“Over-the-counter” ADUs
Example of pre-approved ADU design by Amunategui Valdes.
Touted as a solution to the housing crisis accessory dwelling units, better known as ADUs, have been a popular topic for planning conversations and new planning policies. They can be less popular with people concerned that ADUs only can result in wild college parties or dozens of additional cars.
A refresher on the benefits of ADUs. They cost less, use less land, leverage existing infrastructure, make it possible to add units in established and otherwise developed neighborhoods, provide income for homeowners, and often charge below market rate rents. With the extent of the housing crisis across the country more and more cities are allowing and advocating for ADUs, but the regulations and process can slow and deter any sort of wide-spread development of this housing type.
Like many American metropolitan cities, housing production and development opportunities in Los Angeles have not kept up with demand resulting in high prices and housing shortages.
Enter the Standard Plan.
Kudos to Los Angeles for launching the Standard Plan Program this month. The Standard Plan starts with 20 pre-approved ADU architectural designs (with more pending) that can be selected (plans are fully owned by the architectural firm that designed them and are available for purchase and/or modifications). Planning approvals for these designs can occur in as little as one day (vs. the previous 4-6 week process). And, some designs are modular and are in production so that they can be built on-site in roughly a month. Since 2017 ADUs have accounted for 22% of Los Angeles newly-permitted housing units and the Standard Plan Program is likely bolster more ADU opportunities (and aesthetics!).
“The plan is about making ADUs more accessible, more affordable, and more beautiful — and making them part of the blueprint of our efforts to tackle our housing crunch and create more affordable communities citywide.”
- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
-Ellison
Sources:
https://urbanize.city/la/post/la-hopes-speed-adu-construction-new-standard-plan-program