In an effort to address skyrocketing rents, the city of Monrovia is encouraging accessory dwelling units on single-family properties.
The Community Development Department has launched an ADU webpage to serve as a one-stop resource for property owners interested in adding an ADU.
The ADU platform is a section of the city’s website that provides walk-throughs for each step of the permitting process and answers frequently asked questions. It also gives the public immediate access to what officials said is the start of a growing catalog of preapproved ADU plans.
“Monrovia has long-promoted ADUs as a way to increase housing supply in our community,” City Manager Dylan Feik told Monrovia Weekly. “Whether housing a family member, a friend or even to a family that lost their home to a wildfire, ADUs can be a cost-effective housing solution for many.”
The preapproved plans are professionally designed and have been reviewed by city staff for code compliance, officials said, adding that choosing one can speed up the approval process and simplify decisions on design issues. City staff is working with architects to expand the options for approved ADU designs and has established a step-by-step guide for designers interested in submitting plans.
“The Monrovia City Council has advocated the housing crisis is not going to solve itself,” Feik said. “City leaders need to come up with creative, cost-effective solutions to provide more housing. We can’t house everyone, but we can all do more.”
The Community Development Department receives applications for about 50 applications for ADUs annually, which Feik said is a comparatively significant number of new residential units.
More information is available by contacting Community Development at building@monroviaca.gov or 626-932-5581.
