Upcoming Issues

One of the best measures the city implemented was allowing double duplexes to be built on single-family lots. This change has been instrumental in creating more affordable housing options. However, proposed zoning changes aim to stop this practice, posing a serious threat to the availability of affordable housing.

We must address these issues before they come into effect. Once new rules and regulations are established, reversing them becomes exceedingly difficult. It is crucial that all city officials and community members, understand the broader impact of these changes.

If the city restricts or stops the construction of double duplexes, the repercussions will be significant. This change could affect a wide range of careers, including developers, general contractors, architects, engineers, and construction workers, potentially leading to over 100,000 people losing their jobs and needing to collect unemployment. Additionally, the city charges approximately $80,000 per permit for these builds. Halting these projects could result in a potential loss of $100 million in revenue for the city.

Our only viable option for building affordable housing is to purchase single-family lots with the appropriate zoning. Commercial properties are too expensive and do not provide a feasible solution for affordable housing. If the city truly wants to support affordable housing initiatives, maintaining the ability to build double duplexes on single-family lots is essential.

The current rent control policy allows landlords to adjust the rent to market value when a tenant moves out. However, proposed changes seek to limit these adjustments to standard annual increases, which would keep the rent significantly below market value. This change could impact the financial viability of property investments and reduce the incentive for maintaining and upgrading rental units. We believe it's important to address this issue to ensure a balanced approach that protects tenants while also allowing property owners to sustain their investments.

The current regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are creating significant challenges for property developers. These stringent regulations, while designed to protect the environment and public health, are negatively impacting the functionality, quality, and longevity of building materials. 

For example, the paint options allowed under these regulations lack the necessary strength, causing the paint to peel off and requiring properties to be repainted every two years. This frequent repainting is both costly and time-consuming. Similarly, the sealer we are restricted to using on roof vent sealers are not robust enough, leading to water intrusions and damage to the buildings. 

While we understand and support the intentions behind these regulations, the current level of restriction is causing substantial issues in other areas. We advocate for a balanced approach that maintains environmental and health standards without compromising the quality and durability of construction materials. We suggest revising these rules to be less stringent, ensuring that buildings remain both sustainable and resilient.

We urge city officials and community members to reconsider any proposed changes that would limit or stop the building of double duplexes. The ability to construct these multi-family units is critical for providing affordable housing and sustaining the economic well-being of thousands of workers. By preserving these zoning laws, we can continue to offer housing opportunities and support the growth and development of Los Angeles.
 

Let us work together to ensure that zoning laws facilitate, rather than hinder, the production of affordable housing. Through collaboration and understanding, we can build a better future for our city.