'Granny flat' construction increases in Yorba Linda; city manager cited for 'exceptional merit'

 

State laws that have loosened requirements cities can impose on building accessory dwelling units – often called “granny flats” or “casitas” – have led to an increase in such construction in Yorba Linda.

And the increase in the number of units throughout the city will play a role in Yorba Linda's plan to meet a state mandate to provide opportunities for 2,415 new housing units by 2029.

The units, which can be attached to a main house or stand separate on a residential property, are projected to account for 400 of the 2,415 units, with an anticipated unit breakdown based on household income: 100 very low, 172 low, 120 moderate and eight above moderate.

According to city-provided numbers, about 10 accessory dwelling unit permits were approved each year from 2018 through 2020, increasing to 27 approvals for 2021. A current estimate is that the city will begin approving 50 permits each year, leading to a total 400 by 2029.

The city adopted a new ordinance regarding requirements for the units in 2020 to comply with state legislation. Previously, the number of permits approved each year ranged from five to 11.

The time between application submission and permit approval has narrowed significantly, according to the city, and a pilot program to waive fees and additional plans to streamline the process and reduce upfront project costs will incentivize more of the affordable units.

The city also plans to promote units with handouts, simplified applications and a web page, as well as exploring a program to provide funding help to owners who sign affordability covenants.

A 275-page report from a 17-member working group of residents recently reviewed by the City Council noted that the city “has a number of unique characteristics that make the realistic development capacity” of accessory dwelling units “significantly higher than in many other parts of the region.”

Among the characteristics: large lot sizes, development standards that include lot coverage and setbacks, three-car garages and a high disposal income that can facilitate self-financed units.

The building of accessory dwelling units is not covered by the city's right-to-vote initiative that requires a public vote on major changes to zoning documents because the units are considered “by-right” opportunities.

Progress on production and affordability will be monitored each year, with reviews in 2024, 2026 and 2028 to evaluate if the number of units built will meet the goal of 400.

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Mark Pulone, who has served as Yorba Linda's City Manager for 10 years, was granted a salary increase to $289,213 at the City Council's Aug. 15 meeting. His contract term was extended an additional year to Sept. 30, 2026.

The increase included a 2% cost-of-living adjustment “as received by all city employees” and an additional 5% “based on exceptional merit and performance,” noted a report to the council from City Attorney Todd Litfin.