A new pilot project doesn't have the funding to upend the housing market in one of the most expensive markets in the country, but it does set a precedent of support for new housing models.
Elijah Chiland reports on a pilot program approved Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors that will provide homeowners with "$75,000 in funding—as well as a streamlined permitting process—to construct accessory dwelling units (otherwise known as granny flats or in-law units) on their properties."
"In a similar arrangement, homeowners who already have second units on their properties can apply for up to $50,000 in funding for necessary renovations to the dwellings," adds Chiland. The 18-month project has $550,000 in funding available, which works out to enough funding for 7.3 new ADUs or 11 renovated ADUs.
Accessory dwelling units were identified as a relatively cheap form of housing that could help the county house its homeless population in the "Approved Strategies to Combat Homelessness" [pdf] report from February 2016.
FULL STORY: LA County will pay homeowners to build granny flats for the homeless

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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

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High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.

Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units
A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.
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