Laguna Agrees to March Showdown Over Illegal Second Housing Units

Following an almost-four-hour meeting, the Laguna Beach City Council voted Tuesday night to hold a special session later this month to decide how to “humanely” enforce the zoning code in newly annexed South Laguna.

The decision came before an emotional crowd of more than 200 residents who had packed City Hall for the meeting on the problem of illegal second units in South Laguna.

“There is a law and the law is being broken,” Councilman Robert F. Gentry said. “What are we going to do now to enforce that law that is humane? . . . My honest answer to you is I don’t know.”

The council voted to hold the special March 22 session, to be followed by an April 5 council meeting at which a final decision is expected.

The city has begun investigating more than 100 complaints--previously registered with the county--alleging building and zoning code violations in South Laguna, which was annexed to Laguna Beach on Dec. 31.

In 1936, the county designated South Laguna’s zoning as R-1, limiting residential construction to one single-family dwelling per parcel of land. That zoning designation followed when the community was annexed.

Some South Lagunans with illegal units had asked the City Council to listen to their side of the story. Members of the Assn. for the Preservation of Diversity in South Laguna said the units should be exempt from the single-zoning law because second units have been part of South Laguna’s beach-village identity for several years. They said their community will become “urbanized” if the code is enforced.

Betsy Rose, echoing the sentiments of many other South Laguna residents, said she hoped the city would “not be known for causing a mass exodus of its newest residents.”

Members of the diversity association were in force at the meeting, wearing red hearts on their lapels representing their “heartfelt concern.”

Grace Barnett, a 40-year resident of South Laguna, described it as “a little Eden. I need the money from my rental unit. It’s half my income.”

Those who filed the complaints were there in equal force and cited parking problems and overcrowding caused by illegal units. They said crowded street conditions make it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass.

Edna Alton said it was not fair that some people could supplement their incomes by illegally renting out part of their homes.

“I’m 97, and I hope I live long enough to see the thing straightened out,” she said from her wheelchair.

Many of the streets off Coast Highway are not under the city’s parking enforcement because they are owned by the homeowners.

In addition to the complaints about illegal second units, several complaints have been filed regarding allegations of building code violations, such as for faulty wiring and plumbing.

Members of the diversity association expressed dismay about tenants--especially the elderly--who may be left without a home if the code is enforced.

Housing assistance is available for those who are evicted from their apartments because of code enforcement. Senior citizens would be eligible for federal housing assistance.