July 13, 2022
The Honorable Rudy Salas
California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Suite 4610
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: AB 916 (Salas) Zoning. Accessory Dwelling Units. Bedroom Addition Notice of Oppose Unless Amended (As amended June 20, 2022) Dear Assembly Member Salas:
The City of San Marcos writes to express our oppose unless amended position to your measure AB 916 which was recently amended to increase the height maximum of accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) from 16 to 18 feet on all parcels and to 25 feet for multifamily or single-family parcels located within one half mile of transit.
Current law authorizes cities to restrict ADU height to 16 feet, thus helping ensure that ADUs blend into the existing neighborhood. Mandating that local jurisdictions permit up to two story ADUs is completely contrary to the stated belief that ADUs are a way to increase density in a modest fashion that is not disruptive to established communities. Furthermore, shoehorning a 25-foot structure into a backyard of a single-story ranch style home, that is within one half mile of public transit, calls to question the idea that these are “accessory dwelling units” designed for multigenerational housing. AB 916 could substantially alter the look and feel of our community.
It is vital that we take steps to increase the supply and affordability of new housing units. However, AB 916 disregards already generous maximum height allowances and replaces it with two story ADUs. For these reasons, the City of San Marcos opposes AB 916.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Rebecca D. Jones
Mayor
cc: Catherine Hill, League of California Cities – San Diego and Imperial Counties League of California Cities (Via email: [email protected]) PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT 2
Administration
[email protected]