Missing Middle Housing: What It Is and How We Get More

Los Angeles residents are struggling to find affordable housing in their desired neighborhoods. One solution to this problem is the addition of "missing middle" housing.

Missing middle housing refers to a range of housing types that fall between single-family homes and large apartment buildings, such as duplexes, triplexes, and courtyard apartments. These types of homes were once common in Los Angeles. Hello, bungalow courts!

One of the benefits of bringing back missing middle housing is affordability. Missing middle housing in neighborhoods can provide more affordable options for residents, including young professionals, families, and seniors.

However, missing middle housing has disappeared due to zoning regulations. Many Los Angeles neighborhoods have zoning laws that only allow for single-family homes or large apartment buildings, leaving no room for the middle ground. Changing these zoning laws and allowing for more diverse housing options can promote affordability and create more vibrant, diverse communities.

It's time to advocate for the addition of missing middle housing in Los Angeles. That’s why Westside for Everyone is a proud supporter of the Livable Communities Initiative, an effort to push Los Angeles to change zoning laws that would make it easier to build missing middle housing near commercial streets that can create the “main street” neighborhood experience that so many LA residents want.

Learn more about the Livable Communities and ways that you can support them here.

Housing on the Westside: A Brief History

The history of housing policy in Los Angeles has been shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including race, class, and economics.

In the early 20th century, neighborhoods on the Westside were largely developed for single-family homes, with zoning laws specifically designed to promote the suburbanization of Los Angeles. This trend continued well into the mid-20th century, with the construction of vast tracts of suburban-style housing and the development of malls.

However, this suburbanization came at a cost. The rigid zoning laws in these areas limited the development of more affordable housing options. Zoning laws contributed intentionally to the racial segregation of neighborhoods, further entrenching social and economic disparities.

Today, our neighborhoods are grappling with issues of housing affordability. Rising rents and property values leading to the displacement of long-term residents.

In response, activists and community members are advocating for more equitable and inclusive housing policies. This includes efforts to promote the development of more affordable and diverse housing options, as well as the preservation of existing housing stock. It also involves pushing back against zoning laws that promote segregation and inequality. Lastly, it means helping tenants stay housed through rent control and other programs that help people fight eviction.

The development and land use policies of Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, Mar Vista, and Playa Del Rey offer important insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our entire state and country when it comes to housing costs.

It is up to all of us to advocate for changes that benefit all members of our communities.

Photo Credit: Mark Adriane

The Westside Needs Affordable Homes

The Westside of Los Angeles is one of the most desirable and affluent areas in the city, and is home to many major employers and cultural institutions. Unfortunately, the high cost of housing in the area is a major barrier to entry for many people, including young professionals, senior citizens, and low-income residents.

Current research by UCLA’s Lewis Center shows that increasing the supply of housing in the Westside is key to addressing the affordability crisis. The Westside has been slow to add new housing, with many neighborhoods using zoning regulations to limit density and preserve the character of the area.

This has led to a situation where the Westside is home to some of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country, with many residents spending a large portion of their income on housing.

Here’s why we need more homes:

1. Lower the financial burden. According to the UCLA report mentioned above, Los Angeles County households spend an average of 47% of their income on housing, far above the recommended threshold of 30%.

2. Reduce inflow to homelessness. The lack of affordable housing can lead to homelessness and displacement. Many low-income families, students, and elderly people are being pushed out of the area, unable to find affordable housing. This not only harms those individuals and families, but also weakens the social fabric of the community.

3. Help the environment. Better planning for homes would help reduce traffic congestion by allowing people to live closer to their jobs and other amenities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing commuting distances, and create more diverse and inclusive neighborhoods. Furthermore, many of the areas of the Westside with the greatest potential for new housing, such as Santa Monica, Culver City, and Venice, since more public transportation is available than ever before.

It’s time to make sure that housing becomes more affordable and accessible again on the westside.

Housing and Race: Facing History & Creating a Brighter Future

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Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.