La Canada Flintridge : Guest House Law Modified

The City Council Monday agreed to make minor changes to a proposed ordinance setting standards for guest houses, or “granny flats.”

City officials recommended additions to the ordinance to limit enlargements of existing units to 75 square feet per room and to prohibit additional sleeping quarters, bathrooms and cooking facilities. Property owners would be required to apply for a conditional-use permit before beginning construction.

There is growing concern on the part of officials that many guest houses have not been built to state specifications and are being rented to people other than family members on an illegal, absentee-landlord basis, said city planner Marsha E. Harris.

Final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for the council’s next meeting on Nov. 4.