The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance at their Tuesday meeting allowing homeowners to build or convert existing spaces into Accessory Dwelling Units – housing for the homeless known as “backyard homes” or “granny flats.”

The ordinance is designed to increase the number of affordable homes available to the chronically homeless in the often high-priced Los Angeles County by allowing homeowners to convert garages or outbuildings on their property into affordable housing units.

The Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning was a key player in the development of the ordinance, according to Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative officials.

“It is only through collaboration and creative solutions like this that we will be able to collectively make a dent in addressing affordability issues,” said Regional Planning Director Amy J. Bodek.

By developing safe and livable low-cost housing options, the ordinance enables property owners to be part of the solution in the fight against homelessness, officials said.

“Building ‘granny flats’ can help alleviate our affordable housing crisis, while providing additional rental income for the families who build them. I strongly encourage homeowners to consider whether this opportunity can work for them,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Sheila Kuehl. “When it comes to reducing homelessness, we need all hands on deck and everyone in.”

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After noting that this system is already in effect in many of the neighborhoods in the unincorporated areas she represents, Supervisor Hilda L. Solis said she was also eager to expand ADUs.

“With today’s action, L.A. County has approved another tool in our arsenal to combat the housing crisis,” she said. “By assisting homeowners in legalizing their ADUs and encouraging others to build their own, L.A. County is identifying and implementing innovative measures to increase available housing and prevent homelessness before it occurs.”

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, also mentioned the importance of ADUs in the fight against homelessness.

“Addressing a shortage of more than 500,000 affordable units across Los Angeles County will require the expedient deployment of different types of housing, and ADUs are a great way for single family properties to be part of the solution,” he said.  “It puts rent income into property owners’ pockets, without altering the character of their neighborhoods.”

Those looking to build new units will need to follow the development standards for a legal structure.

“We need to build more housing stock, period. If homeowners are willing and ready to build new units on their property, we should help them—not stand in their way,” added Supervisor Janice Hahn.

For more information on the ADU ordinance, visit their website here.

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