Development News for Moraga, California

Moraga Planning Commission Recommends Approval of ADU Ordinance Amendments

The Planning Commission reviewed proposed amendments to Chapter 8.124 of the Moraga Municipal Code regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JDUs). The amendments aim to ensure consistency with state law, as recent state legislative changes have altered development standards, application procedures, and other regulations. Staff recommended adopting Resolution No. 4-2026, which recommends town council approval of these amendments. The proposed changes include updated definitions, revised application procedures with mandated review timeframes, an amnesty process for pre-2020 units, updated ADU allowances for multifamily properties, revised development standards (including setbacks and parking), and updated deed restriction requirements. Administrative updates were also proposed to improve ordinance organization and usability. The commission discussed potential ambiguities in design standards, the implications of state law overriding local ordinances, the amnesty process for unpermitted units, and the role of the planning commission in ministerial review processes. Ultimately, the commission voted 4-2 to recommend adoption of the resolution to the town council, with two commissioners opposing.