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City Council May Restrict Landlords From 'Mini-Dorming' Houses

The San Diego City Council will consider new laws to restrict landlords from turning houses in residential areas into mini dorms for students. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

City Council May Restrict Landlords From 'Mini-Dorming' Houses

The San Diego city council will consider new laws to restrict landlords from turning houses in residential areas into mini dorms for students. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Neighbors in communities from Pacific Beach to the College area have long complained about houses that have been turned into mini dorms, creating noise and parking problems for single family homeowners.

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Tonight the city takes up two ordinances that would make it more difficult for landlords to rent to three or more individuals.

One ordinance would require owners to pay $1,000 for a permit if they want to rent to more than six people. The owner would also have to provide more parking spaces. This has led to fears that many yards and gardens will get paved over.

The second ordinance, “the rooming house ordinance,” proposed by city attorney Mike Aguirre, would only allow mini-dorms in certain areas and only with three separate renters.

Dozens of local planning groups have considered the proposals. They want to balance the rights of property owners with the needs of neighborhoods.

Alison St John, KPBS News.