New Law Makes It Easier For To Build Granny Flats In San Marino

A new law that aims to ease the housing crisis by reducing the burden and cost of building "granny flats" is now in effect.
LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles City Councilman Gil Cedillo Monday praised a new state law that reduces red tape and the cost of building "granny flats," which he said will help ease the city's housing crunch.

Accessory Dwelling Units -- commonly referred to as granny flats -- are secondary units built on the property of a single-family home, such as a converted garage, a guest house or a smaller unit within an existing home.

SB 1069, whick took effect on Jan. 1, eased a number of regulations on granny flats by reducing parking restrictions, eliminating sprinkler requirements, reducing or eliminating water and sewage hookup fees, increasing the maximum allowed size of a granny flat, and requiring ministerial approval of conversion of an existing structure to a granny flat.

Cedillo's office estimated the new law could help create 5,000 to 10,000 new units in Los Angeles.

"We have a housing crisis in Los Angeles and an incredible need for 100,000 units of housing," Cedillo said, referring to a city goal to build that many units by 2021.