In California, the general plan has served as a foundational guide for long-range planning and other zoning considerations. The housing element is the component of the general plan that analyzes local housing conditions, directs policy recommendations for the City, and informs programs to then implement housing strategies through various local ordinances.
Los Angeles has led the State in encouraging the construction of a wider array of housing types across the City and ensuring for a healthier distribution of homes of all shapes and sizes. Many of these housing types are the direct result of local policies that were spearheaded by City Planning in recent years, and that continue to drive production, most notably of affordable units.
For additional information, contact planning.housingpolicy@lacity.org
Housing Policy
Policy Initiatives
Effective DateThe Affordable Housing Linkage Fee provides a permanent, dedicated source of local funding for affordable housing. It applies to certain commercial and market-rate residential projects, and was designed to help the City meet its affordable housing production goals.
Implementation Memo
Fee Schedule - As of July 1, 2023
Fee Schedule (updated July 2020)
Fee Nexus Study
Ordinance No. 185342 (Affordable Housing Linkage Fee)
Ordinance No. 185341 (Housing Impact Trust Fund)
Measure JJJ added provisions to the City’s Municipal Code to require developers requesting a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, or Height District Change to comply with certain affordable housing and job provisions or be subject to the City’s in-lieu fee.
LA Measure JJJ In Lieu Fee Schedule - Revised July 2022
Measure JJJ Affordability Gaps Study - July 2022
2019 Measure JJJ In Lieu Fee Schedule
2019 Measure JJJ Affordability Gap Study
Ordinance No. 184,745
The Value Capture Ordinance instituted affordable housing requirements on certain planning applications seeking additional density or floor area for mixed-use and commercial projects.
Density Bonus is a State-mandated incentive program that allows qualifying residential projects to construct additional housing, in exchange for setting aside a percentage of those units as restricted affordable. It serves as a local incentive program, and was established to encourage the production of on-site affordable housing in neighborhoods where multi-family zoning is allowed.
State Density Bonus Law: AB 2334, AB 1551, and AB 682 (2023)
AB 2345 and AB 1763 Revised Memorandum (2022)
On-Menu Density Bonus Ministerial Review Process (2021)
State Density Bonus Law (2021): SB 290, SB 728, AB 634
State Density Bonus Law (2020): SB 35 + AB 2162
Implementation of State Density Bonus Law (2017)
State Density Bonus Law (2017): AB 1934 + AB 2442 + AB 2501+ AB 2556
State Density Bonus Law: AB 2501, AB 2556, AB 2442, AB 1934 (2017)
State Density Bonus Law (2015): AB 744
Affordable Housing Incentive Guidelines (2005)
To assist understanding, a set of Affordable Housing Incentive Guidelines was developed alongside the Density Bonus Ordinance in 2005. These guidelines describe the density bonus provisions and qualifying criteria, the incentives available to qualifying projects, and the procedures whereby projects may apply for a bonus and incentives.
The Transit Oriented Communities Incentive Program (TOC Incentive Program) was created in accordance with Measure JJJ—a voter initiative approved by the residents of Los Angeles to encourage affordable housing production near transit. Along with Density Bonus, the TOC Incentive Program serves as a local housing incentive program, providing applicants with additional development incentives, in exchange for specific set aside of affordable units.
Methodology for Determining Bus Transit Service Levels; Implementation of Rapid Bus Provisions of the Transit Oriented Communities Program
Department Guidelines
Implementation Memo: CRA/LA Redevelopment Plan Areas
Application Referral Form
Verification Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Advisory Memo on Metro NextGen and Rapid Bus Designations
Updated Transit Service Determinations After the End of COVID-19 Pandemic
The Unpermitted Dwelling Unit Ordinance allows for qualifying unpermitted housing units in multi-family zones to be brought into compliance, provided that certain life safety and affordability requirements are met. The program aims to keep tenants in their homes. To participate, applicants must agree to set aside at least one onsite unit as affordable.
Application Processes and Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
UDU Inter-Agency Form
Public Benefit Agency Form
Land Use Covenant Application
Ordinance No. 184,907
The Home-Sharing Ordinance established a regulatory framework to allow short-term rentals within one’s primary residence. This ordinance prevents the wholesale conversion of homes into rental properties, while still allowing responsible home-sharing to continue to operate.
Program Website
Administrative Guidelines
Ordinance No. 185931
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained housing unit with a full kitchen and bathroom that is located on the same property as a single-family home. The City’s ADU further regulates the size and form of ADUs in relation to the main home, beyond what is stipulated under State law, in addition to imposing additional standards for ADU construction in certain hillside neighborhoods. Lastly, it allows Movable Tiny Houses to be used as ADUs.
The Small Lot Ordinance allows for the construction of free-standing, single-family homes, as well as attached townhouses, in multi-family and commercial parts of the City. It aims to incentivize homeownership opportunities by maximizing existing space and, in doing so, offer a smart-growth alternative to the traditional single-family home.
The Interim Motel Conversion Ordinance provides a streamlined process for the retrofit and temporary reuse of underutilized motels and hotels for supportive and transitional housing—creating a cost-effective strategy for housing people experiencing homelessness.
Application Guidelines and Requirements
Department Clarification Memo
Local Public Agency List
Ordinance No. 185489
City Planning’s Permanent Supportive Ordinance facilitates the production of permanent supportive housing (PSH) by establishing an administrative clearance application process, in addition to new requirements, to streamline the production of PSH units across Los Angeles.
Department Clarification Memo
Qualified PSH Application Form - INTERIM
Local Public Agency List
Ordinance No. 185492
