Applications for Granny Flats Soar

[Updated] In response to new laws that diminish the City’s power to control local housing, applications for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as granny flats, have dramatically increased according to information obtained by Pasadena Now.

The new laws allow owners of single-family homes to build two additional units on their lots, in some cases within four feet of the property line.

Since April 2018, the city has received 142 applications for ADUs, 35 permits have been issued, 74 applications are currently being reviewed. Four additional applications have been approved and can advance after the applicants complete the permit process. In addition, 20 projects have been inspected and completed, and nine permits have been canceled.

But over the previous 10 years, the city only issued permits for five additional dwelling units.

Mayoral candidates’ reaction was mixed when contacted by Pasadena Now. Mayor Terry Tornek and Councilman Victor Gordo voiced opposition to the influx of ADUs. Meanwhile,

Jason Hardin and Major Williams supported the additional units as possible affordable housing.

“I think the state has dramatically overreached in terms of how they have intervened in local regulatory practice, land use practice,” Tornek told Pasadena Now.

“That was the reason that I suggested a year ago that we might have to start looking at litigation, but I’m now persuaded that the way to deal with this is through, trying to modify legislation where it really has been too heavy-handed. And I have some expectation that we might have success in that, on that score.”

Gordo said the package of bills has eroded Pasadena’s ability to determine its own destiny.

“The state is punishing cities like Pasadena who have done their part, because other cities have not,” Gordo said. “This statewide, one size fits all approach on the part of the state is wrong because it treats every city and every neighborhood across the state of California the same. The people of Pasadena have voted for their own charter to determine how our city would evolve.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom believes the units could help alleviate the state’s affordable housing crisis. According to some estimates, the state needs to double its current rate of housing production just to keep up with expected population growth and prevent prices from further increasing, and needs to quadruple the current rate of housing production over the next seven years in order for prices and rents to decline.

Ryan Bell, a housing advocate and District 6 candidate, called ADUs a creative strategy to build new housing and an “integral piece of the solution as Pasadena grapples with a regional housing shortage, rapidly rising housing costs, and increasing homelessness.”

California rents are among the highest in the nation and in Pasadena rental units go for more than $2,000.

“I think we need to do what we can to protect the integrity of our single-family neighborhood,” said Tamerlin Godley, who is also running in District 6.

Godley said that building a second unit creates an additional revenue source from the property, which may make homes even more unaffordable.

Last year, Newson signed SB330, AB68, SB13, AB 881 and AB 671.

SB 330, which will remain in effect until 2025, limits the city’s ability to impose new building standards that drive up construction costs.

AB 68 limits the city’s ability to prevent homeowners from building second and third units less than 16 feet tall provided there is enough space to build them at least four feet from property lines.

SB 13 limits fees cities and counties charge people who want to build additional units.

Under these laws, homeowners can build a 1,200 square foot ADU, or granny flat, on their property and an additional ADU.

AB 881, restricts the ability of local governments to issue permits. It requires the streamlining of ADU approval processes when built in existing garages. It also eliminates a local jurisdiction’s prerogative to require owner-occupancy for five years before engaging in ADU construction.

AB 671 forces local governments to encourage affordable ADU rentals in their housing plans. It also requires the state to develop a list of state grants and financial incentives for affordable ADUs.

In 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown signed two bills to promote ADUs in California that allowed ADUs to be built concurrently with a single-family residence, easing utility fees and parking restrictions.

“I know that some people are against that when they’re trying to protect their single-family homes,” Hardin said. “The people that are against it don’t have to create the granny flats. But I do believe that that’s a great option for those who are willing to create that extra income for themselves and create these affordable units because they are less than market value as opposed to apartments with the same square footage. So I just think it’s a great value for those looking for affordable housing and we really need that supply.”

“If it’s a question of being for it, I would be for it,” Williams said. “I think at some point we can come back full circle and measure if it’s something that’s been sustainable for us.”

District 2 Candidate Tricia Keane expressed support for ADUs, but added that Pasadena problems need Pasadena solutions.

“I support allowing for less regulation on accessory dwelling units,” said District 2 Candidate Tricia Keane. “We are in a crisis in affordability and empowering people to build ADUs increases affordable housing.”