Los Angeles faces a housing affordability crisis that necessitates a return to medium-density designs, such as bungalow courts and dingbat apartments. Historically, these designs facilitated upward mobility and became emblematic of the Southern Californian aesthetic. The R1 zoning has evolved, especially after the introduction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in 2016, which now comprise a significant portion of housing permits. The popularity of ADUs, while promising, does not completely resolve the ongoing affordability challenges present in the region today.
In Los Angeles, a return to medium-density designs such as bungalow courts and dingbat apartments can address current housing affordability issues while staying true to local architectural identity.
R1 zoning first emerged in L.A. with the Residential District Ordinance of 1908 but evolved significantly by 2016, allowing for widespread adoption of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
ADUs have become a popular solution for housing, contributing to about a third of new housing permits in Los Angeles, yet they do not fully solve the affordability crisis.
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