HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd. 1544-2017City of South San Francisco P.O. Box 711 (City Hall,
• 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
• City Council
Ordinance: ORD 1544 -2017
File Number: 17 -1088 Enactment Number: ORD 1544 -2017
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
ZONING ORDINANCE, RELATED TO ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNITS CITYWIDE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 20.550
( "AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP ").
WHEREAS, in July of 2010, the City Council for the City of South San Francisco ( "City ") adopted a
comprehensive update to the City's zoning ordinance, which repealed the then - existing Title 20 of the
South San Francisco Municipal Code ( "Zoning Ordinance "), and replaced it with an entirely new Title
that, among other actions, established new zoning districts, revised and reformatted many then - existing
zoning provisions, eliminated inconsistent and outdated provisions, and codified entirely new zoning
provisions, including new land use regulations and development standards ( "Zoning Ordinance
Update "); and
WHEREAS, as part of the 2010 Zoning Ordinance Update, the City adopted Section 20.350.035, which
allows accessory dwelling units to be located on properties with single -unit dwellings throughout the
City; and
WHEREAS, the availability of housing is a substantial concern for individuals of all demographics,
ages, and economic backgrounds in communities throughout the State of California; and
WHEREAS, accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units offer lower cost housing
options to meet the needs of existing and future residents within existing neighborhoods, while
respecting architectural and neighborhood character; and
WHEREAS, in September of 2016, the California legislature passed new laws including AB 2299, SB
1069, and AB 2406, which were intended to increase the number of accessory dwelling units and junior
accessory dwelling units by simplifying the approval process and reducing costs associated with their
creation, developing new standards and regulations, and modifying cities' ability to regulate accessory
dwelling units; and
WHEREAS, state law provides that local agencies may, by ordinance, provide for the creation of
accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in single family residential zones and such
ordinances must designate areas within local jurisdictions where accessory dwelling units may be
permitted;
City of South San Francisco Page 1
File Number. 17 -1088
and
Enactment Number. ORD 1544 -2017
WHEREAS, accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are residential uses consistent
with the City's existing residential zoning and General Plan designations; and
WHEREAS, the proposed accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit provisions and
standards would implement Housing Element, Policy I -6, "The City shall support and facilitate the
development of second units on single- family designated and zoned parcels "; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments comply with the legislative amendments
made in 2016 to Government Code Section 65852.2, which establish standards for the development of
accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units so as to increase the supply of smaller and
affordable housing while ensuring that they remain compatible with the existing neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, the City has prepared a Zoning Amendment ( "amendment ") to the City's Zoning
Ordinance, including refinements to Section 20.350.035 of the Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance was adopted after preparation, circulation, consideration, and
adoption of an Initial Study /Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS /MND) in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000, et seq. ( "CEQA "), in which the
IS /MND analyzed the environmental impacts of adopting the Zoning Ordinance and concluded that
adoption of the Zoning Ordinance could not have a significant effect on the environment because none
of the impacts required to be analyzed under CEQA would exceed established thresholds of significance;
and
WHEREAS, the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections set forth in this amendment, as they relate
to accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit regulations are minor in nature, the
adoption of which would not result in any new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase
in the severity of any previously identified effects beyond those disclosed and analyzed in the IS /MND
prepared for the Zoning Ordinance, nor do the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections constitute a
change in the project or change in circumstances that would require additional environmental review;
and
WHEREAS, on July 6, 2017, the Planning Commission for the City of South San Francisco held a
lawfully noticed public hearing to solicit public comment and consider the proposed amendment, take
public testimony, and make a recommendation to the City Council on the project; and
WHEREAS, on October 25, 2017, the City Council for the City of South San Francisco held a lawfully
noticed public hearing to solicit public comment, take public testimony, consider the proposed
amendment, and take action on the proposed amendment.
City of South San Francisco Page 2
File Number. 17 -1088
Enactment Number: ORD 1544 -2017
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that based on the entirety of the record before it, as described
below, the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION I. FINDINGS.
Based on the entirety of the record as described above, the City Council for the City of South San
Francisco hereby makes the following findings:
A. General Findings.
The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Ordinance.
The record for these proceedings, and upon which this Ordinance 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 July 6, 2017 meeting; all reports, minutes, and public testimony
submitted as part of the City Council's duly noticed October 25, 2017 meeting; and any other evidence
(within the meaning of Public Resources Code §21080(e) and §21082.2).
The refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections set forth in this Amendment, as they relate to
accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit regulations are minor in nature, the adoption
of which would not result in any new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the
severity of any previously identified effects beyond those disclosed and analyzed in the IS /MND
prepared for the Zoning Ordinance, nor do the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections constitute a
change in the project or change in circumstances that would require additional environmental review.
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, Sailesh Mehra.
B. Zoning Amendment Findings
The proposed Zoning Amendment is consistent with the adopted 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.
City of South San Francisco Page 3
File Number: 17 -1088
Enactment Number: ORD 1544 -2017
the Zoning 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.
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 single - family residential uses.
SECTION IL AMENDMENTS.
The City Council hereby makes the findings contained in this ordinance and amends the sections
attached as Exhibit A with additions in double - underline and deletions in stril €etlife . Sections and
subsections that are not amended by this ordinance in Exhibit A shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the remainder of this ordinance, including the application of such part or provision to
other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect.
To this end, provisions of this ordinance are severable. The City Council of the City of South San
Francisco hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections,
subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be held unconstitutional, invalid, or
unenforceable.
SECTION IV. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 36933, a summary of this ordinance shall be
prepared by the City Attorney. At least five (5) days prior to the Council meeting at which this Ordinance
is scheduled to be adopted, the City Clerk shall (1) publish the Summary, and (2) post in the City Clerk's
Office a certified copy of this ordinance. Within fifteen (15) days after the adoption of this ordinance, the
City Clerk shall (1) publish the summary, and (2) post in the City Clerk's Office a certified copy of the
full text of this ordinance along with the names of those City Council members voting for and against
this ordinance or otherwise voting. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after
its adoption.
City of South San Francisco Page 4
File Number. 17 -1088 Enactment Number. ORD 1544 -2017
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of South San Francisco, held the 25th day of
October, 2017.
At a meeting of the City Council on 11/8/2017, a motion was made by Liza Normandy, seconded by
Richard Garbarino, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion passed.
Yes: 5 Vice Mayor Normandy, Councilmember Garbarino, Councilmember
Matsumoto, Mayor Gupta, and CouncilmemberAddiego
Attest y
Warttal(agli
Pradeep Gupta, Mayor
City of South San Francisco Page 5
A. Revise Table 20.080.002 (Land Use Regulations – Residential Districts) to change the
terminology from “Second Unit” and “Second Dwelling Units” to “Accessory Dwelling
Units”.
Use Classification RL-1.3 RL-5, 6, and 8 RM-10, 15, 17.5 RH-30 and 35 Additional Regulations
Residential Use Types
Single-Unit Dwelling See sub-classifications below
Single Unit Detached P P P P
Second Accessory
Dwelling Unit P P P P
See Section 20.350.033
Second Accessory
Dwelling Units
Single Unit Semi-
Attached - C P P
Single-Unit Attached - - P P
B. Revise Table 20.090.002 (Land Use Regulations – Residential Commercial, Office, and
Mixed Use Districts) to change the terminology from “Second Unit” and “Second
Dwelling Units” to “Accessory Dwelling Units”.
Use Classification CC BPO CMX ECRMX Additional Regulations
Residential Use Types
Single-Unit Dwelling See sub-classifications below
Single Unit Detached (1) (1) - (1)
Second Accessory Dwelling
Unit (1) (1) P (1)
See Section 20.350.033
Second Accessory Dwelling
Units
Single Unit Semi-Attached (1) (1) (1) (1)
Single-Unit Attached (1) (1) C P(2)
Limitations:
1. Permitted if existing. New units not allowed.
2. Residential use types not permitted on the ground floor along El Camino Real, except on the east side of El Camino
Real between First Street and West Orange Drive subject to approval of a Use Permit.
3. Residential use on ground floor limited to 50 percent of ground floor area.
4. Subject to state licensing requirements.
5. Subject to site evaluation based on prior use.
6. Maximum of 10 vehicles stored on-site with minor maintenance in enclosed structure only.
7. Must be located entirely within a building.
8. These uses shall be developed in accordance with the development standards and supplemental regulations for the M1
District except the maximum FAR is .4 with an increase up to .6 for development that provides specified off-site
improvements, subject to Conditional Use Permit approval. These uses are not subject to the development standards or
supplemental regulations of the BPO District.
9. Hours of operation 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays only except within 400 feet of a BART station.
C. Revise Table 20.100.002 (Land Use Regulations – Downtown Districts) to change the
terminology from “Second Unit” and “Second Dwelling Units” to “Accessory Dwelling
Units”.
Use Classification DMX DRL DRM DRH Additional Regulations
Residential Uses
Single-Unit Dwelling See sub-classifications below
Single Unit Detached (1) P P C
Second Accessory Dwelling Unit (1) P P P See Section 20.350.033 Second
Accessory Dwelling Units
Single Unit Semi-Attached (1) P P P
Single-Unit Attached MUP(2) P P P
Limitations:
Use Classification DMX DRL DRM DRH Additional Regulations
1. Permitted if existing. New units not allowed.
2. Limited to sites with a maximum gross site area of 4,000 square feet.
3. Prohibited on the ground floor except residential uses located south of Baden Avenue, banks, and walk-in offices
which are subject to approval of a Use Permit.
4. Permitted if retail, restaurants, personal services, or other active pedestrian-oriented use is located on the ground floor,
otherwise Minor Use Permit is required. Minor Use Permit may only be approved if the Review Authority first
finds that, based on information in the record, it is infeasible to locate retail, restaurants, personal services, or
other active pedestrian-oriented use on the ground floor.
5. Limited to facilities serving a maximum of 10 victims and may not be located within 300 feet of any other domestic
violence shelter.
6. Subject to state licensing requirements.
7. Clinic uses may not occupy the ground floor, except along Grand Avenue, west of Maple Avenue, which are subject to
the approval of a conditional use permit.
8. Living space may not occupy ground floor.
9. Limited to upper stories unless at least 50 percent of ground floor street frontage is occupied by food service use.
10. Limited to single-family detached units.
D. Revise Table 20.280.003 (Land Use Regulations – Downtown Station Area Specific Plan
Sub-Districts) to change the terminology from “Second Unit” and “Second Dwelling
Units” to “Accessory Dwelling Units”.
Uses Permitted DTC GAC DRC TO/RD LCC LNC Additional Regulations
Residential Use Classifications
Single-Unit Dwelling See sub-classifications below
Single Unit Detached (1) (1) (1) - (1) (1)
Second Accessory Dwelling
Unit (1) (1) (1) - (1) (1) See Section 20.350.035 Second
Accessory Dwelling Units
Single Unit Semi-Attached (1) (1) (1) - (1) (1)
Single-Unit Attached (1) (1) (1) - (1) (1)
Limitations:
1. Permitted if existing. New units not allowed.
2. Limited to facilities serving a maximum of 10 victims and may not be located within 300 feet of any other domestic
violence shelter.
3. Prohibited on the ground floor except residential uses located south of Baden Avenue, banks and walk-in offices which
are subject to approval of a Use Permit.
4. Subject to licensing requirements.
5. Limited to upper stories unless at least 50 percent of the ground floor street frontage is occupied by food service uses.
Uses Permitted DTC GAC DRC TO/RD LCC LNC Additional Regulations
6. Must be located at least 1,000 feet from any other social service facility.
7. Clinic uses may not occupy the ground floor along Grand Avenue, except on properties located west of Maple Avenue,
which are subject to the approval of a conditional use permit.
E. Eliminate Section 20.300.002(G) (Accessory Buildings with Second Dwelling Unit) as it
is inconsistent with State law and revised in Section 20.350.035(B):
Accessory Buildings with Second Dwelling Unit. Where an accessory building with a second
dwelling unit is detached, a part of, or is located over an accessory building or garage, the
entire structure shall be considered a main building and no portion of said building shall be
closer to any lot line than is permitted for any other main building.
F. Revise Section 20.320.004(C) so that the parking requirement for accessory dwelling
units located on properties with single-unit dwellings with non-conforming parking be
the same as garage conversions to accessory dwelling units:
Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection A above, an second accessory dwelling unit
in compliance with Section Chapter 20.350.033 (“Second Accessory Dwelling Units”) and
State law may be developed on a lot that contains a single-unit dwelling that is nonconforming
with respect to standards. If the single-unit dwelling is nonconforming because it does not meet
parking standards, an second accessory second dwelling unit may only be established when
parking for the primary dwelling unit is provided to meet the applicable requirements of
Chapter 20.330 (“On-Site Parking and Loading”) for the primary dwelling unit.
Notwithstanding the requirements of Chapter 20.330, parking for the primary dwelling unit
may be located in any configuration on the site, such as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or
tandem spaces, or mechanical parking lifts.
G. Revise the parking requirement in Table 20.330.004 (Required On-Site Parking Spaces)
to comply with State law and revised Section 20.350.035(H). (See Attachment 5)
Land Use Classification Required Parking Spaces
Residential Use Classifications
Single-Unit, Detached or Attached
Less than 2,500 square feet and less
than 5 bedrooms
2 spaces per dwelling unit General Requirements for all Single-Unit
Residential Parking:
At least one space must be within a garage.
A carport shall not be substituted for a required
garage except for existing dwellings on lots
adjacent to a lane.
2,500 to 2,999 square feet or 5
bedrooms
3 spaces per dwelling unit
3,000 square feet or more than 5
bedrooms
4 spaces per dwelling unit
Second Accessory Dwelling Unit 1 space for each, except accessory dwelling units which meet the criteria set forth in
See Section 20.350.0335(H) are exempted from the parking requirement. Second
Dwelling Units
H. Revise the parking requirement in Table 20.330.007 (Required Parking Spaces,
Downtown Districts) to comply with State law and revised Section 20.350.035(H).
Land Use Classification Required Parking Spaces
Residential Use Classifications
Single-Unit, Detached or Attached
Less than 2,500 square feet and less
than 5 bedrooms
2 spaces per dwelling unit General Requirements for all Single-Unit
Residential Parking:
At least one space must be within a garage.
A carport shall not be substituted for a required
garage except for existing dwellings on lots
adjacent to a lane.
2,500 to 2,999 square feet or 5
bedrooms
3 spaces per dwelling unit
3,000 square feet or more than 5
bedrooms
4 spaces per dwelling unit
Second Accessory Dwelling Unit 1 space for each, except accessory dwelling units which meet the criteria set forth in
See Section 20.350.0335(H) are exempted from the parking requirement. Second
Dwelling Units
I. Revise the language of preamble of Section 20.350.035 to eliminate any language that
implies discretionary review of an application for an accessory dwelling unit and
repealing the Design Review requirement.
A permit will be issued as a ministerial matter without discretionary review or hearing for
an second accessory dwelling unit within 120 days of receiving the application if the
requirements of this Chapter (“Accessory Dwelling Units”), other requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance, and other applicable City codes are met., in addition to the first single-
unit dwelling on a lot when all of the conditions below are met. Such permits may be
processed and issued as an administrative matter by the Chief Planner after review and
consideration of the application without requirement of hearing.
G. Design Review. All residential second units that result in alterations to the exterior of
an existing residence or new construction are subject to the design review provisions of
Chapter 20.480 (“Design Review”).
J. Amend Section 20.350.035(B) as follows to include any additional standards listed in
Section 65852.2(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Government Code, the requirements for garage
conversions and accessory dwelling units constructed above a garage in Section
65852.2(a)(1)(D)(vii) of the Government Code to be consistent with state law, and
development standards for detached accessory dwelling units:
B. Development Standards. Second Except as provided below, accessory dwelling units
shall conform to the height, setbackslandscaping, lot coverage and other zoning
requirements of the zoning district in which the site is located, the development standards
in this Chapter, other requirements of the zoning ordinance, and other applicable City
codes.
(i) Where an existing detached or attached garage is converted to an accessory
dwelling unit, no setback shall be required, but the structure shall conform to height,
lot coverage and other zoning requirements of the zoning district in which the site
is located, the development standards in this Chapter, other requirements of the
zoning ordinance, and other applicable City codes.
(ii) Where an accessory dwelling unit is constructed above a garage, the setback for
that unit shall be five feet from the side and rear lot lines, but shall conform to
height, lot coverage and other zoning requirements of the zoning district in which
the site is located, the development standards in this Chapter, other requirements of
the zoning ordinance, and other applicable City codes.
(iii) The minimum side yard and rear yard setback for a detached accessory
dwelling unit is five feet, except as provided in (i) above. The minimum side yard
and rear yard setback for an attached accessory dwelling shall conform to the
setback requirements of the zoning district where the site is located.
(iv) A detached accessory dwelling unit shall be located at least six feet to the rear
of the primary dwelling unit. For detached accessory dwelling units located on
corner lots, accessory dwelling units shall have the same street side yard setback as
required for the primary dwelling unit in the underlying zoning district. The Chief
Planner may grant exceptions based on lot characteristics.
K. Revise the language of Section 20.350.035(D) to increase the percentage of living area
allowed for accessory dwelling units to 50 percent of the living area of the primary
dwelling unit and increase the maximum square footage for all accessory dwelling units
to 900 square feet:
D. Maximum Floor Area. The total area of floor space of an second attached or detached
accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 900 square feet or 50 percent of the living area of the
primary unit or the minimum area of an efficiency unit as described in Section 17958.1 of the
California Health and Safety Code, whichever is greater, with a maximum allowable floor area
of 640 900 square feet.
L. Eliminate Section 20.350.035(E) because the square footage limitation ensures that the
unit is secondary to the primary dwelling and the building code ensures certain
minimum sizes for bedrooms:
E. Number of Bedrooms. The number of bedrooms in a residential second unit shall
notbe more than one.
M. Revise the langue of Section 20.350.035(H) to be consistent with the parking requirements
under State law as depicted below:
One independently usable on-site parking space shall be provided for the Second
Accessory Dwelling Unit, which shall be provided in addition to the required parking for
the primary single-unit dwelling.unless the accessory dwelling unit meets any of the
following criteria, in which case no parking spaces shall be required:
1. Within a half-mile of public transit
2. Within an architecturally and historically significant historic district, as determined
by the Chief Planner
3. Is part of an existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure
4. Is in an area where on-street parking permits are required, but not offered to the
occupant of the accessory dwelling unit
5. Within one block of a car share area
If a space is required, it shall be provided in addition to the required parking for the primary
single-unit dwelling and shall comply with all development standards set forth in Chapter
20.330 (“On-site Parking and Loading”). A tandem parking space may also be used to meet
the parking requirement for the Secondary Housing Accessory Dwelling Unit, providinged
such space will not encumber access to a required parking space for the primary single-
unit dwelling. Required parking for the primary single-family dwelling may not be
removed for the creation of a Secondary Housing Accessory Dwelling Unit (e.g., garage
conversions), or allocated to meet the parking requirement for the Second Accessory
Dwelling Unit, unless replacement parking is provided in accord with this Chapter. The
replacement parking spaces for the single-unit dwelling may be located in any
configuration on the site, such as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, or
mechanical parking lifts.
N. Revise Section 20.350.035 to include development standards for Junior Accessory
Dwelling Units.
K. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. A junior accessory dwelling unit is a unit that is no
more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-family
structure. The junior accessory dwelling unit must incorporate an existing bedroom and must
be within the existing footprint of a structure and may only include an efficiency kitchen. A
junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share
sanitation facilities with the existing structure.
1. Development Standards. Junior accessory dwelling units shall comply with the
following standards:
a. Number of Units Allowed. Only one accessory dwelling unit or, junior
accessory dwelling unit, may be located on any residentially zoned lot that
permits a single-family dwelling.
b. Location. A junior accessory dwelling unit may only be located on a
lot which already contains one legal single-family dwelling. A junior
accessory dwelling unit must be created within the existing walls of an
existing primary dwelling, and must include conversion of an existing
bedroom.
c. Separate Entry Required. A separate exterior entry shall be provided
to serve a junior accessory dwelling unit. Where possible, exterior entries
for JADUs shall not be located adjacent to the primary front door of the
primary dwelling unit.
d. Interior Entry Remains. The interior connection to the main living
area must be maintained, but a second door may be added for sound
attenuation.
e. Kitchen Requirements. The junior accessory dwelling unit shall
include an efficiency kitchen, requiring and limited to the following
components:
1) A sink with a maximum waste line diameter of one-and-a-half
(1.5) inches,
2) A cooking facility with appliance which do not require electrical
service greater than one-hundred-and twenty (120) volts or natural
or propane gas, and
3) A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are
reasonable to size of the unit.
f. Minimum and Maximum floor area. The minimum total area of floor
space of a junior accessory dwelling unit shall be at least the minimum area
of an efficiency unit as described in Section 17958.1 of the California
Health and Safety Code but shall not exceed a maximum of 500 square feet
of floor area.
2. Parking. No additional parking is required.
3. Owner Occupancy. The owner of a parcel proposed for a junior accessory
dwelling unit shall occupy as a principal residence either the primary dwelling
unit or the accessory dwelling unit.
4. Sale Prohibited. A junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold
independently of the primary dwelling on the parcel.
5. Deed Restriction. Prior to obtaining a building permit for a junior accessory
dwelling unit, a deed restriction, approved by the City Attorney, shall be recorded
with the County Recorder's office, which shall include the pertinent restrictions
and limitations of a junior accessory dwelling unit identified in this Section. Said
deed restriction shall run with the land, and shall be binding upon any future
owners, heirs, or assigns. A copy of the recorded deed restriction shall be filed
with the Department stating that:
a. The junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold separately from the
primary dwelling unit;
b. The junior accessory dwelling unit is restricted to the maximum size
allowed per the development standards;
c. The junior accessory dwelling unit shall be considered legal only so
long as either the primary residence, or the accessory dwelling unit, is
occupied by the owner of record of the property;
d. The restrictions shall be binding upon any successor in ownership of
the property and lack of compliance with this provision may result in legal
action against the property owner, including revocation of any right to
maintain a junior accessory dwelling unit on the property.
O. Revise language of Section 20.350.035(C) and 20.350.035(L) to make corrections or
clarify regulations.
C. Type of Unit. The second accessory dwelling unit shall provide separate,
independent living quarters for one household. The second accessory dwelling unit may
be attached, detached, or located within the living areas of the primary dwelling unit on
the lot, subject to the standards of this section. An existing single-family dwelling may be
converted into two dwelling units.
J. Conversion of an Existing House to an Accessory Dwelling Second Unit. In cases
where an existing single-family residence of a size 640 900 square feet or less, the Chief
Planner may approve the construction of one additional residence which is intended to be
the primary residence on the property. The existing residence, which is intended to
become the lawful second accessory dwelling unit, must comply with all the
requirements of this Ordinance, including the second-dwelling size limitations. The
primary residence shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the applicable
zoning district and other requirements of this Ordinance.
P. Revise title of Section 20.350.035 of the SSFMC to “Accessory Dwelling Units” and
language of Sections 20.350.035(A), 20.350.035(E), 20.350.035(G), 20.350.035(H), and
20.350.035 (I) to change the nomenclature from “second units” and “secondary unit to
accessory dwelling unit.
20.350.035 SecondAccessory Dwelling Units
A. Location. Second Accessory dwelling units may be established on any lot in any district
where a primary single unit dwelling has been previously established or is proposed to be
established in conjunction with construction of an accessory dwellingsecond unit. Only one
second accessory dwelling unit is permitted per primary single-family dwelling on the same
lot.
FE. Architectural Compatibility. The accessory dwellingsecond unit may utilize either a
separate entry or the same exterior doorways as the primary unit and shall be installed in a
manner as to negate an obvious indication of two units in the same structure. An accessory
dwellingsecond unit shall be designed and constructed so as to blend with and complement the
existing single-family unit in terms of height, roofing, siding materials and color.
IG. Code Compliance. The accessory dwellingsecond unit shall comply with all provisions
of the South San Francisco Municipal Code in effect at the time of approval of the building
permit.
1. If the proposed accessory dwellingsecond unit is attached or within the primary
structure, the primary unit must comply with all building, electrical, plumbing, and
housing code requirements in effect at the time the building permit is issued for the
accessory dwellingsecond residential unit.
2. Products of combustion detectors shall be required for each primary and
accessory dwellingsecond unit.
JH. Use Limitation. Either the primary or accessory dwellingsecondary unit may be for
rental purposes and neither unit may be sold separately.
KI. Deed Restrictions. Before obtaining a building permit, the property owner shall file with
the County Recorder a declaration or agreement of restrictions which has been approved by
the City Attorney as to its form and content, containing a reference to the deed under which
the property was acquired by the owner stating that:
1. The accessory second dwelling unit shall be considered legal only so long as
either the primary residence or the accessory second dwelling is occupied by the
owner of the property.
2. The accessory second dwelling unit cannot be sold separately.
3. The accessory dwelling unit is restricted to the maximum size allowed per the
development standards.
4. The restrictions shall be binding upon any successor in ownership of the property,
the City may enforce these provisions at the cost of the owner, and enforcement
may include legal action against the property owner including revocation of any
right to maintain an accessory dwelling unit on the property.
Q. Revise Section 20.440.008 (Chief Planner) as follows to eliminate language that implies
discretionary review of accessory dwelling units:
E. Conduct design review for additions to one-, two- and three-unit residential structures;
residential second units; and sign programs less than 25 square feet in total sign area.
R. Revise Sections 20.480.003 (Assignment of Design Review Responsibilities) and
20.480.006 as follows to eliminate language that implies discretionary review of accessory
dwelling units:
A. Chief Planner.
1. The Chief Planner may approve, conditionally approve, or deny sign
programs with less than 25 square feet of total sign area, and additions to one-,
two- and three-unit residential structures, and residential second units not
elsewhere exempted from the procedures of this chapter, without the Design
Review Board’s review and recommendations.
3. New additions to existing residential dwellings and residential second units
shall be architecturally compatible with the primary residential unit, with respect
to style, massing, roof pitch, color and materials.
R. Revise Section 20.620.002 (Residential Use Classifications) to change the terminology
from “Second Unit” to “Accessory Dwelling Unit” and add “Junior Accessory Dwelling
Unit” to the residential use classifications.
Second Accessory Dwelling Unit. A dwelling unit providing complete independent
living facilities for one or more persons that is located on a lot with another primary,
single-unit dwelling. An second accessory dwelling unit may be within the same
structure as the primary unit, in an attached structure, or in a separate structure on the
same lot.
Accessory Dwelling Unit, Junior. An accessory dwelling unit that is no more than 500
square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-family structure. The
junior accessory dwelling unit must incorporate an existing bedroom and must be within
the existing footprint of a structure and may only include an efficiency kitchen. A junior
accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation
facilities with the existing structure.
Second Unit. A dwelling unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or
more persons that is located on a lot with another primary, single-unit dwelling. A second
unit may be within the same structure as the primary unit, in an attached structure, or in a
separate structure on the same lot.