Newport Beach to amend city code for accessory dwelling units after Coastal Commission approval

Having recently received Coastal Commission blessings, the Newport Beach City Council is poised to update its city code Tuesday as it relates to accessory dwelling units.

Also known as “granny flats,” the units are generally defined as small homes or apartments that share a lot with larger, single-family homes. They can include guest houses, converted garages or apartments that are built over garages.

The city loosened restrictions on such units in 2017 in response to changes in state law that required local jurisdictions to make it easier for property owners to create affordable housing units. Further regulations were amended in 2018 and the city waived permitting fees for ADUs beginning in April 2021, through the end of this calendar year.

Additional amendments to alter the city’s development code were approved in March 2020, including the expansion of zoning districts to accommodate more ADUs, the elimination of minimum lot sizes and other adjustments.

Approval from the Coastal Commission was required to apply those changes to properties located in the coastal zone. The proposed amendments were submitted to the state commission and approval was given in December, with some suggested modifications. The seven-member dais will be reviewing those changes Tuesday night before considering adoption.

Also Tuesday, the City Council will receive an update on the city’s crime statistics during a study session prior to its regular meeting.

The meeting will begin Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at Newport Beach City Hall. The study session will begin at 4 p.m.

Residents can view a livestream of the meeting at newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/public-information-office/nbtv/nbtv-live or on Channel 3 for those using Spectrum or Channel 852 for those using Cox Communications.

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