Would it be opening a can of worms to talk to the city about the accessory dwellings on the property?

That and accessories was going to be $1600.

Much related to California Senate Bill 1069 that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2017 which addresses the whole subject of affordable housing related to maximizing residential space with the installation of Accessory Dwelling Units ada ADU's, granny flats, etc.

Some “accessory units” often called in-law units are still covered under rent control despite having a certificate of occupancy issued after June 13, 1979.

For the purposes of this exemption a “Homeowner” is defined as follows: Person(s) who owns a parcel of land on which he/she resides or intends to reside on which there is, or is intended to be, a one or two family dwelling, attached or detached structures accessory to such use and/or farm structures.

We are looking at buying a house that is very near the college 3 BR 2 bathroom-updated and then an accessory apartment towards the back of the house with one bedroom and bath.

Add some blocking for seat and other bathroom accessories.  

It could also be zoned SFR but with the ability to add ADUs- accessory dwelling units.  

House-hack the property by adding an apartment (accessory dwelling unit, in-law apartment, etc.).

This is the new law regarding Accessory Dwelling Units aka "ADU's", granny flats, garage apartments, secondary dwellings, backyard cottages, casitas, etc.