REAL ESTATE REALITY: BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME--ADDING A GRANNY FLAT

By Maryanne Jackson, real estate broker

April 1, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My mother is living in another state now, but we need to start to explore the possibility of having her come live with us soon. We have a large lot and would like to find out  how to get a permit to build a smaller unit on our residential property.

Is this an easy process?

--JD. La Mesa

Dear JD,

Good news for you! It just became a lot easier to flow through the requirements thanks to new rules that have been implemented by the La Mesa City Council.

Contact city hall for all the requirements and have your contractor guide you through the application process.

Here are a few of the requirements that have become easier in La Mesa:

1. Property owners will no longer be required to live on the premises to be able to rent out the accessory dwelling units.
2. Additional parking spaces will not be required
3. Homes can be up to 1200 square feet
4. Setback requirements will be eased

For readers in other areas, check with your local city or county building department, since requirements vary among jurisdictions.

All questions answered on a first come first serve basis. To submit a confidential question. Please email westcoastproperties@yahoo.com or call 858-740-7858  

Maryanne Jackson, CNE, CPRES  # DRE 01784021