Lomita : Guest Houses Outlawed

The City Council has banned construction of guest houses in Lomita.

After a public hearing Monday, the council approved an ordinance prohibiting construction of guest houses, saying that such buildings are often used for rental purposes rather than to accommodate visitors, as was intended by the city’s zoning ordinance.

Guest houses are generally defined as free-standing buildings on the property of single-family homes. They do not include kitchens, are not required to have restrooms and do not have to meet city code requirements for rental units.

The ordinance, which affects only new construction, was approved 4 to 1, with Councilman Robert Hargrave opposed. Hargrave said he favored consideration of guest houses on a case-by-case basis.