Does the City allow Accessory Dwelling Units? Yes. State law requires cities to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by-right in residential zones. On January 1, 2017, two bills took effect (Assembly Bill 2299 and Senate Bill 1069) that affect second unit and accessory dwelling unit regulations. On July 5, 2017, the City Council adopted Ordinance 17-1022, amending the City of Temple City s Zoning Code to comply with State law. The new Ordinance goes into effect on Monday, August 4, 2017. What are some of the standards set under the new Ordinance? Maximum Size Required Parking ADU Detached from Main Dwelling 1,200 square feet One space per unit; may be in tandem or on a driveway (no garage required) ADU Attached to Main Dwelling or Existing Structure Converted to ADU 50% of the area of the main dwelling up to 1,200 square feet maximum No parking required Parking for Garage Conversions: A new garage is not required to replace an existing garage that is being converted into an ADU. No Setbacks for Conversions: Permitted structures that are converted into ADUs may maintain their existing setbacks and do not need to comply with ADU setback requirements. Renting Units: ADUs may be rented but not sold. One Story: Detached ADUs are limited to one story. Rear of the Lot: ADUs must be located in the rear 50%. Open Space and Landscaping: 400 square feet of must be set aside for the ADU; hedges must be planted along the side and rear property lines nearest the structure. Limited Visibility of Front Door: The doors of an ADU cannot be visible from the street. Minimum Side Yard Setback: Five feet for a new detached ADU or new ADU attached to a house. Minimum Rear Yard Setback: Ten feet for new detached ADU. Maximum Building Height: 18 feet to the highest ridge and 9 feet to the top plate for new detached ADU. Maximum Number of Accessory Structures: One per lot (not counting required garage parking). Accessory structures include ADUs, additional garages, sheds, pool houses, and the like. The maximum combined area for all accessory structures is 1,800 square feet or 50% of the living area of the main dwelling, whichever is smaller. In cases where the main dwelling is less than 1,280 square feet, the accessory structure can have a maximum area of 640 square feet. Fence Required: A six-foot high wall or fence must be located along the side and rear property lines. Minimum Building Separation: Ten feet from any other building on the lot Consistent Architectural Style: All ADUs must be consistent with the architectural style of the main dwelling.
How does this impact existing guest houses and second units that do not conform to the new ADU law? Existing permitted second units and guest houses do not require any changes. Guesthouses could be converted to ADUs if they meet the size and design requirements for new ADUs. ADUs have impacts on City infrastructure such as streets, parks, and sewers similar to other dwelling units. Will builders of ADUs pay their fair share toward addressing these impacts? Yes. ADUs will be required to pay the same park development fees and sewer reconstruction fees that are required of other new residential units. Should the City adopt other development impact fees in the future, such fees could also be applied to ADUs. When does the new ordinance go into effect? The new ordinance was approved by City Council on July 5, 2017. It takes effect on August 4, 2017. Any planning applications for an ADU that have not been deemed complete on or before August 4, 2017, must comply with the provisions of the new ordinance. If you have questions regarding your project please contact Planning at (626) 656-7316.
New Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 5 foot minimum setback 10-foot minimum rear setback Door not visible from the street 1 parking space per bedroom. Driveway and tandem spaces allowed. Page 1 of 4
Garage Conversion to Accessory Dwelling Unit Additional side and rear setback not required Parking for main house provided on driveway. Converted garage does not require parking. Page 2 of 4
Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit 5-foot minimum side setback 15-foot minimum rear setback Door not visible from the street Existing garage parking for main house. No parking required for attached ADU. Page 3 of 4
Accessory Dwelling Unit Located Within the Main House Interior remodel of existing structure to create new ADU No additional setback required Existing garage parking for main house. No parking required for ADU located within the main dwelling Page 4 of 4