Missing Middle housing development in LA is more likely if the City Council enacts changes to our municipal code. LA’s Planning Department code change approvals are on the fast track!

• LA Planning is aiming for City Council approval by the end of 2026.
• Draft 2 of all proposed ordinances are ready for public revie (links below).
• Draft 2 docs clearly show Planning Dept changes made to Draft 1 (via text strike-out)
• Public comments invited before the October 1 Public Hearing, with a October 16 deadline for input.

Public Hearing? October 1 re Draft 2 ordinances

Public Comment? Open until October 16, 2026.

Below is a library of quick-reference links regarding LA’s proposed Missing Middle housing policy

LA Code Missing Middle Amendments For Public Comment

Amendments that make Small Scale Multi-Unit Homes Possible

ADU Ordinance (September 2026)
ADU Ordinance 1A (September 2026)

SB9 Ordinance (September 2026)
SB 9 Ordinance 1A (September 2026)

Changes enabled:

• Brings the City’s 2019 ADU Ordinance up to date with state law.
• Allows ADUs to be sold separately as condos, per Assembly Bill 1033 (AB 1033).
• Incorporates City Council direction on expanding protections in the City’s hillside fire zones.
• Offers additional provisions to further expand and streamline ADU creation.
• Incorporates the Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) Two-Unit Development and Urban Lot Split provisions.

Amendments that Implement Small Lot Subdivision and “Starter” Homes Program

Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance (September 2026)
Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance 1A (September 2026)
Starter Home Ordinance (September 2026)
Starter Home Ordinance 1A (September 2026)

Changes enabled: 

• Updates the City’s Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance.
• Streamlines the creation of up to 10 lots/homes by incorporating the now in-effect Starter Home Revitalization Act, or SHRA (SB 684/1123).
• Creates a complementary local SHRA program called the “Starter Home Bonus Program” that builds upon State law allowing small lot development while requiring adherence to objective design standards, and establishing local controls that remain consistent with State law.
• Promotes townhomes, row houses, bungalow courts, cottage courts, and other creative housing typologies wherever residential use is permitted.

Amendments that Implement Objective Design Standards

Small Lot Map Standards (September 2026)
Objective Design Standards for Small Lot Homes (September 2026)
Citywide Code Amendments (September 2026)

Updated Design Standards:

• The updated Objective Design Standards for Small Lot Homes (formerly Small Lot Design Standards) will expand their application to Starter Home Bonus Projects and address citywide policy priorities to create walkable neighborhoods, foster a sense of community, and encourage existing buildings and mature trees to be retained.
• The Department recently released an initial draft of objective design standards for infill housing development and ADUs for properties located within the City’s Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZs). Learn more about the City’s Objective Design Standards for historic districts.
• Develops a new Lot Amenity Space requirement for housing developments with fewer than six units, which generally are not subject to the City’s existing multifamily usable open space requirements.
• Expands the City’s recently adopted Outdoor Amenity Area provisions to additional residential zones, including R1 and other lower-density zones. Qualifying outdoor spaces—such as covered patios, porches, balconies, walkways, and similar areas—may be excluded from applicable floor-area and height calculations when they meet the City’s Outdoor Amenity Area standards.