Neighbors Spar Over Bed-and-Breakfast : Housing: Couple's plan to rent one floor of their historic home to overnight guests has caused residents sleepless nights.

"It may have been a two-year dream for them, but it is going to be a nightmare for us. We don't want them to open a business in this neighborhood. This is a neighborhood of single-family residences and they knew that when they bought the property."

"The couple would be the first to take advantage of an ordinance approved by the City Council in April, allowing bed-and-breakfasts with up to six rooms in historic homes within residential areas. South Pasadena is the only city in west San Gabriel Valley to allow such an arrangement."

"Rice contends the Butchers did not tell all of their neighbors about their plans initially. She and other opponents also fear that the Butchers, or some future buyer of the house, could increase the number of people paying to stay there. Council approval of the plans could be the first step in shifting the neighborhood toward a business zoning."

Russell and Leonore Butcher purchased a 105-year-old Victorian mansion in South Pasadena two years ago intending to convert three rooms into a bed-and-breakfast establishment. South Pasadena approved an ordinance in April permitting bed-and-breakfasts with up to six rooms in historic homes within residential areas, making it the only west San Gabriel Valley city allowing such operations. Neighboring residents, led by Margaret Rice, oppose the project, claiming it will harm property values and alter the neighborhood's character. Rice asserts the Butchers failed to inform all neighbors initially and fears future owners could expand guest accommodations. The City Council scheduled a Wednesday vote to decide the project's fate.

Read at Los Angeles Times