La Canada Flintridge : Rules for ‘Granny Flats’
In an attempt to prevent a proliferation of guest houses, known as “granny flats,” the City Council tentatively adopted an ordinance Monday to link the square footage of such structures to lot size.
Council members unanimously approved an ordinance that will prohibit second units on lots less than 15,000 square feet. Detached units of 700 square feet would be allowed on lots up to 20,000 square feet. On larger lots, second units could be built up to 1,000 square feet. Attached units could be a maximum of 640 square feet.
The ordinance would also include requirements for conditional-use permits before construction of second units and annual property inspections.
Existing second units that do not meet the requirements will be allowed to remain as legal nonconforming uses, said Craig A. Ewing, director of Community Development.
Council members considered the rules necessary because state law prohibits cities from outlawing second units for the elderly and family members in single-family neighborhoods.
A public hearing will be held before final approval of the ordinance, scheduled for the council’s Oct. 28 meeting, Ewing said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
