Small lot subdivisions have been a useful tool to develop multifamily and commercial zoned lots into fee simple single family residences. In a highly developed city such as Los Angeles, this has been a beneficial tool to develop more homes which can serve young families or individuals who want the opportunity to own homes in an increasingly urban and dense city.  

While this has been a beneficial process to create more housing there has been a lengthy approval process requiring a public hearing and final determination from the planning department. This process can be a deterrent to engage in a process that would be beneficial to increasing the housing supply in California.

The Starter Home Revitalization Act (SHRA)

This Act from 2021 has drastically streamlined the process for creating single family homes and through the new Senate Bill 1123 has been broadened to apply to single family zoned neighborhoods. This process is not subjected to a discretionary review or public hearing. Applications for parcel maps need to be approved or denied in 60 days which drastically reduces unknowns for developers. A big improvement in this bill over Senate Bill 9 (Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency Act) is the opportunity to build an FAR of 1:1 and residences with a net habitable square footage of 1750 SF. This allows well sized units that would be very desirable homes for young and small families.

These new bills which allow the development of starter homes are very useful to architects and developers and will greatly increase the supply of unique and well designed homes in California.

2836 Baywater Avenue, San Pedro

Design Architect: David Reddy AIA
Architect of Record: Ashok Kanagasundram AIA

Located in San Pedro, this project is a four-unit residential development designed as a small lot subdivision. Each home sits on its own individually owned parcel, creating a balance between density and personal ownership.

Key project characteristics include:

• Four individually owned residential units
• Units are situated to work with the topography of the site.
• Roof top decks allow residents to experience ocean views.
• Project provides large well sized units with ample access to natural light and ventilation.
  

The project is in the Dual Jurisdiction Zone of the Coastal Commission, will require an environmental study, archeological study, a public hearing and a determination from the planning department. Our team has worked closely with the San Pedro Neighborhood Council to address their concerns pertaining to the design and its impacts on the neighborhood. Our team has developed a project which is inspired by climate, design elements unique to Southern California and Utilizes the provisions set fourth by the small lot subdivision ordinance.

For homeowners and small developers, having an architect who understands both design and planning strategy is essential to keeping projects on track

Thinking About Developing Your Property in Los Angeles?

If you are interested in developing a project in Los Angeles, we can assist in the following.

• Creating a lot division utilizing the provisions of the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance or the Starter Home Revitalization Act.
• Coordinate the parcel map or tract map preparation with the Planning department.
• Work with the Structural and Civil engineering consultants to file the project with the building and safety department.
• Assist a qualified land use consultant in filing the parcel map with the Burau of Engineering.