Coastal resources: local coastal program: amendments: accessory and junior accessory dwelling units.

Existing law, the California Coastal Act of 1976, among other things, establishes the California Coastal Commission and provides for planning and regulation of development in the coastal zone, as defined. The act requires the commission to adopt, after public hearing, procedures for the preparation, submission, approval, appeal, certification, and amendment of a local coastal program, as provided. Existing law, the Planning and Zoning Law, authorizes a local agency to provide for the creation of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for residential use, as specified. Existing law also authorizes a local agency to provide for the creation of junior accessory dwelling units in single-family residential zones, as specified. Existing law authorizes the Department of Housing and Community Development to review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines to implement uniform standards or criteria that supplement or clarify certain statutory terms, references, and standards related to accessory dwelling units. This bill would require, by July 1, 2026, the commission, in coordination with the department, to develop and provide guidance for local governments to facilitate the preparation of amendments to a local coastal program to clarify and simplify the permitting process for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units within the coastal zone. The bill would require the commission, in coordination with the department, to convene at least one public workshop to receive and consider public comments on the draft guidance before the finalization of the guidance document and to post the guidance document on the commission's and department's respective internet websites, as specified. To the extent the bill would create additional duties for a local government, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. 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, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.