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Resolution making findings and recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance amending Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code to update regulations pertaining to accessory dwelling units to comply with California state law.
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WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco (“City”) regulates the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) through definitions and zoning regulations under South San Francisco Municipal Code Title 20, including specifically Chapter 20.350, Section 20.350.003; and
WHEREAS, the Title 20 ADU and JADU regulations aim to conform with California state law standards for regulating such units and its intent to reduce governmental barriers and to increase the supply of smaller and affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, new state legislation related to ADUs and JADUs was enacted in 2025, including Assembly Bill (AB) 462, AB 1154, Senate Bill (SB) 9, and SB 543, which build upon prior changes to state law and further reduce barriers to the development of ADUs and JADUs and streamline the creation of ADUs and JADUs as a housing opportunity, and which necessitate additional changes to the City’s ADU and JADU regulations; and
WHEREAS, state laws related to the review and approval of ADUs apply whether or not a local agency has adopted a local ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to continue enforce its existing ADU and JADU regulations and therefore it is the intent of the City to adopt amendments to the existing ADU and JADU ordinance that have the effect of providing for the creation of ADUs and JADUs, including provisions relating to matters including unit size, parking, and other requirements that will facilitate creation of ADUs and JADUs in zones in which they are authorized by local ordinance;
WHEREAS, the amendments to the City’s Zoning Code do not propose any changes to City policies or regulations that would result in a direct or indirect physical environmental impact, and would implement the updated requirements provided for in Government Code Sections 66314 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2026, the South San Francisco Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing and considered the staff report, reviewed the proposed draft ordinance, and public testimony, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard, and to receive public comments; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the draft ordinance to Section 20.350.003 (Accessory Dwelling Units) and other related land use definitions and zoning regulations of the South San Francisco Municipal Code applicable to ADUs and JADUs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FOUND, DETERMINED AND RESOLVED that based on the entirety of the record before it, which includes without limitation, the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code §21000, et seq. (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 California Code of Regulations §15000, et seq.; the South San Francisco 2040 General Plan and General Plan EIR, including all amendments and updates thereto; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; the draft Zoning Text Amendments prepared by City staff; all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed May 21, 2026 meeting and any other evidence (within the meaning of Public Resources Code §21080(e) and §21082.2) (“Record”), the Planning Commission of the City of South San Francisco hereby finds as follows:
SECTION 1 FINDINGS
I. General Findings
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution.
2. The proposed Ordinance, attached hereto as Exhibit A, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this Resolution, as if set forth fully herein.
3. The Record for these proceedings, and upon which this Resolution is based, includes without limitation, Federal and State law; the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. (“CEQA”)) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations § 15000, et seq.); the South San Francisco General Plan and General Plan EIR, including all amendments and updates thereto; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed May 21, 2026 meeting and any other evidence (within the meaning of Public Resources Code §21080(e) and §21082.2).
4. The documents and other material constituting the record for these proceedings are located at the Planning Division for the City of South San Francisco, 315 Maple Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, and in the custody of Chief Planner.
II. CEQA Findings
1. The Planning Commission hereby finds and determines that the adoption of this ordinance is statutorily exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21080.17 of the Public Resources Code because the ordinance is intended to modify existing local regulatory requirements to be consistent with State and local law which encourage development of accessory dwelling and is implementing the provisions of Government Code § 66314 et seq.
III. Zoning Text Amendment Findings
1. The proposed Zoning Text Amendment is consistent with the adopted 2040 General Plan because the Zoning Amendment will reinforce the General Plan policies, is consistent with the relevant specific plans, and is consistent with the City’s overall vision for providing a diversity of housing types responsive to household size, income, and age needs. None of the new or revised requirements for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units will conflict with or impede achievement of any of the goals, policies, or land use designations established in the General Plan.
2. The Zoning Text Amendment would encourage the creation of accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units on residentially zoned properties to provide opportunities for affordable housing stock. The zoning districts where accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are permitted are generally suitable in terms of access, size of parcel, relationship to similar or related uses, and other considerations as deemed relevant by the Planning Commission and City Council because the proposed uses are consistent with General Plan policies, specifically those policies which promote developing a diverse housing stock.
3. The proposed revisions and additions to the accessory dwelling unit regulations will not be detrimental to the use of land in any adjacent zone because the Amendment will refine existing performance standards and introduce new standards for accessory dwelling units to ensure that any future accessory dwelling units are compatible with surrounding residential uses.
SECTION 2 RECOMMENDATION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of South San Francisco hereby makes the findings contained in this Resolution, and recommends that the South San Francisco City Council adopt an Ordinance amending South San Francisco Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning) in accordance with the Zoning Amendments set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein.
Be it further resolved that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.
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