Another set of changes in store for Newport Beach ‘granny flat’ rules

The Newport Beach City Council is set to update its rules on accessory dwelling units Tuesday after more changes in state law.

The state forced cities to loosen much of their control in 2017 after passing a law to reduce barriers to accessory unit development, nullifying Newport’s previous strict limitations that generally banned the residential additions except for people 55 and older.

ADU regulations have been further amended as the state continued to refine the rules.

The state reforms are meant to encourage more and easier development of the units, also known as “granny flats,” to increase housing stock with units such as backyard cottages or apartments built in basements or above garages.

The city will lose control over minimum lot size — state law now requires no minimum lot size for ADUs — but will maintain discretion over aesthetics, unit size and barring their use as short-term rentals. Newport currently requires a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet for an accessory unit.

The city has approved 11 ADU applications over the past three years, according to a staff report.

Tuesday’s council meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. with a study session. The regular session begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive.

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