The Los Angeles City Council has decided on regulatory updates to the 2021-2029 housing element that will center new development mainly in commercial districts and existing high-density residential neighborhoods while avoiding single-family zones in spite of the benefits proven to be offered by the latter.The 15-0 vote allows for additional building in those areas provided a certain percentage of affordable housing units are included. Some havelabeled the single-family zoning exceptionas 'exclusionary' as those plots cover 72% of the city. The update also allows for development on lots owned by public agencies or religious organizations. Los Angeles is currently facing an immensehousing crisisand will have to present a plan to create an additional 255,000 homes to the state by mid-February.(h/t Urbanize LA and the LA Times for the update)