See more of our coverage in your search results.
California has been trying tocombat its severe housing crisisby encouraging more construction — but one Los Angeles homeowner’s experience proves how difficult it is make any progress.
Architect Andri Luescher bought a small vacant lot in the hills of Mount Washington in 2022, with plans to build a 1,400-square-foot home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms for his family of four.
Now, four years later, he still hasn’t started the build.
An array of mounting fees and permits has delayed his dream, as Luescher bounces between city agencies.
“Going into this, I was aware of how complicated the process is,” he told theLos Angeles Times. “Everybody warned me. But I was still shocked.”
The architect spent a staggering amount of cash before construction could even begin. He dropped $5,000 on reports to document three native trees on the property, and a whopping $17,000 for exemptions so he wouldn’t have to widen his future neighbors’ streets.
California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.
He spent hours attending public meetings only to hear neighbors rip the plan. The local homeowners’ group fiercely opposes it.
Meanwhile, azoning ordinanceis also proving to be a barrier. The rule itself isn’t a problem, Luescher told the Times, but getting approval is. He said he has to go to multiple city agencies — including the Department of Building and Safety, the Department of Planning and the Bureau of Engineering — just to get permits and plans reviewed.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
