SAN MARCOS
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A more flexible version of a proposed ordinance to regulate “mini-dorms” in the city may go to the City Council for a vote next month.
The Student and Neighborhood Relations Commission reviewed an earlier draft discussed by the council in January. After college students and residents voiced concerns, the council gave the proposed ordinance to the newly formed commission for evaluation.
The commission, which includes property owners and renters, is recommending changes.
The proposed ordinance is in response to complaints about traffic, littering and unruly behavior in rental housing, primarily near California State University San Marcos.
On Monday night, the advisory group suggested that property owners be allowed to lease houses to a maximum of four people, instead of the three proposed initially, in neighborhoods zoned for single-family residences.
Rooming houses, defined as buildings leased to five or more, would only be allowed in denser neighborhoods and would be regulated as commercial businesses.
Rooming houses would be allowed in two areas zoned for multifamily housing. In one allowing the highest density of housing units, landlords would have to complete an annual property-management training program. In the other, owners would have to apply for a major-use permit approved by the Planning Commission.
Jerry Backoff, the city's planning director, said major-use permits typically cost about $7,200. There would be an additional cost to notify surrounding properties about the permit process. The permits generally are good for three to five years, he said.
The cost surprised members of the student and neighborhood commission.
Some said the amount was too high, and would discourage property owners from complying. Chairwoman Kathleen Kildoo said “anything beyond four leases is a commercial enterprise. It is a business.”
Deputy City Manager Lydia Romero said rental condominiums and townhomes would likely be the type of housing requiring major-use permits.
The ordinance, if adopted, would apply retroactively but would be implemented over one year. During that time, the city would work with people adjusting to the changes.
After that, enforcement would occur but only if a complaint is submitted in writing. Ultimately, the city would have the discretion to prosecute violators but would attempt to resolve issues first, city officials said.
Commission members voted 5-1 to approve the recommendations. Kildoo abstained because as chairwoman she's not allowed to vote. Commissioner Claudia Hill, who rents rooms in her house, was the dissenter but praised the city's efforts to raise the bar on standards landlords should follow.
Linda Lou: (760) 737-7574; linda.lou@uniontrib.com
