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Consideration of Urgency and Non-Urgency Ordinances Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units

Goleta City Council
December 16, 2025

Document
Consideration of Urgency and Non-Urgency Ordinances Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
Meeting
December 16, 2025
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Goleta City Council
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7
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on goleta.legistar1.com. That file is the official record.

Agenda Item B.1

CPMS PUBLIC HEARING
Meeting Date: December 16, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
SUBMITTED BY: Peter T. Imhof, Planning and Environmental Review Director PREPARED BY: Anne Wells, Advance Planning Manager
Andy Newkirk, Supervising Planner
Cam Audras, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: Consideration of Urgency and Non -Urgency Ordinances Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Comply with Recent Changes in State Law and Finding the Action s to Be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Section 21080.17 of the Public Resources Code RECOMMENDATION:

A. Adopt on a four-fifths vote Urgency Ordinance No. 2 5-__U, entitled, “An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Amending Section

17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 (Case No. 25-0005-ORD).”
B. Introduce and conduct first reading (by title only) and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 2 6-__, entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Relating to Accessor y Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 (Case No. 2 5-0005- ORD).”
BACKGROUND:

In 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 , and 2024, the State adopted legislation limiting local control over the regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) (hereafter referred to as “State ADU Law”). In response to the changes in State ADU Law, the City Council adopted Ordinances No. 18 -01, 20-02, 23-02, and 24-

08. 1
Meeting Date: December 16, 2025

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During the 2025 legislative session, the Governor signed into law four new bills that further amend State ADU Law. To remain valid, the City’s ADU regulations must comply with requirements imposed by these bills. An explanation of these four bills and the amendments to Section 17.41.030 is provided in the discussion below.

The Planning Commission considered the proposed changes at a public hearing on December 8, 2025, and unanimously recommended that City Council adopt the proposed amendments.

DISCUSSION:

The four bills passed in 2025 (Assembly Bill ( AB) 462, AB 1154, Senate Bill (SB) 9, and SB 543) made multiple changes to State ADU Law that must now be reflected in the City’s ADU and JADU regulations in Section 17.41.030 of the GMC. AB 462 took immediate effect when signed; the remaining bills take effect January 1, 2026.

Staff is presenting the needed changes to Section 17.41.030 of the GMC as an Urgency Ordinance (Attachment 1) and Non-Urgency Ordinance (Attachment 2). A four-fifths vote of the City Council is required to enact an urgency ordinance. The Urgency Ordinance would become effective immediately and would therefore provide local regulatory control, where available, for ADU projects when AB 1154, SB 9, and SB 543 become effective on January 1, 2026. The Non-Urgency Ordinance requires two readings by City Council for adoption and would supersede the Urgency Ordinance, once adopted.

The amendments to Section 17.41.030 in these two ordinances (Proposed Ordinances) are identical. For context purposes, an underline/strikethrough version of Section

17.41.030 comparing the City’s existing ADU and JADU regulations to what is included in the Proposed Ordinances is provided as Attachment 3.

ADU and JADU Sizes
State ADU Law limits the maximum size of a JADU to 500 square feet. Additionally, State ADU Law prohibits local ADU ordinances from imposing any development standard that would prevent an ADU approved with an ADU Permit from being at least 800 square feet.

SB 543 amends State ADU Law to specify that statutory references to the allowable square footage of an ADU or JADU refers to square footage of “interior livable space.” Livable space is defined as a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.

The Proposed Ordinances includes amendments to subsections 17.41.030(C)(5)(a) and

17.41.030(F)(1)(c) to implement this change from SB 543.

Quantity of Building Permit Only ADUs
State ADU Law creates four categories of ADUs that must be approved if they comply with the limited standards provided in Government Code Section 66323(a). These are:
2 Meeting Date: December 16, 2025

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1. A converted ADU and JADU created on a lot with a proposed or existing single- family dwelling;

2. A detached ADU created on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling;

3. Converted ADUs created in an existing multifamily dwelling; and

4. Detached ADUs created on a lot with a proposed or existing multifamily dwelling.

Under the City’s regulations, these four categories of ADUs are considered “Building Permit Only” ADUs. For some time, there has been uncertainty as to whether ADUs created under these four categories could be combined. For the last few years, the California Department of Housing and Community Development ( HCD) has taken the position that, yes, combinations are permitted.

SB 543 codifies HCD’s interpretation and amended Government Code Section 66323 to specifically allow combinations. Thus, a lot with a single-family dwelling can now have a converted ADU and a converted JADU created under Section 66323(a)(1) , and a detached ADU created under Section 66323(a)(2). A lot with a multifamily dwelling can have converted ADUs created under Section 66323(a)(3) and detached ADUs created under Section 66323(a)(4).

The Proposed Ordinance s include amendments to subsection 17.41.030(D)(1) to implement this change from SB 543.

ADU Permitting Process

State ADU Law has long required local agencies to approve or deny an ADU application within 60 days of receiving a complete application. However, State ADU Law was silent with respect to incompleteness determinations, subsequent resubmittals, and appealing local decisions on ADU applications. SB 543 adds clarity to permit processing by requiring local agencies to:

 Determine whether an ADU application is complete within 15 business days of submittal;
 If incomplete, provide the applicant with a list of incomplete items and how to address them;
 Review a resubmitted application for completeness within 15 business days;  Provide the applicant with a written appeal process for any incompleteness determination or denial (to the Planning Commission or City Council, or both); and  Provide a final written determination on the appeal within 60 business days of receiving the appeal.

The Proposed Ordinance s include amendments to subsection 17.41.030 (D)(3) to implement this change from SB 543. As noted above, the City has the opti on to have appeals of incompleteness determinations and denials go to Planning Commission or City Council. In an effort to limit the demands on City Council, the Proposed Ordinance s identify the Planning Commission as the review authority for these appeals.

3 Meeting Date: December 16, 2025

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ADU Processing in the Coastal Zone
Currently, because the City does not have a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP), the City defers to the California Coastal Commission on whether an ADU needs a Coastal Development Permit (CDP). However, the City may issue other permits for the ADU. AB 462 requires the City to “immediately notify” the Coastal Commission when an ADU application is submitted.

The Proposed Ordinance s include an addition as subsection 17.41.030(D)(3)(f)(i) to implement the notification requirement from AB 462.

In addition to the change above required by AB 462, two other changes are proposed for ADUs in the Coastal Zone. The first change is to align permit processing for ADUs in the Coastal Zone with the Inland Area. This change adds a requirement for a local ADU Permit for ADUs in the Coastal Zone when the proposed ADU does not qualify for Building Permit Only processing. This change is included in the Proposed Ordinance s in subsection 17.41.030(D)(2)(a). The second change clarifies that for both an ADU Permit and a Building Permit within the Coastal Zone, California Coastal Commission review and issuance of either a CDP or Waiver from a CDP is required prior to the City approving an application. This change is included in the Proposed Ordinance s in subsection

17.41.030(D)(3)(f). These changes are proposed to provide clear and uniform regulations and are supported by the clarity in ADU permit processing established by SB 543 discussed above.

Fire Sprinklers
State ADU Law only requires fire sprinklers in ADUs if they are also required in the primary residence. SB 543 expands this requirement to include JADUs as well.

The Proposed Ordinance s include amendments to subsection 17.41.030 (E)(3) to implement this change from SB 543.

JADU Owner-Occupancy
State ADU Law requires a property owner to reside in the JADU or remaining portion of the single-family dwelling. AB 1154 narrows this requirement to now only apply when a JADU shares sanitation facilities with the single -family dwelling. Post -AB 115 4, if the JADU has its own sanitation facilities, then the property owner does not have to reside on the property.

The Proposed Ordinance s include amendments to subsection 17.41.030(E)(7) to implement this change from AB 1154.

Disaster-Affected Areas
Historically, State ADU Law has prohibited a local agency from issuing a certificate of occupancy for an ADU before one is issued for the primary dwelling. AB 462 creates a 4 Meeting Date: December 16, 2025

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narrow exception to this prohibition for detached ADUs when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
 The Governor has declared a state of emergency for the county on or after February 1, 2025;
 The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in the state of emergency proclamation; and
 The ADU has been issued constru ction permits and passed all required inspections.

In all other scenarios, the primary dwelling still needs a certificate of occupancy before one can be issued for an ADU.

The Proposed Ordinance s include a new proposed subsection 17.41.030(E)( 12) to implement this change from AB 462.

Impact Fees
State ADU Law exempts ADUs that are 750 square feet or smaller from development impact fees (DIFs). SB 543 clarifies that DIF s may not be imposed on an ADU that has 750 square feet of interior livable space or less, or a JADU with 500 square feet of interior livable space or less. SB 543 also exempts an ADU or JADU with less than 500 square feet of interior livable space from school impact fees.

The Proposed Ordinances include amendments to subsection 17.41.030(G) to implement this change from SB 543.

State Law Updates Not Requiring Title 17 Amendments
The following State ADU Law changes do not require corresponding amendments to the GMC, as the City’s existing regulations already satisfy or appropriately addre ss these provisions.

AB 1154 prohibits JADUs from being used as short -term rentals (i.e., rented for a term shorter than 30 days). Note that the City’s existing regulations already included this prohibition (as well as prohibiting ADUs from being used as s hort-term rentals) and , therefore, no changes are proposed to the City’s ADU regulations to reflect this change in AB 1154.

Currently, local agencies are required to submit a copy of their ADU ordinance to HCD within 60 days of adoption. SB 9 and SB 543 create a penalty for failing to do so by rendering null and void any local ordinance that is not submitted to HCD within 60 days of adoption. These bills further specify that a local ADU ordinance is null and void if HCD issues findings that the ordinance does not comply with State law and the local agency fails to respond to HCD within 30 days. Note that the HCD submittal requirement is not in the City’s existing regulations and is not proposed for inclusion in Title 17. The Proposed Ordinances do include, in Section 5, direction for the Planning and Environmental Review Director to submit the Proposed Ordinances to HCD within 60 days of adoption. 5 Meeting Date: December 16, 2025

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Other Changes

The Proposed Ordinance s also include one additional change to the City’s ADU regulations to ensure consistency with State law. Specifically, subsection 17.41.030(E)(9) is revised to clarify that deed restrictions are not required for ADUs and apply only to JADUs.

The Proposed O rdinances also include several revisions that are non -substantive but serve to better implement State ADU Law and provide greater clarity for implementation of the City’s ADU regulations. These revisions include: updated State ADU Law citations; updated and additional specific cross-references; and clarifying clauses and subsection titles.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

Under California Public Resources Code Section 21080.17, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the adoption of an ordi nance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and which also regulates JADUs, as defined by Section 66313. Therefore, adoption of the Proposed Ordinances are statutorily exempt from CEQA in that it implements State ADU law.

A draft Notice of Exemption is provided as Attachment 4.

FISCAL IMPACTS:

There is no direct fiscal impact from introducing and recommending adoption of the Proposed Ordinances. Funding for Planning and Environmental Review staff time to prepare the Proposed Ordinances was included in the adopted FY 2025-26 Budget under Program 4300 of the Advance Planning Division. Implementation of the updated ADU regulations will continue to be handled within existing staff resources and permit revenue structures

ALTERNATIVES:

The City Council could choose not to adopt the Proposed Ordinances. Failure to adopt the Proposed Ordinances would prohibit the City from applying any standa rds for ADUs and JADUs not explicitly provided for in State ADU Law as of January 1, 2026, until such time as the City adopts an ADU ordinance.

LEGAL REVIEW BY: Isaac Rosen, City Attorney

APPROVED BY: Robert Nisbet, City Manager

6 Meeting Date: December 16, 2025

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ATTACHMENTS:

1. Urgency Ordinance No. 2 5-__U, entitled “An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 (Case No. 25-0005-ORD)”
Urgency Ordinance No. 25 -__U, Exhibit A: Amended Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code

2. Ordinance No. 2 6-__, entitled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 (Case No. 2 5-0005- ORD)”
Ordinance No. 26 -__, Exhibit A: Amended Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code

3. Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Showing Track -Changes Edits Based on the Proposed Ordinances Compared to the City’s Previous Permanent ADU Regulations in Tracked Changes Table (For Reference Purposes Only)

4. Notice of Exemption

5. Staff Presentation
7 ATTACHMENT 1

Urgency Ordinance No. 25-__U, entitled “An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 (Case No. 25-0005-ORD)”
8 Ordinance No.25-__U ADU Urgency Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 25-__U

AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GOLETA,

CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION

17.41.030 OF THE GOLETA MUNICIPAL

CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY

DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND

FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY

EXEMPT FROM THE CALIF ORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER

PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION
21080.17 (CASE NO. 25-0005-ORD)

WHEREAS the City of Goleta, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS State law authorizes cities to act by ordinance to provide for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”) and junior accessory dwelling units (“JADUs”); and
WHEREAS, in recent years, the California Legislature has approved, and the Governor has signed into law, numerous bills that, among other things, amend various sections of the Government Code to impose new limits on local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and WHEREAS, in 2025, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law, Assembly Bill 462 (“AB 462”), Assembly Bill 1154 (“AB 1154”), Senate Bill 9 (“SB 9”), and Senate Bill 543 (“SB 543”), which further amend State ADU law; and
WHEREAS AB 1154, SB 9, and SB 543 take effect on January 1, 2026, and for the City’s ADU ordinance to remain valid, it must be amended to reflect the requirements of AB 462, AB 1154, SB 9, and SB 543; and WHEREAS the City desires to amend its local regulatory scheme for the construction of ADUs and JADUs to reflect AB 462’s, AB 1154’s, SB 9’s, and SB 543’s changes to State law; and
WHEREAS there is a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare based on the passage of AB 462, AB 1154, SB 9, and SB 543 because if the City’s ordinance does not comply with this legislation by January 1, 202 6 — and the City’s ADU ordinance becomes null and void — the City would thereafter be required to approve ADUs and JADUs in accordance with the few default standards that are provided in 9 Ordinance No.25-__U ADU Urgency Ordinance
Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code, which is the state ADU law; and
WHEREAS the approval of ADUs and JADUs based solely on the default statutory standards, without local regulations govern ing height, setback, landscape, and architectural review, among other things, would threaten the character of existing neighborhoods, and negatively impact property values, personal privacy, and fire safety. These threats to public safety, health, and welfare justify adoption of this Ordinance as an urgency ordinance to be effective immediately upon adoption by a four-fifths vote of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, to protect the public safety, health, and welfare, the City Council may adopt this Ordinance as an urgency measure in accordance with Government Code Section 36937, subdivision (b).

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GOLETA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals

The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.

SECTION 2. Environmental Assessment

Under California Public Resources Code Section 21080.17, the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) does not apply to the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and which also regulates JADUs, as defined by Section 66313. Therefore, adoption of the Ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA in that it implements State ADU law.

SECTION 3. Required Findings for an Ordinance Amendment

Pursuant to subsection 17.66.050(B) of the Goleta Municipal Code, the City Council makes the following findings:

1. The amendment is consistent with the General Plan, the requirements of State planning and zoning laws, and Title 17 of the Goleta Municipal Code.

Because this Ordinance allows ADUs and JADUs in accordance with Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code this Ordinance is “consistent with the existing general plan and zoning” as a matter of law (Government. Code Section 66314(c)). 10 Ordinance No.25-__U ADU Urgency Ordinance

2. The amendment is in the interests of the general community welfare.

This Ordinance is in the interest of the general community welfare, since it implements State law, specifically Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code , which are intended to protect and promote the general welfare of homeowners and surrounding communities.

3. The amendment is consistent with good zoning and planning practices.

The Ordinance is consistent with goo d zoning and planning practices, since it implements the subprogram HE 2.6 (Encourage Accessory Dwelling Units) of the Housing Element 20 23-31, State law, and other applicable law in a manner designed to encourage construction of affordable housing.

SECTION 4. Title 17 Amendments

Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as provided in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 5. Submittal to the State

In ac cordance with Government Code Section s 66326 and 66333.5 , the Planning and Environmental Review Director is directed to submit a copy of this Ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days after adoption.

SECTION 6. Effect of Amendments

To the extent any provision of this Ordinance repeals, amends, or supersedes any previous approvals, such repeal or replacement will not affect any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred before, or preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation occurring before, this Ordinance’s effective date. Any such repealed or superseded part of previous approvals will remain in full force and effect for sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring befo re the effective date of this Ordinance.

11 Ordinance No.25-__U ADU Urgency Ordinance
SECTION 7. Codification

The City Clerk shall cause these amendments to be appropriately codified in Title 17 of the Goleta Municipal Code on the effective date of this Ordinance.

SECTION 8. Severability

If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity has no effect on the other provisions or applications of the Ordinance that can be given effect wit hout the invalid provision or application, and to this extent, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the invalidity of any portion thereof.

SECTION 9. Certification of City Clerk.

The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and, within 15 days after its adoption, shall cause it to be published in accord with California Law.

SECTION 10. Effective Date.

This Ordinance takes effect immediately upon its adoption.

12 Ordinance No.25-__U ADU Urgency Ordinance
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this ________day of ______ 2025.

_________________________

PAULA PEROTTE
MAYOR

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

__________________________ _________________________
DEBORAH S. LOPEZ ISAAC ROSEN

CITY CLERK CITY ATTORNEY
13 Ordinance No.25-__U ADU Urgency Ordinance

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss.

CITY OF GOLETA )

I, DEBORAH S. LOPEZ , City Clerk of the City of Goleta, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 25-__U was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, held on the _______, by the following roll-call vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTENTIONS:

(SEAL)

_________________________
DEBORAH S. LOPEZ

CITY CLERK

14 URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 25-__U, EXHIBIT A
Amended Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code
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§ 17.41.030. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code.

B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:

1. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan land use designation and zone district for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

2. Deemed to exceed the allowable dwelling unit density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

3. Considered in the application of any City ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.

4. Required to correct a Nonconforming Zoning Condition, as defined in subsection (C)( 9) below. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with applicable building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17980.12.

C. Definitions. As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:

1. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a. An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health and Safety Code; and
b. A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California Health and Safety Code.

2. Accessory Structure. A structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot.

3. Complete Independent Living Facilities. Permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-unit or multi-family dwelling is or will be situated.

4. Efficiency Kitchen. A kitchen that includes each of the following:
a. A cooking facility with appliances.
b. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.

5. Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). A residential unit that satisfies all of the following:
a. Is no more than 500 square feet of interior livable space in size; b. Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-unit dwelling structure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an attached garage, is considered to be a part of and contained within the single - 16 2
family structure;
c. Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation facilities with the existing or proposed single-unit dwelling structure; and d. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing or proposed single-family structure in addition to an exterior entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the primary dwelling.
e. Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined subsection (C)(4) above.

6. Livable Space. A space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.

7. Living Area. The interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.

8. Multi-Family Dwelling. Any structure designed for human habitation that has been divided into two or more legally created independent living quarters.

9. Nonconforming Zoning Condition. A physical improvement on a property that does not conform with current zoning standards.

10. Passageway. A pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.

11. Proposed Dwelling. A dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and that meets the requirements for permitting.

12. Single-Unit Dwelling. Any structure designed for human habitation that has been legally created for a single independent living quarters.

D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs created under this section:

1. Building Permit Only. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66323, if an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general requirements in subsection E below, the ADU or JADU is allowed with only a Building Permit under this section in each of the scenarios provided in subsection (D)(1) . An ADU and JADU approved under subsection (D)(1)(a) may be combined with an ADU approved under subsection (D)(1)(b), and ADUs approved under subsection (D)(1)(c) may be combined with ADUs approved under subsection (D)(1)(d). a. Converted on Lot with Single-Unit Dwelling. One ADU and one JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
i. Is either:
(1) Within the space of a proposed single-unit dwelling; (2) W
ithin the existing space of an existing single-unit dwelling; or (3) (in the case of an ADU only) Within the existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and
egress; and
17 3
ii. Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-unit dwelling; and
iii. Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
iv. The JADU complies with the requirements of Government Code Sections 66333 through 66339.
b. Limited Detached on Lot with Single -Unit Dwelling. One detached, new- construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling, if the detached ADU satisfies each of the following limitations:
i. The side and rear setbacks are at least four feet.
ii. The floor area is 800 square feet of livable space or smaller. iii. The height does not exceed the applicable height limit in subsection (E)(2).
c. Converted on Lot with Multi -Family Dwelling. One or more ADUs within portions of existing multi -family dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings. Under this subsection (D)(1)(c), at least one converted ADU is allowed within an existing multi-family dwelling, up to a quantity equal to 25 percent of the existing multi-family dwelling units.
d. Limited Detached on Lot with Multi -Family Dwelling. No more than two detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multi -family dwelling, or up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multi -family dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following:
i. The side and rear setbacks are at least four feet. If the existing multi- family dwelling has a rear or side yard setback of less than four feet, the City will not require any modification to the multi -family dwelling as a condition of approving the ADU.
ii. The height does not exceed the applicable height limit provided in subsection (E)(2) below.
iii. If the lot has an existing multi-family dwelling, the quantity of detached ADUs does not exceed the number of primary dwelling units on the lot.

2. ADU Permit.
a. Permit Required. Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1), no ADU, may be constructed without a building permit and ADU permit in compliance with the standards set forth in subsections (E) and (F) below.

ADUs approved under this subsection (D)(2) are those that qualify for approval under Government Code Section 66314 – 66322.
b. Processing Fee.

The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs
incurred in processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU permit processing fee is approved by the City Council by resolution.
18 4

3. Process and Timing.
a. Completeness.
i. Determination in 15 D ays. The City will determine whether an application to create or serve an ADU or JADU is complete and will provide written notice of the determination to the applicant within 15 business days after the City receives the application submittal. ii. Incomplete Items. If the City’s determination under subsection (D)(3)(a)(i) above is that the application is incomplete, the City’s notice must list the incomplete items and describe how the application can be made complete.
iii. Cure. After receiving a notice that the application is incomplete, the applicant may cure and address the items that were deemed by the City to be incomplete.
iv. Subsequent Submittals. If the applicant submits additional information to address incomplete items, within 15 business days of the subsequent submittal the C ity will determine in writing whether the additional information remedies all the incomplete items that the C ity identified in its original notice. The City may not require the application to include an item that was not included in the original notice. v. Deemed Complete. If the City does not make a timely determination as required by this subsection (a), the application or resubmitted application is deemed complete for the purposes of subsection (D)(3)(c) below.
vi. Appeal of I ncompleteness. An applicant may appeal the City’s determination that the application is incomplete by submitting a written appeal to the C ity Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the completeness determination and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
b. No Discretion or Hearing. Ministerial permits for an ADU or JADU are considered and approved ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
c. Deadline to Approve or Deny Ministerial Approvals . The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or JADU within 60 days from the date that the City receives a complete application. If the City has not approved or denied the complete application within 60 days, the application is deemed approved unless either:
i. The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay; or
ii. When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-unit dwelling or multi-family dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on the permit application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts on the permit application to create the new single-unit dwelling or multi-family dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or JADU will still be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing. 19 5
d. Denial. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City must provide the applicant with comments that include, among other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a description of how the application may be remedied by the applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must be provided to the applicant within the 60-day time period established by subsection (D)(3)(c) above. e. Appeal of Denial . An applicant may appeal the City’s denial of the application by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the denial and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
f. Coastal Zone. When a complete ADU or JADU application is received, the City will immediately notify the California Coastal Commission of the complete application. The City will not approve an application to create an ADU or JADU in the Coastal Zone unless it is accompanied by a Coastal Development Permit, Coastal Development Permit Waiver, or other form of exemption from the California Coastal Commission. g. Concurrent Review of Demolition Permits. Any required demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU building permit and issued at the same time as the building permit.

E. General Requirements. The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsection (D)(1) or (D)(2) above:

1. Zoning.
a. An ADU subject only to a building permit under subsection (D)(1) above may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone. b. An ADU subject to an ADU zoning permit under subsection (D)(2) above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling residential use or multi-family dwelling residential use. c. In accordance with Government Code Section 66333(a), a JADU may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences.

2. Height.
a. Except as otherwise provided by subsections (E)(2)(b) and (E)(2)(c) below, a detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multi -family dwelling unit may not exceed 16 feet in height.
b. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multi-family dwelling unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the ADU may be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if necessary to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
c. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-family dwelling that has more than one story above grade may not exceed 18 20 6
feet in height.
d. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed 25 feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the underlying zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this subsection (E)(2)(d) may not exceed two stories. e. For purposes of this Section, height is the vertical distance between the existing legal grade and the uppermost point of the roof of the structure directly above that legal grade.

3. Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers are required in an ADU or JADU if sprinklers are required in the primary residence. The construction of an ADU or JADU does not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling.

4. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter than 30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or JADU was created.

5. No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but, except as otherwise provided in Government Code Section 66341, no ADU or JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the primary dwelling in the case of a single-unit dwelling lot) or from the lot and all of the dwellings in the case of a multi-family dwelling lot).

6. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite wastewater - treatment system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.

7. Owner-Occupancy.
a. ADUs. ADUs are not subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. b. JADUs.
i. Generally. As required by State law, JADUs are generally subject to an owner-occupancy requirement under State law. A natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal domicile and permanent residence.
ii. Exceptions. The owner-occupancy requirement in this subsection (E)(7)(b) does not apply in either of the following situations:
(a) The JADU has separate sanitation facilities (i.e., does not share sanitation facilities with the existing primary dwelling unit structure). (b) The property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

8. Minimum Size. The minimum floor area of an ADU is 200 square feet for a standard unit. An "efficiency unit" ADU, in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1, may be a minimum of 150 square feet.

9. Deed Restriction. For all s JADUs, a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the Santa Barbara County Recorder's office 21 7
and a copy filed with the Director. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided a. T he JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling. b. The JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other attributes allowed by this section.
c. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against future property owners.
d. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the JADU has in fact been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination consistent with other provisions of this Title. If the JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Title.
e. The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director or their 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 JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.

10. Building and Safety. All ADUs and JADUs must comply with Title 15 of the Goleta Municipal Code. Construction of an ADU does not constitute a Group R occupancy change under Title 15, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code, unless the City Building Official makes a written finding based on substantial evidence in the record that the construction of the ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety.

Nothing in this subsection (E)(10) prevents the City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was uninhabitable space or that was only permitted for nonresidential use and was subsequently converted for residential use in accordance with this section.

11. Rent Reporting. In order to facilitate the City's obligation to identify adequate sites for housing in accordance with Government Code Sections 65583.1 and 66330, the following requirements must be satisfied:
a. As part of the building permit application, the applicant must provide the City with an estimate of the projected monthly rent that will be charged b. Within 90 days after September 1 of each year after issuance of the building permit, the owner must report the actual average monthly rent charged for the ADU or JADU during the prior year ending in September.

If the City does not receive the report within the 90-day period, the owner is in violation of this Title, and the City may send the owner a notice of violation and allow the owner another 30 days to submit the report. If the owner fails to submit the report within the 30-day period, the City may enforce this provision in accordance with applicable law. 22 8

12. Certificate of Occupancy Timing.
a. Generally. No certificate of occupancy for an ADU or JADU may be issued before the certificate of occupancy is issued for the primary dwelling unit.
b. Limited Exception for State-declared Emergencies. Notwithstanding subsection (E)(12)(a) above, a certificate of occupancy for an ADU may be issued before a certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling if each of the following requirements are met:
i. The County of Santa Barbara is subject to a proclamation of a state of emergency made by the California Governor on or after February 1, 2025.
ii. The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in the Governor’s state of emergency proclamation. iii. The ADU has been issued construction permits and has passed all required inspections.
iv. The ADU is not attached to the primary dwelling.

F. Supplemental Requirements for ADUs. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that require an ADU permit under subsection (D)(2) above: This subsection (F) does not apply to ADUs or JADUs approved under subsection (D)(1) above.

1. Maximum Size.
a. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this subsection F is as follows:
i. 850 square feet of interior livable space for a studio or one- bedroom.
ii. 1, 000 square feet of interior livable space for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
b. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary dwelling is further limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing primary dwelling.
c. Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such as FAR or lot coverage (as applicable), might further limit the size of the ADU, but no application of the percent-based size limit in (F)(1)(b) above or of an FAR, front setback, lot coverage limit, or open-space requirement (as applicable) may require the ADU to have less than 800 square feet of interior livable space.

2. Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F may exceed 10 percent of the total lot area of the subject lot, subject to subsection (F)(1)(c) above.

3. Setbacks. ADUs subject to this subsection F must observe the following setback requirements:
a. Side setback: Four feet.
b. Rear setback: Four feet.
23 9
c. Front setback: 20 feet, subject to subsection (F)(1)(c) above. d. No setback is required for an ADU subject to this subsection F if the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.

4. Separation. The minimum separation between the primary dwelling unit and a detached ADU must be at least five feet for new construction.

5. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by subsection (C)(10) above, is required for an ADU.

6. Parking.
a. Parking spaces are not required for ADUs.
b. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.

7. Design Requirements.
a. The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, and windows and doors must match the appearance of those of the primary dwelling. i. Samples of existing and proposed colors, materials, roofing, and features must be provided as part of a complete ADU application. b. The roof pitch must match that of the dominant roof pitch of the primary dwelling. The dominant roof pitch is the pitch shared by the largest portion of the roof. Roof pitch and roof materials for a newly constructed ADU may be different from that of the primary dwelling on the lot only if accommodating installation of solar energy systems at the same time as construction of the ADU.
c. Landscaping is required to enhance the appearance of the ADU as follows:
i. At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided along every five linear feet of exterior ADU wall in between the ADU and the right-of- way. Alternatively, at least one 24-inch box size plant shall be provided for every 10 linear feet of exterior ADU wall. ii. New landscaping must use water-efficient species only. d. Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight. Samples of proposed vegetative screening and planting locations must be provided as part of a complete ADU application. Exceptions to this design standard apply only to conversion of legally permitted structures that do not include installation of new exterior windows facing an adjacent property line or when only clerestory windows are used and do not provide views into neighboring lots.
e. Exterior lighting shall be directed downward, fully shielded, and full cutoff or as otherwise required by the building or fire code.
24 10

8. Historical Protections. An ADU that is on real property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources may not alter the exterior of any structure that is designated as a historic resource or, if the entire lot is designated as a historic resource, it may not alter the exterior of any structure on the lot.

G. Impact Fees. The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections (D)(1) or (D)(2) above:

1. No impact fee is required for a JADU or for an ADU that has less than 750 square feet of interior livable space. For purposes of this subsection (G)(1), "impact fee" means a "fee" under the Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code Section 66000(b)) and a fee under the Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477). "Impact fee" here does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.

2. A JADU or ADU with less than 500 square feet of interior livable space does not increase assessable space by 500 square feet for purposes of Education Code Section 17620(a)(1)(C), and is therefore not subject to school fees under Education Code Section 17620.

3. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that has 750 square feet or more of interior livable space must be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit.

H. Utility Fees. Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-unit dwelling lot, created under subsection (D)(1)(a) above, are not required to have a new or separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility. Notwithstanding the rest of this paragraph, a direct utility connection is required for separate conveyance of an ADU when separate conveyance is allowed under this Section.

I. Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations, and Unpermitted Structures.

1. Generally. The City will not deny an ADU or JADU application due to a nonconforming zoning condition, building code violation, or unpermitted structure on the lot that does not present a threat to the public health and safety and that is not affected by the construction of the ADU or JADU.

2. Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs Constructed Before 2020.
a. Permit to Legalize. As required by State law, the City may not deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if denial is based on either of the following grounds:
i. The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards, or ii. The ADU or JADU does not comply with the State ADU o r JADU law or this Section 17.41.030.
b. Exceptions:
i. Notwithstanding subsection (I)(2)(a) above, the City may deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to comply with the standards specified in California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3. 25 11
ii. Subsection (I)(2)(a) above does not apply to a building that is deemed to be substandard in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.

J. Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU that does not conform to all of the objective standards set forth in this Section may be allowed through other applicable City discretionary approval process, including, but not limited to the Modification and Design Review Board processes.
26 ATTACHMENT 2

Ordinance No. 26-__, entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 (Case No. 25-0005-ORD)”
27 Ordinance No.26-__ ADU Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 26-__

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF

THE CITY OF GOLETA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING SECTION 17.41.030 OF THE

GOLETA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND

JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE

STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

ACT UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
SECTION 21080.17 (CASE NO. 25-0005-ORD)

WHEREAS the City of Goleta, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS State law authorizes cities to act by ordinance to provide for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”) and junior accessory dwelling units (“JADUs”); and
WHEREAS, in recent years, the California Legislature has approved, and the Governor has signed into law, numerous bills that, among other things, amend various sections of the Government Code to impose new limits on local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and WHEREAS, in 2025, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law, further amendments to State ADU law; and WHEREAS the new updates to State ADU law , and for the City’s ADU ordinance to remain valid, it must be amended to reflect most recent changes to State law; and
WHEREAS the City desires to amend its local regulatory scheme for the construction of ADUs and JADUs to reflect the most recent changes to State law; and
WHEREAS, on December 8, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly-noticed public hearing and considered the staff report, recommendations by staff, and public testimony concerning this proposed Ordinance. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted to forward the Ordinance to the City Council with a rec ommendation in favor of its adoption; and
WHEREAS, on _________ __, 2025, the City Council held a duly - noticed public hearing to consider the Ordinance, including: (1) the public 28 Ordinance No.26-__ ADU Ordinance
testimony and agenda reports prepared in connection with the Ordinance, (2) the policy considerations discussed therein, and (3) the consideration and recommendation by the City’s Planning Commission; and WHEREAS all legal prerequisites to the adoption of the Ordinance have occurred;

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GOLETA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals

The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.

SECTION 2. Environmental Assessment

Under California Public Resources Code Section 21080.17, the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) does not apply to the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and which also regulates JADUs, as defined by Section 66313. Therefore, adoption of the Ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA in that it implements State ADU law.

SECTION 3. Required Findings for an Ordinance Amendment

Pursuant to subsection 17.66.050(B) of the Goleta Municipal Code, the City Council makes the following findings:

1. The amendment is consistent with the General Plan, the requirements of State planning and zoning laws, and Title 17 of the Goleta Municipal Code.

Because this Ordinance allows ADUs and JADUs in accordance with Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code this Ordinance is “consistent with the existing general plan and zoning” as a matter of law (Government Code Section 66314(c)).

2. The amendment is in the interests of the general community welfare.

This Ordinance is in the interest of the general community welfare, since it implements State law, specifically Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code , which are intended to protect and promote the general welfare of homeowners and surrounding communities.
29 Ordinance No.26-__ ADU Ordinance

3. The amendment is consistent with good zoning and planning practices.

The Ordinance is consistent with good zoning and planning practices, since it implements the subprogram HE 2.6 (Encourage Accessory Dwelling Units) of the Housing Element 20 23-31, State law, and other applicable law in a manner designed to encourage construction of affordable housing.

SECTION 4. Title 17 Amendments

Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as provided in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 5. Submittal to the State

In accordance with Government Code Section s 66326 and 66333.5 , the Director of Planning and Environmental Review is directed to submit a copy of this Ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days after adoption.

SECTION 6. Effect of Amendments

To the extent any provision of this Ordinance repeals, amends, or supersedes any previous approvals, such repeal or replacement will not affect any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred before, or preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation occurring before, this Ordinance’s effective date. Any such repealed or superseded part of previous approvals will remain in full force and effect for sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring befo re the effective date of this Ordinance.

SECTION 7. Codification

The City Clerk shall cause these amendments to be appropriately codified in Title 17 of the Goleta Municipal Code on the effective date of this Ordinance.

SECTION 8. Severability

If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity has no effect on the other provisions or applications of the Ordinance that can be given effect withou t the invalid provision or 30 Ordinance No.26-__ ADU Ordinance
application, and to this extent, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the invalidity of any portion thereof.

SECTION 9. Certification of City Clerk.

The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and, within 15 days after its adoption, shall cause it to be published in accord with California Law.

SECTION 10. Effective Date.

This ordinance shall take effect on the 31 st day following adoption by the City Council.

31 Ordinance No.26-__ ADU Ordinance
INTRODUCED ON the ___ day of ________, 2025.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this ________day of ______ 2026.
_________________________

PAULA PEROTTE
MAYOR
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________ _________________________
DEBORAH S. LOPEZ ISAAC ROSEN

CITY CLERK CITY ATTORNEY
32 Ordinance No.26-__ ADU Ordinance

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss.

CITY OF GOLETA )

I, DEBORAH S. LOPEZ , City Clerk of the City of Goleta, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-__ was introduced on _______, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, held on the _______, by the following roll-call vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTENTIONS:

(SEAL)

_________________________
DEBORAH S. LOPEZ

CITY CLERK

33 ORDINANCE NO. 26-__, EXHIBIT A

Amended Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code
34 1
§ 17.41.030. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code.

B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:

1. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan land use designation and zone district for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

2. Deemed to exceed the allowable dwelling unit density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

3. Considered in the application of any City ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.

4. Required to correct a Nonconforming Zoning Condition, as defined in subsection (C)( 9) below. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with applicable building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17980.12.

C. Definitions. As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:

1. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a. An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health and Safety Code; and
b. A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California Health and Safety Code.

2. Accessory Structure. A structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot.

3. Complete Independent Living Facilities. Permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-unit or multi-family dwelling is or will be situated.

4. Efficiency Kitchen. A kitchen that includes each of the following:
a. A cooking facility with appliances.
b. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.

5. Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). A residential unit that satisfies all of the following:
a. Is no more than 500 square feet of interior livable space in size; b. Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-unit dwelling structure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an attached garage, is considered to be a part of and contained within the single - 35 2
family structure;
c. Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation facilities with the existing or proposed single-unit dwelling structure; and d. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing or proposed single-family structure in addition to an exterior entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the primary dwelling.
e. Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined subsection (C)(4) above.

6. Livable Space. A space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.

7. Living Area. The interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.

8. Multi-Family Dwelling. Any structure designed for human habitation that has been divided into two or more legally created independent living quarters.

9. Nonconforming Zoning Condition. A physical improvement on a property that does not conform with current zoning standards.

10. Passageway. A pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.

11. Proposed Dwelling. A dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and that meets the requirements for permitting.

12. Single-Unit Dwelling. Any structure designed for human habitation that has been legally created for a single independent living quarters.

D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs created under this section:

1. Building Permit Only. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66323, if an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general requirements in subsection E below, the ADU or JADU is allowed with only a Building Permit under this section in each of the scenarios provided in subsection (D)(1) . An ADU and JADU approved under subsection (D)(1)(a) may be combined with an ADU approved under subsection (D)(1)(b), and ADUs approved under subsection (D)(1)(c) may be combined with ADUs approved under subsection (D)(1)(d). a. Converted on Lot with Single-Unit Dwelling. One ADU and one JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
i. Is either:
(1) Within the space of a proposed single-unit dwelling; (2) W
ithin the existing space of an existing single-unit dwelling; or (3) (in the case of an ADU only) Within the existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and
egress; and
36 3
ii. Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-unit dwelling; and
iii. Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
iv. The JADU complies with the requirements of Government Code Sections 66333 through 66339.
b. Limited Detached on Lot with Single -Unit Dwelling. One detached, new- construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling, if the detached ADU satisfies each of the following limitations:
i. The side and rear setbacks are at least four feet.
ii. The floor area is 800 square feet of livable space or smaller. iii. The height does not exceed the applicable height limit in subsection (E)(2).
c. Converted on Lot with Multi -Family Dwelling. One or more ADUs within portions of existing multi -family dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings. Under this subsection (D)(1)(c), at least one converted ADU is allowed within an existing multi-family dwelling, up to a quantity equal to 25 percent of the existing multi-family dwelling units.
d. Limited Detached on Lot with Multi -Family Dwelling. No more than two detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multi -family dwelling, or up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multi -family dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following:
i. The side and rear setbacks are at least four feet. If the existing multi- family dwelling has a rear or side yard setback of less than four feet, the City will not require any modification to the multi -family dwelling as a condition of approving the ADU.
ii. The height does not exceed the applicable height limit provided in subsection (E)(2) below.
iii. If the lot has an existing multi-family dwelling, the quantity of detached ADUs does not exceed the number of primary dwelling units on the lot.

2. ADU Permit.
a. Permit Required. Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1), no ADU, may be constructed without a building permit and ADU permit in compliance with the standards set forth in subsections (E) and (F) below.

ADUs approved under this subsection (D)(2) are those that qualify for approval under Government Code Section 66314 – 66322.
b. Processing Fee.

The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs
incurred in processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU permit processing fee is approved by the City Council by resolution.
37 4

3. Process and Timing.
a. Completeness.
i. Determination in 15 D ays. The City will determine whether an application to create or serve an ADU or JADU is complete and will provide written notice of the determination to the applicant within 15 business days after the City receives the application submittal. ii. Incomplete Items. If the City’s determination under subsection (D)(3)(a)(i) above is that the application is incomplete, the City’s notice must list the incomplete items and describe how the application can be made complete.
iii. Cure. After receiving a notice that the application is incomplete, the applicant may cure and address the items that were deemed by the City to be incomplete.
iv. Subsequent Submittals. If the applicant submits additional information to address incomplete items, within 15 business days of the subsequent submittal the C ity will determine in writing whether the additional information remedies all the incomplete items that the C ity identified in its original notice. The City may not require the application to include an item that was not included in the original notice. v. Deemed Complete. If the City does not make a timely determination as required by this subsection (a), the application or resubmitted application is deemed complete for the purposes of subsection (D)(3)(c) below.
vi. Appeal of I ncompleteness. An applicant may appeal the City’s determination that the application is incomplete by submitting a written appeal to the C ity Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the completeness determination and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
b. No Discretion or Hearing. Ministerial permits for an ADU or JADU are considered and approved ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
c. Deadline to Approve or Deny Ministerial Approvals . The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or JADU within 60 days from the date that the City receives a complete application. If the City has not approved or denied the complete application within 60 days, the application is deemed approved unless either:
i. The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay; or
ii. When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-unit dwelling or multi-family dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on the permit application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts on the permit application to create the new single-unit dwelling or multi-family dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or JADU will still be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing. 38 5
d. Denial. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City must provide the applicant with comments that include, among other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a description of how the application may be remedied by the applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must be provided to the applicant within the 60-day time period established by subsection (D)(3)(c) above. e. Appeal of Denial . An applicant may appeal the City’s denial of the application by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the denial and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
f. Coastal Zone. When a complete ADU or JADU application is received, the City will immediately notify the California Coastal Commission of the complete application. The City will not approve an application to create an ADU or JADU in the Coastal Zone unless it is accompanied by a Coastal Development Permit, Coastal Development Permit Waiver, or other form of exemption from the California Coastal Commission. g. Concurrent Review of Demolition Permits. Any required demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU building permit and issued at the same time as the building permit.

E. General Requirements. The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsection (D)(1) or (D)(2) above:

1. Zoning.
a. An ADU subject only to a building permit under subsection (D)(1) above may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone. b. An ADU subject to an ADU zoning permit under subsection (D)(2) above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling residential use or multi-family dwelling residential use. c. In accordance with Government Code Section 66333(a), a JADU may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences.

2. Height.
a. Except as otherwise provided by subsections (E)(2)(b) and (E)(2)(c) below, a detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multi -family dwelling unit may not exceed 16 feet in height.
b. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multi-family dwelling unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the ADU may be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if necessary to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
c. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-family dwelling that has more than one story above grade may not exceed 18 39 6
feet in height.
d. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed 25 feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the underlying zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this subsection (E)(2)(d) may not exceed two stories. e. For purposes of this Section, height is the vertical distance between the existing legal grade and the uppermost point of the roof of the structure directly above that legal grade.

3. Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers are required in an ADU or JADU if sprinklers are required in the primary residence. The construction of an ADU or JADU does not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling.

4. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter than 30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or JADU was created.

5. No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but, except as otherwise provided in Government Code Section 66341, no ADU or JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the primary dwelling in the case of a single-unit dwelling lot) or from the lot and all of the dwellings in the case of a multi-family dwelling lot).

6. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite wastewater - treatment system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.

7. Owner-Occupancy.
a. ADUs. ADUs are not subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. b. JADUs.
i. Generally. As required by State law, JADUs are generally subject to an owner-occupancy requirement under State law. A natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal domicile and permanent residence.
ii. Exceptions. The owner-occupancy requirement in this subsection (E)(7)(b) does not apply in either of the following situations:
(a) The JADU has separate sanitation facilities (i.e., does not share sanitation facilities with the existing primary dwelling unit structure). (b) The property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

8. Minimum Size. The minimum floor area of an ADU is 200 square feet for a standard unit. An "efficiency unit" ADU, in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1, may be a minimum of 150 square feet.

9. Deed Restriction. For all s JADUs, a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the Santa Barbara County Recorder's office 40 7
and a copy filed with the Director. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided a. T he JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling. b. The JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other attributes allowed by this section.
c. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against future property owners.
d. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the JADU has in fact been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination consistent with other provisions of this Title. If the JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Title.
e. The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director or their 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 JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.

10. Building and Safety. All ADUs and JADUs must comply with Title 15 of the Goleta Municipal Code. Construction of an ADU does not constitute a Group R occupancy change under Title 15, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code, unless the City Building Official makes a written finding based on substantial evidence in the record that the construction of the ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety.

Nothing in this subsection (E)(10) prevents the City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was uninhabitable space or that was only permitted for nonresidential use and was subsequently converted for residential use in accordance with this section.

11. Rent Reporting. In order to facilitate the City's obligation to identify adequate sites for housing in accordance with Government Code Sections 65583.1 and 66330, the following requirements must be satisfied:
a. As part of the building permit application, the applicant must provide the City with an estimate of the projected monthly rent that will be charged b. Within 90 days after September 1 of each year after issuance of the building permit, the owner must report the actual average monthly rent charged for the ADU or JADU during the prior year ending in September.

If the City does not receive the report within the 90-day period, the owner is in violation of this Title, and the City may send the owner a notice of violation and allow the owner another 30 days to submit the report. If the owner fails to submit the report within the 30-day period, the City may enforce this provision in accordance with applicable law. 41 8

12. Certificate of Occupancy Timing.
a. Generally. No certificate of occupancy for an ADU or JADU may be issued before the certificate of occupancy is issued for the primary dwelling unit.
b. Limited Exception for State-declared Emergencies. Notwithstanding subsection (E)(12)(a) above, a certificate of occupancy for an ADU may be issued before a certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling if each of the following requirements are met:
i. The County of Santa Barbara is subject to a proclamation of a state of emergency made by the California Governor on or after February 1, 2025.
ii. The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in the Governor’s state of emergency proclamation. iii. The ADU has been issued construction permits and has passed all required inspections.
iv. The ADU is not attached to the primary dwelling.

F. Supplemental Requirements for ADUs. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that require an ADU permit under subsection (D)(2) above: This subsection (F) does not apply to ADUs or JADUs approved under subsection (D)(1) above.

1. Maximum Size.
a. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this subsection F is as follows:
i. 850 square feet of interior livable space for a studio or one- bedroom.
ii. 1, 000 square feet of interior livable space for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
b. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary dwelling is further limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing primary dwelling.
c. Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such as FAR or lot coverage (as applicable), might further limit the size of the ADU, but no application of the percent-based size limit in (F)(1)(b) above or of an FAR, front setback, lot coverage limit, or open-space requirement (as applicable) may require the ADU to have less than 800 square feet of interior livable space.

2. Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F may exceed 10 percent of the total lot area of the subject lot, subject to subsection (F)(1)(c) above.

3. Setbacks. ADUs subject to this subsection F must observe the following setback requirements:
a. Side setback: Four feet.
b. Rear setback: Four feet.
42 9
c. Front setback: 20 feet, subject to subsection (F)(1)(c) above. d. No setback is required for an ADU subject to this subsection F if the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.

4. Separation. The minimum separation between the primary dwelling unit and a detached ADU must be at least five feet for new construction.

5. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by subsection (C)(10) above, is required for an ADU.

6. Parking.
a. Parking spaces are not required for ADUs.
b. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.

7. Design Requirements.
a. The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, and windows and doors must match the appearance of those of the primary dwelling. i. Samples of existing and proposed colors, materials, roofing, and features must be provided as part of a complete ADU application. b. The roof pitch must match that of the dominant roof pitch of the primary dwelling. The dominant roof pitch is the pitch shared by the largest portion of the roof. Roof pitch and roof materials for a newly constructed ADU may be different from that of the primary dwelling on the lot only if accommodating installation of solar energy systems at the same time as construction of the ADU.
c. Landscaping is required to enhance the appearance of the ADU as follows:
i. At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided along every five linear feet of exterior ADU wall in between the ADU and the right-of- way. Alternatively, at least one 24-inch box size plant shall be provided for every 10 linear feet of exterior ADU wall. ii. New landscaping must use water-efficient species only. d. Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight. Samples of proposed vegetative screening and planting locations must be provided as part of a complete ADU application. Exceptions to this design standard apply only to conversion of legally permitted structures that do not include installation of new exterior windows facing an adjacent property line or when only clerestory windows are used and do not provide views into neighboring lots.
e. Exterior lighting shall be directed downward, fully shielded, and full cutoff or as otherwise required by the building or fire code.
43 10

8. Historical Protections. An ADU that is on real property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources may not alter the exterior of any structure that is designated as a historic resource or, if the entire lot is designated as a historic resource, it may not alter the exterior of any structure on the lot.

G. Impact Fees. The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections (D)(1) or (D)(2) above:

1. No impact fee is required for a JADU or for an ADU that has less than 750 square feet of interior livable space. For purposes of this subsection (G)(1), "impact fee" means a "fee" under the Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code Section 66000(b)) and a fee under the Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477). "Impact fee" here does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.

2. A JADU or ADU with less than 500 square feet of interior livable space does not increase assessable space by 500 square feet for purposes of Education Code Section 17620(a)(1)(C), and is therefore not subject to school fees under Education Code Section 17620.

3. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that has 750 square feet or more of interior livable space must be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit.

H. Utility Fees. Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-unit dwelling lot, created under subsection (D)(1)(a) above, are not required to have a new or separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility. Notwithstanding the rest of this paragraph, a direct utility connection is required for separate conveyance of an ADU when separate conveyance is allowed under this Section.

I. Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations, and Unpermitted Structures.

1. Generally. The City will not deny an ADU or JADU application due to a nonconforming zoning condition, building code violation, or unpermitted structure on the lot that does not present a threat to the public health and safety and that is not affected by the construction of the ADU or JADU.

2. Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs Constructed Before 2020.
a. Permit to Legalize. As required by State law, the City may not deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if denial is based on either of the following grounds:
i. The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards, or ii. The ADU or JADU does not comply with the State ADU o r JADU law or this Section 17.41.030.
b. Exceptions:
i. Notwithstanding subsection (I)(2)(a) above, the City may deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to comply with the standards specified in California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3. 44 11
ii. Subsection (I)(2)(a) above does not apply to a building that is deemed to be substandard in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.

J. Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU that does not conform to all of the objective standards set forth in this Section may be allowed through other applicable City discretionary approval process, including, but not limited to the Modification and Design Review Board processes.
45 ATTACHMENT 3

Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Showing Track-Changes Edits Based on the Proposed Ordinances Compared to the City’s Previous Permanent ADU Regulations in Tracked Changes Table (For Reference Purposes Only) 46 1
§ 17.41.030. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code.

B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:

1. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan land use designation and zone district for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

2. Deemed to exceed the allowable dwelling unit density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.

3. Considered in the application of any City ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.

4. Required to correct a Nonconforming Zoning Condition, as defined in subsection (C)( 89) below. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with applicable building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17980.12.

C. Definitions. As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:

1. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a. An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health and Safety Code; and
b. A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California Health and Safety Code.

2. Accessory Structure. A structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot.

3. Complete Independent Living Facilities. Permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-unit or multi-family dwelling is or will be situated.

4. Efficiency Kitchen. A kitchen that includes each of the following:
a. A cooking facility with appliances.
b. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.

5. Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). A residential unit that satisfies all of the following:
a. Is no more than 500 square feet of interior livable space in size; b. Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-unit dwelling structure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an attached garage, is considered to be a part of and contained within the single- 47 2
family structure;
c. Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation facilities with the existing or proposed single-unit dwelling structure; and d. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing or proposed single-family structure in addition to an exterior entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the primary dwelling.
e. Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined subsection (C)(4) above.

6. Livable Space. A space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.

7. Living Area. The interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.

8. Multi-Family Dwelling. Any structure designed for human habitation that has been divided into two or more legally created independent living quarters.

9. Nonconforming Zoning Condition. A physical improvement on a property that does not conform with current zoning standards.

10. Passageway. A pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.

11. Proposed Dwelling. A dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and that meets the requirements for permitting.

12. Single-Unit Dwelling. Any structure designed for human habitation that has been legally created for a single independent living quarters.

D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs created under this section:

1. Building Permit Only. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66323, Iif an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general requirements in subsection E below, the ADU or JADU is allowed with only a Building Permit under this section in each of the following scenarios provided in subsection (D)(1). An ADU and JADU approved under subsection (D)(1)(a) may be combined with an ADU approved under subsection (D)(1)(b), and ADUs approved under subsection (D)(1)(c) may be combined with ADUs approved under subsection (D)(1)(d).:
a. Converted on Lot with Single-Unit Dwelling Lot. One ADU and one JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
i. Is either:
(1) Within the space of a proposed single-unit dwelling; (2) Within the existing space of an existing single-unit dwelling; or (3) (in the case of an ADU only) Within the existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and
48 3
egress; and
ii. Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-unit dwelling; and
iii. Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
iv. The JADU complies with the requirements of Government Code Sections 66333 through 66339.
b. Limited Detached on Lot with Single-Unit Dwelling Lot. One detached, new-construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling, in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be established on the lot under subsection (D)(1)(a) above) if the detached ADU satisfies each of the following limitations:
i. The side and rear setbacks are at least four feet.
ii. The floor area is 800 square feet of livable space or smaller. iii. The height does not exceed the applicable height limit in subsection (E)(2).
c. Converted on Lot with Multi-Family Dwelling Lot. One or more ADUs within portions of existing multi-family dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings. Under this subsection (D)(1)(c), at least one converted ADU is allowed within an existing multi-family dwelling, up to a quantity equal to 25 percent of the existing multi-family dwelling units.
d. Limited Detached on Lot with Multi-Family Dwelling Lot. No more than two detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multi-family dwelling, or up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multi-family dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following:
i. The side and rear setbacks are at least four feet. If the existing multi- family dwelling has a rear or side yard setback of less than four feet, the City will not require any modification to the multi-family dwelling as a condition of approving the ADU.
ii. The height does not exceed the applicable height limit provided in subsection (E)(2) below.
iii. If the lot has an existing multi-family dwelling, the quantity of detached ADUs does not exceed the number of primary dwelling units on the lot.

2. ADU Permit.
a. Permit Required. Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1), no ADU , may be constructed or legalized without a building permit and ADU permit in compliance with the standards set forth in subsections (E) and (F ) below. ADUs approved under this subsection (D)(2) are those that qualify for approval under Government Code Section 66314 – 66322. 49 4
i. Inland Area. Within the inland area of the City, except as allowed under subsection (D)(1) above, no ADU may be created without a building permit and an ADU permit in compliance with the standards set forth in subsections (E) and (F) below.
b. Coastal Zone. Within the Coastal Zone of the City, review, approval, and issuance of a Coastal Development Permit by the California Coastal Commission is required for construction of an ADU as well as for the legalization of any existing unpermitted ADU, unless exempt from the Coastal Act as determined by the California Coastal Commission. c.b. Processing Fee. The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU permit processing fee is approved by the City Council by resolution.

3. Process and Timing.
a. Completeness.
i. Determination in 15 Days. The City will determine whether an application to create or serve an ADU or JADU is complete and will provide written notice of the determination to the applicant within 15 business days after the City receives the application submittal. ii. Incomplete Items. If the City’s determination under subsection (D)(3)(a)(i) above is that the application is incomplete, the City’s notice must list the incomplete items and describe how the application can be made complete.
iii. Cure. After receiving a notice that the application is incomplete, the applicant may cure and address the items that were deemed by the City to be incomplete.
iv. Subsequent Submittals. If the applicant submits additional information to address incomplete items, within 15 business days of the subsequent submittal the City will determine in writing whether the additional information remedies all the incomplete items that the City identified in its original notice. The City may not require the application to include an item that was not included in the original notice. v. Deemed Complete. If the City does not make a timely determination as required by this subsection (a), the application or resubmitted application is deemed complete for the purposes of subsection (D)(3)(c) below.
vi. Appeal of Incompleteness. An applicant may appeal the City’s determination that the application is incomplete by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the completeness determination and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
a.b. No Discretion or Hearing. Ministerial permits for an ADU or JADU An ADU permit is are considered and approved ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
b.c. Deadline to Approve or Deny Ministerial Approvals . The City must 50 5
approve or deny an application to create an ADU or JADU within 60 days from the date that the City receives
a completed application. If the City
has not approved or denied the completed application within 60 days, the application is deemed approved unless either:
i.

The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time period is tolled
for the period of the requested delay; or
ii. When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-unit dwelling or multi-family dwelling on
the lot, the City may delay acting on the permit
application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts on th e permit application
to create the new sing le-unit dwelling or multi-family dwelling, but the applica
tion to create the ADU or JADU will still be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing. d. Denials. If
the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City must provide the applicant with comments that include, among other things, a list
of all the defective or deficient items and a description of how the application may be r
emedied by the applicant. Notice of the denial
and corresp
onding comments must be provided to the applicant within the 60-day time period established by subsection (D)(3)(cb) above. c.e. Appeal of Denial . An applicant may appeal the City’s denial of the application by submitting a written appeal to the City Clerk. The Planning Commission will review the written appeal and affirm or reverse the denial and provide a final written determination to the applicant within 60 business days after receipt of the appeal.
f. Coastal Zon e. When a complete ADU or JADU application is received, the City will immediately notify the California Coastal Commission of the complete application. The City will not approve an application to create an ADU or JADU in the Coastal Zone unless it is accompanied by a Coastal Development Permit, Coastal Development Permit Waiver, or other form of exemption from the California Coastal Commission. d.g. Concurrent Review of Demolition Permits. Any required demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU building permit and issued at the same time as the building permit.

E. General ADUs and JADUs
Requirements. The following requirements apply to
all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsection (D)(1) or (D)(2) above:

1. Zoni
ng.
a.

An ADU subject only to a building permit under subsection (D)(1) above may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone. b.

An ADU subject to an ADU zoning permit under subsection (D)(2) above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling residential use or multi-family dwelling residential use. c.

In accordance with Government Code Section 66333(a), a JADU may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences.

2. Hei
ght.
51 6
a. Except as otherwise provided by subsections (E)(2)(b) and (E)(2)(c) below, a detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multi-family dwelling unit may not exceed 16 feet in height.
b. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family or multi-family dwelling unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the ADU may be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if necessary to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
c. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-family dwelling that has more than one story above grade may not exceed 18 feet in height.
d. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed 25 feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the underlying zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this subsection (E)(2)(d) may not exceed two stories. e. For purposes of this Section, height is the vertical distance between the existing legal grade and the uppermost point of the roof of the structure directly above that legal grade.

3. Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers are required in an ADU or JADU if sprinklers are required in the primary residence. The construction of an ADU or JADU does not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling.

4. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter than 30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or JADU was created.

5. No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but, except as otherwise provided in Government Code Section 66341, no ADU or JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the primary dwelling in the case of a single-unit dwelling lot) or from the lot and all of the dwellings in the case of a multi-family dwelling lot).

6. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite wastewater- treatment system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.

7. Owner-Occupancy.
a. ADUs. created under this Section on or after January 1, 2020, ADUs are not subject to an owner-occupancy requirement.
b. JADUs.
i. Generally. As required by State law, all JADUs are generally subject to an owner-occupancy requirement under State law. A natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal 52 7
domicile and permanent residence.
ii. Exceptions. The However, the owner-occupancy requirement in this subsection (E)(7)(b) does not apply if in either of the following situations:
(a) The JADU has separate sanitati on facilities (i.e., does not share sanitation facilities with the existing primary dwelling unit structure). (b) Tthe property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

8. Minimum Size. The minimum floor area of an ADU is 200 square feet for a standard unit. An "efficiency unit" ADU, in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1, may be a minimum of 150 square feet.

9. Deed Restriction. For all ADU or JADUs, a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the Santa Barbara County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Director. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided a. Except as otherwise provided in Government Code Section 66341, t The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling. b. The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other attributes allowed by this section.
c. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against future property owners.
d. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the ADU or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the ADU or JADU has in fact been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the ADU or JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination consistent with other provisions of this Title. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an ADU or JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Title.
e. The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director or their 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 ADU or JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.

10. Building and Safety. All ADUs and JADUs must comply with Title 15 of the Goleta Municipal Code. Construction of an ADU does not constitute a Group R occupancy change under Title 15, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code, unless the City Building Official makes a written finding based on substantial evidence in the record that the construction of the ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. 53 8
Nothing in this subsection (E)(10) prevents the City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was uninhabitable space or that was only permitted for nonresidential use and was subsequently converted for residential use in accordance with this section.

11. Rent Reporting. In order to facilitate the City's obligation to identify adequate sites for housing in accordance with Government Code Sections 65583.1 and 66330, the following requirements must be satisfied:
a. As part of the building permit application, the applicant must provide the City with an estimate of the projected monthly rent that will be charged b. Within 90 days after September 1 of each year after issuance of the building permit, the owner must report the actual average monthly rent charged for the ADU or JADU during the prior year ending in September.

If the City does not receive the report within the 90-day period, the owner is in violation of this Title, and the City may send the owner a notice of violation and allow the owner another 30 days to submit the report. If the owner fails to submit the report within the 30-day period, the City may enforce this provision in accordance with applicable law.

12. Certificate of Occupancy Timing.
a. Generally. No certificate of occupancy for an ADU or JADU may be issued before the certificate of occupancy is issued for the primary dwelling unit.
b. Limited Exception for State-declared Emergencies. Notwithstanding subsection (E)(12)(a) above, a certificate of occupancy for an ADU may be issued before a certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling if each of the following requirements are met:
i. The County of Santa Barbara is subject to a proclamation of a state of emergency made by the California Governor on or after February 1, 2025.
ii. The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in the Governor’s state of emergency proclamation. iii. The ADU has been issued construction permits and has passed all required inspections.
i.iv. The ADU is not attached to the primary dwelling.

F. Supplemental Requirements for ADUs. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that require an ADU permit under subsection (D)(2) above: This subsection (F) does not apply to ADUs or JADUs approved under subsection (D)(1) above.

1. Maximum Size.
a. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this subsection F is as follows:
i. 850 square feet of interior livable space for a studio or one- bedroom.
ii. 1, 000 square feet of interior livable space for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
54 9
b. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary dwelling is further limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing primary dwelling.
c. Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such as FAR or lot coverage (as applicable), might further limit the size of the ADU, but no application of the percent-based size limit in (F)(1)(b) above or of an FAR, front setback, lot coverage limit, or open-space requirement (as applicable) may require the ADU to havebe less than 800 square feet of interior livable space.

2. Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F may exceed 10 percent of the total lot area of the subject lot, subject to subsection (F)(1)(c) above.

3. Setbacks. ADUs subject to this subsection F must observe the following setback requirements:
a. Side setback: Four feet.
b. Rear setback: Four feet.
c. Front setback: 20 feet, subject to subsection (F)(1)(c) above. d. No setback is required for an ADU subject to this subsection F if the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.

4. Separation. The minimum separation between the primary dwelling unit and a detached ADU must be at least five feet for new construction.

5. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by subsection (C)(10) above, is required for an ADU.

6. Parking.
a. Parking spaces are not required for ADUs.
b. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.

7. Design Requirements.
a. The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, and windows and doors must match the appearance of those of the primary dwelling. i. Samples of existing and proposed colors, materials, roofing, and features must be provided as part of a complete ADU application. b. The roof pitch must match that of the dominant roof pitch of the primary dwelling. The dominant roof pitch is the pitch shared by the largest portion of the roof. Roof pitch and roof materials for a newly constructed ADU may be different from that of the primary dwelling on the lot only if accommodating installation of solar energy systems at the same time as construction of the ADU.
c. Landscaping is required to enhance the appearance of the ADU as follows:
55 10
i. At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided along every five linear feet of exterior ADU wall in between the ADU and the right-of- way. Alternatively, at least one 24-inch box size plant shall be provided for every 10 linear feet of exterior ADU wall. ii. New landscaping must use water-efficient species only. d. Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight. Samples of proposed vegetative screening and planting locations must be provided as part of a complete ADU application. Exceptions to this design standard apply only to conversion of legally permitted structures that do not include installation of new exterior windows facing an adjacent property line or when only clerestory windows are used and do not provide views into neighboring lots.
e. Exterior lighting shall be directed downward, fully shielded, and full cutoff or as otherwise required by the building or fire code.

8. Historical Protections. An ADU that is on real property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources may not alter the exterior of any structure that is designated as a historic resource or, if the entire lot is designated as a historic resource, it may not alter the exterior of any structure on the lot.

G. Impact Fees. The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections (D)(1) or (D)(2) above:

1. No impact fee is required for a JADU or for an ADU that hasis less than 750 square feet of interior livable space in size . For purposes of this subsection (G)(1), "impact fee" means a "fee" under the Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code Section 66000(b)) and a fee under the Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477). "Impact fee" here does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.

1.2. A JADU or ADU with less than 500 square feet of interior livable space does not increase assessable space by 500 square feet for purposes of Education Code Section 17620(a)(1)(C), and is therefore not subject to school fees under Education Code Section 17620.

2.3. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that hasis 750 square feet or larger in sizemore of interior livable space must be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit.

H. Utility Fees. Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-unit dwelling lot, created under subsection (D)(1)(a) above, are not required to have a new or separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility. Notwithstanding the rest of this paragraph, a direct utility connection is required for separate conveyance of an ADU when separate conveyance is allowed under this Section.

I. Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations, and Unpermitted Structures.

1. Generally. The City will not deny an ADU or JADU application due to a nonconforming zoning condition, building code violation, or unpermitted structure on the lot that does not present a threat to the public health and safety 56 11
and that is not affected by the construction of the ADU or JADU.

2. Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs Constructed Before 2020.
a. Permit to Legalize. As required by State law, the City may not deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if denial is based on either of the following grounds:
i. The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards, or ii. The ADU or JADU does not comply with the State ADU o r JADU law or this Section 17.41.030.
b. Exceptions:
i. Notwithstanding subsection (I)(2)(a) above, the City may deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to comply with the standards specified in California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3. ii. Subsection (I)(2)(a) above does not apply to a building that is deemed to be substandard in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.

J. Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU that does not conform to all of the objective standards set forth in this Section may be allowed through other applicable City discretionary approval process, including, but not limited to the Modification and Design Review Board processes.
57 ATTACHMENT 4

Notice of Exemption
58 NOTICE OF EXEMPTION (NOE)

1 To: Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation From: City of Goleta https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/ 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B Goleta, CA 93117

Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
County of Santa Barbara
105 E. Anapamu Street, Room 407
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Subject: Filing of Notice of Exemption

Project Title: ADU and JADU Regulation Amendments to Implement Changes in State Law (Case No. 25-0005-ORD)

Project Applicant: City of Goleta

Project Location (Address and APN): Citywide

Description of Nature, Purpose and Beneficiaries of Project:

The project includes the replacement of the City’s existing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) regulations (Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code) with a new set of citywide ADU and JADU standards that will fully comply with the changes in State laws (Assembly Bill (AB) 462 (2025), AB 1154 (2025), Senate Bill (SB) 9 (2025), and SB 543). Changes to the City’s ADU and JADU regulations relate to: ADU and JADU Sizes, Quantity of Building Permit Only ADUs, ADU Permitting Process, ADU Processing in the Coastal Zone, Fire Sprinklers, JADU Owner -Occupancy, Disaster -Affected Areas, and Impact Fees. Additional revisions include minor alignments with State ADU law and clarifying clauses and subsection titles, where appropriate.

Name of Public Agency Approving the Project: City of Goleta

Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out the Project: City of Goleta

Exempt Status: (check one)
 Ministerial (§15268)
 Declared Emergency (§15269 (a))
 Emergency Project (§15269 (b) (c))
 Categorical Exemption: (Insert Type(s) and Section Number(s))  Statutory Exemption: Public Resources Code, §21080.17  Other: CEQA Guidelines, §15060(c)(3); §15378(a); §15378(b)(5); §15061(b)(3)

59 NOTICE OF EXEMPTION (NOE)

2 Reason(s) why the project is exempt:

Under California Public Resources Code Section 21080.17, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and which also regulates JADUs, as defined by Section 66313. Therefore, the adoption of the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA in that it implements State ADU law.

City of Goleta Contact Person:

Peter Imhof Director, Planning & Environmental Review Date

60 ATTACHMENT 5

Staff Presentation
61 Amendments to Section

17.41.030 of the GMC
Regarding ADUs and
JADUs
Presentation By:

Anne Wells
Andy Newkirk
Cam Audras
December 16, 2025
62 Public Hearing Agenda
•Suggested Format:
•Staff Presentation
•Council Questions
•Public Comment
•Council Deliberation
•Action on Recommendations
December 16, 2025 – City Council 2
63 Background
•Changes to ADU law in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024…and now 2025
•Assembly Bills 462 and AB 1154 and Senate Bills 9 and 543 passed in 2025
•City needs to update ADU regulations in GMC 17.41.030
December 16, 2025 – City Council 3
64 ADU and JADU Sizes
•Current:
•Limits max size of JADU to 500 sq ft
•Must allow at least 800 sq ft ADU
•Proposed:
•Clarifies size limits refer to “interior livable space” December 16, 2025 – City Council 4
65 Quantity of Building Permit-Only ADUs
•Current – four categories:

1. Converted ADU/JADU on single-family lot

2. Detached ADU on single-family lot

3. Converted ADUs in multifamily building

4. Detached ADUs on multifamily lot
•Proposed:
•Can combine 1 and 2
•Can combine 3 and 4
December 16, 2025 – City Council 5
66 ADU Permitting Process
•Current: Must approve or deny ADU within 60 days of complete applica
tion.
•Proposed:
•Determine completeness within 15 days
•If incomplete, issue list of missing items and how to fix them •Review resubmittals within 15 days
•Provide appeal process for incompleteness determinations and appeals
•Designate Planning Commission as appeal body
•Issue appeal decision within 60 days
December 16, 2025 – City Council 6
67 ADU Processing in the Coastal Zone
•Current:
•Defer to Coastal Commission for Planning Permit
•Documentation Required at Building Permit
•Proposed Change:
•Notification to Coastal Commission
•ADU Permit Required
•Coastal Commission Documentation Required for all City Permits
December 16, 2025 – City Council 7
68 Fire Sprinklers
•Current:
•Required only in ADUs if they are required in the primary residence
•Proposed:
•Expands the requirement to include JADUs
December 16, 2025 – City Council 8
69 JADU Owner-Occupancy
•Current:
•Property owner must reside in either the JADU or the
remaining portion of the single-famil
y dwelling
•Proposed:
•Applies only if the JADU shares sanitation facilities with the main dwelling
December 16, 2025 – City Council 9
70 Disaster-Affected Areas
•Current:
•No certificate of occupancy (C of O) for an ADU until a C of O has been issued for the
primary dwelling
•Proposed:
•Detached ADU may receive a C of O before the primary dwelling if all of the follow
ing are met:
•The Governor declares a state of emergency for the County •The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or
destr
oyed in the event
•The ADU has valid construction permits and has passed all requir
ed inspections
December 16, 2025 – City Council 10
71 Impact Fees
•Current:
•ADUs 750 sq ft or smaller exempt from development
impact fe
es (DIFs)
•JADUs are not specifically addressed
•Proposed:
•JADUs ≤ 500 sq ft exempt from DIFs
•ADUs or JADUs < 500 sq ft are exempt from school impact f
ees
December 16, 2025 – City Council 11
72 State Law Updates Not Requiring Title
17 Amendments
•Short-Term Rentals
•City’s existing regulations already prohibits both ADUs and JAD
Us from being used as short-term rentals
•No Title 17 changes are required
•HCD Submittal Requirements
•Failure to submit to HCD within 60 days of adoption or to respond to HCD findings within 30 da
ys renders an
ordinance null and void
•Proposed Ordinance (Section 5) directs staff to submit the ordinance to HCD within the re
quired timeframe
December 16, 2025 – City Council 12
73 Other Changes
•Deed restrictions proposed to apply only to JADUs
•Updated and added specific cross-reference citations
•Clarifying clauses and subsection titles
December 16, 2025 – City Council 13
74 California Environmental Quality Act
•California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county
implementing State ADU law
December 16, 2025 – City Council 14
75 Staff Recommendation
December 16, 2025 – City Council 15
A. Adopt on a four-fifths vote Urgency Ordinance No. 25-__U, entitled, “An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 (Case No. 25- 0005-ORD).”
B. Introduce and conduct first reading (by title only) and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 26-__, entitled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Amending Section 17.41.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action to be Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 (Case No. 25-0005-ORD).”
76 Hearing Steps
•Council Questions
•Public Comment
•Council Deliberation
•Action on Recommendations
December 16, 2025 – City Council 16
77

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