessness
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The City Council last updated the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) regulations in December 2022. Since then, the State Legislature has amended ADU/JADU law multiple times to further incentivize the production of these units. Amendments to the San Leandro Zoning Code are necessary to meet the new requirements of state law.
Staff recommend that the City Council introduce an Ordinance amending the Zoning Code to bring the City’s ADU/JADU regulations into conformance with the requirements of state law.
BACKGROUND
ADUs are identified in the City’s Housing Element as an important tool for addressing the community’s housing needs. The City has taken numerous steps to reduce barriers to ADU development, including waiving development impact fees and conducting promotional efforts.
The proposed Zoning Code amendments build on these efforts by updating local regulations to reflect recent changes in state law. One of the most significant changes to state law was established by Senate Bill (SB) 9 (2025). SB 9 strengthened enforcement of state ADU law. Under SB 9, a local ADU ordinance is null and void if the local agency fails to submit the ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) within 60 days of adoption or fails to respond within 30 days to HCD findings that the ordinance does not comply with state law.
The other ADU/JADU bills that were recently signed into state law are summarized in Attachment C.
STAFF ANALYSIS
HCD Review
As required under SB 9, following adoption of the Ordinance, the amendments must be submitted to State HCD fo...
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