Density Watch: Councilwoman Lowenthal Seeks City Mgr Report On Standards For Habitable Bedroom Space in New & Renovated Bldgs.

Subject: Habitable bedroom spaces

BACKGROUND

Recently a great amount of attention has been given in the press to the issue of lack of sufficient housing, of any kind, in Long Beach. Our city is indicative of the problem countywide. It is anticipated that in Los Angeles County over this coming year, rents are expected to rise approximately 6% and an additional 7% next year because of the shortage of apartments and the resulting strong demand for such. The county s average monthly rent is expected to reach around $1,420 according to the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate.

In order to take advantage of a burgeoning housing market, we have become aware that some owners of multi-family dwellings are renovating their units and increasing the number of bedrooms by simply erecting walls to divide and multiply the bedrooms thereby directly contributing to the overcrowding in our densest neighborhoods. In so doing, tiny spaces, not much larger than a twin bed, are being offered as bedrooms. This type of rehabilitation may raise rents on an already burdened low income population and may also have an impact on parking, water and energy resources, public safety, and other city concerns. Currently there is no city ordinance that sets a standard for liveable bedroom sizes.

RECOMMENDATION

I respectfully request that the City Council refer this matter to the City Manager for a report back to the Council within 30 days that includes current building standards and possible remedies that would address new standards for construction of habitable bedroom space in new and renovated buildings.