What a Difference a Granny Makes

"The law no longer gives neighbors the right to object to the construction of small apartments known as granny units, although cities can still impose other restrictions....Whether the statewide push will spur the creation of more affordable housing remains unclear, since there is no guarantee that new granny units would offer low rents or be leased at all. But one thing is certain: The shift can polarize residents, who argue about whether it will destroy the character of their single-family neighborhoods....State housing officials believe more granny units would help reduce the state's housing shortage without increasing sprawl, as well as provide homeowners who are having trouble paying the mortgage with enough money to stay in their neighborhoods."