The city of Monterey has been compelled by a new state law to loosen prohibitions on accessory dwelling units after failing to so earlier in the year.
"Monterey City Council revisited a half-century-old ban on building and renting out second units in 2016, and despite a well-documented housing shortage, voted to uphold that ban," according to an article by Nick Rahaim.
But a new state law, signed into law in September of this year, "is forcing the city to change course," reports Rahaim. Now "the Monterey Planning Commission will hold public comment on a proposed ordinance to accommodate the new state law" in November, with council action expected before the end of the year. Liam Dillon reported at the time of the bill's approval that it was "aimed at forcing local governments to approve the secondary housing units."
Monterey's new ordinance, resulting from the state law's influence, "would allow accessory dwellings in homes and existing detached structures in single-family neighborhoods to be converted to residences then rented out. A building permit and water credits would be required, but not additional parking…."
Read the full story: Monterey forced to revisit ban on granny units.
State Law Paves the Way for More Granny Flats in California
The state of California stepped into to make it easier for local governments to approve permissive regulations of accessory dwelling units.
ADUs Are Having a Moment
Granny flats, mother-in-law units, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or secondary units—whatever you call them, more and more cities, regions, and states are making it easier to deliver subtle density in the backyard.
What do the Gilmore Girls, Happy Days, and Full House have in common? ADUs.
American sitcoms are full of garage apartments, attic rooms, and pool houses. Why aren't our cities?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello