PLACENTIA : City OKs Larger 2nd Units on Properties

The City Council recently approved measures that allow residents to build larger second housing units on their properties, but limits occupancy of those units to one or two people 62 years or older.

The new requirements, approved 4-1 last week, are designed to increase the affordable housing supply available to low- and middle-income residents, particularly senior citizens on fixed incomes, said senior planner Chris Becker.

Many times a widowed spouse wants to live close to his or her children but still live in a separate house, Becker said. But many seniors cannot afford to buy such a home.

The second units “seem to work really well,” he said. “They aren’t real expensive.”

The city had an ordinance on the books that limited the second units to 640 square feet and required that they be attached to the main residence on the property. The new measure increases floor space to a maximum of 1,200 square feet and allows for unattached structures. It also imposes an age requirement of 62 years and over.

City officials said the changes bring the city in line with new state requirements passed by lawmakers last year.