Introduction
Los Angeles is facing a significant housing crisis, with a growing need for affordable housing. To address this, Mayor Karen Bass issued Executive Directive 1 (ED1), which aims to expedite the approval and construction of 100% affordable housing projects. This article explores the benefits, the streamlined process, and the impact of ED1 on the city’s housing landscape.
What is 100% Affordable Housing?
Under ED1, 100% affordable housing refers to projects where all units are affordable to households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). This initiative also includes mixed-income projects where up to 20% of units can be for households earning up to 120% of AMI, with the remaining units affordable to those earning 80% or less of AMI.
Benefits of 100% Affordable Housing
Alleviates Housing Shortage: By increasing the supply of affordable units, ED1 helps address the city’s housing shortage.
Supports Low-Income Families: Provides housing options for families who might otherwise be priced out of the market.
Economic Feasibility: Makes it economically viable for developers to invest in affordable housing projects.
Community Stability: Promotes stable, diverse communities by offering affordable living options.
The Streamlined Permitting Process
ED1 significantly reduces the time and complexity involved in approving affordable housing projects. Here’s how:
Expedited Review: The pre-construction review process must be completed within 60 days.
Quick Permit Issuance: Building permits are issued within five days of approval.
Priority Processing: Affordable housing projects are given priority in the planning and decision-making process.
For detailed guidelines, visit the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
Impact of ED1 on Los Angeles
Since the implementation of ED1, over 16,150 affordable housing units have been added to the pipeline1. This directive has transformed the economic ecosystem for building low-income housing, making it more feasible for developers to undertake such projects2. The streamlined process has also reduced costs and delays, encouraging more developers to participate in creating affordable housing.
Conclusion
Executive Directive 1 is a crucial step towards solving Los Angeles’s housing crisis. By expediting the approval and construction of 100% affordable housing, the city is making significant strides in providing much-needed housing for low-income families. For more information, visit the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and other reputable sources like LA County Planning and California Department of Housing and Community Development.
This article is brought to you by 121 Design Build Inc., your trusted partner in creating high-quality affordable housing in Los Angeles.
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