LOS ANGELES—Planet Home Living is preparing to open Gaspar, a collection of 10 single-family homes in Echo Park, on November 22. The development was built under the Los Angeles Small Lot Ordinance, and the homes, while detached, are only six inches apart. Architecture firm KTGY Group designed the development.

“The Small Lot Ordinance allows opportunities to develop a more compact footprint and maximize the lot within existing multifamily zones, all with ownership and long-term commitments to the existing neighborhood in mind,” Alan Scales, KTGY Studio director, tells GlobeSt.com. KTGY Group currently has 70 homes under construction following the small lot ordinance and several single-family and multifamily developments under construction as well. “Many neighborhoods in Los Angeles are starving for for-sale opportunities that are at an affordable price point but without a shortage on quality. The Small Lot Ordinance creates fee-simple ownership rather than condo air space ownership, avoiding costly HOAs and providing additional FHA loan program opportunities that can make home ownership attainable,” Scales adds.

KTGY Group began designing the project in early 2012 with the goal “to maximize views and livability.” The opening of the project coincides with the completion of phase one. Phase two is beginning now, and is scheduled for completion in 2015. Two of the 10 homes have already been purchased, and Planet Home Living is expecting all of the homes to be presold by spring of 2015. Prices for the homes begin in the mid $700,000 range, and feature panoramic city views and private two-car garages with direct access. The development has two floor plans, both with three bedrooms, open living areas, and an outdoor rooftop patio. The larger floor plan also offers a flex suite on the ground floor that can be used for a guest room or workspace.

“Demand for housing in Echo Park is extremely high. With adjacencies to Downtown L.A., Silverlake and Hollywood, this neighborhood is an emerging hot spot of for-sale housing,” says Scales. “The neighborhoods within Echo Park are very eclectic with plenty of historical character and a slight edge to the hip side. Walkability to local shops, dining, nightlife and proximity to jobs without the commute are also very important.  These characteristics provide a prospective buyers with enough urban context, while the immediate and established neighborhood offers a traditional feel of home.”