Despite the real estate market's woes, homeownership remains a goal for thousands in Southern California, and communities continue to look for ways of building more affordable options for the region's growing population. In Los Angeles, the City Council passed the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance in 2004, allowing developers to build single-family homes or detached town houses on lots smaller than 5,000 square feet.

The measure also allows existing rental properties such as the Maltman bungalows in Silver Lake, shown here, to be converted into single-family houses that residents can buy. Most of the 17 Maltman bungalows are one-bedroom units with about 700 square feet of living space and tiny gardens — an appealing alternative to condo living for some buyers.

More...

• Fledgling home projects emerge from L.A.'s small-lot ordinance

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