The Westside and South Bay regions of Los Angeles County are about to see some major changes in housing and development. On January 21, 2025, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved plans that could bring nearly 11,000 new homes to unincorporated areas. This decision is part of the county’s effort to increase housing options and make better use of land, especially near public transportation.

Where Are the Changes Happening?

The new zoning plans focus on both the Westside and the South Bay, targeting specific neighborhoods for increased housing development and rezoning.

Key areas in the South Bay include:

• Del Aire/Wiseburn – Increased density near major transit stops like the Aviation/LAX Metro Station. Some single-family areas are being rezoned to allow duplexes.

• Lennox – Housing growth along Hawthorne Boulevard, close to the C Line and 105 Freeway.

• West Carson – Mixed-use developments and new housing around Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

• Alondra Park/El Camino Village – Rezoning along major corridors to allow for more residential units.

• Westfield/Academy Hills and La Rambla – Strategic rezoning to support additional housing in previously low-density areas.

Westside Highlights

For the Westside, the plan includes areas such as Ladera Heights, View Park/Windsor Hills, and portions of the Slauson Corridor. These areas are also slated for higher-density housing and mixed-use developments, focusing on underutilized commercial areas and transit-oriented development.

What Does This Mean for Homeowners and Investors?

• For homeowners – If your property is in one of the rezoned areas, it could become more valuable. You might even have the chance to add units to your property or sell to a developer.

• For investors – These changes create new opportunities to buy, develop, or renovate properties. With higher zoning density, investing in these areas could bring significant returns.

Why Is This Happening?

This plan is part of L.A. County’s effort to address the housing shortage by focusing on areas that are close to transit, jobs, and schools. By increasing density in these locations, the county aims to make neighborhoods more walkable and reduce reliance on cars.

Challenges to Consider

While these changes can bring exciting opportunities, there are challenges to keep in mind:

• Infrastructure strain – More housing may mean more traffic, higher demand for schools, and increased use of public services.

• Community concerns – Some neighborhoods may resist the changes, fearing overcrowding or loss of the current character of their community.

• Building approvals – Even with rezoning, projects still need to go through the permitting process, which can take time.

What’s Next?

The Board of Supervisors has approved the environmental review, and the next step is drafting the final ordinance. These changes are expected to take effect soon, meaning we’ll start seeing new projects in these areas in the near future.

Why It Matters

If you own property, invest in real estate, or are thinking about buying in the Westside or South Bay, these zoning changes could impact property values and opportunities. Now is the time to stay informed and make a plan.

Got questions about how this affects you? Let’s talk! Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, understanding these changes is key to staying ahead in the Westside and South Bay real estate markets.