Willow Glen Resident

News

Granny unit pilot program has barely made a dent in Willow Glen

By Linda Taaffe

Willow Glen tops the list of communities applying for secondary-unit permits through the city's pilot program, according to a mid-year report that the planning department issued in June. But the number of applications is a meager, eight.

The city launched the program to issue 100 permits for secondary units in January with the idea of providing residents an affordable way to house seniors and their caretakers. The program is set to end on Dec. 31 or when the city reaches the program's permit limit.

So far, the city has approved 22 applications, nearly one-fourth of the total allowed through the program, senior planner John Davidson said. District 6, especially in the Willow Glen neighborhood, which has deeper lots that can accommodate units, had the largest number.

Davidson said he believes the program's minimum lot size and parking criteria have made it tougher for more residents to participate. The minimum lot size required for a detached unit is 8,000 square feet; for an attached unit is 6,000 square feet. The property owner must dedicate an extra onsite parking space for the secondary unit.

Davidson said he had no idea how quickly the public would respond to the program when the city launched it. He said there was an initial rush in January, but applications have slowed down since then.

"In comparison, I think we're in line with other cities that have done this," Davidson said.

For criteria and application requirements, go to the city's website at www.sanjoseca.gov/planning or call 408.535.3555.