Incremental rezoning refers to modest or piecemeal changes—opening up small parts of single-family zones or selective multifamily rezoning—rather than broad, citywide reform. The article argues this is insufficient because Los Angeles currently excludes single-family neighborhoods (about 72% of residential land) from densification. Incremental changes leave large swaths untouched, limiting the total housing supply, so the city is likely to miss its mandated housing goals without more comprehensive action.

LA has been ordered by state authorities to plan for about 450,000 new homes by 2029. The state requires cities to prepare adequate zoning, infrastructure, and policies to accommodate growth. The article suggests that with current plans—especially those that avoid rezoning single-family areas—Los Angeles will fall short of meeting this target.

Approximately 72% of residential land in Los Angeles is restricted to single-family (one home per lot) zoning. This policy greatly limits where higher density housing (e.g. duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes) can be built. Because single-family zones make up so much of the city, avoiding changes there means greatly limiting the potential for increasing overall housing stock.

When most of the city’s residential land allows only single-family homes, housing supply becomes constrained. Demand outpaces what can be built, especially in desirable areas. Limited supply increases property and rental prices. Also, there are fewer options for smaller, more affordable housing units. Without opening up more land for denser housing, affordability continues to worsen for many residents.

Even where zoning permits multifamily housing, other obstacles slow or block development. These include:

• Lengthy permit, review, and appeal processes (e.g. fire department, utilities)
• High costs of construction materials, financing, and labor shortages
• Excessive parking minimums and wage or labor rules that raise costs
• Preservation and historic rules that restrict redevelopment

The article outlines several bold reforms that could significantly expand housing production:

• Legalizing duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes citywide
• Streamlining approval processes and reducing or eliminating appeals
• Cutting parking minimums to lower development costs
• Adjusting wage and labor rules that hinder small multi-unit projects
• Revisiting preservation or historic rules that block redevelopment

“Missing middle” housing refers to smaller scale multi-unit housing (e.g. duplexes, courtyard apartments, bungalow courts) that fits between single-family homes and large apartment blocks. These can add much-needed density without dramatically altering neighborhood character. The article argues that enabling missing middle housing citywide (including in single-family areas) is crucial to meeting housing targets and improving affordability.

If LA fails to adjust its zoning and related policies sufficiently:

• The city may not meet the 450,000 homes target by 2029
• The state could decertify LA’s housing plan, triggering the “builder’s remedy” allowing developers to bypass local zoning rules
• Housing affordability will worsen, pushing more people into longer commutes or less desirable areas
• Public pressure or ballot measures may force changes, often in contentious ways

The builder’s remedy is a state-level enforcement tool that can allow developers to build more housing even if local zoning resists, so long as the city has failed to meet housing planning obligations. If LA’s rezoning plans are decertified by the state, developers may bypass certain local zoning restrictions under this remedy. It represents a risk for the city of losing control over how and where development occurs.

If single-family zones stay off the rezoning table, development will likely cluster in:

• Areas already zoned for higher density or multifamily
• Transit corridors and neighborhoods near public transit
• Underutilized or industrial land ripe for conversion
• Projects that can take advantage of existing incentives or smaller lot opportunities

This clustering may lead to uneven development and affordability burdens in certain neighborhoods.

Developers should consider:

• Focusing on infill sites or areas already zoned for higher density where approvals are more likely
• Building small-scale multi-unit housing where permissible (ADUs, duplexes)
• Navigating zoning incentives (density bonuses, reduced parking) to make projects financially viable
• Staying informed on state laws and potential regulatory changes

Balancing growth with neighborhood character involves smart design, community input, and thoughtful zoning reforms. Key strategies include:

• Encouraging “missing middle” housing that fits scale and aesthetics
• Maintaining design standards and landscaping rules that preserve local feel
• Including community engagement early to build support
• Ensuring infrastructure and services (streets, schools, utilities) keep pace with growth