Monrovia council adopts ordinance to encourage bungalow‑court housing

The Monrovia City Council on Nov. 18 introduced and adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑11, a narrow zoning update intended to preserve the city’s historic bungalow‑court housing form while allowing limited, non‑habitable courtyard features such as arbors, trellises and pergolas through a minor‑exception process.

John, planning staff, said the change addresses a gap the city discovered during review of a recent bungalow‑court project, noting decorative features like arbors were technically prohibited in the front yard under existing code. "This ordinance gives us a clear way to support them in future projects," he said, describing the amendment as a modest change that defines a bungalow court in the municipal code, adds design incentives, and allows the development review committee to grant minor exceptions for small courtyard elements while protecting neighborhood character.

Staff said the ordinance is consistent with the General Plan and was found to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act because it does not alter density or land use. The Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance on Oct. 15 and unanimously recommended approval.

Council member Dr. Taylor moved to read the ordinance by title and waive further reading; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll‑call vote. The ordinance amends Monrovia Municipal Code sections to create incentives for bungalow court development and clarifies limits on non‑habitable courtyard structures.

What it means: The change makes it administratively clearer for builders to incorporate small courtyard design features that contribute to the bungalow‑court character. Each project requesting a minor exception will still require review by the development review committee.

Next step: The council recorded adoption on first reading; implementation will follow through the development review process and any future permit applications.