By Rachel Dovey.
Although “granny flats,” as the name would suggest, are usually envisioned as accessory units for extended family members, they can also be a helpful tool for creating more affordable housing, and cities are taking note. St. Louis, Boulder, Colorado, and Toronto have lately been considering accessory units to help create more affordable housing and foster “gentle density.” Now, a new pilot program in L.A. hopes accessory dwelling units can help curb the city’s skyrocketing homeless rate.
The program, which was approved Tuesday by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, will connect qualifying homeowners with up to $75,000 in funding to build accessory dwelling units on their properties that will house formerly homeless people, Curbed reports. The county is also streamlining the permitting process. Homeowners who already have granny flats are eligible for up to $50,000 to cover the cost of renovations.
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