Accessory Dwelling Units: ordinances.

Senator Arreguín's proposal to modify California's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations would establish automatic nullification procedures for local ordinances that fail to meet state compliance requirements. The legislation addresses two specific scenarios where local ADU ordinances would become void: when agencies do not submit their ordinances to the Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days of adoption, or when they do not respond to the department's compliance findings within 30 days.

The bill maintains existing requirements that local ADU ordinances must utilize only ministerial approval processes, prohibiting discretionary reviews except where explicitly permitted. When an ordinance becomes void under the new provisions, local agencies must default to state standards for ADU approvals until adopting a compliant replacement ordinance. The Department of Housing and Community Development retains its authority to review ordinances and notify the Attorney General about violations.

Under the legislation's administrative provisions, local agencies would bear the costs of implementing these changes without state reimbursement, as they possess authority to levy service charges and fees sufficient to cover associated expenses. This reflects the bill's approach of strengthening state oversight while leaving funding responsibilities at the local level.