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Planning commission approves lot merger at 394 North Magnolia to enable ADU conversion
Summary
The Monrovia Planning Commission approved a tentative parcel map to merge two lots at 394 North Magnolia so a rear guest house can be converted to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU); staff said the map meets the Monrovia General Plan and Subdivision Map Act and the DRC recommended approval.
The Monrovia Planning Commission voted June 10 to approve a tentative parcel map (TPM 2026-001 / 085171) that merges two adjacent residential lots at 394 North Magnolia Avenue, a change the applicant says will allow an existing guest house to be converted into an accessory dwelling unit.
Staff presented the proposal, saying the front lot is roughly 6,750 square feet and the rear lot about 2,000 square feet, for a combined area of just over 8,700 square feet, and that the map was found consistent with the Monrovia General Plan and the Subdivision Map Act. Staff added that approval of the map does not itself permit development; a final map, title report, documented easements and a licensed surveyor or civil engineer stamp are required before recordation. "The approval doesn't approve any development. It's just for the map itself," the staff member said.
A commissioner asked for a clarification about the difference between a guest house and an ADU; the staff member replied, "The main difference is really the rental. A guest house is meant for family members or friends to stay over for a short period of time. An ADU is meant to be a rental unit for somebody to live in long term." Applicant representative Bon Lee of EGL Associates told the commission the project team has complied with applicable codes and accepted the conditions of approval.
Nearby resident Joselyn Jindro, who said she lives three houses north of the property, said she supports the applicant and attended to learn how the process works. "We are in favor… it's their property they can do what they choose," Jindro said.
The commission approved the parcel map on a roll-call vote. Chair Brown read the appeal instructions after the decision, saying that planning commission decisions may be appealed to the city council if a written appeal is filed with the city clerk within 10 days and that an appeal fee applies. Staff offered to connect the neighbor with planners after the meeting for follow-up questions.
The approval includes standard conditions recommended in the staff report, including submittal of a final map to public works, a title report, identification of easements, and preparation by a licensed surveyor or civil engineer. Any future construction or conversion of the guest house into an ADU will require separate permits and applicable reviews.
