Granny Flats

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how granny flats, a colloquial term often used for accessory second dwelling units, are best described as the converted use of space in a residential home into a small apartment. It examines how in California most often this means converting part or all of a garage into an apartment or flat and how the advantages of converting the extra space into living units is often in providing a source of income for the owners of the house. It evaluates how the State of California requires that local governments allow second dwelling units in single-family districts. It looks at how granny flats mostly meet the same housing construction and safety codes of more traditional housing. It shows how they offer low-cost alternatives to apartments for those on a fixed income such as the elderly or those with disabilities who are receiving assistance. In addition they are an alternative to warehousing older generation Americans who cannot afford to live independently.

From the Paper:

"Ordinances vary widely from city to city in the state. Many municipalities have tried in the past to severely regulate the use of granny flats by their residents. California Court of Appeal struck down just such an attempt in Santa Monica, which had an ordinance on the books that restricted, who can live in second units in single family residential zones. The court found that the ordinance it violated both privacy and equal protection rights. The ordinance restricted occupancy to dependents and caretakers. It was approved by the City Council at the urging of residents, in spite of legal warnings from attorneys as well as City staff."

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