AgdaPkt 2000-10-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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gA•�� recommendations above, the factors which would impact whether or not these illega� units can become legal are: • Owner occupancy • Size � • Parking � In Daly City, approximately 2300 illegal units were legaliied during the amnesty program (one-half of the total estimated 5000 illegal units). Based on code enforcement observations, Centennial, Central, Friendly Acres, Roosevelt, and Ampex Neighborhoods have the most existing illegal units. It is assumed most applications to legalize the units will come from these areas. There are approximately 1500 — 2000 illegal units In Redwood City and possibly half or 750 — 1000 units could be � legalized in Redwood City based on the recommended provisions of this Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance. It should be noted, however, that finro major factors will determine if this number is actually realized: owner occupancy and requirement to retain garages for parking. Most existing illegal dwelling units are owned by absentee landlords. These are generally the units for which staff receives the most neighborhood complaints. Issues for neighbors are: concems about health and safety of occupants in the units; impacts (primarily parking) to the neighborhood; and changed character of the single-family neighborhood to essentially duplex zoning. Any pre-existing second unit that was legally built (i.e., with permits) prior to the adoption of the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance would be considered "legal, non-conforming," and would be permitted. However, if there are no building permits on record, then the unit is considered illegal and would have to conform to today's requirements. Options: 1. Adopt an amnesty period Institute an amnesty period for 1 year, whereby existing illegal units would have to conform to the requirements of the new second units. During that time staff would educate the public and publicize the program, while setting up numerous inspections. The City would also waive any fines or inspection fees. The amnesty period could be extended, if necessary (Recommended). At the completion of the one year amnesty period, units which have not become legalized will be subject to code enforcement action. I mpacts Some units will be legalized and brought up to code in a more proactive manner. At the end ofi the amnesty period, all others would be illegal and owners would then have to pay fines, inspection fees, and then bring the unit up to code. 2. No amnesty period. I mpacts There will continue to be many illegal units in Redwood City, some with serious health and safety issues. Code Enforcement will have to continue to seek these out and try to bring each unit up to code. B