This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
LA Releases Pre-Approved Designs To Make Backyard 'Granny Flats' Easier To Build
One of two pre-approved modular designs by Connect Homes in the Standard Plan Program. (Courtesy Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety)
The city of Los Angeles has launched a program designed to make backyard "granny flats," or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), easier to build.
The new ADU Standard Plan Program aims to simplify the process by offering homeowners and builders access to 20 preapproved designs.
Mayor Eric Garcetti says those units are critical to increasing the city's housing supply, but the permitting process can take weeks, months, or even years in some parts of L.A. city and county.
Dana Cuff is director of UCLA's City Lab and helped co-author a 2017 bill that made it easier to build ADUs in California. She says these backyard units are a good solution "if we're trying in Los Angeles to produce as much housing that fits within our existing communities as possible, and that's affordable and accessible to a wider population." She added:
"This also shows that they can be well designed."
SEE THE REST OF THE DESIGNS AND READ THE FULL STORY HERE:
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
