Do You Know About the Granny Flat  Flap?
                                                         by Catherine Darragh

     San Diego's City Council was forced to comply with the new legislation passed by the California 
     Legislature regarding Density Bonus and Second Units. All the cities in the state had to comply or amend
     their rules by July 2003. The concern over the housing crunch and the affordability factor was a deep enough
     problem to bring action. How did San Diego respond? At a hearing in June 2003, Mayor Murphy said he
     would like an outright ban on second units. He felt the need to protect the single family neighborhood. Other
     Council Members had other objections.
    
     In July 2003 new rules were established without much outcry from the public. I think we citizens were all
     "out to lunch" that day. The Council complied with the state rules but added more restrictive rules.
    
     For more information, find out what happened.

     UPDATE:  A draft to delete the "double the lot size" has been gathering dust since Apr. 2007. It has never
                     been put on the Council's Agenda for approval. Contact Tony Young, Council President and
                     your Council Member to light a fire under them!  8 years is too long to wait for a simple
                     housing solution!        

     Check out some designs from the Friends of San Diego Architecture Design Competition. All were designed
     for 5000 square foot lots.
                             Accessory Dwelling Units--Inspired Solutions for Our Community
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               Granny Flat Designs