San Marino : New Building Curbs Aim to Limit Density

In an attempt to control density in residential areas, San Marino has adopted new building restrictions. Ordinances adopted by the City Council on Sept. 30 set a limit of six bedrooms per house; they require that each house occupy no more than 30% of its lot and have side yards at least eight-feet wide.

Houses with up to four bedrooms must have two-car garages, and additional garage and parking space is required for additional bedrooms. The city may grant variances for more than six bedroooms; it would require four-car garages for seven bedrooms.

City Manager John Nowak said the restrictions were prompted by an unusually large number of permit applications for additions to homes.

Another new ordinance requires that fences be set back 18 inches from the front property line and be no higher than four feet on smaller lots and five feet on half-acre or larger lots. Chain-link and wire fences are prohibited in front yards.