At the Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission meeting, where they're having a study session on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Public comment so far has been mostly from architects, developers, and homeowners who are building ADUs and hitting quirks in the rules.
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Biggest complaint is that extra Floor Area Ratio applies to adding an ADU too existing construction, but the extra FAR doesn't apply to an ADU built as part of new construction. Currently they can work around this by having construction last longer.
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Though that was followed by two homeowners complaining about ADUs adjacent to their backyards. Also comments about fees being too high, and about accommodating prebuilt homes.

Jan 11, 2018 · 2:35 AM UTC

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The commission is now discussing the actual agenda from cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/f… , point B (Bonus Lot Coverage and Floor Area). Staff thinks current law says (1). Commisioner Gardias is arguing for (3), Lauing seems to think it says (1) or (2). Monk supports changing to (2).
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Summa thinks law meant to say (3) and wants it to say that (bonus only for homes predating ordinance). Alcheck wants to fix inconsistency by either doing (2) or removing bonus, and prefers (2) to encourage more ADUs including in new construction.