The Virtual Public Hearing is a formal opportunity to provide public comment on the proposed Missing Middle LA policy initiative, which includes an update to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance, new HOME Act (Senate Bill 9) and Starter Home Ordinances, and updated Small Lot Map and Design Standards. The proposed ordinances seek to amend, including but not limited to, Sections 12.03, 12.21 A.4, 12.21 G.2, 12.22.A.33, 12.22.C.27, 17.06, 17.07, 17.50 and add Sections 12.22.A.30 and 12.22.C.30 of Chapter 1 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code and Articles 4, 6, 7, 9, 13 and 14 of Chapter 1A of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
The update to the ADU Ordinance would bring the City’s 2019 ADU regulations into alignment with current State law, allow ADUs to be sold separately as condominiums pursuant to Assembly Bill 1033, expand protections in hillside fire zones, and include additional provisions to streamline and facilitate ADU development. The ordinance also proposes a local ADU Bonus Program that expands opportunities beyond State ADU law, including new configurations, conversions of non-habitable space, an additional ADU on qualifying large lots in higher opportunity areas, and an Affordable ADU Bonus Program that incentivizes deed-restricted affordable ADUs in certain areas.
The proposed HOME Act (SB 9) Ordinance would incorporate state law into the City’s Zoning Code, replacing interim guidance with clear and consistent local regulations aligned with State law. The update also creates more practical lot-split standards to make SB 9 easier for homeowners to use, while providing new incentives to preserve existing homes and mature trees as properties add housing.
The proposed Starter Home Ordinance would implement the Starter Home Revitalization Act (SB 684/1123), which creates a streamlined pathway for qualifying for-sale housing projects of up to 10 homes, depending on housing type, lot size, and applicable zoning. The ordinance would establish clear local standards and ministerial subdivision procedures, while creating incentives to preserve existing homes and mature trees, as well as to construct bungalow courts and subterranean parking garages. It will also update and align standards for fee simple SHRA projects with the city’s Small Lot Subdivision standards, address inconsistent zoning provisions, and include updates to address access, compact stall parking, and provisions that would otherwise require repeated waivers. A new Starter Home Bonus Program would provide additional incentives for qualifying fee-simple small lot projects that commit to meeting a set of objective design and subdivision map standards.
The update to the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance proposes to make targeted updates to the City’s existing Small Lot Subdivision regulations, largely to align access, driveway, and parking provisions with the new Starter Home standards. The amendments would also clarify administrative procedures and applicability, update references and guidance authority, and add tenant notification, relocation, and right-to-return protections for qualifying condominium conversion projects.
The updated Objective Design Standards for Small Lot Homes (formerly the Small Lot Design Standards) would expand their application to Starter Home Bonus Projects and incorporate updated standards to support walkable neighborhoods, foster a sense of community, and encourage the preservation of existing homes and mature trees.
The proposed Citywide Code Amendments would establish new open space requirements for housing developments with fewer than six units and expand provisions that encourage porches, patios, balconies, and other outdoor amenities to all residential zones.
On October 1st, 2026, a Hearing Officer will hold a staff level Public Hearing on behalf of the City Planning Commission (CPC). Comments received during the Public Hearing will be considered by City Planning and included in a future recommendation report that will be presented to the CPC. Individuals may join the Public Hearing online or by phone to offer testimony.
Written Comments
In lieu of attending the Public Hearing, comments may be submitted by email to [email protected] or by hard copy to the address below through October 16th, 2026 at 6:00 pm. Any written communication must include case numbers CPC-2025-4430-CA, CPC-2025-4421-CA and/or CPC-2026-4383-CA.
Date and Time
Thursday, October 1st, 2026
Agenda
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Program Presentation
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Virtual Public Hearing
Join Zoom Webinar
https://planning-lacity-org.zoom.us/s/82122818991
Meeting ID: 821 2281 8991
Dial by phone
+1 669 900 9128 or
+1 213 338 8477 US
Meeting ID: 821 2281 8991
Receive Future Updates
To join the Interested Parties list for the Missing Middle LA Program and receive future updates, please email [email protected].
Next Steps
After the public hearing, a written recommendation report will be prepared by the Planning Department for consideration by the City Planning Commission (CPC). The recommendation report will be accessible through the CPC meeting agenda. The proposed ordinance requires final approval by the City Council.
