Breaking Ground on Faster Affordable Housing: A Look at LA’s ED1
At Bittoni Architects, we’re passionate about creating innovative housing solutions for Los Angeles. The city’s housing crisis is a complex issue, but there are promising initiatives on the horizon. One of these is Executive Directive No. 1 (ED1), a program aimed at streamlining the approval process for affordable housing projects.
What is ED1?
ED1, launched in December 2022 by Mayor Karen Bass, is designed to expedite the permitting and construction of shelters and 100% affordable housing developments. Through the ED1 Ministerial Approval Process, qualifying projects benefit from:
- Shorter review periods: ED1 cuts through red tape, aiming to get projects approved in under 60 days.
- Reduced filing fees: This makes development more financially feasible.
- Streamlined clearances: Environmental reviews are exempted, allowing projects to move forward quicker.
How Does ED1 Benefit Developers?
- Faster project timelines: Get your affordable housing development off the ground and producing much-needed units quicker.
- Reduced costs: Lower filing fees and faster approvals can lead to significant cost savings.
- Predictability: The streamlined process offers more certainty in the approval timeline.
How Does ED1 Benefit Housing?
- Increased production: By removing barriers, ED1 aims to accelerate the creation of affordable housing units, easing the housing shortage.
- More variety: ED1 can encourage a wider range of affordable housing options, catering to diverse needs.
- Faster relief for homelessness: The expedited shelter development process can help get people off the streets more quickly.
The ED1 Process
To see if your project qualifies for ED1, consult the Los Angeles City Planning Department https://planning.lacity.gov/project-review/executive-directive-1. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
- Eligibility Check: Verify your project meets the ED1 criteria (shelter or 100% affordable housing).
- Application and Checklist: Use the ED1 Case Intake Instructions and Checklist to prepare your application.
- Ministerial Approval Process: This streamlined process expedites your project’s review and approval.
Bittoni Architects – Your Partner in ED1 Projects
At Bittoni Architects, we have extensive experience navigating the complexities of affordable housing development in Los Angeles. We can help you determine if your project qualifies for ED1 and guide you through the approval process. Together, let’s break ground on a future with more affordable housing options for our city.