LA County Eases Up On Granny Flat Rules To Combat Homeless Crisis

LOS ANGELES, CA — Trying to tackle homelessness from every angle, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to give homeowners more leeway to build rental units in their backyards or above garages.

The board preliminarily approved a draft ordinance to ease regulations around units sometimes known as "granny flats" and legally referred to as "accessory dwelling units," which are seen as a way to help boost the stock of low-cost housing. County lawyers still need to prepare final documents for board review and approval.

"This ordinance enables county property owners to be part of the solution in the fight against homelessness," Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said. "Building `granny flats' can help alleviate our affordable housing crisis, while providing additional rental income for the families who build them."

The ordinance applies to units ranging from 150 to 1,200 square feet with a full kitchen and bathroom that are part of properties with a single- family residence.

State laws that took effect last year placed limits on the parking and setbacks that local zoning agencies could require for the ADUs.

The county ordinance also legalizes existing unpermitted units. However, it does impose some restrictions, including a prohibition on leasing the units for periods less than 30 consecutive days.

There is a shortfall of more than 550,000 units of affordable housing countywide, according to a 2017 report by the California Housing Partnership Corporation.

City News Service; Photo By Ashley Ludwig