Readers respond to ‘granny flats’

The common term “granny flats” elicited quite a reaction from readers last week. Last Sunday’s column presented the views of reader Maria Cook of San Diego. She said the term is outdated, inaccurate, ageist and sexist and asked the U-T to stop using it — and instead write what government officials use — “accessory dwelling unit” or ADU, which by now may be well-known and instantly recognizable to readers.

I asked other readers their thoughts. Most said drop “granny flat.” But there was also something that surprised me: Terms reflected deep opposition to governments’ regulation and definition of the units and how some readers view the units’ effects on their neighborhoods.

Pamela Wilson, Talmadge: “The fact a term is memorable does not make it accurate. However, I also urge the U-T to adopt a policy not to use the term “accessory dwelling unit” when referring to issues pertaining to multi-unit, multi-story apartment buildings.

“An ‘accessory dwelling unit’ is understood by the public to mean a single-unit accessory to a single-family home. The public does not equate this with a multi-unit, multi-story apartment building.

“In fact, the San Diego ordinance went far beyond state mandates to allow multiunit, multi-story apartment buildings in single family zones.”

Carol Scharf, Rolando: “I prefer the term ‘granny flats’ because it describes and will remind San Diego residents of the history of the steps taken to turn all San Diego neighborhoods into wall-to-wall two story structures with concrete and illegally parked cars instead of yards and tracts devoid of life-sustaining trees.

“The term ‘granny flats’ reminds us of the original decent intent of these structures which changed to a green light for turning San Diego neighborhoods over to the deep-pocket developers and to forever make owning a house out of reach for middle-class income residents.”

Diane Scholfield, Vista: “Gosh, here I am, one of the Baby Boomer women of grandmother age, and the term ‘granny flat’ doesn’t offend me at all. But it’s time to retire it for other reasons; mostly, because it’s not just older women who are occupying these small homes.

“I already recognize ADU as the acronym for a small, self-contained unit attached or near a larger single-family home.”

Val Plummer, Clairemont: “This will reflect my age, but the term ‘granny flat’ seems just fine to me. Today’s meaning though is very different, so ‘ADU’ will probably sit better with the younger generation.”

Larry Gustafson, Point Loma: “The term granny flat is correct. Leave it alone.”

Dennis Will, Rancho Bernardo: “Although I fully recognize the term ‘accessory dwelling unit’ or ADU, not everyone does, and I see no reason to avoid using the term ‘granny flat.’ ... The term refers to a particular type of living quarter, not to any particular person or type of person.”

Mark Bryning, College Area: “Property owners, myself included, find the term ‘granny flat’ a trigger word representing the bureaucratic assault on single-family neighborhoods.

Seriously consider eliminating ‘granny flat’ in favor of ‘accessory dwelling unit.’

Nobody thinks ‘granny’ will be moving into a two-story multi-bedroom dwelling unit crowded up against their neighbors’ backyard fence.

Readers interested in the severe consequences coming with ADUS are well aware of the term.”

Diane Ballard, Mt. Helix: “Yes, of course readers are going to recognize the term ADU. It is much more of an accurate description of the type of residential housing recently approved throughout California. Get rid of ‘granny flat.’ It’s a pejorative and in fact, hardly ever the actual case with users of these housing units.”

George Brewster, Sabre Springs : “I agree ... the term is outdated. But I don’t like the clunky ADU. Why not ‘backyard flat’?”

Iris Price, Ramona: “Like so many terms that were acceptable in the past, before people became description sensitive, the term ‘granny flat’ now has negative connotations. Does one have to be an old ‘granny’ to live in such a dwelling?”

Danna Givot, El Cerrito: “It is definitely time to retire the term ‘granny flat’ and instead use the correct term ‘accessory dwelling units,’ which is legally and descriptively appropriate for the ADUS in San Diego.

The term ‘granny flat’ is ageist and sexist, and it attempts to sugar-coat a significant problem involving multiple apartment buildings being built on single-family lots as well as mini-dorms being constructed around universities, especially SDSU.”