Mini-dorm Short History
Controlling Mini-dorms – A History (in progress)
Ann B. Cottrell, Chair CACC Committee on Nuisance Rental Properties
Mini-dorms, defined by the city on its mini-dorm web page as “single dwelling units occupied by multiple adults, which through unconventional development patterns and a variety of disturbance issues are adversely affecting local single dwelling unit neighborhoods” have concerned College Area residents for over two decades. The pattern of commercialized rental properties in RS zones is increasingly a threat throughout the city. Here is a summary of efforts to control “mini-dorms.” These efforts are not intended to eliminate all rental properties in RS zones.
1980 Adamson v. Santa Barbara California Supreme Court Decision.
This decision states that “family” cannot be defined as individuals related by blood, marriage or adoption. Thus we cannot prohibit renting single “family” homes to 3 or more unrelated individuals, as is the practice in many other states.
