Application Period for Second Unit Amnesty Program Ends Next Week

The Second Unit Amnesty Program has proven to be a successful program towards counting units to meet the State’s affordable housing requirements for Sierra Madre, without building new units.

The city of Sierra Madre has received four applications from property owners to legalize their second units, and they have all been approved. Staff is reviewing more applications, but the April 15 deadline is fast approaching.

A second unit is a self-contained residential dwelling either attached to the main house or in a separate structure on the property, which includes a separate entrance, separate bathroom, and separate food preparation facilities (which include a stove, refrigerator, and sink). If you have a second unit but do not have building permits on file, you may be eligible to apply under the amnesty program without penalty, and legalize the second unit and help the City meet its RHNA requirements.  

As an incentive, the program offers a full waiver of the application fee, a 50% break on building permit and planning fees only if it applies to the project, and relaxation of zoning standards.   

For more information, please contact the Sierra Madre Development Services Department at (626) 355-7138, or visit the Development Services Department.

- City of Sierra Madre