January 9th, San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors gathered in hope of finally taking the move in resolving the affordable housing crisis. The voting can mean the county would forego $11 million on a five-year trial program that would waive all fees connected with adding “Granny Flats” on homeowners’ properties.
The board votes resulted in a unanimous 4-0
Although Supervisor Greg Cox was absent, as he was in Washington participating in a National Association of Counties meeting. With this approval of the ordinance creating the five-year trial program will waive the fee required for “accessory dwelling units”. Also, referred to like the name “granny flats, ” in communities.
The program immediately waives building permit fee, onside wastewater fee as well as development impact fees, which includes transportation fee to add roads and infrastructure, a fee to add community Parks, as well as drainage fee, for homeowners who want to construct granny flats.
“This is a very big ordeal, ” said board Chairwoman Dianne Jacob. “We talk a lot about housing, the need for housing, and the need for affordable housing. This is the easiest and quickest way to get there. ”
The state of California recently passed legislation that took effect in 2018. To ease restrictions and allow property owners to build granny flats, which are generally smaller than standard homes.
However, the county’s program proposes a financial incentive by waiving fees for resident homeowners in unincorporated areas.
San Diego County’s regulations approve granny flats up to 1,200 square feet in size. Homeowners can attach to the home, or building separate from, full-sized homes on the same land. The structures can have a kitchen as well as bathrooms, a living area, and private entrances.
Not approved to sell as a separate home. Homeowners can rent out, use of additional living space for family members, friends, students, elderly, disabled, or in-home health care providers. Properties must meet all zoning requirements, including setbacks that meet fire safety and building codes.
