Amendments to Section
16.86 of the RMC
Regarding
ADUs and JADUs
City Council Presentation
• State ADU laws have significantly changed (2021-2026) • Local discretion has been drastically limited by State law • Clear ministerial approval pathways are required
• Failure to update risks loss of local control and legal exposure
WHY THIS MATTERS
May 12, 2026 – City Council
• State-Exempt ADUs
• Non-Exempt ADUs
• State law requires distinction between the two for compliance Two Type of ADUs (State Required)
May 12, 2026 – City Council
• Size: Must allow at least 800 sq. ft.
• Height: Must allow 16-18 ft. minimum; cannot restrict to one-story • Setbacks: 4 ft. side/rear; no setbacks for conversions • Current code requires updates to align with State law Development Standards Update
May 12, 2026 – City Council
• Remove owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs
• Limit design standards to objective only
• Align parking exemptions with State law
• Ensure proportional fees and utility requirements
• Add required application procedures
Key Policy Changes
May 12, 2026 – City Council
• More ADUs allowed by right
• Faster approvals (ministerial process)
• Limited ability to deny compliant projects
• City retains control through objective standards
What this Means for Ripon
May 12, 2026 – City Council
• Infrastructure Impacts
• Neighborhood Parking & Street Congestion
• Design Compatibility Limitations
• Increased Unit Density on Single-Family Parcels
Planning Commission Considerations
May 12, 2026 – City Council
Key Concerns Raised During the PC Review
• Establish State-Exempt ADU framework
• Expand ADU allowances
• Update development standards
• Remove non-compliant provisions
• Adopt ordinance amending RMC 16.86
Summary & Recommendations
May 12, 2026 – City Council