why are there few basements under houses in los angeles?

Answer 1

I don't know about Los Angeles, but if the ground is anything like the ground in Easter North Carolina where I grew up I was told that it was because the ground is so close to the ocean that the dirt is too moist and actually moves. If a basement is built into it, when the ground becomes too wet it will cause the foundation to move, and in turn messing up the structural integrity of the home.

Answer 2

Because the ones above them are called attics....

I would say because of the probability of earth quakes... There would be far to many houses that would be condemed after a tremor.... The same applies for houses built where the water table is too high

Answer 3

They have been restricting them due to people keeping dead bodies or retards there.