Planning Department Set to Launch Accessory Dwelling Unit Pilot Program

At Monday’s City Council meeting Planning Director David Reyes announced that his department plans to roll out an online ADU pilot program.

“Next Monday, I am very happy and pleased to announce that we’re going to go live with our ADU pilot program.

The program will allow local residents to submit online to build an accessory dwelling unit.

New laws allow owners of single-family homes to build two additional units on their lots, in some cases within four feet of the property line.

An online pilot program could simplify the process.

Since April 2018, the city has received 142 applications for ADUs, 35 permits have been issued, 74 applications are currently being reviewed. Four additional applications have been approved and can advance after the applicants complete the permit process. In addition, 20 projects have been inspected and completed, and nine permits have been canceled.

Construction of ADUs has increased significantly in California in recent years.

According to a September article in Pasadena Now in 2018-2019, permits skyrocketed from almost

6,000 to nearly 16,000, according to a study by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation.

During that same period, ADU completions more than tripled from 2,000 to almost 7,000 in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area. 

But that is not the only change scheduled for the department. 

According to Reyes, within the next six months the entire permitting system will be online in an effort to provide better customer service. 

“Not only are we going to save trees, we’re going to the applicant’s time. Especially during COVID we’ve noticed very clearly that folks being able to do business from home is extremely important.”