Title
Report regarding proposed Zoning Text Amendments to Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code to update regulations pertaining to accessory dwelling units to comply with California state law, and determination that the proposed amendments are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (Stephanie Skangos, Senior Planner)
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MOTION FOR THE COMMISSION TO ADOPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
(1) Move to adopt the Resolution determining the proposed updates to ADU regulations are exempt from CEQA and recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance amending Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing and take the following action:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution determining that the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments do not require additional environmental review and is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance updating regulations pertaining to accessory dwelling units in Title 20 ("Zoning") of the South San Francisco Municipal Code.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On May 21, 2026, the Planning Commission reviewed proposed updates to the City's ADU Ordinance to bring it into compliance with the most current State law and recommended that the City Council adopt an Ordinance with the updates. The staff report from the May 21, 2026 Planning Commission meeting is attached as reference (Attachment B).
Prior to proceeding to City Council for review of the proposed changes, staff became aware of an updated interpretation of State law by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding the total number of ADUs allowed on single- and multiple-unit lots. This interpretation is referenced in the latest version of the HCD Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook, and increases the maximum number of total ADUs that may...
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