Local News in Brief : 6-Bedroom Limit Imposed

In an attempt to control density in residential areas, San Marino has adopted building restrictions setting a maximum of six bedrooms for new houses. Ordinances adopted by the City Council also 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 a two-car garage, and homes with up to six bedrooms must have one additional parking space. The city may grant a variance for homes with more than six bedrooms, but those with seven bedrooms would have to have garages for four cars and an additional space would be required for every two bedrooms above seven.

John Nowak, city manager of the affluent community southeast of Pasadena, said the restrictions were prompted by an unusually large number of applications for home additions.