ABSTRACT
The cultural meaning of exclusive single-family zoning is probably the greatest obstacle to accessory apartment conversions; certain “objective” physical and environmental problems also deserve attention. Conversions mean more people, and more people mean more cars, more parking, and sometimes the need for more public services. Conversions involve the physical alteration of houses, which can disrupt the architectural integrity of a single-family neighborhood. Senate Bill 1534 led to a debate within many California suburbs like San Leandro over two issues: whether to permit accessory apartments in single-family zones; and if they were to be permitted, how restrictive controls on them should be. The ambivalent attitude of the Washington Manor Homeowners Association toward accessory apartment conversions is indicative of the divisions on this issue throughout the city. Accessory conversions in the Manor would cause population density to rise, but it is unlikely that the increase would cause congestion or health hazards.
