CITY OF SAN DIEGO OFFERS PENALTY FREE DAYS
FOR COMPANION UNITS; CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLY

SAN DIEGO - The City of San Diego is offering Penalty Free Days for Companion Units. For the six-month period of Aug. 13, 2003, through Feb.13, 2004, the City will not impose fines on companion units built without proper permits. This is the time to obtain permits for existing companion units, often referred to as granny flats.

Certain restrictions apply, and the current program is offered only to properties located outside of the Coastal Overlay Zone. Another program will be offered later for properties within the Coastal Overlay Zone.

To qualify, the property must be two times the minimum required lot size and all parking must be in compliance. Consult with City staff to clarify additional details for qualification.

Penalty fees are waived, but all regular application and permit fees will still apply. See San Diego Municipal Code section 141.0302 for applicable regulations. Applicants will go through the regular permitting process.

The San Diego City Council recently approved new regulations for companion units, following an amendment to the California Government Code through Assembly Bill 1866. The City’s new regulations and related information will soon be posted on the City’s web page, www.sandiego.gov. Select Development Services from the Business heading, the click on Homeowners and select Companion Units.

Interested applicants should call the Development Services Department at (619) 446-5300 for an appointment to confirm eligibility. For general questions about the Penalty Free Days, applicants can call the Department’s information line at (619) 446-5000.

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