Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) Units / One-to-One Replacement / Affordable Housing

CF 21-0035

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to the creation of a Citywide one-to-one replacement Ordinance for Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) units.

Recommendation for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Martinez – Cedillo):

INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning, in consultation with the City Attorney, to report on the creation of a Citywide one-to-one replacement Ordinance for RSO units, with an analysis of replacing the units on site and having the developer pay into a fund, as well as its impact on existing inclusionary housing programs.

Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.

Community Impact Statement: Yes.
For: Empowerment Congress North Area Neighborhood Development Council


Click on the BLUE HIGHLIGHT to view official documents and reports.

  • 06/12/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Silver Lake Neighborhood Council.  Refer to CF 21-0035 
  • 05/21/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 21-0035 
  • 04/26/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council.  Refer to CF 21-0035 
  • 04/21/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by East Hollywood Neighborhood Council (EHNC).  Refer to CF 21-0035 
  • 03/19/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Los Feliz Neighborhood Council, Los Feliz Neighborhood Council.  Refer to CF 21-0035 
  • 03/03/2021 Council action final.
  • 03/03/2021 Council adopted item, as amended, forthwith.  Amending Motion (Martinez – Raman) 03/03/2021, Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/16/2021,
  • 03/01/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on March 3, 2021.  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/16/2021
  • 02/16/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) .  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/16/2021, Motion 01/12/2021
  • 02/11/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on February 16, 2021.   Community Impact Statement submitted by Empowerment Congress North Area NDC    Refer to CF 21-0035  Motion 01/12/2021
  • 02/09/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Empowerment Congress North Area NDC.  Refer to CF 21-0035 
  • 1/12/2021 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion 01/21/2021

Short Term Rental Ordinances / Short Term Rental Companies / Implementation and Enforcement

CF 20-0995      AT CITY COUNCIL 03/03/2021

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to the progress of implementing and enforcing the City’s Short Term Rental Ordinances.

Recommendation for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Blumenfield – Ryu):

REQUEST the City Attorney and INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, and other relevant City agencies to report on the progress of implementing and enforcing the City’s Short Term Rental Ordinances; and, advise if more remedies are needed to ensure Short Term Rental companies and users abide by established law.

Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.

Community Impact Statement: Yes.
For: Hollywood United Neighborhood Council


Click on the BLUE HIGHLIGHT to view official documents and reports.

  • 02/16/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) .   Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/16/2021, Motion 08/11/2020
  • 02/02/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Hollywood United Neighborhood Council.  Refer to CF 20-0995
  • 08/11/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion 08/11/2020

Adaptive Reuse Ordinance / Update / By-Right Eligible Conversions / Deed Restrictions / Moderate-Income Households

CF 11-1973-S1     

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to updating the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance to allow eligible conversions by-right beyond those located in the six Specific Plan Incentive areas.

Recommendations for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Koretz – Harris-Dawson):

INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning (DCP), with the assistance of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department, and the City Administrative Officer (CAO), and in consultation with the City Attorney, to prepare and present an Ordinance to update the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance to allow eligible conversions by-right beyond those located in the six Specific Plan Incentive areas (Ordinance No. 175038), if they meet the following proposed criteria:

All new apartments and condominiums shall be deed-restricted to Moderate income households, 81 percent to 120 percent of Area Median Income.
The ground floor shall remain commercial.
Linkage Fees are waived.
Live/work, Artists-in-Residence, and hotel projects are not eligible for this incentive.
The building is at least five years old.

INSTRUCT the DCP, when moving forward with the policy relative to the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, to take into account the importance of preserving certain industrial zones; and, to work closely with the Council District (CD) 12 Office to ensure that such policy will not affect the ability to get companies to come to the industrial corridor in CD 12.

Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the CAO nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.

Community Impact Statement: Yes.
For: Mid City West Community Council


Click on the BLUE highlight to view official documents and reports.

  • 03/03/2021 Council action final.
  • 03/03/2021 Council adopted item, as amended, forthwith. Amending Motion (OFarrell – Koretz) 03/03/2021, Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/16/2021
  • 03/01/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on March 3, 2021.  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/16/2021
  • 02/16/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended . Motion 12/15/2020
  • 02/15/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Mid City WEST Neighborhood Council. Refer to  CF 11-1973-S1
  • 02/15/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Mid City WEST Neighborhood Council.
  • Refer to  CF 11-1973-S1
  • 02/11/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on February 16, 2021. Motion 12/15/2020
  • 12/15/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion 12/15/2020

 

From Los Angeles Department of City Planning

Dear Angelenos:

Technology has kept us connected, responsive, and functional in the midst of a pandemic. We have adapted to the necessity for social distancing by moving many of our services online, making it possible to file applications, pay fees, attend hearings, and provide feedback remotely.

City Planning’s new Online Application System (OAS) is part of this shift. The OAS makes it possible to take advantage of the Department’s development services from any place with an internet connection. In the short term, the program keeps critical services available to local businesses while also minimizing the need for in-person visits during the pandemic. Over the months and years ahead, the OAS will form part of the digital infrastructure that allows us to move more planning services online, in the interest of convenience and transparency.

While there is still work to be done to close the “digital divide,” so all Angelenos can
enjoy access to our web-based services, we are excited about the possibilities opening
up through digital outreach, online filing, GIS maps, data analytics, and more to come.

Together, we are Planning for LA.
Vince Bertoni,
Director of Planning

Read Monthly Newsletter February 2021

 

 

City Planning’s Updated Hearing Notice Requirement

Source:  City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning

City Planning is in the process of finalizing an update to its hearing notice templates. The Department’s new public hearing notice will have a dynamic look to create an engaging, flexible design that present information in an approachable format that is easier for the public to read and understand.

In addition to the reorganization of information, some notable features of the updated template include:

The general removal of the mailing envelope to facilitate quicker access to the hearing notice information.
An integrated map of the subject site that clearly identifies where the project is located.
An integrated visual image of the proposed project. This image can range from a project’s proposed floor plan to its elevations, or submitted rendering.

New Filing Requirement:

To ensure the success of the new template, City Planning is updating its case filing instructions to require the submission of an electronic map of the subject site at the time of filing. The specific requirements ask that applicants provide a high-resolution electronic file of a map of the subject site in JPEG format. The high resolution image should measure 3.75”x 8” at 300 dpi (dots per inch).

  • The proposed project site shall be outlined and located at the center of the map.
  • The map must be zoomed in to show at least two labeled, adjacent streets.
  • Unlike the required Radius Map, this map shall only outline the project site and not any additional properties that are owned by the owner. For example, if the project is a tenant space in a shopping center, only the tenant space should be outlined and not the entire shopping center.
  • The map may identify surrounding parcels and uses.
  • The project’s Radius Map may be used as a baseline map; however, it must meet all of the specifications as described above and shall not include the radius lines.
  • Do not use a satellite image as a map of the site, as these images can often be outdated.

Effective Date:
The new filing requirement applies to new project applications that have paid their BTC mailing fees on or after February 8, 2021.

Council and Committee Referral – Friday, February 19, 2021

17-0893 Temporary signs on temporary construction walls and on solid wood fences surrounding vacant lots.
To Planning and Land Use Management Committee
Department of City Planning report, dated February 17, 2021, relative to an amended proposed ordinance and revised Categorical Exemption regarding temporary signs on temporary construction walls and on solid wood fences surrounding vacant lots.

Jenna Hornstock / City Planning Commission / Commission Appointment

CF 21-1200-S5       AT PLUM 02/16/2021   TIME LIMIT: 3/22/21; LAST DAY FOR COUNCIL ACTION: 3/19/21

Communication from the Mayor relative to the appointment of Ms. Jenna Hornstock to the Los Angeles City Planning Commission for the term ending June 30, 2022, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Vahid Khorsand.

Financial Disclosure Statement: Filed.

Background Check: Pending.

Community Impact Statement: None submitted


Click on the BLUE highlight to view official documents and reports.

  • 02/11/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on February 16, 2021.     Communication from City Ethics Commission 02/10/2021,  Report from Mayor 02/05/2021
  • 02/11/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on February 17, 2021.  Report from Mayor 02/05/2021
  • 02/08/2021 Mayor document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from Mayor 02/05/2021
  • 02/05/2021 Document(s) submitted by Mayor, as follows:   Report from Mayor 02/05/2021

Mayor report, dated February 4, 2021, relative to appointing Ms. Jenna Hornstock to the City Planning Commission, for the term ending June 30, 2022. Ms. Hornstock will fill the vacancy created by Vahid Khorsand, who has resigned.

Land Use Reform / Increasing Transparency / Processes and Procedures Ordinance / Update

CF 20-1045    AT CITY COUNCIL 02/16/2021  Adopted, (14); Absent: De Leon (1)

RULES, ELECTIONS, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS and PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES’ REPORTS relative to updating the Processes and Procedures Ordinance with additional criteria on certain entitlements and restrictions; and, establishing new protocols around communication between developers and council offices that takes place outside official meetings or hearings.

RULES, ELECTIONS, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Recommendations for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Martinez – Krekorian):

INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning (DCP), in coordination with the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA), to update the Processes and Procedures Ordinance with additional criteria on when entitlements such as legislative actions and Conditional Use Permits will be granted and should restrict actions from moving forward unless it can be established that they are in the public interest or otherwise adhere to established policies of the City.

INSTRUCT the DCP, in coordination with the CLA, to establish new protocols around communication between developers and Council Offices that take place outside official meetings or hearings, ensuring that discussions between developers and Council Offices take place transparently and with appropriate disclosures.

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Recommendation for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Martinez – Krekorian):
Concur with the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee’s recommendations above with the following added amendment:

INSTRUCT the DCP to provide all reports relative to Council file Nos. 20-1042, 20-1044, and 20-1045, at the same time and, unless otherwise indicated in any specific clause, to report within 60 days; and,

REQUEST the City Attorney to comment on these matters, specifically on concerns regarding the Voting Rights Act and First Amendment rights as we move in a direction towards more civic participation and voting, being mindful not to undermine that direction, any first amendment rights communications, and the abilities for the efficiency of services for the public.

Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the CLA has completed a financial analysis of these reports.

Community Impact Statement: Yes

For:
Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council
Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council


Click on the BLUE highlight to view official documents and reports.

  • 02/11/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on February 16, 2021.
  • 02/03/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council.Refer to CF 20-1045 
  • 11/19/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) with additional instructions.
  • 11/16/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council.   Refer to CF 20-1045 
  • 09/23/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved item(s) .  Motion 08/19/2020
  • 09/23/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee transmitted Council File to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion 08/19/2020
  • 09/21/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 23, 2020.   Motion 08/19/2020
  • 08/19/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Motion 08/19/2020

 

Land Use Reform / High Value Projects

CF 20-1044

RULES, ELECTIONS, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS and PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT (PLUM) COMMITTEES’ REPORTS relative to developing criteria for high value projects and amending the planning process so these projects are diverted from the PLUM Committee and go directly to Council.

RULES, ELECTIONS, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Recommendations for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Martinez – O’Farrell):
INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning (DCP), in coordination with the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA), to report in 30 days in regards to developing criteria for high value projects and amend the planning process so these projects are diverted from the PLUM Committee and go directly to Council with said report to analyze high value projects that have gone to PLUM Committee since 2013 and take into consideration both the total cost as well as the cost per square foot.

INSTRUCT the DCP to include deadlines in terms of when high value projects should be scheduled for Council in their report. Projects that are not high value projects should also be given deadlines for when they need to be scheduled in the PLUM Committee.

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Recommendation for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Martinez – O’Farrell):
Concur with the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee’s recommendations of September 23, 2020 above with the following added amendment:

INSTRUCT the DCP to provide all reports relative to Council file Nos. 20-1042, 20-1044, and 20-1045, at the same time and, unless otherwise indicated in any specific clause, to report within 60 days; and,

REQUEST the City Attorney to comment on these matters, specifically on concerns regarding the Voting Rights Act and First Amendment rights as we move in a direction towards more civic participation and voting, being mindful not to undermine that direction, any first amendment rights communications, and the abilities for the efficiency of services for the public.

Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the CLA has completed a financial analysis of these reports.

Community Impact Statement: Yes

Against:
Harbor Gateway North Neighborhood Council
Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council
Mar Vista Neighborhood Council
Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council
Palms Neighborhood Council
Elysian Valley Riverside Neighborhood Council
Mid City Neighborhood Council
Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council
Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council

Against, unless Amended:
Encino Neighborhood Council


Click on the BLUE highlight to view official documents and reports.

  • 05/19/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Woodland Hills-Warner Center.  CF 20-1044
  • 05/12/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Zapata – King.  CF 20-1044
  • 03/03/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council   CF 20-1044
  • 02/16/2021 Council action final.
  • 02/16/2021 Council adopted item, as amended, forthwith.   Amending Motion (Bonin – Rodriguez) 02/16/2021, Amending Motion (Martinez – OFarrell) 02/16/2021,Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 11/19/2020, Report from Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee 09/23/2020
  • 02/13/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 20-1044
  • 02/11/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on February 16, 2021.
  • 01/20/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Wilshire Center Koreatown NC.  See CF 20-1044
  • 01/14/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 11/29/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Palms Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 11/29/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Palms Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 11/24/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Mid-City Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 11/21/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Elysian Valley Riverside Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 11/19/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended with additional instructions.   Motion 08/19/2020
  • 11/19/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Palms Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 11/16/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 11/11/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Encino Neighborhood Council. See CF 20-1044
  • 10/25/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Mar Vista Community Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 10/19/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 10/16/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Harbor Gateway North Neighborhood Council.  See CF 20-1044
  • 09/23/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved as amended .  Motion 08/19/2020
  • 09/23/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee transmitted Council File to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.   Communication from REIR Committee Clerk 09/23/2020,  Motion 08/19/2020
  • 09/21/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 23, 2020.   Motion 08/19/2020
  • 08/19/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.  Motion 08/19/2020

City Zoning Code Update / Ballot Measure

CF 20-1042   AT CITY COUNCIL 02/16/2021

RULES, ELECTIONS, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS and PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES’ REPORTS relative to the creation of a measure to be placed on the ballot to revise the City’s Zoning Code.

RULES, ELECTIONS, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Recommendations for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Martinez – Harris-Dawson):

INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning (DCP), in coordination with the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA), to report in 30 days in regard to the creation of a measure to be placed on a future ballot to update the City’s Zoning Code with said measure to include:
Addressing the City’s desperate shortage of housing as well as the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment obligation.
Be modeled after the Transit Oriented Communities Program to incentivize broader community benefits such as affordable housing, high paying jobs, parks and open space and improvements to mobility and the public realm.
Lead to an equitable distribution of new housing around the City based on high quality jobs, transit, and historic housing production.

ENSURE that the zoning code ballot measure be prepared through a transparent process that includes community engagement.

INSTRUCT the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) to report on revising the City’s Zoning Code, to incorporate the HCIDLA’s work on fair housing and equitable distribution.

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Recommendation for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Martinez – Harris-Dawson):
Concur with the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee’s recommendations of September 23, 2020 above with the following added amendment:

INSTRUCT the DCP to provide all reports relative to Council file Nos. 20-1042, 20-1044, and 20-1045, at the same time and, unless otherwise indicated in any specific clause, to report within 60 days; and,

REQUEST the City Attorney to comment on these matters, specifically on concerns regarding the Voting Rights Act and First Amendment rights as we move in a direction towards more civic participation and voting, being mindful not to undermine that direction, any first amendment rights communications, and the abilities for the efficiency of services for the public.

Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the CLA has completed a financial analysis of these reports.

Community Impact Statement: Yes

For, if amended:
Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council
Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council

For:
North Westwood Neighborhood Council

Against:
Mid City West Neighborhood Council
Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council


Click on the BLUE highlight to view official documents and reports.

  • 02/11/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on February 16, 2021.
  • 01/19/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Wilshire Center Koreatown NC.   Refer to  CF 20-1042
  • 01/16/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Mid City WEST Neighborhood Council.  Refer to  CF 20-1042
  • 01/15/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by North Westwood Neighborhood Council.  Refer to  CF 20-1042
  • 01/13/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council.  Refer to  CF 20-1042
  • 01/11/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council.  Refer to  CF 20-1042
  • 11/19/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended with additional instructions.   Communication from REIR Committee Clerk 09/23/202,  Motion 08/19/2020
  • 11/16/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council.  Refer to  CF 20-1042
  • 09/23/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved as amended . Motion 08/19/2020
  • 09/23/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee transmitted Council File to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.   Communication from REIR Committee Clerk 09/23/202,  Motion 08/19/2020
  • 09/21/2020 Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 23, 2020.  Motion 08/19/2020
  • 08/19/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.  Motion 08/19/2020

Council and Committee Referral – Wednesday, February 10, 2021

19-1334 Prohibit a person required to possess a city permit from obstructing the free passage of pedestrians
To Public Works Committee
City Attorney report R21-0051, dated February 9, 2021, draft Ordinance relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code, to prohibit a person required to possess a city permit from obstructing the free passage of pedestrians required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Council and Committee Referral – Friday, February 05, 2021

 

21-0002-S18 Ministerial approval of a housing development containing two residential units, and a parcel map dividing a lot into two equal parts, for residential use
To Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
Chief Legislative Analyst report 21-01-0044, dated February 4, 2021, relative to adopting Resolution (Koretz – Krekorian) to include in the City’s 2021-2022 State Legislative Program, its position on SB 9 (Atkins), which would require cities and counties, including charter cities, to provide for the ministerial approval of a housing development containing two residential units, and a parcel map dividing a lot into two equal parts, for residential use.

Planning Department Proposes Fee Increases

Source: CHRIS J. PARKER,CEO

The City Planning Department recently proposed new fees for its services that would collectively increase fees department-wide by more than 33 percent.

The proposed fee schedule “provides the City with an opportunity to more accurately reflect the cost of planning services,” the department announced in its most recent monthly newsletter. If adopted by the City Council, the proposed fee schedule will reduce the amount of money that goes from the city’s General Fund to the Planning Department’s operating budget down to $6.1 million annually from $14 million. Fees will cover 84 percent of the department’s budget vs. 64 percent currently.

In its report to the City Council, the department said that if the new fees were applied to current case numbers at the department, the department would have received $7.9 million more ($31.3 million theoretically vs. $23.4 million in actual fees received). That’s a 33.7% increase department-wide. Obviously, some fees will increase less than 33%; some will increase more.

The department’s report to the City Council is here:

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2009/09-0969-S3_rpt_PLAN_12-02-2020.pdf

And here is the proposed fee schedule:

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2009/09-0969-S3_misc_1_12-02-2020.pdf

The proposal is currently scheduled to be heard by the council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee on Feb. 16.


BTC Increases Fees, Requires Custom Map for Notifications

BTC, the official mailing contractor for the city’s public hearings, has increased the fees and requirements for notifications, effective today.

Costs at BTC have increased more than 25% on most of its services. For example, mailings have increased from $1.73 to $2.18 per address, a 26% increase.

BTC is also now requiring that applicants also submit a JPEG map of the subject property that highlights the property lines and shows at least two labeled, adjacent streets.

Post Provided by:

CHRIS J. PARKER,CEO

29635 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

O: 818-591-9309 | Chris@pccla.com | www.pccla.com

 

Standard Plans / Modular Multi-Family / Bungalow Courts / Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) / Homeless Housing / Affordable Housing

CF 21-0061      AT CITY COUNCIL 02/09/2021    Adopted as Amended, (15) MOTION (DE LEON – BLUMENFIELD – PRICE) ADOPTED AS AMENDED BY MOTION (DE LEON – BUSCAINO). CLICK HERE TO VIEW MOTION (DE LEON – BUSCAINO)

CONSIDERATION OF MOTION (DE LEON – BLUMENFIELD – PRICE) relative to developing a limited set of standard plans for modular multi-family homeless and affordable housing, bungalow courts, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Recommendations for Council action:

INSTRUCT the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering (BOE), in coordination with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department, and the Department of City Planning (DCP), to develop a limited set of standard plans for modular multi-family homeless and affordable housing, bungalow courts, and ADUs; such standards should cover all required disciplines, including but not limited to architectural, structural, grading, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

INSTRUCT the BOE to issue a Task Order of Solicitation to their on-call Architectural Design Services list to provide said standard plans within 30 days, and undertake a public engagement process to solicit feedback from stakeholders on architectural design elements that conform to the variety of architectural styles in the City of Los Angeles; and, upon certification by the LADBS and DCP that these plans meet all relevant building and zoning codes, they shall be deemed standard plans applicable for use in the respective zones and parcels, or less restrictive zones and parcels, and shall be posted on the LADBS website and made available to the public at no charge.

INSTRUCT the City Administrative Officer to identify the necessary funding for said plans from the Community Development Block Grant – CARES (CDBG-CV) Round 2 or Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Round 2 funds that the City is set to receive.

Community Impact Statement: None submitted.


Click on the BLUE highlight to view official documents and reports.

  • 02/09/2021 Council action final.
    02/09/2021 Council adopted item, as amended, forthwith. Amending Motion 02/09/2021, Motion 01/13/2021
  • 02/05/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on February 9, 2021.  Motion 01/12/2021
  • 02/04/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee waived consideration of item .  Motion 01/12/2021
  • 01/13/2021 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Motion 01/12/2021

 

Expedited Permitting Process / Permanent Supportive Housing / Affordable Housing / Central Coordination Hub

CF 21-0054      AT CITY COUNCIL 02/09/2021

CONSIDERATION OF MOTION (DE LEON – PRICE – RODRIGUEZ – BLUMENFIELD) relative to establishing a streamlined post entitlement permitting process for expediting supportive and affordable housing projects.

Recommendation for Council action:

INSTRUCT the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, in coordination with the Department of City Planning, Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department, Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, and the Los Angeles Fire Department; and,

REQUEST the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, to:
Develop an expedited permitting process that establishes a maximum review per submittal time of 15 business days for projects that build the most amount of permanent supportive housing and affordable housing; and, such streamlined process should look at establishing a tiered structure of expediting projects based upon a value and volume system that prioritizes the construction of the largest amount of permanent supportive housing and affordable housing.

Report back with a proposed sliding scale for review times, the technological and staffing resource needs, as well as any potential revenue sources needed to implement this system.
Form a central coordination hub for expediting homeless and affordable housing.
Report to the Council on any ordinance changes needed to implement the proposed expediting process and central coordination hub.

Community Impact Statement: None submitted.

(Planning and Land Use Management Committee waived consideration of the above matter)


Click on the BLUE highlight to view official documents and reports.

  • 02/05/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on February 9, 2021. Motion 01/03/2021
  • 02/04/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee waived consideration of item . Motion 01/03/2021
  • 01/13/2021 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion 01/03/2021

 

Density Bonus

Source:  Department of City Planning

Memo:  January 25, 2021

The Department has undertaken new efforts to facilitate the production of affordable housing units and help address the local housing crisis. From here on out, new projects requesting on-menu Density Bonus incentives will be processed ministerially, consistent with State law. This procedural change will also apply to qualifying projects that are currently in the pipeline.

In addition to providing more housing, the ministerial review of on-menu Density Bonus projects is intended to encourage applicants to propose projects closer in scale with the surrounding neighborhood. To be eligible as a ministerial project, the applicant can only request on-menu incentives as defined under the State’s Density Bonus Program. It is important to note that these projects will continue to go through planning review, receive a Letter of Determination, and will still be subject to an appeal process.

It is important to note that the procedures for projects requesting off-menu Density Bonus will remain unchanged. These projects will remain subject to CEQA and consideration by the City Planning Commission. Similarly, projects located within a plan overlay will still need to undergo discretionary review, regardless of whether they are requesting on- or off-menu incentives, as well as on-menu Density Bonus applications requesting multiple planning entitlements.

For additional information, contact the Housing Services Unit at dcpphp@lacity.org.

About the Density Bonus Program

The Density Bonus is a State-mandated housing incentive program created to promote mixed-income housing with on-site affordable units. A developer who meets the requirements of the State law is entitled to receive Density Bonus and other benefits as a matter of right. Over the years, Los Angeles’s Density Bonus Program has helped incentivize affordable housing units, along with the City’s Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Incentive Program.

City Planning Bolsters Online Application System to Improve Customer Service

Source:  Department of City Planning, February 2021
LOS ANGELES—City Planning has added new capabilities to the online payment system that provides remote development services during the current health crisis.In keeping with Mayor Garcetti’s directive to slow the spread of COVID-19, while also delivering on important City services, the Department has developed an in-house Online Application System (OAS) to minimize the need for in-person visits at its Development Services Centers (DSCs).
The OAS offers the safety and convenience of conducting development services virtually, while at the same time increasing the transparency of the planning process by enabling applicants to monitor administrative clearances in real time. Additionally, the system enables applicants to administer their applications from the safety of their home or office, as they can now submit and pay online, monitor project status, upload supporting files, and view project summaries remotely.
“Expanding our online capabilities is one of the ways City Planning has streamlined essential services and safeguarded the health of the City during this pandemic,” said Director of Planning Vince Bertoni. “As City workers, we are sworn to serve our community, and at this moment, encouraging the use of our improved online services is the best way we can support Angelenos’ health and economic interests.”
The most recent addition to the OAS is an application portal for Accessory Dwelling Unit (“granny flat”) Permit Clearances, Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, and several other planning applications. Some of the application types currently available through the OAS include sign-off of projects located within Community Plan Implementation Overlays and Redevelopment Project Areas, preliminary application filings for Transit-Oriented Community and Senate Bill 330 (“Housing Crisis Act of 2019”) eligible projects, and project-related appeals by non-applicants.
In the months ahead, more planning services will be available online. For the latest information, consult City Planning’s page forCOVID-19 updates or visit the Online Application Portal page.

Los Angeles Construction Industry

Contributor: Chris Parker, CEO Pacific Crest Consultants

It turns out, 2020 may end up being one of the busiest years in the Los Angeles construction industry.

The Los Angeles Department of City Planning reported last week that the department filed and completed more applications in the month of December than during any single month in the last three years. Overall, 7,654 applications were filed in 2020, a 2.5 percent increase over 2019 which had been one of the busiest years in recent memory.

The Department of Building & Safety hasn’t reported any year-end numbers yet, but it is obvious based upon activity at the city’s Construction Services Centers that LADBS and the other construction-related departments also had very active years.

Unfortunately, the increased activity from the private sector comes at the same time that city departments are being asked to slash their budgets to balance the $675 million hole in the city’s pandemic-ravaged budget.

Widespread layoffs and furloughs were on the table until most of the city’s unions agreed last month to a plan that will defer scheduled raises for 6 months or more. More than 1,300 city employees recently accepted early retirement buyouts, reducing the number of employees working in the construction-related departments and taking decades worth of experience with them. For example, the Office of Zoning Administration lost one-third of its Associate Zoning Administrators to early retirement, going from nine AZAs down to six. This is already having an impact on the number of ZA hearings that the department can schedule for discretionary requests such as CUPs, Adjustments, and Variances.

Complicating matters further are the safety protocols put in place to protect city employees and the civilians who are expediting projects during the pandemic. The public counters are closed for face-to-face meetings. “Over the Counter” permits are now a multi-day process. Plan-check submittals include the quarantining of plans and reports for at least 24 hours. Pre-pandemic, expediters could obtain clearances from multiple departments in an afternoon spent at one of the Construction Services offices. Now, each department requires a separate submittal that must be quarantined before it is assigned. One afternoon has become a week or more.

At PCC, we are proud of the work we did for our clients in 2020, despite these obstacles. PCC obtained more permits and more discretionary requests in 2020 than any year before. We look forward to continuing to help our clients and professional partners navigate through this ever-changing maze to get results as quickly and efficiently as possible.

 

Thank you Mr. Parker for your submittal.  SATT invites others to submit articles and/or leave comments.