Christina Chan looks at the effect of L.A.'s Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance of 2005, which opened the doors for a new style of housing somewhere in between single-family homes and condos.
"These hybrid homes provide an alternative to condominium or apartment living that is still more affordable than single-family residences in the same neighborhood. Instead of the homeowner association dues that come with condominium ownership, small lot buyers have the benefit of fee-simple ownership in exchange for adherence to restrictions that typically prohibit owners from painting their home a particular color, for instance, or significantly altering the building's exterior. The upshot is changing the residential face of LA-and offering a rare dose of optimism for the city's developers and architects."
FULL STORY: Small Lots, Big Deal
How Small Lots Yield Urban Density
A recent article explains how, and why, small lot subdivisions get built in Los Angeles. Also, the city has recently updated a procedural glitch to make permitting easier for small lot projects.
Building Small to Make California Homes More Affordable
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Changes to Los Angeles' Small Lot Ordinance on the Way
Responding to criticism from neighborhoods faced with new small lot developments, the city of Los Angeles in considering changes to its Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance.
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