{"id":10970,"date":"2012-10-16T07:29:24","date_gmt":"2012-10-16T14:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sierramadrenews.net\/?p=10970"},"modified":"2012-10-16T07:29:24","modified_gmt":"2012-10-16T14:29:24","slug":"second-unit-amnesty-program-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.sierramadrenews.net\/?p=10970","title":{"rendered":"Second Unit Amnesty Program Begins"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Press Release posted 10\/16\/12 –\u00a0<\/em>Sierra Madre is initiating a Second Unit Amnesty Program for a six month period, from October 15, 2012 to April 15, 2013.\u00a0 The City recognizes there are a number of second units in the community built without permits; these can be counted towards meeting the State-mandated regional housing needs allocation (the state requires the City have a certain number of affordable housing unit available to residents).\u00a0 Second Unit Amnesty Program offers incentives to property owners registering existing, non-permitted second units demonstrating safe and habitable conditions.\u00a0 Incentives for the property owner include a full waiver of the building application fee, a 50% break on building permit and planning fees if necessary, and relaxation of zoning standards.<\/p>\n

What is a Second Unit?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A second unit is a self-contained residential dwelling unit either attached to the main house (with separate entry from the outside), or in a separate structure on the property.\u00a0 A second unit provides complete independent facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.<\/p>\n

The City\u2019s goals in establishing the amnesty program are:<\/p>\n

1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To encourage healthy and safe conditions in existing housing units.
\n2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To meet the City\u2019s share of affordable housing units required by the State.
\n3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To reduce or eliminate the requirement to establish zoning for higher density multi-family housing.<\/p>\n

Survey <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A Citywide survey was mailed to all households, to help the City gather information on how many second units exist, what are the rent ranges, size of the units, and who lives in them.\u00a0 The survey is completely anonymous and no identifying information is required.\u00a0 If you received a survey, please fill it out and return it in the self-addressed stamped envelope by October 18, 2012.<\/p>\n

Why Would I Want A Second Unit Amnesty Permit?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n