Los Angeles faces a housing crisis. Over 20,000 vacant lots zoned for housing remain undeveloped, despite the city’s need for affordable homes. A new initiative aims to change that by transforming these vacant spaces into affordable, multiunit housing.
Finding New Solutions
Housing experts plan to create “gentle density” housing on these lots. This includes duplexes, fourplexes, and townhome communities. These options will offer more reasonable prices compared to traditional single-family homes in L.A.
Dana Cuff, director of UCLA’s cityLAB, explains that a fresh approach is needed to generate affordable housing. Small-scale, multiunit homes have a long history in Los Angeles, seen in Spanish Colonial duplexes and courtyard apartments throughout the city. Historically, these units have often been rentals or luxury properties.
Changing Zoning Laws
Recently, changes in zoning laws across the state have made more lots eligible for mid-density developments. This includes previously single-family-only zones. This shift opens opportunities for affordable homeownership, especially in areas lacking in mid-density housing options.
“A big hole in the market,” said Emmanuel Proussaloglou, co-director of cityLAB, emphasizing the need for affordable homes.
The Small Lots, Big Impacts Initiative
The “Small Lots, Big Impacts” initiative selected three designer-developer teams to pilot these housing projects. Each team will develop small, vacant lots into unique complexes with at least five units. The goal is to offer these homes at prices accessible to low- and middle-income buyers.
The program will provide financial and regulatory assistance, including low-interest loans from community group Genesis L.A. and support from LA4LA and BMO bank. The idea is to demonstrate how smaller lots can facilitate modern starter homes and how they can provide communal and flexible living spaces.
Steps Toward Realization
This project follows previous efforts to develop city-owned lots for small, multiunit homes. Although progress has been slower than anticipated, private lots now present an immediate avenue for action.
One team led by Christian Stayner will develop a lot on L.A.’s Eastside. Planned as a six-unit building, the project will offer individually owned homes. Other teams may explore cooperative ownership models or use of prefab materials to speed construction.
These varied approaches will serve as models for developers and designers aiming for affordable housing solutions. By next summer, the teams plan to begin construction.
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