Monrovia planning commission recommends zoning change to allow decorative features in bungalow courts

Acting Chair Rose presided over the Monrovia Planning Commission meeting on Oct. 15, 2025, where the commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve Ordinance 2025-11, a narrowly focused amendment to the Monrovia Municipal Code to create incentives for bungalow court development.

The ordinance would add section 17.120.07 to the zoning code, amend section 17.52.110 related to minor exceptions, and formally recognize “bungalow court” as a distinct housing type in the code. John, planning staff, told commissioners that “the purpose of this ordinance is to create a small but important incentive for bungalow court development,” explaining the change would allow certain open-air, nonhabitable structures — for example arbors, trellises and pergolas — to be approved within setback areas through a minor exception review by the Development Review Committee (DRC).

The staff presentation traced the local history and design intent of bungalow courts, showing examples including Harding Court and Myrtle Court and describing a recent new project at 732 Mountain View Avenue. Staff said…