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The following standards apply to all ADUs (irrespective of whether the ADU is single- or <br /> two-story): <br /> • No balconies or upper-story decks are allowed for the ADU (also included to <br /> protect neighbor privacy). <br /> • Absent a design review process to require materials for an ADU to match that of <br /> the primary dwelling, staff proposes a standard to require that: (1) the ADU <br /> incorporate roof and exterior wall materials, building color; windows of the same <br /> proportion, trim, recess or reveal; and other trim (e.g. eaves) to match the <br /> primary dwelling structure to the maximum extent feasible; (2) that lighting <br /> proposed for an ADU be directed downward; and (3) that any mechanical <br /> equipment for the ADU be concealed to the maximum extent feasible. <br /> • A solid fence at least six feet in height, and vegetative screening/plantings of <br /> species with a mature height of at least 10 feet in height is required along <br /> property lines adjacent to the ADU if the ADU is less than 10 feet from property <br /> lines. <br /> • With the objective of maintaining the appearance of a single-family home from <br /> the public right-of-way, the entrance to an ADU would be required to be located <br /> on a different façade of the single-family dwelling than the primary unit entry. <br /> • Lastly, new state laws make it easier to convert existing garages into ADUs <br /> because no replacement parking is required to be provided. In considering the <br /> aesthetic outcomes of these conversions, the Planning Commission <br /> recommended that the choice to remove/refinish a garage-door wall, or leave the <br /> garage door in place, be left to the applicant subject to some objective standards <br /> (i.e. using materials and finishes to match the home). The above requirement, <br /> regarding placement of the entry to the ADU on a different facade than the <br /> primary entry, would also apply. <br /> PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION <br /> Before the October 28 Planning Commission meeting, staff revised the ordinance to <br /> address comments previously provided by the Planning Commission and the public. <br /> Due to the complex nature of the state law and in response to some of the public <br /> comments that were challenging the legality of the amendments, staff also provided the <br /> draft ordinance to the City's outside legal counsel that specializes in state law related to <br /> housing (including accessory dwelling units). Further, staff solicited feedback from the <br /> State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on the draft <br /> ordinance; and, separately, in late September, HCD released an "ADU Handbook" <br /> intended to provide guidance on interpretation and application of the new state laws. <br /> Feedback from these various sources was reflected in the version of the ordinance <br /> presented to the Planning Commission in October. <br /> The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 28, 2020 to review the <br /> proposed amendments, subsequent to reviewing the amendments at its June 24 and <br /> Page 7 of 10 <br />