The Los Angeles City Council has taken a decisive step to confront the city’s persistent housing crisis, approving a significant reform measure designed to increase housing supply and density. On Monday, June 17, 2025, at City Hall, the Council passed Ordinance 25-A-912, a sweeping initiative that eases restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and simplifies the process for splitting certain residential lots.
The vote, which passed 11-3, represents a major shift in Los Angeles’s approach to residential zoning, particularly within traditional single-family neighborhoods. For years, the city has grappled with skyrocketing housing costs driven by a severe supply shortage, pushing affordability out of reach for many residents. Ordinance 25-A-912 is championed by proponents as a critical tool to unlock dormant housing potential within the city’s existing footprint.
Understanding Ordinance 25-A-912
At its core, Ordinance 25-A-912 targets two primary mechanisms for increasing housing density on residential properties: accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and lot splits.
Under the new ordinance, homeowners in single-family zones (identified as R1 and R2 zones) will find it significantly easier to build or convert existing structures into ADUs. Often referred to as “granny flats” or “backyard homes,” ADUs provide smaller, independent living spaces on the same lot as a primary residence. The ordinance specifically eases various permitting and zoning hurdles that previously complicated or prohibited such construction. It allows homeowners to convert existing garages or build new detached units, with new standards permitting units up to 1,000 square feet in size. This change aims to encourage property owners to add units that can serve as rental income, accommodate family members, or provide smaller, potentially more affordable housing options.
In addition to ADUs, the ordinance also simplifies the process for splitting eligible residential lots. Historically, splitting a single residential parcel into two or more buildable lots has been complex and often restrictive. Ordinance 25-A-912 streamlines this process for lots that meet specific criteria, potentially allowing for the creation of new lots where additional homes, including duplexes or other multi-unit structures (depending on zone regulations), could be built. The intention is to make more land available for residential development within the city’s already developed areas.
Proponents Highlight Housing Crisis Solution
Supporters of Ordinance 25-A-912 view it as a necessary and innovative response to a crisis demanding urgent action. Councilmember Ben Carter, a key champion of the measure, has consistently argued that restrictive zoning, particularly the prevalence of single-family zoning, is a major barrier to increasing housing supply in Los Angeles. Proponents contend that allowing greater density within existing residential areas is more sustainable and less disruptive than building entirely new developments on the urban fringe.
Mayor Karen Bass is among the prominent figures supporting the ordinance. Administration officials and housing advocates backing the measure emphasize that by making it easier and less costly for individual property owners to create new housing units, the city can significantly boost supply incrementally across many neighborhoods. They argue this distributed approach could lead to a more diverse range of housing types and potentially introduce more attainable price points than large-scale developments alone. The hope is that the cumulative effect of thousands of new ADUs and additional units on split lots will meaningfully impact the city’s housing deficit over time.
Opponents Raise Concerns Over Neighborhood Impact
Despite the strong support, the ordinance faced significant opposition. A notable voice against the measure is the coalition known as “Neighbors United.” Opponents express deep concerns about the potential negative impacts on existing neighborhoods.
A primary worry is the preservation of neighborhood character. Residents in traditionally single-family areas fear that increased density, particularly the construction of multiple units on lots previously holding only one home, could fundamentally alter the aesthetic and community feel of their streets. Issues such as increased traffic, reduced privacy, and changes to the visual landscape are frequently cited.
Furthermore, opponents raise critical questions about infrastructure strain. They argue that adding significant numbers of new dwelling units and residents to existing neighborhoods could overwhelm aging infrastructure, including water and sewage systems, power grids, and local streets. Parking is another major point of contention, with worries that increased density will exacerbate already challenging parking situations in many residential areas. The coalition “Neighbors United” and other critics have called for more robust studies and infrastructure upgrades before implementing such sweeping zoning changes.
Council Deliberation and the Vote
The approval vote followed extensive debate and public comment periods at City Hall. Councilmembers heard testimony from both passionate proponents and concerned residents. Discussions touched upon the balance between preserving neighborhood stability and addressing the city’s urgent need for more housing.
Ultimately, the majority of the Council sided with the view that the housing crisis necessitates bold action. The 11-3 vote reflects a strong consensus among members that the benefits of increased housing supply and potential affordability outweigh the perceived risks to neighborhood character and infrastructure, at least in the context of this specific reform. The Council acknowledged the concerns raised by opponents but determined that the regulatory barriers addressed by Ordinance 25-A-912 were significant impediments to housing production that needed to be removed.
What Comes Next
With Ordinance 25-A-912 now approved, the focus shifts to implementation. City planning officials will finalize the administrative processes and guidelines necessary for homeowners and developers to take advantage of the new rules regarding ADUs and lot splits. The ordinance is expected to take effect following standard procedural steps, including the Mayor’s signature and official publication.
The long-term impact of this ordinance remains to be seen. Proponents anticipate a significant increase in housing unit creation across the city over the coming years, contributing to market stabilization and potentially easing rent and housing cost pressures. Opponents will likely continue to monitor the effects on their neighborhoods and advocate for mitigating measures, particularly concerning infrastructure improvements.
The passage of Ordinance 25-A-912 on June 17, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Los Angeles’s urban development policy. It represents a formal embrace of increased residential density as a primary strategy for combating the housing crisis, signaling a new era for development possibilities within the city’s residential zones. The success of this measure will be closely watched by other cities facing similar housing challenges.
