Accessory dwelling units: preapproved plans.

Existing law, the Planning and Zoning Law, authorizes a local agency, by ordinance or ministerial approval, to provide for the creation of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for residential use, as specified. Existing law authorizes a local agency to impose standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but are not limited to, parking, height, setback, landscape, architectural review, and maximum size of a unit. This bill would require each local agency, by January 1, 2025, to develop a program for the preapproval of accessory dwelling unit plans, whereby the local agency accepts accessory dwelling unit plan submissions for preapproval and approves or denies the preapproval applications, as specified. The bill would authorize a local agency to charge a fee to an applicant for the preapproval of an accessory dwelling unit plan, as specified. The bill would require the local agency to post preapproved accessory dwelling unit plans and the contact information of the applicant on the local agency's internet website. The bill would require a local agency to either approve or deny an application for a detached accessory dwelling unit within 30 days that utilizes either an accessory dwelling unit plan preapproved by the local agency within the current triennial California Building Standards Code rulemaking cycle or a plan that is identical to a plan used in an application for a detached accessory dwelling unit approved by the local agency within the current triennial California Building Standards Code rulemaking cycle. By imposing new duties on local agencies, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.