San Diego Housing Commission launches program to spur granny flat production
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The San Diego Housing Commission is asking for 1 million dollars to start a pilot program that will take a hard look at the cost and the process of producing more “granny flats.”
In the one year pilot, the Housing Commission will build an accessory unit on two or three of the properties owned by the commission. The agency wants to find out how much it will cost and how long the process will take. Some designs might involve building a structure from the foundations up, but the commission will also look at other types of units, such as manufactured or modular homes.
The program will have a second component that deals with financing. The housing commission plans to canvass local banks and financial institutions to see if they can come up with special loans to help homeowners build the accessory unit and then rent it out to a low income tenant.
City Councilmember Scott Sherman said the City of San Diego wants to encourage the creation of more granny flats, by streamlining regulations and reducing permit fees. He said adding more of these granny flats will increase the options for families who are ready to get out of subsidized housing and move up the economic ladder.
A recent study by the housing commission estimated 5,500 accessory dwelling units could be added in the City of San Diego in the next ten years.
The program is included in the Housing Commission’s budget for next year. City Council members will have to approve the request when they review the city’s budget in June.
