Tag Archives: Informal Housing

ADU Condos and Unpermitted ADU Legalization

Shout out to the YimbyTown Conference New Haven for including our panel, “Much ADU About State Legislation.”

I enjoyed the conversation and learning, and uplifting Casita Coalition’s implementation priorities, AB 1033: ADU Condos aka ADU Starter Homes and AB 2533: Unpermitted ADU Legalization.

From the conference program:

Much ADU About State Legislation

Abstract: Legislatures across the country are saying “yes” to backyard housing and passing statewide accessory dwelling unit (ADU) reforms. This panel brings together leaders from successful pro-ADU movements in California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts to share lessons learned, best practices, and model legislation for legalizing second units in single-family areas.

Speakers: Max Dubler, California YIMBY, Policy Manager; Mike Kriesberg, Abundant Housing Massachusetts, Policy and Advocacy Manager; Marina Rubina, Who Killed The Starter Home? Podcast, Principal, Architect; Jonathan Pacheco Bell, Casita Coalition, VP of Policy and Programs

Mike Davis Roundtable at the Urban History Association Conference 2025

I’m on a panel recognizing the legacy of Mike Davis with writer legends Carolina A. Miranda, Kyle Paoletta, David Kipen, and Mike The PoeT Sonksen at the Urban History Association Conference 2025 in Los Angeles. More to come soon.

Join us on Saturday, October 11th, 1:15-2:45pm at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown LA.

Register for the UHA Conference here: https://urbanhistory.org/Conference-Registration.

Governor Newsom Signed AB 2533 Expanding Amnesty for Unpermitted ADUs

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2533 expanding amnesty for unpermitted ADUs. I’m proudly part of this effort in partnership with Casita Coalition, and the community of Florence-Firestone plays a role in the story. Shout out to Assemblymember Carrillo for authoring the legislation. Check out my reflections on AB 2533 as a former Zoning Enforcement Planner in Casita Coalition’s article authored by Board Chair Rafael Perez: https://www.casitacoalition.org/casita-coalition-blog/bringing-californias-hidden-housing-out-of-the-shadows-adu-amnesty-reform

From Casita Coalition social media:

Exciting News! Governor Newsom has signed Casita-sponsored AB 2533 into law! This bill is a game changer for legalizing unpermitted ADUs, making it easier, more affordable, and predictable for homeowners. Now, more homeowners can bring their units up to safety standards without breaking the bank, helping to preserve a critical segment of California’s naturally affordable rental housing market. This is a huge win for renters, homeowners, and housing stability in our communities! We thank Asm. Carrillo for championing this effort and everyone who supported this vital step toward advancing housing equity and preserving much-needed affordable homes.⁠ ⁠ Our Board Chair, Rafael Perez, has authored a blog on AB 2355, titled “Bringing California’s Hidden Housing Out of the Shadows: ADU Amnesty Reform.” It features powerful insights from urban planner Jonathan Pacheco Bell @c1typlann3r and remarks from Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, highlighting the positive benefits this reform will unlock for communities.⁠ ⁠⁠

Learning From Informal Urbanism at UC Irvine USSA

I’m joining UCI’s Urban Studies Student Association May 30th at 6pm for the talk, “Learning From Informal Urbanism Enforcement.” As this is the last general meeting of the quarter, we’re going out strong with a critical discussion of my decade+ doing Zoning Enforcement in South Central LA. This talk on Zoom is free and open to all.

Summary: With 20 years of experience in the field of planning and as the creator of Embedded Planning, a praxis that places the planner on the ground with the fundamental goal of equity and engagement, Jonathan has ample experience with the way cities and planners interact with informal urbanism. The question remains: What is the planner’s precarious role in land use regulation? 

Informal ADUs Webinar

Join me this Friday, March 29th at 11:00am PST for an update on the important topic of unpermitted or informal ADUs and efforts to make the process of legalization easier and less costly, hosted by Casita Coalition, a statewide nonprofit. Our panel will cover:

– The current process for legalizing an unpermitted unit under state law
– How a safety-first legalization process can help preserve existing homes
– Designing an ADU amnesty program that addresses common barriers for homeowners
– AB 2533 (Carrillo)—a bill Casita Coalition is supporting to improve current ADU amnesty provisions

This webinar is generously sponsored by the City of Piedmont.

Register: https://www.casitacoalition.org/webinar-calendar/adu-amnesty

Housing Resource Fair

I’m speaking on an ADU, environmental justice, and affordable housing panel reflecting on lessons I learned doing unpermitted ADU enforcement.

Event: Napa Sonoma Collaborative Housing Resource Fair, SMART station depot, 960 E. Cotati Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931

Saturday, December 9, 2023, 9am – 12pm

FREE AND OPEN TO ALL

Interviewed in the New York Times about LA Informal Housing

I’m interviewed in the New York Times about the human dimensions of informal housing enforcement in South Central Los Angeles. I’m grateful to the family in @FlorenceFirestone who trusted me to share their story.

Conor Dougherty’s December 18, 2021 article is here: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/18/business/economy/california-housing.html