Build More ADUs- An Rx to Increase Marin's Housing Supply*

More housing in Marin is needed and ADUs are one solution. Response: Agree.

Many homeowners lack information and knowledge about ADU development, and Marin's jurisdictions are not always helpful to homeowners seeking information about ADU development. Response: Partially Disagree. The statement that "Marin's jurisdictions are not always helpful to homeowners seeking information about ADU development" is not an accurate reflection of the service the Town of San Anselmo staff provide homeowners inquiring about ADUs, although sometimes information is technical and may be difficult for homeowners to understand. The Town of San Anselmo Building and Planning staff are available to meet with homeowners in person, on the phone, or via Zoom to provide information and respond to questions about ADU development. The Town's Planning Webpage also has a dedicated webpage regarding ADUs. A direct link to the webpage can be accessed here. There is also additional support through the ADUMarin.org website, which was launched in fall 2020 to provide online resources and educational information on financing, planning for, constructing and renting out ADUs. The website also provides ADU regulations for each city and town in Marin County, providing one access point for information on ADUs. The Town has and continues to inform and facilitate the development of ADUs. In fact, the Town had approved 12 building permits for ADUs in 2020, 43 in 2021, 32 in 2022, and 10 permits in 2023 with 12 permits pending.

It is often difficult, if not impossible, for a Marin homeowner to determine the planning, building, connection, capacity, and impact fees associated with developing an ADU in a particular jurisdiction. Response: Partially Disagree. While it can be difficult to obtain information about fees because of the lack of uniformity of varying agency websites, the Town disagrees with the use of the word "impossible" as each jurisdiction provides its respective fee schedules available to the public on their respective agency websites. The Town of San Anselmo's current fee schedule is available on the Town's website and easily accessible through a search on the Town's website or an internet search, such as "San Anselmo Fee Schedule". The Town's fee schedule includes information on various fees for a variety of departments including Finance and Administration, Public Works, Library, Building, Item 1.3- Attachment 1 County of Marin Response to Grand Jury Report Findings and Recommendations Build More ADUs - An Rx to Increase Marin's Housing Supply (June 15, 2023) and Planning fees. The Town's fee schedule does not include the Marin Municipal Water District Connection fees, the Ross Valley Sanitary Connection Fees and the school district fees. Additionally, the Town staff is available to provide estimates of the various fees through its digital permit tracking system when provided information regarding the size and improvements. The Town staff is also available to meet with homeowners in person or answer questions over the phone or via email. Lastly, the Town staff acknowledges that a homeowner typically cannot determine all ADU fees independently without consulting with Town staff and other agencies.

Many Bay Area cities and counties, for example Napa and Sonoma, have implemented comprehensive websites and related support to help homeowners create ADUs. Response: Agree.

ADUs may be rented affordably and provide additional benefits for older adults and their caregivers. Response: Agree.

Most Marin jurisdictions could provide better resources offering or identifying financing incentives for ADU development. Response: Agree.

Impact, connection, and capacity fees vary considerably throughout the County and such fees can be a disincentive to homeowners considering ADU development. Partially Disagree. Response: State law prohibits cities and special districts from charging impact fees for ADUs that are less than 750 square feet per state law. All Town staff involved in permitting ADUs are aware of this restriction. Connection and capacity fees vary by jurisdiction and/or utility district.

Not every jurisdiction in Marin has updated its planning and building code policies to confirm with current California ADU laws. Response: Partially Disagree. It is possible that not every jurisdiction in Marin has updated its planning and building policies; however, state law supersedes local ordinances, so that even if the local ordinance has not been updated, the State law is in effect. That stated, the Town of San Anselmo Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 1172 on December 13, 2022, to comply with all current state laws. County of Marin Response to Grand Jury Findings and Recommendations Item 1.3- Attachment 1 County of Marin Response to Grand Jury Report Findings and Recommendations Build More ADUs - An Rx to Increase Marin's Housing Supply (June 15, 2023)

Granting amnesty, following safety inspection, to existing non-conforming second units could help Marin meet its housing obligations. Response: Partially Disagree. The County and other cities and towns previously included amnesty programs to encourage legalization of existing unpermitted ADUs by providing relaxed standards. However, given the permissiveness and flexibility of state law, granting amnesty may not be necessary as barriers are not related to planning and building requirements (see the response to Grand Jury recommendation R2). In fact, the Town's Planning and Building departments continue to ministerially approve the legalization of unpermitted ADUs through the building permit process. It is important to note that while amnesty for legalization of existing units could address health and safety issues with existing housing, it may not directly create new housing as many of the unpermitted ADUs are currently being rented.

ADU Marin and HelloADU are a good start. However, compared to several other Bay Area cities and counties, for example Napa and Sonoma, they could be substantially enhanced and expanded. Response: Agree. RESPONSE TO GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS The Marin County Civil Grand Jury recommends the following: