HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 2007-3074
ORDINANCE NO. 3074
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING
SECTION 19.58.022 OF THE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL
CODE, ADDING AND MODIFYING DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS FOR ACCESSORY SECOND DWELLING
UNITS
WHEREAS, on January 28, 2003, the City Council of the City of Chula Vista adopted
a local ordinance adding Section 19.58.022 to the Chula Vista Municipal Code to regulate
accessory second dwelling units pursuant to California Government Code Section 65852.2; and
WHEREAS, on January 27, 2004, the City Council of the City ofChula Vista amended
Section 19.58.022 increasing the maximum allowable floor area for an accessory second
dwelling unit from 650 to 850 square-feet; increasing the number of parking spaces required
for 3-bedroom units from one space to 2 spaces; and modifying other property development
standards; and
WHEREAS, since the adoption and amendment of the local ordinance, the City has
received over 108 building permit applications for accessory second dwelling units, some of
which caused great concerns among neighbors; and
WHEREAS, upon hearing these concerns, the City Council of the City of Chula Vista
directed a review of Section 19.58.022 to determine whether additional property development
standards for the construction of accessory second dwelling units were necessary; and
WHEREAS, staff studied the units built in compliance with the existing City
regulations, compared those regulations to other jurisdiction requirements, and conducted two
Planning Commission workshop sessions that included public testimony on the adequacy of
the adopted development standards for accessory second dwelling units; and
WHEREAS, as a result of this work the Planning Commission concluded that additions
and modifications were appropriate to Section 19.58.022 and directed staff to prepare a draft
ordinance amendment addressing building setbacks, building heights, maximum dwelling unit
floor area, unit location, parking, design standards, and occupancy requirements; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Review Coordinator has determined that the proposed
ordinance amendment is exempt pursuant to Section 21080.17 of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held an advertised public hearing on the Code
Amendment on March 14, 2007 and after hearing staffs presentation and public testimony,
voted 5-1-1 to recommend the City Council adopt the proposed amendments, in accordance with
the draft City Council Ordinance as amended; and
Ordinance No. 3074
Page 2
WHEREAS, a duly called and noticed public hearing was held before the City Council of
the City of Chula Vista on May I, 2007, on the ordinance amendment to receive the
recommendations of the Planning Commission, and to hear public testimony; and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk set the time and place for a hearing on the ordinance
amendment and notice of the hearing, together with its purpose, was given by its publication in a
newspaper of general circulation in the City at least 10 days prior to the hearing; and
WHEREAS, the hearing was held at the time and place as advertised, namely 6:00 p.m.
May I, 2007, in the Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, before the City Council and the
hearing was thereafter closed; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that well regulated accessory second dwelling units
can assist the City of Chula Vista in achieving housing goals of the General Plan Housing
Element and be of economic and social benefit to the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that additional regulations are necessary to
protect existing single-family neighborhoods and provide clarity to property owners wishing to
add accessory second dwelling units to their property; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has remaining concerns as to the effectiveness of the new
regulations and directs that within 12 and 18 months from the time the new regulations take
effect staff return with a status report that has been reviewed by the Planning Commission on
second unit production and issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council ofthe City ofChula Vista ordains as follows:
Section I-That Section 19.58.022 of the Municipal Code is amended to read asfollows:
Section 19.58.022 - Accessory second dwelling units
A. The purpose of this Section is to provide regulations for the establishment of accessory
second dwelling units in compliance with California Government Code Section 65852.2. Said
units may be located in residential zone districts where adequate public facilities and services are
available, and impacts upon the residential neighborhood directly affected would be minimized.
Accessory second dwelling units are a potential source of affordable housing and shall not be
considered in any calculation of allowable density of the lot upon which they are located, and
shall also be deemed consistent with the General Plan and zoning designation of the lot as
provided. Accessory second dwelling units shall not be considered a separate dwelling unit for
the purpose of subdividing the property into individual condominium or lot ownership.
B. For the purposes ofthis Section, the following words are defined:
"Above" as used in this section means an accessory second dwelling unit that is attached and
built over a primary residence including an attached garage.
"Accessory second dwelling units" are independent living facilities of limited size that provide
permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as a
single-family dwelling according to the provisions of CVMC Section 19.58.022.C.
"Attached" means that 50% of the accessory second dwelling
unit's wall, floor or ceiling will be shared with the primary
residence on the property (Exhibit B.1).
"Basement" shall mean the same as defined in CYMC Section
19.04.026.
"Behind" shall mean an accessory second dwelling unit
constructed either entirely between the rear of the primary
dwelling and the rear property line, or to the side of the primary
residence but set back from the front plane of the primary
residence at least 50 % the distance between the front and back
planes of the primary residence (Exhibit B.2).
"Buildable pad area" as used in this section means the
level finish grade of the lot not including slopes greater
than 50% grade. (Exhibit 8.3).
"Detached" means an
accessory second unit
separated from the primary
residence as specified in Rear PIJ
CYMC Section
19.58.022.C.5.d.
"Gross floor area" as used in
this section means those
enclosed portions of the Fro;;t P1;;e- - - - - -
primary residence not
including the garage or other
attached accessory structures,
such as covered but unenclosed Exhibit B. 2 - "Behind"
patios, balconies, etc.
"Primary Residence" means the single-family dwelling constructed on a lot as the mam
permitted use by the zone on said parcel.
Ordinance No. 3074
Page 3
---1
50% Bac
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T-
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STREET
Accessory Z"a
Dwelling
Primary
Residence
50%
of wall,
floor or
ceiling
Exhibit B. 1 - "Attached"
STREET
Exhibit B. 3 - "Buildable Pad
Area"
C. Accessory second dwelling units shall be subject to the following requirements and
development standards:
I. Zones - Accessory second dwelling units must accompany an eXlstmg primary
residence on an A, R-E, R-I" or PC zoned lot. However, construction of the primary
residence can be in conjunction with the construction of an accessory second dwelling
unit. Where a guesthouse, or other similar accessory living space exists, accessory
second dwelling units are not permitted. The conversion of a guest house or other similar
living areas into an accessory second dwelling unit is permitted provided they meet the
intent and property development standards of CYMC Section 19.58.022, and all other
applicable CYMC requirements. Accessory second dwelling units shall not be permitted
on lots within a Planned Unit Development (PUD), unless an amendment to the PUD is
approved and specific property development standards are adopted for the construction of
accessory second dwelling units on lots within the PUD. Accessory second dwelling units
are precluded from R-2 and R-3 zoned lots.
Ordinance No. 3074
Page 4
2. Unit Size - The maximum size of an accessory dwelling unit on a given lot shall be
determined by either the buildable pad area of the lot, or the size of the primary residence
according to the following table, so long as the combined living spaces do not exceed the
floor area ratio of the underlying zone. The original buildable pad area of a lot may not
be increased by more than 20% through re-grading and/or the use of retaining walls or
structures.
Buildable Pad Area
Less than 5,000 sq. ft.
5,000 - 9,999 sq. ft.
10,000 sq. ft. or greater
Maximum Gross Floor Area for ASDUs
Not permitted
650 sq. ft. or 50% of primary residence, whichever is less
750 sq. ft. or 50% of primary residence, whichever is less
3. Structure Relationships - The relationship of an accessory second dwelling unit to the
primary residence shall be determined by the size ofthe buildable pad area as follows:
Buildable Pad Area
Less than 5,000 sq. ft.
5,000 - 6,999 sq. ft.
7,000 sq. ft. or greater
Location of Unit
Not permitted
Attached, above, or basement. (Detached not permitted)
Attached, above, or basement; or
Detached, behind and on the same buildable pad
4. Structure Height - When attached, above, or in a basement of the primary residence,
an accessory second dwelling unit is subject to the same height limitation as the primary
residence. When detached from the primary residence, an accessory second dwelling unit
is limited to a single story or 15ft., whichever is less. Height of an accessory second
dwelling unit is measured according to the underlying zone.
5. Development Standard Exceptions - The accessory second dwelling units shall
conform to the underlying zoning and land use development standard requirements in
regards to the main or primary residence setbacks with the following exceptions:
a. All second floor units shall be located a minimum of ten-feet from any interior
side or rear lot lines.
b. For lots with up slopes between the side or rear of the house and the interior side
or rear property line, required yard setbacks are measured from the toe of slope.
c. For lots with down-slopes between the side or rear of the house and the interior
side or rear property line, required yard setbacks shall be measured from the top
of slope.
d. A detached accessory second dwelling unit shall be located a minimum of twelve
feet from a primary residence.
6. Lot Coverage - Accessory second dwelling units and all other structures on the lot are
limited to the maximum lot coverage permitted according to the underlying zone. A
detached accessory second dwelling unit and all other detached accessory structures shall
not occupy more than thirty percent of the required rear yard.
Ordinance No. 3074
Page 5
7. Access and Parking - Accessory second dwelling units and the primary residence shall
adhere to the following access and parking regulations:
a. Accessory second dwelling units shall be provided with one standard sized parking
space for studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom units; or two standard sized parking
spaces for units with three or more bedrooms.
b. The required parking space(s) shall be on the same lot as the accessory second
dwelling unit. This parking is in addition to the parking requirements for the
primary residence as specified in Section 19.62.170.
c. If the addition of an accessory second dwelling unit involves the conversion of an
existing garage used by the primary residence, a replacement two-car garage, per
CVMC Section 19.62.190, shall be provided prior to or concurrently with the
conversion of the garage into the accessory second dwelling unit. If the existing
driveway is no longer necessary for the access to the converted garage or other
required parking, the paving for the driveway shall be removed and appropriate
landscaping shall be installed in its place.
d. The access to all required parking shall be from a public street, alley or a recorded
access easement. Access from a designated utility easement or similar condition
shall not be permitted. For any lot proposing an accessory second dwelling unit and
served by a panhandle or easement access, the access must be a minimum 20 feet in
width.
e. Curb cuts providing access from the public right-of-way to on-site parking spaces
shall be acceptable to the City Engineer. An encroachment permit from the City
Engineer shall be obtained for any new or widened curb cuts.
f. The Zoning Administrator may approve the use of an existing driveway and curb
cut if the primary residence driveway is 50 ft. feet deep or deeper as measured from
the back of the public sidewalk to the front of the primary structure, and vehicular
ingress and egress does not interfere with the normal use of the driveway for access
to the primary residence's required parking.
g. Required parking spaces or required maneuvering area shall be free of any utility
poles, support wires, guard rails, stand pipes or meters, and be in compliance with
CVMC Section 19.62.150.
h. Tandem parking may be allowed to satisfy required parking for an accessory second
dwelling unit if it is consistent with all other requirements of this section.
1. Parking screening consisting of a decorative wall, fence, landscaping or other
technique satisfactory to the Zoning Administrator, shall be provided to screen the
required parking spaces from public view. If a gate is used to screen the required
parking space(s) from public view, an automatic gate/door opener shall be provided
and maintained for the duration of the use. Parking shall not be allowed in a
location where an RV parking permit has been issued for the storage of a
recreational vehicle.
J. When a required parking space abuts a fence or wall on either side, the space shall
be a minimum of lOft. wide. If this area also serves as the pedestrian access from
an accessory second dwelling unit to the street, the paving shall be a minimum 12
feet wide.
Ordinance No. 3074
Page 6
8. Existing Nonconforming Situations - For the purpose of evaluating existing non-
conforming structures or uses for compliance with CYMC Chapter 19.64, the addition of
an accessory second dwelling unit shall be considered an addition to the primary
residence. Required corrections of any nonconforming situations shall occur prior to or
concurrent with the addition of the accessory second dwelling unit. In the event that the
primary residence does not include a two-car garage, plans and permits for an accessory
second dwelling unit shall include the construction of a two-car garage for the primary
residence, per CYMC Section 19.62.170. The garage shall be conveniently located to
serve the primary residence.
9. Utilities - The accessory second dwelling unit shall be served by the same water and
sewer lateral connections that serve the primary residence. A separate electric meter and
address may be provided for the accessory second dwelling unit.
10. Waste and Recycling - In accordance with CYMC Chapters 8.24 and 8.25, the
property owner shall establish and maintain a single refuse and recycling collection
service account from the City or its solid waste and recycling contractor for both the
primary residence and the accessory second dwelling unit.
II. Design Standards - The lot shall retain a single-family appearance by incorporating
matching architectural design, building materials and colors of the primary dwelling with
the proposed accessory second dwelling unit, and any other accessory structure built
concurrently with the accessory second dwelling unit. However, the primary residence
may be modified to match the new accessory second dwelling unit. Color photographs of
the four sides of the primary residence shall be submitted as part of the accessory second
dwelling unit building permit application. The accessory second dwelling unit shall be
subject to the following development design standards:
a. Matching architectural design components shall be provided between the primary
residence, accessory second dwelling unit, and any other accessory structures.
These shall include, but are not limited to: I) window and door type, style, design
and treatment; 2) roof style, pitch, color, material and texture; 3) roof overhang
and fascia size and width; 4) attic vents color and style; 5) exterior finish colors,
texture and materials.
b. The main entrance to an attached accessory second dwelling unit and, if
applicable, a stairway leading to the unit, shall not be located on the same side of
the building as the primary residence's main entrance. For detached accessory
second dwelling units, the entrance to the unit shall be strategically located to
preserve the lots single-family character, and shall not be clearly visible from the
street serving as the main entrance to the primary residence.
c. A usable rear yard open space of a size at least equal to 50% of the required rear
yard area of the underlying zone shall be provided contiguous to the primary
residence. Access to this open space shall be directly from a common floor space
area of the primary residence such as living or dining rooms, kitchens or
hallways, and without obstruction or narrow walkways.
d. A useable open space that has a minimum dimension of six (6) feet, and an area
not less than 60 square feet in area shall be provided contiguous to an accessory
Ordinance No. 3074
Page 7
second dwelling unit. A balcony or deck may satisfy this requirement for second
story units.
e. A minimum three (3) foot wide pedestrian walk that connects the accessory
second dwelling unit with its required parking space and the public sidewalk shall
be provided. The pedestrian walk shall be strategically located to provide the
shortest walking distance to parking or the street.
f. Windows on second story accessory second dwelling units shall be staggered and
oriented away from adjacent residences closer than ten feet. The location and
orientation of balconies or decks shall also be oriented away from adjacent
neighbors backyard and living space windows.
g. Trash and recycling containers must be stored between pick-up dates in an on-site
location that is screened from public view and will not compromise any required
open space areas.
12. Designated Historical Sites - An accessory second dwelling unit may be allowed
on designated or historical sites provided the location and design of the accessory
second dwelling unit meets corresponding historical preservation requirements in place
at the time the accessory second dwelling unit is built, and complies with the
requirements of this Section including the following:
a. Regardless of the lot size that qualifies the property for an accessory second
dwelling unit, the accessory second dwelling unit shall be detached and located
behind the primary residence or historic structure.
b. The construction of the accessory second dwelling unit shall not result in the
removal of any other historically significant accessory structure, such as garages,
outbuildings, stables or other similar structures.
c. The accessory second dwelling unit shall be designed in substantially the same
architectural style and finished materials composition as the primary residence or
historic structure.
d. Construction of an accessory second dwelling unit shall not result in demolition,
alteration or movement of the primary residencelhistoric house and any other on
site features that convey the historic significance ofthe house and site.
e. If the historic house/site is under a Mills Act Contract with the City, the Contract
shall be amended to authorize the introduction of the accessory second dwelling
unit on the site.
13. Inspections - The addition of an accessory second dwelling unit to a property
shall include two site inspections at the following times:
f. Prior to the approval of the building permit, the Planning Division staff shall
conduct a field inspection to verify the drawings submitted for the permit are
accurate with regard to grading, on-site building location, primary residence
design color and materials composition, location of adjacent structures, etc. Any
discrepancies on the drawings must be corrected so that the subject property and
resulting structures are in compliance with this section and other related sections
of the CVMC.
Ordinance No. 3074
Page 8
g. Prior to, or concurrent with the final inspection of the new accessory second
dwelling unit and the issuance of an occupancy permit by the Building Official,
Planning Division staff shall conduct an inspection of the lot to verify that that the
accessory second swelling unit has been constructed and the lot has been
improved per the approved plans, and that the required land use agreement
outlining the accessory second dwelling unit requirements has been filed and
recorded and that all applicable provisions of that land use agreement have been
satisfied prior to occupancy.
14. Occupancy Requirement - At the time a building permit is issued and
continuously thereafter, the owner of the property shall reside on the lot on which the
accessory second dwelling unit is located or constructed. The Zoning Administrator
shall have the authority to suspend this occupancy requirement for a period not to
exceed 5 years when evidence has been submitted that one of the following situations
exists:
a. The property owner's health requires them to temporarily live in an assisted living
or nursing facility.
b. The property owner is required to live outside the San Diego region as a condition
of employment.
c. The property owner is required to live elsewhere to care for an immediate family
member.
d. The current property owner has received the property as the result of the settlement
of an estate.
15. Land Use Agreement - Concurrent with the issuance of building permits for the
construction of an accessory second dwelling unit, the property owner shall sign a Land
Use Agreement prepared by the City which sets forth the occupancy and use limitations
prescribed in this ordinance. This agreement will be recorded by the City Clerk with
the County of San Diego Recorder on title to the subject property. This agreement shall
run with the land, and inure to the benefit of the City ofChula Vista.
D. Armual Report - An annual report outlining the number of accessory second dwelling
units, their size, number of bedrooms and number of parking spaces provided shall be prepared
by the Zoning Administrator and presented to the Planning Commission in January of every year
for the purpose of monitoring the construction of accessory second dwelling units. The Planning
Commission may recommend to the City Council changes to this section based on their
evaluation ofthe annual report.
SECTION II This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force on the thirtieth day from and
after its adoption.
Submitted by
Approved as to form by
s Sandoval
ing and Building Director
~Qi~ 'A~~}1
Arm Moore '
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 3074
Page 9
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista,
California, this 5th day of June 2007, by the following vote:
AYES:
Councilmembers:
Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, Rindone, and Cox
NAYS:
Councilmembers:
None
ABSENT:
Councilmembers:
None
Cheryl ~~~t~
ATTEST:
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Susan Bigelow, MMC, City-Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )
CITY OF CHULA VISTA )
I, Susan Bigelow, City Clerk of Chula Vista, California, do hereby certifY that the foregoing
Ordinance No. 3074 had its first reading at a regular meeting held on the I st day of May, 2007
and its second reading and adoption at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the 5th day
ofJune 2007.
Executed this 5th day of June 2007.
-~jA ~'6.0D'-'
Susan Bigelow, MMC, ty Clerk