Read Newsletter:  July 2021

Dear Angelenos:

The latest report from our Performance Management Unit is in, and the numbers are very encouraging. In fact, these new statistics report higher levels of case processing, above pre-pandemic levels—an encouraging sign that speaks to the economic recovery.

All while conforming with COVID-19 safety protocols, City Planning has approved nearly 33% more applications in the first six months of calendar year 2021, compared to the same reporting period in 2019. While the cases are up, staffing is down approximately 24%. However, these constraints have caused us to find creative solutions and continue to make recommendations to streamline regulations.

The Department’s efforts to move critical housing applications forward highlight our commitment to helping Los Angeles move forward—thanks, in part, to the innovations we’ve made at City Planning, including developing our own in-house online application system to support case intake and review, especially during the first days under the stay-at-home orders.

And case filings are significantly up as well. In June of this year alone, 905 applications were filed, a 43% increase from June of 2019, even before the outbreak of COVID-19. These stats reflect an improving outlook for the City as the number of vaccinations gradually increases and the health safety measures put in place last year are cautiously being lifted.

Of course, our work is not simply limited to reviewing, approving, or even reporting on case filings. At City Planning, we are about making improvements and realizing new efficiencies. To that end, I am happy to report that, even in the midst of a global pandemic, we’ve been able to reduce the average time it takes us to complete applications from 84 to 77 days, while still maintaining the same high standards with our customers and peers.

Together, we are Planning4LA.