Los Angeles County Department of Regionalll Planning

Housing Element Update

Program 8: Small Lot Subdivisions Ordinance

The intent of the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance is to promote affordable homeownership through the allowance of smaller, fee simple lots, in areas zoned for two-family and multi-family housing where infill development is encouraged. A “small lot subdivision” is a land division that creates single-family residential lots with an area of less than 5,000 square feet. These small lots are generally less than 50 feet wide, with modifications to other development standards, including but not limited to setback, street frontage, and access requirements.

By allowing greater flexibility in lot sizes and widths, small lot subdivisions promote affordable homeownership opportunities. Due to the high cost of housing in Los Angeles County, reducing the amount of land required for new residences could potentially result in a significant reduction in the price of a new house. Lower home prices allow more residents to own their homes, while increased homeownership opportunities in turn contribute to neighborhood stability. Furthermore, small lot subdivisions ease overcrowding by allowing a greater variety in lot sizes, promote urban infill on vacant and underutilized parcels, and add flexibility in design to promote a diversity of housing types.

Objectives By 2016, establish a Small Lot Subdivisions Ordinance.
Policies Policy 1.2: Mitigate the impacts of governmental regulations and policies that constrain the provision and preservation of housing for low and moderate income households and those with special needs.
Policy 3.1: Promote mixed income neighborhoods and a diversity of housing types throughout the unincorporated areas to increase housing choices for all economic segments of the population.
Timeframe 2016
Responsible Agency Department of Regional Planning
Funding Source General Fund

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