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

portrait of professional woman

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

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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

5 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

3 hours ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

4 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive