UCLA Housing Voice Ep. 105: Shane Talks Housing on Lusk Perspectives
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Jan 8, 2026 In this insightful discussion, Richard Green, Director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, talks with Shane Phillips about California's housing challenges. They delve into the history of ADU reforms and the complexities of state housing laws. The conversation highlights the rarity of condos due to liability issues and challenges in the redevelopment of small multifamily units. Shane also explores innovative ideas for building tenant wealth and reducing car dependency through improved transit systems, drawing comparisons with international models.
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State Rules Rewrote Local Housing Targets
- California statewide laws dramatically changed local housing planning by forcing higher, evidence-based housing targets for RHNA.
- Los Angeles' assigned housing need rose from ~82,000 to ~456,000 units, showing how state rules reshape local expectations.
Major Barriers Have Been Cut Back
- Recent state reforms removed major local barriers like parking mandates and CEQA for many infill projects.
- These changes lower legal and regulatory friction for denser housing near transit and on developed land.
Simplify Rules To Scale Small-Scale Housing
- Make standards objective, minimize fees, and ease utility and setback rules to scale ADU-style growth.
- Design rules so first-time, nonprofessional builders can navigate permits successfully.