Subject of Companion Units DRAFT 6th Update Permit Process Code Amendments 4/10/07
Issue #27 Companion Units: 141.0302 Companion Units

I am assuming that the changes made are noted by the yellow highlights and the yellow highlighted text crossouts. Therefore, I am assuming that (b) Within single family residential zones, a companion unit is allowed where the existing lot area is equal to or greater than two times the minimum lot area required for the zone.

I ran across the Draft again on 4/12/07 (Same as above with the Issue # changed to 21.) This reads: Remove requirement that lot size must be double that of the underlying base zone. This would allow more lots to construct companion units and provide much needed affordable housing alternatives. I also ran across City Council Meeting Results dated March 20, 2007 AM in which I find: 53s Adopted (O-2007-74) Amending Chapter 11, Article 1, Division 1 of the SDMC relating to Companion Units 19603 8/7 Unanimous, all
present.

The Question to be Answered: Does this mean that the restrictive lot size requirement for Companion Units is no longer applicable? I checked the Municipal Code and the text is still included. If this is really true, it is a big step in the direction to correct the rules prohibiting granny flats. There are still some issues that were poorly crafted, but they can be addressed when the Council has the amendment on the Agenda.

Catherine Darragh