Session 6: Alternate Building Methods — Prefab, Modular, and ADUs

Nov 17

Written By Every Fire Survivor's Network

Description

Innovation can help families return home faster. This session explores building options such as prefab, modular, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that can shorten construction timelines and reduce costs while meeting fire-safety standards.

You’ll learn how these options fit within LA County’s permitting process, what trade-offs to expect, and how other families are using ADUs as temporary or permanent solutions. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your choices and how to match them to your goals and timeline.

Speakers:

Celeste Goyer, Casita Coalition
Sarah Dusseault, LA for LA

Session Highlights & Timestamps

1. Celeste Goyer, Casita Coalition

The Casita Coalition focuses on removing barriers to attainable housing, providing guidance on ADUs and fire recovery strategies.

[00:04 - 00:06] ADUs as Temporary Housing: A special allowance permits the construction and occupancy of an ADU before the primary home is rebuilt. This is a strategy to gain oversight and manage budget.
[00:06 - 00:07] Actionable Step: Check with your local Planning/Building department for specific rules on submittals and required fire hardening, as fire-impacted areas may have different requirements than normal ADU rules.
[00:07 - 00:09] Manufactured (HUD Code): These are the lowest cost and fastest units. They must be placed on a continuous perimeter foundation to qualify as real estate (real property) for traditional loans.
[00:09 - 00:11] Factory-Built (Modular/Prefab): These units are built to California Building Code standards. Parallel construction (site work and factory production happening simultaneously) saves significant time on the overall timeline.
[00:11 - 00:13] Alternate Methods: Construction using 3D printing or structural panels may cause additional time in permitting. Ensure the provider has a clear, proven pathway to approval that meets your timeline.
[00:14 - 00:15] Pre-Approval Benefits: ADU plans pre-approved by HCD (state) or HUD reduce design fees (can save up to 20%) and help prevent "option paralysis" by providing vetted designs.
[00:30 - 00:31] Pre-Approved Plan Changes: If using stick-built pre-approved plans from the city/county, only very minimal changes (e.g., mirroring, minor door/window change) are allowed before the plan is kicked out of the expedited process.

2. Sarah Dusseault, LA for LA

LA for LA promotes fast, effective housing solutions and partnered with City Lab to create the Altadena prefab handbook.

[00:16 - 00:17] Housing Showcase: The LA for LA Housing Showcase (Lincoln and Archwood) allows survivors to look, see, touch, and feel different modular, prefab, and 3D printed housing options.
[00:22 - 00:23] Altadena Prefab Handbook: A free resource on the City Lab website providing a deep dive into the LA County unincorporated prefab/modular process and how it differs from stick-built.
[00:23 - 00:24] Design Variety: Options are diverse, with many manufacturers allowing adjustments to floor plans and styles (not limited to "container homes").
[00:24 - 00:25] Unit Cost Range: The unit cost itself ranges from $40,000 to $220,000. Installation costs are separate and depend on site factors (foundation type, utility hookups, and accessibility).
[00:25 - 00:26] Speed and Approvals: These units skip many local inspections because they are pre-inspected and certified at the factory, greatly speeding up permitting and installation.
[00:34 - 00:35] Vetting: Any builder selling manufactured units in California must be state-certified. Survivors should check the LA City pre-approved marketplace or the upcoming LA County marketplace for cleared vendors.
[00:35 - 00:36] Financing: If a modular/prefab home is installed on a permanent foundation, financing and insurance for the unit is identical to stick-built construction.

3. Q&A and Community Tips

[00:28 - 00:29] Parking Temporary Units: For temporary housing, the permit should be approved within 10 days. The unit must be placed on flat ground and kept out of the way of the primary home construction zone.
[00:37 - 00:38] Temporary Housing Financing: Units on wheels (THOWs) used for temporary housing qualify for a personal property loan (chattel loan), similar to a vehicle loan, which typically has a higher interest rate.
[00:39 - 00:40] Steadfast LA/Samara: The nonprofit Steadfast LA, working with Samara Homes, is providing ADUs at no cost to five selected families in the Eaton Canyon area.