Residential Zoning in LA Driving up Housing Costs
With some of the highest housing costs in the nation and a shortage of affordable housing, low-income Angelenos are struggling. According to the 2020 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, which was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, there are almost 70,000 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County, a 12.7% increase from 2019.
Unfortunately, the number of Angelenos experiencing homelessness will continue to rise if the city does not increase the pace of building affordable housing. Most neighborhoods in Los Angeles have flat housing growth, but those that are constructing new homes--such as Encino, Westwood, and Venice--are expensive and not viable for low-income families. Furthermore, 75% of Los Angeles’ residentially zoned land prohibits the development of new apartment buildings, presenting another challenge to establishing low-cost housing.
High demand for housing and a slow rate of new housing is driving up prices. In their 2015 report on high housing costs, the California Legislative Analyst's Office found that the average California home is $440,000, about two-and-a-half times more expensive than the national average of $180,000, and that California’s average monthly rent is $1,240, about 50% higher than the national average of $840.
As a consequence, low-income LA residents are struggling more than they ever have before. To ensure that all Angelenos have access to affordable housing, we must advocate for policies that end exclusionary single-family zoning and allow more apartments and multi-family homes to be built in residentially zoned land. There are dozens of local and state bills currently under heated discussion, and you can find the complete list, with descriptions and endorsements, on the website of the pro-housing non-profit, Abundant Housing LA.
Photo via iStock
About the Author:
Angelina Lim is a member of the Research Committee at Trojan Shelter and will serve as a co-Director of Staff for the organization for the 2021-22 school year. She is a junior majoring in Human Biology with a minor in Korean Studies. Aside from Trojan Shelter, Angelina holds leadership positions in USC’s Science Outreach and Joint Educational Project. She also conducts health disparities research at USC’s Keck Medical School and hopes to continue her research and be involved in clinical practice as a physician-scientist.
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