City of Beverly Hills planners held a virtual workshop on July 31 to inform the community about potential updates to the regulations for Multi-Family Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and to offer a chance for resident feedback. This followed an in-person meeting on July 8 at the Beverly Hills City Hall Municipal Gallery, where residents gathered for a face-to-face discussion. The commission also held an online survey so that they could gauge the community’s response prior to the virtual meeting. Based on survey results and comments at the virtual workshop, they determined what changes to the Multi-Family ADU regulations developers are looking for.
During the workshop, Associate Planner Patrick Achis outlined the different types of ADUs that can be built. These include new structures that are either attached to current residential buildings or detached from the main dwelling on the property, and preexisting non-livable structures such as garages that are converted into livable spaces. Under the current regulations, these developments must have a maximum square footage of 850 square feet for one-bedroom units and a maximum of 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms. They also must have a minimum setback of 4 feet, offer a minimum of one parking space and rooftop decks and balconies are prohibited. The maximum height for a detached ADU is 16 feet.
Developers at the meeting advocated for certain changes.
“As an architect who has designed and permitted ADUs in various cities in the LA area, I am all in favor of increasing the height limits and allowing for decks and balconies,” Emily Hodgdon, an architect at Inchoate Architecture wrote in a message on Zoom. She was backed by Stephanie Halverson, founder of Inchoate Architecture, who argued that residents on second-floor ADUs should have access to their own private outdoor space.
Associate Planners Christine Delostrinos and Achis received all input and will present the feedback at the Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 8, where they will finalize a new set of regulations for a vote. The city planners urged those who would still like to give feedback to submit a request for public comment at the commission meeting.
