REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Forward a Recommendation to Adopt an Urgency Interim Ordinance and Introduce an Ordinance Amending Titles 16 (Buildings and Construction) and 19 (Zoning) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code related to new State Legislation on Accessory Dwelling Units, Parking Minimums, and Large Family Child Care Homes and Find that the Action is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), 15378(b)(5), Public Resources Codes Section 21080.17 and Health & Safety Code Section 1597.45(d) (Planning File Number 2022-7711).
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
This report includes proposed ordinances on three different topics: accessory dwelling units (ADUs), parking, and family child care. These changes to the City's Zoning Code and Building and Construction Code are necessary to comply with state law.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the removal of parking requirements are considered necessary components by the State in the solution to alleviate the current housing crisis in California. ADUs provide additional rental housing supply to meet the increasing demand for housing and can potentially reduce displacement of existing homeowners by providing an additional income source. Parking requirements can be costly for developers while also creating the potential for increases to carbon emissions. Additionally, the removal of barriers for operators of a large family child care home will help to alleviate the need for providers in the State while also allowing for more affordable versions of child care.
Unlike previous years where the City retained some control over certain requirements, the changes this year for ADUs and parking requirements are straightforward and do not leave opportunity for variation.
Staff has reviewed the legislation and applicable sections of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) related to ADUs, parking, and large family child care homes and recommends:
* Modifications to ...
Click here for full text