ED1 Los Angeles: Fast-Track Your 100% Affordable Housing Development
If you’re a developer in Los Angeles, Executive Directive 1 (ED1) is your golden ticket to dramatically expedite your next 100% affordable housing project. Signed into effect by Mayor Karen Bass in December 2022, ED1 is transforming the landscape of real estate development in LA—especially for builders focused on low-income and supportive housing.
Whether you're a seasoned builder or a property owner exploring development, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know to take full advantage of ED1's powerful incentives and fast-track your project through the bureaucracy.
🧭 What Is ED1 Los Angeles?
Executive Directive 1—commonly called ED1—is an emergency order by Mayor Karen Bass that streamlines the approval process for developments that are 100% deed-restricted affordable housing. The goal? Combat LA’s housing crisis by slashing red tape and empowering developers to build faster.
🔑 In short: ED1 gives qualifying affordable housing projects a green light with minimal delays—often referred to as “rubber stamping” development.
⚡ ED1 = Ministerial Approval = Speed
Under ED1, eligible affordable housing developments receive ministerial approval, meaning:
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No public hearings
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No CEQA delays
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No discretionary decision-making
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No drawn-out appeals
This means your project could go from plan to permit in under 60 days—a fraction of the time compared to traditional permitting.
🏗️ ED1 Eligibility Criteria: Does Your Project Qualify?
To benefit from ED1, your project must meet specific requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 100% Affordable Housing | All units (except manager’s) must be deed-restricted affordable. |
| 🧾 Zoning Compliance | Must comply with existing zoning or require only minor deviations. |
| 🧍 Supportive or Low-Income Focus | Designed for Extremely Low, Very Low, or Low-Income households. |
| 🕒 Fast-Track Timeline | Plans must be reviewed and processed within 60 days. |
Projects that qualify under SB 35, AB 2162, or similar state laws typically align well with ED1 standards.
💡 Why Developers Should Act Now
Los Angeles is hungry for affordable housing. With ED1 in effect, city agencies are prioritizing and fast-tracking developments that would normally take months—if not years—to entitle.
Benefits of ED1 for Developers:
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🚫 No CEQA delays for qualifying projects
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🏢 Bypass design review boards in many zones
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⏱️ Shorter pre-construction timelines
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💰 Lower holding costs and improved ROI
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🗺️ Ideal for adaptive reuse and infill projects
📍 Where in LA Can You Use ED1?
ED1 applies citywide within the City of Los Angeles. Whether you’re developing in:
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Downtown LA
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South LA
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San Fernando Valley
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Venice
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Hollywood
…you can take advantage of this directive—if your site and proposal meet the eligibility criteria.
Use tools like ZIMAS and consult with a local planning expert to verify zoning, overlays, and use permissions.
📝 What to Expect in the ED1 Process
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Prepare Your Application
Include site plans, affordability breakdowns, and zoning documentation. -
Submit to the Planning Department
Mark your project as an ED1 submission. -
Receive Priority Routing
Planning, Building & Safety, Transportation, and other departments expedite your review. -
Get Ministerial Approval
No hearings. No politics. Just process. -
Pull Permits & Build
Once approved, you’re ready to break ground.
⚠️ ED1 Limitations
While ED1 is powerful, it doesn’t:
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Apply to mixed-income or market-rate housing.
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Override all zoning or height restrictions.
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Bypass state or federal affordable housing standards.
If you’re adding density bonuses or incentives beyond by-right entitlements, you may still need some discretionary review—but even those are now being streamlined under this initiative.
📣 Final Thoughts: Why ED1 Is a Game-Changer
Los Angeles desperately needs housing—and you can help meet that need while accelerating your development goals.
ED1 is your opportunity to build faster, smarter, and with fewer barriers.
If you’re sitting on a property with development potential—or you’re looking to acquire one—this is the moment to act.
💼 Ready to Develop Under ED1?
Our team specializes in guiding investors and developers through the affordable housing development process in LA. We can help you:
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Find off-market ED1-ready lots
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Run zoning and feasibility analyses
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Connect with architects and permit expeditors
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Navigate financing for affordable housing
📩 Contact us today to see if your next project qualifies for ED1 and start building faster.
Would you like a downloadable ED1 developer checklist or a zoning feasibility map next?