Granny Flats a Symptom of L.A.'s 'Broken' Planning Process

The city of Los Angeles may face two major ballot measures in the coming year dealing with development concerns as part of a heated conversation about how to fix its planning process. As this debate rages, Carlyle W. Hall—an attorney and founder of Los Angeles Neighbors in Action—highlights one example of how land-use practices in the city are “broken”: permitting for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also know as “granny flats.” 

A February court ruling, brought by Neighbors in Action, found that the city was not following its own rules regarding the permitting of ADUs. Hall explains that the City of LA has been ignoring its own standards for these backyard units since 2010, instead relying on weaker state requirements. He criticizes the city’s response to the ruling against it: to "fast track" ADUs.

The city's actions in attempting this "fast-track," which Carlyle describes as lacking transparency, "exemplifies its continuing broken planning system and completely undermines the City’s credibility at a critical point in time," he says. 

Hall’s analysis suggests that Los Angeles Neighbors in Action view ADUs is as an infringement on communities, potentially increasing density without consent of neighbors. With the city’s ongoing attempts to increase housing in light of a major shortage, others see ADUs as a promising tool. How this will play out remains to be seen, with the Los AngelesPlanning Commission taking up the issue on May 12.