Santa Rosa planners to explain new granny unit rules

Santa Rosa planning officials are holding a meeting this evening to explain new rules designed to make it easier for homeowners to construct granny units.

A new state law governing the permitting of granny units, officially referred to as accessory dwelling units, went into effect Jan. 1.

That law superseded the city’s existing granny unit regulations, which some viewed as burdensome.

The meeting’s purpose is both to outline the new state regulations and give the public the chance to provide feedback aimed at helping the city pass changes to the zoning code consistent with the new state laws.

Granny units are attached or detached residential dwellings under 1,200 square feet, located on the same parcel as an existing single-family dwelling.

It must provide complete, independent living facilities, including sleeping, cooking, bathing and sanitation.

The new state law lifts certain parking restrictions for granny units and also exempts them from certain setback and owner occupancy requirements.

For example, the legal conversion of garages into granny units has been limited in the city because of requirements that single-family residential properties provide covered parking.

But under new rules, that requirement is lifted if the property is within half a mile of a transit stop, one block of a car-share vehicle or in a historic preservation district.

The proposed changes will go to the Planning Commission in March, to the City Council in April and become effective in May.

The meeting takes place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. today in Room 1 of the Person Senior Wing of the Finley Community Center, 2060 W. College Ave.