To Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors: ADU ordinance changes make it harder, not easier
October 18, 2021
To: Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors
From: Santa Cruz YIMBY
Re: Agenda Item #9: ADU Ordinance Updates
Dear Supervisors,
Santa Cruz YIMBY seeks to build a community where our neighbors of all ages, cultures, and incomes, can make Santa Cruz County their home.
We are writing to oppose adoption of the ordinance amending the County Code chapters 13.10 and 13.20 regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs). This is item #9 on the October 19, 2021 agenda.
These changes will make building ADUs harder, not easier. We ask you to:
Remove the relative-occupancy requirements. They make ADU development an exclusionary, family-based privilege.
Eliminate design standards that require matching the primary dwelling. This precludes less-expensive modular options for ADUs. It also undermines the work the County is already doing (and the recently awarded a six-figure vendor contract) to develop standardized, pre-approved ADU plans.
Work with the Coastal Commission to ensure ADUs in the Coastal Zone do NOT undergo discretionary review and have off-street parking requirements that mirror the City of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz County desperately needs more affordable housing. The County has recognized the importance of ADUs for affordable housing options. We encourage this to be supported consistently through ordinance and processes.
Sincerely,
Santa Cruz YIMBY
Santa Cruz YIMBY Mission: We envision a community where our neighbors of all ages, cultures, abilities, and incomes, can make Santa Cruz County their home. In response to the ever-increasing cost of living, we advocate for more affordable housing to meet the needs of our growing population.
Santa Cruz YIMBY is a chapter of YIMBY Action, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization.