Granny Flats: A Short-term Affordable Housing Fix?

U.S. cities and states are rewriting zoning codes for second housing units -- often called 'granny flats'.

1 minute read

January 6, 2004, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Cities and states from California to Massachusetts are rewriting zoning laws to let homeowners build second housing units on single-family lots. Proponents say legalizing small apartments in residential neighborhoods is a fast and cheap way to create rental housing that students, workers and the elderly can afford... California is leading the pack with a new law that effectively forces cities to relax zoning codes and make it easier to get building permits for such rental units. Cities can't ban granny flats, and homeowners no longer have to face angry neighbors at public hearings.

Thanks to Tom Poupard

Monday, January 5, 2004 in USA Today

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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