There seems to be a common trend amongst 20-somethings these days. For this generation of up-and-comers everything must be more practical, stripped down and less excessive. They read the news on the internet and they know all about global warming and the dangers of excess. So they're looking for more pragmatic living solutions. Their computers are Macs, their cars are hybrids or at least sub-compacts and their homes are shrinking more and more.
Enter the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance. This piece of legislation was developed by the Los Angeles planning department and it allows developers to construct many small, single family homes on one piece of land.
Gas prices killing you so you want to live closer to the city? Can't afford the pricier single-family homes? Then the bungalow is your mid-range option. In Silver Lake, along part of Maltman Avenue, the Small Lot legislation has led to the renovation of 17 bungalows that were originally built in the 1920's. They're square, cute little Spanish-style buildings, built low and sturdy with one bedroom and just enough space for a young family. Developers are gravitating toward diminutive housing because it's cheaper to build than condos and apartment buildings due to the lack of hefty liability insurance payments.
Times are a changin' but solutions are ever-present.