Council approves changes to accessory dwelling regulations
Changes were necessary to maintain compliance with state law
– The Paso Robles City Council voted Tuesday night to update local regulations for accessory dwelling units, bringing city code into compliance with new state laws that take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The changes will extend the timeline for legalizing unpermitted units built before 2020 and eliminate parking replacement requirements when converting existing spaces to living units.
The council opened its meeting with Mayor John Hamon presenting three proclamations honoring Records Support Personnel Week, National Apprenticeship Week, and National Hospice Month.
The council moved through the evening’s consent calendar with unanimous approval, though Councilman Steve Gregory abstained from item 8.
In the first public hearing, the council addressed state-mandated changes to housing regulations, voting 4-1 to modify local rules for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. The amendments align the city code with two new California laws taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025: Assembly Bill 2533 and Senate Bill 1211.
The updated regulations extend the timeline for property owners to legalize unpermitted residential units constructed before 2020, provided they meet health and safety standards.
The changes also remove requirements for replacement parking when converting existing spaces to living units and expand opportunities for additional detached units on properties with existing multifamily buildings. City staff emphasized that the changes were necessary to maintain compliance with state law.
Mayor Hamon, Councilwoman Sharon Roden, Councilman Steve Gregory, and Councilman Fred Strong all voted in favor of the changes. Councilman Chris Bausch cast the sole opposing vote.
In the second hearing, council members unanimously approved plans to expand a community facilities district, initially created in 2022 to support the Olsen/South Chandler Ranch development. Property owner Vindeo II, LLC, requested to join the district, which funds essential city services through special property tax assessments.
The expansion will help finance roadways, parks, police protection, fire services, and other community needs. A public hearing and special election are scheduled for Dec. 17, requiring two-thirds voter approval from qualified district electors.
The council also unanimously approved modifications to a vesting tentative tract map within the Olsen South Chandler Specific Plan area. The changes accommodate boundary adjustments requested by the property’s new owners.
In the evening’s final discussion, council members unanimously approved a request to remove a declining tree that would interfere with a proposed accessory dwelling unit construction. Following city regulations requiring 25 percent diameter replacement, the property owners will be required to plant four new oak trees to compensate for the removal.
Click here to view the meeting agenda with staff reports.
Watch the full meeting as streamed on YouTube below:
