More than a dozen designs for accessory dwelling units, known as ADUs, will be offered through the city’s ADU Standard Plan Program [...]. The small-scale, stand-alone residences are generally tucked into properties zoned for single-family homes. The idea, says the city’s chief design officer (and former Times architecture critic), Christopher Hawthorne, is to take a weeks-long permitting process and “turn it into an approval that is over-the counter.” — Los Angeles Times
Notoriously plagued by a shortage of housing stock, Los Angeles has launched a new initiative that aims to drastically shorten the approval process — and promote good design — with preapproved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans.
The ADU Standard Plan Program will start out with designs by 14 architectural firms, ranging from well-known practices to emerging studios: wHY, SO – IL, Design, Bitches, LA Más, Jennifer Bonner/MALL, sekou cooke STUDIO, Fung + Blatt Architects, Escher GuneWardena Architecture, Connect Homes, Amunátegui Valdés, IT House, First Office, Abodu, and Welcome Projects.
Below is a small selection from the initial roster of plans.
8 Comments
I'd argue that a little red tape may be a good thing in this case. The Cali ADU law removes most steps in the entitlements process already. Over-the-counter approvals seem a bit hasty when considering potential impacts and implications for some neighborhoods, lot sizes, configurations, etc.
Wondering if those pre-approved designs include flashing details.
It's fine I hear it never rains down there..
There were two seasons in Southern California: the wet season in which it may rain but seldom does, and the dry season in which it cannot rain but sometimes does. --Carey McWilliams
you couldn't be more wrong citizen: link to youtube video of Albert Hammond playing It Never Rains in Southern California
Most of these ADUs look both nicer and don't match the current LA housing stock. They would also probably bring the value of the houses down--less green space. I'd rather see some backyard basements or a total teardown and rebuild of some nice duplex/fourplexes that look like homes not McUrbanist hotels--and a redesign of the streetscape to connect better to public transport.
Its the cost of the land. If an owner had a lot the size represented in the first photo he could put twelve McMansions, on it clear a few million dollars for each one, and not have to live in LA.
anyone see Bill Mahers count of days it’s taken to get a shed for solar approved. It’s like 1200 something days.
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