Five Small Lot Homes with ADU Planned for Mid-City Site

An application has been filed with the Los Angeles Department of City Planning to construct five new small lot townhomes at 4523 W. 18th Street in the Mid-City neighborhood. This development involves demolishing an existing 1930s two-bedroom single-family home to make way for the new four-story residences. The project is designed to enhance urban density, with one of the planned townhomes incorporating a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU). Each of the five new homes will feature two parking spaces, addressing a common concern in urban infill projects.

David Kashani of Cohen & Kashani, LLC is listed as the project applicant, with Mehran Studio serving as the architect and representative for the development. A significant aspect of this project is its intention to utilize the provisions of California Senate Bill 684 (SB 684). This state law is specifically designed to streamline the approval process for small lot-type projects across California, aiming to facilitate more efficient housing development. For developers, architects, and land-use attorneys, this project serves as a practical example of how state legislation can be effectively leveraged to expedite infill housing initiatives within established urban areas, potentially reducing project timelines and costs.