City of Los Angeles

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Subscriber Special Content: Supreme Court narrows local governments’ ability to impose impact fees – a potential sea change for California

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On April 12, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its much-anticipated ruling in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado. The case concerned the legality of a local jurisdiction’s imposition of a traffic impact mitigation (TIM) fee upon a project applicant as a development permit condition. The threshold question in Sheetz was whether a legislatively authorized and broadly applicable permit condition is subject to the same analysis as an administratively imposed, ad-hoc permit condition for the purpose of determining whether it violates the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Court held that there is no reason to distinguish between permit conditions imposed legislatively or administratively. Consequently, the Court explained that the two-part “Nollan/Dolan” constitutional test indeed applies to legislatively imposed permit conditions. In California, where local governments routinely use legislatively authorized development impact fees to impose sizeable mitigation fees on new development, this ruling could represent a sea change for developers and local governments alike.

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Council and Committee Referral – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

 

18-0406 Notification requirements prior to issuance of a demolition or structure permit.
To Planning and Land Use Management Committee
Motion (Yaroslavsky – Harris-Dawson) relative to instructing the Department of Building and Safety, with assistance from the Planning Department and in consultation with the City Attorney, to report with recommendations to expand the existing notification requirements prior to issuance of a demolition or structure permit.
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Council and Committee Referral – Monday, April 15, 2024

 

12-1549-S3 Asset Evaluation Framework and related actions for sites deemed infeasible for affordable housing
To Government Operations Committee
To Housing and Homelessness Committee
To Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee
City Administrative Officer report 0220-06137-0000, dated April 12, 2024, relative to a revised Asset Evaluation Framework and related actions for sites deemed infeasible for affordable housing.
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Housing Element Rezoning Program

Dear Interested Parties,
Thank you to all of those who joined Los Angeles City Planning’s informational webinars on the ordinances associated with the Housing Element Rezoning Program. During the webinars, staff presented background information on the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) Ordinance, Housing Element Sites Ordinance, and Resident Protections Ordinance. These webinars were an opportunity for interested parties to learn more about the proposed ordinances and provide feedback. Recordings of the webinars in English, Spanish, and Korean are now available on the program website here. Please feel free to share these recordings with your friends and networks.
Learn more about the CHIP Ordinance, the Housing Element Sites Ordinance, and the Resident Protection Ordinance by clicking here and stay up to date on the Housing Element Rezoning Program work effort by signing up for updates. Lastly, share your feedback on the draft ordinances with us by emailing housingelement@lacity.org or completing the feedback form embedded in our Concept Explorer.
Thank you for your continued interest and support!
About the Draft Citywide Housing Incentive Program Ordinance
The Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) Ordinance encompasses several key CHIP strategies including Opportunity Corridors, the Affordable Housing Overlay, and updates to the City’s existing housing development incentive programs. In particular, these strategies have been adapted into three programs that comprise the CHIP Ordinance. These programs include the State Density Bonus Program, the Mixed Income Incentive Program, and the Affordable Housing Incentive Program. More information on how these strategies will be incorporated into the draft CHIP Ordinance can be found below.
  • State Density Bonus Program: Since the adoption of the City’s Density Bonus Ordinance in 2008, numerous state bills have made significant amendments to the State’s Density Bonus Law. The program aims to make key revisions to align with the State Density Bonus Law.
  • Mixed-Income Incentive Program: The Mixed Income Incentive Program intends to codify new incentives for housing development projects along Opportunity Corridors and projects constructing Missing Middle typologies in Higher Opportunity Areas. Additionally, this program will memorialize transit-based incentives currently housed in the Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Affordable Housing Incentive Guidelines.
  • Affordable Housing Incentive Program: The Affordable Housing Incentive Program offers new incentives for 100% Affordable Housing Projects with additional incentives for Higher and Moderate Resource areas. This program will also provide citywide tailored incentives for sites where residential uses are currently restricted, including sites owned by faith-based organizations, publicly owned land, and sites zoned for parking.
About the Draft Housing Element Sites Ordinance
The Housing Element Sites Ordinance is intended to enact state housing element law related to different types of sites related to the most recent Housing Element of the General Plan. In particular, it addresses housing element law requirements around housing replacement, no net loss, by-right development for 20% affordable housing projects, and minimum densities. The various requirements apply to three different kinds of Housing Element Sites, including the Inventory of Sites, sites located on Prior Inventory of Sites, and Lower Income Rezoning Sites.
About the Draft Resident Protections Ordinance
The Resident Protections Ordinance aims to increase protections for residents in areas subject to housing pressures and expand protections for Angelenos in new housing. The ordinance would establish longer affordability terms (99 years), and equal policies regarding the size, location and amenities of affordable units. It would also strengthen and expand housing replacement requirements, including a tenant’s right to remain, right to relocation, and right to return for all housing development projects.
About the Citywide Housing Incentive Program
Following the 2022 certification of the 2021-2029 Housing Element, City Planning staff has been working to develop and implement the ambitious programs identified in the Plan to House LA. The Plan identified a significant housing need in Los Angeles, reflected by high rents, overcrowded conditions, and increasing housing instability. The Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) aims to address the City of Los Angeles’ significant housing needs by providing greater housing access to meet its state housing obligations. The CHIP will be implemented through multiple zoning code amendments developed simultaneously over a two-year period (2023-2025). To learn more about the program click here.
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Mello Act / Coastal Zone / Affordable Housing / Ordinance

CF 15-0129-S1      UPDATE  04/19/2024

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE  REPORT relative to preparing a permanent Ordinance to implement the Mello Act and requiring the provision of affordable housing.

Recommendation for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Bonin – Harris-Dawson):

INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning and the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department, in consultation with the City Attorney, to prepare and present a permanent Ordinance to implement the Mello Act, including a requirement for all new housing developments that are subject to the Mello Act, to provide affordable housing.

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

Community Impact Statement: None submitted

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

  • 11/30/2023 File expired per Council policy, Council file No. 05-0553.
  • 12/31/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Mar Vista Community Council.  Community Impact Statement submitted by Mar Vista Community Council 12/31/2021
  • 11/30/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended , requesting the City Attorney to prepare and present the Ordinance to include modifications detailed in the Report from Department of City Planning (DCP) dated 10/14/2021, and in the Communications from Eleventh Council District Office and Fifteenth Council District Office, dated November 30, 2021; and, an instruction to the DCP for a report back as detailed in the Committee Report.  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 11/30/2021, Communication from Eleventh Council District Office 11/30/2021,  Communication from Fifteenth Council District Office 11/30/2021 , Report from Department of City Planning 10/14/2021; Report from Los Angeles City Planning Commission 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 Exhibit H Ordinance 173815 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Proposed Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit G Transfer of Funds 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit D Mello Act Government Code Section 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit K Motion (2/03/15) 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Findings 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit A Coastal Zone Maps 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit B Proposed Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit C CEQA 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit E Interim Administratie Procedures 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit F Settlement Agreement 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit I Case Continuation 06/08/2021; Attachment to report dated 06/08/2021 – Staff Report 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit L Motion to Reinitiate Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08//2021 – Exhibit J Request to Initiate Mello 06/08/2021.
  • 11/16/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Wilshire Center Koreatown NC. Refer to CF 15-0129-S1 
  • 11/05/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on November 30, 2021.   Report from Department of City Planning 10/14/2021; Report from Los Angeles City Planning Commission 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 Exhibit H Ordinance 173815 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Proposed Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit G Transfer of Funds 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit D Mello Act Government Code Section 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit K Motion (2/03/15) 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Findings 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit A Coastal Zone Maps 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit B Proposed Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit C CEQA 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit E Interim Administratie Procedures 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit F Settlement Agreement 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit I Case Continuation 06/08/2021; Attachment to report dated 06/08/2021 – Staff Report 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit L Motion to Reinitiate Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08//2021 – Exhibit J Request to Initiate Mello 06/08/2021.
  • 10/18/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council.  Refer to CF 15-0129-S1 
  • 10/18/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council.  Refer to CF 15-0129-S1 
  • 10/14/2021 Department of City Planning document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from Department of City Planning 10/14/2021
  • 10/14/2021 Document(s) submitted by Department of City Planning, as follows: Report from Department of City Planning 10/14/2021

Department of City Planning report, dated October 14, 2021, relative to a request for a modification to the proposed Mello Ordinance approved by City Planning Commission on May 13, 2021.

  • 10/14/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Refer to CF 15-0129-S1 
  • 09/24/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on October 19, 2021.  Report from Los Angeles City Planning Commission 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 Exhibit H Ordinance 173815 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Proposed Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit G Transfer of Funds 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit D Mello Act Government Code Section 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit C (Final) 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Mailing List 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit K Motion (2/03/15) 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Findings 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit B Proposed Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit C CEQA 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit E Interim Administrative Procedures 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit F Settlement Agreement 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021- Exhibit I Case Continuation 06/08/2021; Attachment to report dated 06/08/2021 – Staff Report 06/08/2021: Attachment to Report dated 06/08/2021 – Exhibit L Motion to Reinitiate Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021; Attachment to Report dated 06/08//2021 – Exhibit J Request to Initiate Mello 06/08/2021
  • 06/16/2021 Los Angeles City Planning Commission document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Exhibit H Ordinance 173815 06/08/2021, Proposed Ordinance 06/08/2021, Exhibit G Transfer of Funds 06/08/2021, Exhibit D Mello Act Government Code Section 06/08/2021, Exhibit C (Final) 06/08/2021, Mailing List 06/08/2021, Email List 06/08/2021, Exhibit K Motion (2/03/15) 06/08/2021, Findings 06/08/2021, Exhibit A Coastal Zone Maps 06/08/2021, Exhibit B Proposed Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021, Exhibit C CEQA 06/08/2021, Exhibit E Interim Administrative Procedures 06/08/2021, Exhibit F Settlement Agreement 06/08/2021, Exhibit I Case Continuation 06/08/2021, Staff Report 06/08/2021, Exhibit L Motion to Reinitiate Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021, Attachment to Report dated 06/08//2021 – Exhibit J Request to Initiate Mello 06/08/2021, Report from Los Angeles City Planning Commission 06/08/2021.
  • 06/08/2021 Document(s) submitted by Los Angeles City Planning Commission, as follows:  Exhibit H Ordinance 173815 06/08/2021, Proposed Ordinance 06/08/2021, Exhibit G Transfer of Funds 06/08/2021, Exhibit D Mello Act Government Code Section 06/08/2021, Exhibit C (Final) 06/08/2021, Mailing List 06/08/2021, Email List 06/08/2021, Exhibit K Motion (2/03/15) 06/08/2021, Findings 06/08/2021, Exhibit A Coastal Zone Maps 06/08/2021, Exhibit B Proposed Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021, Exhibit C CEQA 06/08/2021, Exhibit E Interim Administrative Procedures 06/08/2021, Exhibit F Settlement Agreement 06/08/2021, Exhibit I Case Continuation 06/08/2021, Staff Report 06/08/2021, Exhibit L Motion to Reinitiate Mello Ordinance 06/08/2021, Attachment to Report dated 06/08//2021 – Exhibit J Request to Initiate Mello 06/08/2021, Report from Los Angeles City Planning Commission 06/08/2021.

Los Angeles City Planning Commission report, dated June 8, 2021, relative to a Code Amendment to implement the Mello Act Ordinance for the project area that includes the Coastal Zone Area.

  • 08/02/2019 Council action final
  • 07/31/2019 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.  Report from PLUM  (May 21, 2019),
  • 07/25/2019 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on July 31, 2019 .   Report from PLUM  (May 21, 2019),  Motion (April 16, 2019)
  • 05/21/2019 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) .  Report from PLUM  (May 21, 2019),  Motion (April 16, 2019)
  • 05/17/2019 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on May 21, 2019.  Motion (April 16, 2019)
  • 04/16/2019 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion (April 16, 2019)

 

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Council and Committee Referrals – Friday, April 12, 2024

 

23-0002-S104 City’s 2023-24 State Legislative Program a position on AB 2550 (Gabriel)
To Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
Chief Legislative Analyst report 24-03-0195, dated April 11, 2024, relative to Resolution (Rodriguez – Soto-Martinez) to include in the City’s 2023-24 State Legislative Program a position on AB 2550 (Gabriel), which would allow small neighborhood restaurants to operate without drinking fountains, small businesses without separate gender restrooms, and provide clarity on required protective services for outdoor food preparation

 

15-0316 Draft an ordinance to align the One-Stop Permit Center Surcharge with the current budget and timeline of the BuildLA Project
To Planning and Land Use Management Committee
Motion (Harris-Dawson – Rodriguez) relative to requesting the City Attorney, with assistance from the Bureau of Engineering, Department of Building and Safety, Department of City Planning, Fire Department, Department of Transportation, City Administrative Officer, and other Departments as necessary, draft an ordinance to align the One-Stop Permit Center Surcharge with the current budget and timeline of the BuildLA Project.
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New Density Bonus / Large Family Units / Multifamily Buildings / Square Footage Exemptions / Additional Story / 99-Year Covenant / 120 Percent AMI / Housing Element / General Pla

CF 24-0147     AT PLUM 04/16/2024

Motion (Krekorian – Raman, et al.) relative to requesting the Department of City Planning to prepare an ordinance that would establish a new density bonus for large family units in multi-family buildings, and related matters.

Community Impact Statement: None submitted

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CITY COUNCIL MOTIONS – 04/12/2024

Read: Motions 

Pg. 19   The City Attorney, with assistance from the Bureau of Engineering, Department of Building and Safety, Department of City Planning, Fire Department, Department of Transportation, City Administrative Officer, and other Departments as necessary, be requested to draft an ordinance to align the One-Stop Permit Center Surcharge with the current budget and timeline of the BuildLA Project.

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Restaurant Beverage Program / Restaurant Beverage Program-Sensitive Use Zone / Streamlined Permitting Land Use Regulatory Process / Council District 8

CF 17-0981-S13   AT CITY COUNCIL 04.09.2014
CD 8

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION (HARRIS-DAWSON – KREKORIAN) relative to activating a new streamlined permitting land use regulatory process, the Restaurant Beverage Program-Alcohol Sensitive Use Zone, in Council District 8.

Recommendations for Council action:

RESOLVE, that by the adoption of this Resolution, attached to the Council file, inclusive of the Map (Exhibit A) and Findings (Exhibit B) attached to the Resolution, the Council hereby activates the streamlined permitting land use regulatory process, the Restaurant Beverage Program-Alcohol Sensitive Use Zone, that shall be in force and full effect in the geographical boundaries attached in Exhibit A.

RESOLVE, that based on the Findings outlined in Exhibit B relative to the geographic boundaries found in Exhibit A maps, the Restaurant Beverage Program-Alcohol Sensitive Use Zone is in conformity with public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice.

Community Impact Statement: None submitted

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

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Southeast Valley Community Plans Update (SEVCPU)

Dear Community Members,
As part of the Southeast Valley Community Plans Update (SEVCPU), we are excited to announce the release of the Draft General Plan Land Use (GPLU) Designations for the following three Community Plans:
  • North Hollywood – Valley Village
  • Sherman Oaks – Studio City – Toluca Lake – Cahuenga Pass
  • Van Nuys – North Sherman Oaks
These draft GPLU designations, which can be viewed on our new StoryMap, bring the community’s vision for Southeast Valley to life. The StoryMap provides more details on the various land use strategies and incorporates community input received to date.
This release is a crucial milestone in the process of these Community Plan Updates and provides an opportunity for public review and input on the draft proposals. Look for more updates in the upcoming months as our team will be coordinating with community partners to host events to discuss these draft land uses. As part of this outreach, the team will be visiting Neighborhood Council Land Use Committees to discuss the latest proposal and answer questions from the community.
Thank you for your interest and participation in the SEVCPU. The team welcomes continued feedback, which can be sent to planning.southeastvalley@lacity.org.
We hope this message finds you well and look forward to hearing from you!

 

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Southwest Valley Community Plans

Dear Community Members,
On March 28th, the Department released several draft components of the Southwest Valley Community Plans, encompassing the Canoga Park – Winnetka – Woodland Hills – West Hills, Encino – Tarzana, and Reseda – West Van Nuys – Lake Balboa Community Plans.
Please find each of the draft components below:
Please visit the Southwest Valley Community Plans website for more information, which includes topical handouts describing the Plans’ land use strategies.
In addition, the Plan Update team will be holding virtual office hours where stakeholders can sign up to meet one-on-one with planning staff. Office hours provide an opportunity for more in-depth discussions of topics relevant to the Southwest Valley Community Plan Updates and are a great opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions regarding the recently released drafts.
Virtual Office Hours Sign-Up Instructions
To sign up for virtual office hours with the Southwest Valley Community Plan Updates Team, please visit the Office Hour Appointment Form. First, you will be prompted to enter your contact information and select the planning topic that you would like to discuss. You will then have the opportunity to note if you would like translation services. Next, you must select an office hours appointment slot from the available times listed. Please note that your selected time slot is not reserved until you have fully submitted your office hours appointment request.
Approximately 24 hours prior to your appointment, planning staff will email you to confirm the appointment and send you a Google Meet link which you can use to access the meeting at the time of your appointment.
You may also provide written comments on the draft proposals via this feedback form.
We look forward to discussing the draft Plan and hearing your feedback!
Keep in Touch
Please visit our recently updated project website to review the draft proposals and sign-up to receive updates by email about upcoming events.
Thank you for your interest and engagement in the Southwest Valley Community Plans. Any questions or feedback can be sent to the project team at planning.swvalley@lacity.org.
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Council and Committee Referral – April 04, 2024

 

23-0745
To Planning and Land Use Management Committee
City Attorney report R24-0152, dated April 3, 2024, relative to a draft Ordinance amending Los Angeles Municipal Code, Chapter IX, Article I, Division 89, Section 91.8906.1.1, to authorize the Repair and Demolition Fund as a funding source for abatement after the City Council and the Planning Department declare a public nuisance.
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Landscape and Site Design Ordinance

Dear Interested Parties,
City Planning is pleased to announce the release of the Landscape and Site Design Ordinance for public review and feedback. The Landscape and Site Design Ordinance updates the existing Landscape Ordinance (LAMC Sections 12.40 through 12.43) and establishes Landscape and Site Design Standards. These Standards promote healthy, walkable communities; address pressing climate change and public health needs; reduce review processing times for new, ground up development projects; and improve predictability and enforcement.
In alignment with Mayor Bass’ Mayoral Executive Directive Number 7, aimed at streamlining housing production and directing the Planning Department to develop objective design standards for multi-family housing projects, the new Ordinance represents a policy shift in the way that climate-adapted site design is addressed in Los Angeles, by creating livable communities, high quality housing, and relating buildings to the street and their surroundings. Through a carefully calibrated performance-based point system, the Ordinance replaces the existing, outdated Landscape Ordinance and Design Guidelines, advances site design principles that make our streets and sidewalks more walkable, support healthy communities, provide spaces for nature and biodiversity to flourish, and create buildings and places that support positive community interaction.
Building upon the adopted Citywide Design Guidelines, the Ordinance proposes a flexible point-based system that will facilitate multiple pathways to select site, building, and landscape design strategies that meet the program’s objectives through a combination of mandatory and elective design strategies with weighted point values. Additionally, the Ordinance supports the provision of additional on-site open space through a Zoning Code amendment to encourage Outdoor Amenity Areas. Through this amendment, partially covered or partially enclosed outdoor areas such as lattice roofs, terraces, or balconies would no longer be counted towards a project’s total Floor Area, removing a longstanding barrier to providing shaded and functional outdoor areas.
The Draft Landscape and Site Design Ordinance has been informed by extensive community engagement over the last two years, including feedback from public health officials, architects and landscape architects, community organizations, and partner agencies. We invite you to participate and share your feedback on the Draft Ordinance. Outlined below are several ways to engage in the process:
For more information, please visit the Landscape and Site Design Ordinance webpage, where you can find current drafts of the Draft Landscape and Site Design Ordinance and Point System, and a Fact Sheet describing the changes proposed.
Upcoming Events
  • Click here to register for the Open House/Webinar on April 16, 2024 with live Q+A
  • Sign up for Office Hours to meet one-on-one with a staff member
Please sign up for updates here or email planning.urbandesign@lacity.org to provide feedback.

 

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Marketing and Tenant Selection Procedures / New Covenanted Affordable Housing Units / Unsubsidized / Mixed-Income Projects / Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) / Density Bonus / Comprehensive Online Affordable Housing Search System

CF  24-0124    AT CITY COUNCIL 04.03.2024

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE REPORT relative to governing procedures for the marketing and tenant selection for newly constructed covenanted affordable housing units in unsubsidized, mixed income projects created through Transit Oriented Communities (TOC), Density Bonus and similar programs; and if changes will be necessitated by the roll out of the Comprehensive Online Affordable Housing Search System; and related matters.

Recommendations for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Yaroslavsky – Raman – Harris-Dawson):

DIRECT the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), with assistance from the Department of City Planning (DCP), to report to Council in 90 days on the procedures governing the marketing and tenant selection for newly constructed covenanted affordable housing units in unsubsidized, mixed income projects created through TOC, Density Bonus and similar programs, the extent of City oversight of these processes, and what if any changes will be necessitated by the roll out of the Comprehensive Online Affordable Housing Search System as directed by Motion (Raman – Harris-Dawson), attached to Council file No. 23-0426.

DIRECT the City Administrative Officer (CAO), with assistance from the LAHD, DCP, City Attorney, and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and with requested input from the Service Planning Area lead service homeless agencies, to report to Council in 90 days on the feasibility of prioritizing newly constructed covenanted affordable housing units in unsubsidized, mixed income projects for low-acuity people experiencing homelessness via partnerships with service providers or LAHSA, early marketing, master leasing arrangements or other potential programs.

DIRECT the CAO, with assistance from the LAHD, DCP, and the City Attorney, to report to Council in 90 days on the feasibility of prioritizing newly constructed covenanted affordable housing units in unsubsidized, mixed income projects for workers whose employment is either with the City or is located within the City’s boundaries, including, but not limited to, unionized service workers.

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

Community Impact Statement: None submittal

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South Los Angeles Community Plan Implementation Overlay (CPIO) District / Zone Changes and Amendments

CF 20-1265-S1  AT PLUM 04.02.2024  Continued from March 5, 2024

Verbal update from the Department of City Planning in response to Motion (Harris-Dawson – Raman) requesting the City Attorney to incorporate additional recommendations to those adopted by the Council on January 20, 2023, to amend the South Los Angeles Community Plan Implementation Overlay Ordinance, and to address displacement and the preservation of affordable housing.

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Executive Directive 1 (ED1)

Dear Interested Parties,
Executive Directive 1 (ED 1) expedites the processing of shelters and 100% affordable housing projects in Los Angeles. Eligible projects receive expedited processing, clearances, and approvals through the ED 1 Ministerial Approval Process.
The ED 1 Implementation Guidelines have been updated as of March 21, 2024. The updates include:
  1. A new ED 1 Property Owner Declaration to be provided to LAHD as a requirement of project review;
  2. Technical clarification on eligibility and City Planning application filing standards to qualify for the ED1 Ministerial Approval Process;
  3. Technical updates to LAHD Replacement Unit Determination procedures, reflecting new State law in effect as of January 1, 2024.
Please read the implementation guidelines for additional information.
For more information, please visit the Department of City Planning’s dedicated ED 1 landing page.
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Southwest Valley Community Plans: Draft Zoning and Plan Text Release

Dear Community Members,
We are excited to announce the release of several draft components of the Southwest Valley Community Plans, encompassing the Canoga Park – Winnetka – Woodland Hills – West Hills, Encino – Tarzana, and Reseda – West Van Nuys – Lake Balboa Community Plans:
Accompanying these materials you will find topical handouts describing the Plans’ strategies relating to: Complete Neighborhoods, Areas of Change, Affordable Housing, Jobs & Economic Development, Environmental analysis process, Climate Resilience & Sustainability, Neighborhood Identity, and Hillsides.
To learn more about the updates to the Community Plans and to provide feedback, please explore the interactive draft zoning map, share your thoughts in the feedback form, and visit our project website.
Join us for upcoming Virtual Office Hours
The Plan Update team will be holding virtual office hours where stakeholders can sign up to meet one-on-one with planning staff. The office hours provide an opportunity for more in-depth discussions of topics relevant to the Southwest Valley Community Plan Updates. The team will be sending out information on how to RSVP for an office hour session shortly, please stay tuned!
You may also provide written comments on the draft proposals via this feedback form.
We look forward to discussing the draft Plan and hearing your feedback!
Other Community Engagement Opportunities
The Southwest Valley team will be reaching out to neighborhood councils and other community organizations to set up opportunities to discuss our draft proposal and answer questions. We will share information about future scheduled meetings on our project website soon.
Keep in Touch
Please visit our recently updated project website to review the draft proposals and sign-up to receive updates by email about upcoming events.
Thank you for your interest and engagement in the Southwest Valley Community Plans. Any questions or feedback can be sent to the project team at planning.swvalley@lacity.org.

 

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Citywide Housing Incentive Program

Dear Interested Parties,
Don’t miss out on your chance to join one of our upcoming webinars to learn more about the ordinances released as part of the Housing Element Rezoning Program! This includes the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) Ordinance, Housing Element Sites Ordinance and Resident Protections Ordinance. More information on each of these ordinances can be found below as well as on City Planning’s website here. Please click the date and time below to register. Note that the content of all three webinars will be the same.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 (English)
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 (Spanish)
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 (English)

 

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East San Fernando Valley Transit Neighborhood Plan

 

Dear Community Members,
Last year, Los Angeles City Planning launched the East San Fernando Valley Transit Neighborhood Plan (ESFV TNP) in anticipation of the new Metro light rail train that is coming to Van Nuys Boulevard. The ESFV TNP is a multi-year work program that will apply new land use designations and zoning regulations about a half-mile around the train route, specifically within portions of the Pacoima, Arleta, and Panorama City communities. The purpose of proactively updating land use and zoning along the corridor is to ensure that new developments arising as a result of the light rail project will bring equitable housing opportunities for the community, support transit ridership and mobility access, and advance economic vitality in the region.
Where We’ve Been
The ESFV TNP program involves opportunities for public participation at every phase of the process. Initial community outreach and engagement for the ‘Listen’ phase of the work program began in Fall 2023. As part of this phase of engagement, the ESFV TNP team has been spreading awareness about the program, building relationships with local organizations, and sharing educational materials to afford community members the foundational knowledge needed to meaningfully participate in the planning process.
Last year, the ESFV TNP team conducted various engagement activities as part of the ‘Listen’ phase of the work program. Staff visited local Neighborhood Councils, tabled at community events, guest taught a land use and zoning class at Pacoima Beautiful’s People’s Collaborative Academy, and presented to students in CSUN’s Political Science Student Association. We appreciated every opportunity to engage with community members and look forward to future engagements with other community groups.
What’s Happening Next
As part of the ongoing ‘Listen’ phase, the ESFV TNP team will continue to collaborate and engage with stakeholders to understand the community’s needs, priorities, and vision for the future development of their neighborhood. The team will utilize all of the feedback heard as they proceed to draft land use maps, which are tentatively scheduled to be released for public review by Winter 2024-2025.
Keep in Touch
Please visit our recently refreshed website to learn more about the work program, review materials from previous events, and sign-up to receive updates by email and/or text message about upcoming events and activities.
Thank you for your interest and engagement with the ESFV TNP program. Any questions or feedback can be sent to the project team at planning.esfvtnp@lacity.org.

 

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Council and Committee Referral – March 18, 2024

 

23-1264-S1
CD 2
To Planning and Land Use Management Committee
City Attorney report R24-0119, dated March 15, 2024, relative to draft Ordinance to establish the District NoHo Sign District.

 

15-0719-S26
To Public Works Committee
To Transportation Committee
Department of Transportation supplemental report, dated March 14, 2024, relative to Mobility Plan 2035 implementation in compliance with Measure HLA.

 

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Council and Committee Referral – Friday, March 15, 2024

 

23-0002-S104
To Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
Resolution (Rodriguez – Soto-Martinez) relative to including in the City’s 2023-24 State Legislative Program a position on AB 2550 (Gabriel), which would allow small neighborhood restaurants to operate without drinking fountains, allow small businesses to operate without separate gender restrooms and instead allow gender-neutral restrooms, and provide clarity on required protective services for outdoor food preparation.

 

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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) / Certificate of Occupancy / Amnesty Program / Unpermitted ADUs / Garage Conversions

CF 16-1468-S1

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Report with recommendations relative to identifying and reporting the proper mechanism and documentation necessary for waiving the requirement of a Certificate of Occupancy as the basis for accessory dwelling units (ADU) conversions and the development of an ADU Amnesty Program, and related matters.

Fiscal Impact Statement: No

Community Impact Statement: Yes

Against: Chatsworth Neighborhood Council
Studio City Neighborhood Council

Continue reading →

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Council and Committee Referrals – 03/12/202

 

23-0172
CD 5
To Housing and Homelessness Committee
Department of City Planning report, dated March 8, 2024, relative to the recommendations of developing a local zoning Ordinance for affordable housing development on sites owned by religious institutions and properties owned by faith-based institutions located in Council District 5

 

22-1566
To Planning and Land Use Management Committee
City Administrative Officer report 0220-06178-0000, dated March 11, 2024, relative to the fiscal impact to prepare and adopt a Climate Action and Adoption Plan.

 

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Citywide Housing Incentive Program

 

Dear Interested Parties,
Thank you for your helpful feedback on the core concepts of the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP), a key Housing Element Rezoning Program strategy. As a result of conversations and public feedback over the course of 2023, City Planning is excited to announce the release of four draft ordinances supporting the Housing Element Rezoning Program and to kick off the next phase of outreach. These ordinances include the:
  • Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) Ordinance
  • Housing Element Sites Ordinance
  • Resident Protections Ordinance
  • Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance
More information on each of these ordinances can be found below as well as on City Planning’s website here.
The CHIP Ordinance has three programs that encompass key CHIP strategies that would increase housing capacity along major streets in higher opportunity areas and in areas with access to public transit. The programs also encourage affordable housing development citywide on underutilized properties owned by faith-based organizations, parking lots and publicly owned sites (see Fact Sheet). The three programs include the:
  • State Density Bonus Program, which proposes technical revisions to clarify procedures and to affirm consistency with State Density Bonus Law;
  • Mixed Income Incentive Program, which seeks to establish tailored incentives for mixed-income housing providing deed-restricted affordable housing units in priority areas, including along and nearby major corridors located in higher opportunity areas; and embed enhanced transit-based incentives into the Los Angeles Municipal Code; and
  • Affordable Housing Incentive Program, which offers incentives for 100% affordable housing projects, with added bonuses in Higher and Moderate Resource areas, and tailored citywide incentives for sites owned by faith-based organizations, public land, and parking-zoned areas.
In addition to the CHIP Ordinance, the Department is also releasing three ordinances intended to codify important resident protections for housing demolished as part of new housing developments; to comply with state housing element law; and to expand adaptive reuse incentives. These include the:
  • Resident Protections Ordinance, which aims to enhance and build upon current regulations concerning tenant protections, affordability term durations, and the size, location and amenities for affordable housing units. The Ordinance would apply to all development projects that include affordable housing or result in the demolition of housing (see Fact Sheet).
  • Housing Element Sites Ordinance, which aims to implement various state housing element law requirements that apply to three different categories of sites identified throughout the housing element process (see Fact Sheet).
  • Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, previously released in May 2023, which has been updated to address feedback received during the initial outreach phase and to expand incentives for adaptive reuse projects providing affordable housing. Links to the most up to date Draft Ordinance and Fact Sheet can be found here.
You can learn more about each of these ordinances by reviewing the Fact Sheets and additional draft materials on City Planning’s website here. Additionally, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming webinars to learn more and share your feedback on the CHIP Ordinance, the Housing Element Sites Ordinance, and the Resident Protections Ordinance. Please click the date and time below to register. Note that the content of all three webinars will be the same.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 (English)
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Wednesday, April 3, 2024 (Spanish)
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 (English)
Note that an announcement with dates for staff level public hearings for these ordinances will be sent via email at a later date.
Please reach out to housingelement@lacity.org with questions or to provide comments on the draft ordinances mentioned above. Again, thank you for your continued engagement with Los Angeles City Planning, and stay tuned for more updates!
About the Citywide Housing Incentive Program
Following the 2022 certification of the 2021-2029 Housing Element, City Planning staff has been working to develop and implement the ambitious programs identified in the Plan to House LA. The Plan identified that there is a significant housing need in Los Angeles, reflected by high rents, overcrowded conditions, and increasing housing instability. The Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) aims to address the City of Los Angeles’ significant housing needs by providing greater housing access to meet its state housing obligations. The CHIP will be implemented through one or more zoning code amendments developed simultaneously over a two-year period (2023-2025). To learn more about the program click here.