![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/design-bitches-ADU-exterior-compressed.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo: Design, Bitches<\/a> via LADBS<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nThe construction permitting process can be arduous and expensive, especially in a city as large as Los Angeles. But a new program aimed at speeding up approvals for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could help to combat the region\u2019s affordable housing shortage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Last week, the Los Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) launched the Standard Plan Program<\/a> for ADUs, providing homeowners with 20 pre-approved designs created by some of the city\u2019s top architecture firms. Opting for one of these smartly-designed plans can cut down the review time from several weeks to as little as one day.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a wide variety of available styles and layouts, from one-story garden cottages to two-story modern marvels. Ranging from 200 to 1,200 square feet, the ADUS come in studio, one- and two-bedroom floorplans. Seven additional options are currently pending approval, complete with sought-after features like covered roof decks, outdoor patios and third bedrooms.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Standard Plan Program will dramatically streamline the process for homeowners of selecting and getting an ADU design approved by LADBS while at the same time supporting the work of Los Angeles architects and extending the City\u2019s rich tradition of innovation in residential architecture,\u201d said Christopher Hawthorne, Chief Design Officer for the City of Los Angeles, in a press release.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ADU plans available at launch include contributions from some of the most talented architecture and design firms at work in Los Angeles and around the country \u2014 and we look forward to seeing new designs added to the mix.\u201d<\/p>\n Among the local architecture and design firms with approved plans are Welcome Projects, First Office, Fung + Blatt, IT House, LA M\u00e1s and Design, Bitches. One of the standout ADU designs was <\/span>Midnight Room<\/span><\/a> by Design, Bitches, \u201ca new guest house\/studio as re-envisioned for the contemporary backyard,\u201d pictured here.<\/span><\/p>\n The flexible floorplan includes one bedroom, one bathroom, a dedicated workspace, kitchenette, ample storage, and a wraparound deck inspired by the Japanese engawa. There\u2019s also a covered outdoor dining area and rain barrels to meet the watering needs of drought-tolerant landscaping.<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo:\u00a0Design, Bitches<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0LADBS<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Photo:\u00a0Design, Bitches<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0LADBS<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n