Counsel Proposes Partial Ban on Mini Dorms

San Marcos CA - Tonight, Tuesday 13th, the San Marcos City Council will be discussing a proposed ordinance that is intended to limit the conversion of single-family residences into mini-dorms. The ordinance would define a “Rooming House” as a structure that has three or more bedrooms that are rented to at least three people, all with seperate leases.

Under the proposed ordinance, these Rooming Houses (or Boarding Houses as they are called in most parts of the U.S.) will be only allowed in specifically zoned areas and only once the owner has applied for and been granted a Major use permit.

Under the proposed law Rooming houses, Boarding Houses, Sororities, and Fraternities would be allowed in R-3(6) residential zones only with a major-use permit. They would also be allowed in R-3(10) residential zones (which includes areas zoned for Residential Hotels and Residential Apartments) ONLY if there is an onsite Professional Apartment Manager to oversee the property.

The City Council Meeting starts at 6 p.m. at San Marcos City Hall, 1 Civic Center Drive San Marcos CA 92069 so if you are interested in attending please stop by.