In early March, the City Council voted to eliminate Systems Development Charges (SDCs) on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), more commonly known as "Mother in Law Apartments." These units are key components of the City's affordable housing and density goals, and the relatively high cost of $8,000-$12,000 in SDCs per unit have proven to be a barrier to the desired proliferation of this type of housing.
The resolution directed Transportation, Parks, Water, and Environmental Services to return with the Council with the necessary code changes to implement the Council's direction by April 15. As a result, each bureau has filed the necessary ordinances for Council approval on this week's City Council agenda (Items #500, 504, 508, and 514). If approved, the new rules go into effect immediately, and the Bureau of Development Services will begin processing permits for new ADUs and legalized ADUs without the expensive SDC charges. The waiver of SDC fees on ADUs will continue until July 2013.
For more information on the new ADU policy and a copy of the resolution, click here.