Building and Safety

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LADBS “Listen to the Industry”

The first webinar starts at 10 AM today! Wed, July 19, 2023.

These sessions will be held on July 19 & 20, 2023. Join LADBS subject matter experts who will provide updates as well as listen to you during Q & A sessions. Sign up now and secure your spot! See details below, click on the session(s) you wish to attend, and confirm via Zoom registration.

We look forward to you joining us.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023:
Residential / Building Code
Date: WED, July 19, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

*****  Common violations which often cause delays for Residential 1- or 2-family dwelling projects with

Accessory Dwelling Units, and Q&A session.
Click to Register to Attend
Affordable Housing
Date: WED, July 19, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

*****   Department updates and Q & A session.
Click to Register to Attend
Solar
Date: WED, July 19, 2023
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

*****  Department updates and Q & A session.
Click to Register to Attend

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Thursday, July 20, 2023:
The following webinars provide an overview of the most common correction notice items identified by LADBS by industry, followed by a Q&A session.
Electrical Code

Date: THUR, July 20, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Click to Register to Attend
Mechanical Code

Date: THUR, July 20, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Click to Register to Attend
Plumbing Code

Date: THUR, July 20, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Click to Register to Attend
Fire Sprinkler Code

Date: THUR, July 20, 2023
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Click to Register to Attend

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ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT CONVERSION Information Bulletin: Public – Building Code 2023-150

Department of Building and Safety
California State Government Code Section 65852.2 requires that local jurisdictions allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by-right.
Section 65852.2(d)(2) prohibits the City from denying an application for a permit to create an ADU due to the correction of nonconforming zoning conditions, building code violations, or unpermitted structures that do not present a threat to public health and safety and are not affected by the construction of the accessory dwelling unit. The City is required to approve an application to convert unpermitted structures into an ADU where the resulting structure does not pose a threat to the public health and safety.
Unpermitted ADUs constructed prior to January 1, 2018, cannot be denied a permit provided the existing zoning violations do not present a threat to public health and safety. [Government Code Section 65852.23.]
The Department is responsible for deciding what poses a threat to public health and safety.
An existing accessory structure, whether permitted or unpermitted but existing prior to January 1, 2018, can be fully or partially demolished and a new ADU can be constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as the existing structure; and is allowed to maintain the existing non-conforming setbacks.
This information Bulletin is intended to provide information on conversion of structures such as garages, utility rooms, storage rooms, recreation rooms, hobby shops, accessory living quarters, etc. to ADUs. It applies to permitted structures and to unpermitted structures existing prior to January 1, 2018.
I. GENERAL BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS
The following prescriptive requirements apply to one story structures. Any deviation from these prescriptive provisions or structures more than one story shall meet the requirements of the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC) and the California Building Code (CBC) as amended by the City of Los Angeles.
Note that each property may be subject to site-specific conditions and additional requirements may apply.
FOUNDATION
  1. Exterior walls and interior bearing walls shall be supported on continuous footings.
  2. Depth of footings below the natural and finished grades shall not be less than 12 inches, including footings underneath an infilled garage door opening or match existing footing depth if deeper than 12 inches. If any portion of the structure has an existing slab without any footing or is less than 12-inch in depth, the foundation shall be underpinned to a minimum of 12-inch in width and 12-inch in depth or match existing footing depth if deeper than 12 inches.
  3. Minimum concrete strength for new or underpinned footings shall be 2,500 psi.
  4. Existing footings are allowed to remain. New footings shall be reinforced with four½-inch diameter deformed reinforcing bars (two bars at top of footing, two bars at bottom of footing).
  5. An approved epoxy slab coating shall be applied on top of the slab if it does not have the required moisture barrier membrane. New concrete floor slabs on grade shall be placed on a 4-inch fill of coarse aggregate or on a 2-inch sand bed covered with a minimum 10 mil moisture barrier membrane.
  6. Existing slabs are allowed to remain. New concrete floor slabs shall be at least 3-½ inches thick and shall be reinforced with ½-inch diameter deformed reinforcing bars. Reinforcing bars shall be spaced at maximum 16 inches on center.
  7. Existing anchor bolts are allowed to remain. New anchor bolts shall be a minimum of ½-inch diameter x 10” long with 7” embedment spaced at a maximum 6 feet on center. Post-installed anchor bolts shall have an approved evaluation report and shall require special inspection by a deputy inspector.
  8. Existing sills and sleepers are allowed to remain. New sills and sleepers on a concrete slab which is in direct contact with the ground shall be preservative- treated wood in accordance with American Wood Protection Agency (AWPA) U1.
  9. Concrete foundation walls shall extend a minimum of 6 inches above the finished grade adjacent to the foundation.
  10. New exterior plaster (stucco) walls shall be provided with a corrosion resistant weep screed.
  11. Existing buildings located in a Methane Buffer Zone or a Methane Zone shall not be required to comply with LABC Chapter 71 Methane Mitigation, provided the existing slab remains undisturbed.
FRAMING
  1. Existing wall framing may remain unless there is an increase in load of over 400 pounds (i.e. mechanical equipment). If there are no ceiling joists, ceiling joists shall be required to accommodate additional loads (i.e. ceiling drywall, lighting, and mechanical equipment). New framing or altered framing shall comply with current LARC regulations.
  2. The infill walls of existing openings such as a garage door opening shall be 2×4 studs at a maximum 16 inches on center. Existing garage door headers are permitted to remain.
  3. Headers for new openings in existing walls shall comply with current LARC regulations.
  4. Bracing for new openings in existing walls shall comply with the following requirements. Walls with new openings shall provide a minimum total length of 10 feet of Wood Structural Panel (WSP) braced wall panels and shall meet End Condition A or B below. WSP braced wall panels shall be a minimum of 4 feet in length and shall have 15/32-inch minimum thickness with 8d common nails at 6 inch spacing along panel edges, 12 inch spacing at intermediate supports, and 3/8-inch distance to panel edge. ½-inch minimum thickness gypsum wall board shall be installed on the side of the wall opposite the bracing material.
END CONDITION A
END CONDITION B
‌
Return panel: 24” (does not count as bracing)
Distance D: 24”
MEANS OF EGRESS AND EMERGENCY ESCAPE
  1. The egress (main entry) door shall be side-hinged and shall be a minimum of 3 feet in width and 6 feet 8 inches in height. All interior doors through which occupants pass shall have a minimum width of 32 inches.
  2. Emergency escape openings shall be provided from every sleeping room and shall open directly to a yard or public way. Emergency escape openings shall have a minimum clear height of 24 inches, a minimum clear width of 20 inches, and a minimum openable area of 5 square feet. The bottom of the emergency escape opening shall not be greater than 44 inches above the finished floor.
FIRE PROTECTION AND FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION
  1. Automatic fire sprinklers are required only if the main dwelling is required to be fully sprinklered. Automatic fire sprinkler system shall not be required for the ADU conversion when the existing house does not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system.
  2. Exterior walls less than 5 feet from the property line of a non-sprinklered ADU conversion or less than 3 feet from the property line of a sprinklered ADU conversion shall be 1-hour fire-resistance rated construction. The 1-hour fire- resistance wall can be achieved by installing 5/8” type X gypsum board on the entire interior side of the wall up to the roof line.
  3. No openings shall be permitted in the exterior walls of a non-sprinklered ADU conversion where the exterior wall is less than 3 feet to the property line. The area of exterior wall openings of a non-sprinklered ADU conversion located between 3 feet and 5 feet of the property line shall be limited to 25% of the wall area.
  4. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed where the unit contains fuel burning appliance and shall be provided immediately outside of each separate sleeping area.
  5. Smoke alarms shall be provided in each sleeping room and immediately outside of each separate sleeping area. Smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be installed a minimum of 20 feet horizontal distance from a permanently installed cooking appliance.

Exception:
Ionization smoke alarms with an alarm- silencing switch or photoelectric smoke alarms shall be permitted to be installed 10 feet or greater from a permanently installed cooking appliance.
Photoelectric smoke alarms shall be permitted to be installed greater than 6 feet from a permanently installed cooking appliance where the kitchen or cooking area and adjacent spaces have no clear interior partitions and the 10 foot distances would prohibit the placement of a smoke alarm or smoke detector required by other sections of the code. Smoke alarms listed for use in close proximity to a permanently installed cooking appliance
INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
  1. Habitable room shall have a floor area of not less than 70 square feet and shall not be less than 7 feet in any horizontal dimension. A minimum ceiling height of 7 feet shall be provided throughout.
  2. The ADU shall provide permanent provisions for cooking, at a minimum: kitchen sink, cooktop, and refrigerator, each with 30 inches minimum clear space in front.
  3. Habitable rooms shall have natural ventilation through an opening of not less than 4 percent of the room’s floor area, unless a whole-house mechanical ventilation system is installed.
  4. Habitable rooms shall have natural lighting through an aggregate glazing (window) area of not less than 8 percent of the room’s floor area, unless an artificial lighting is installed to produce an average illumination of 6 foot-candles at a height of 30 inches above the floor in conjunction with a whole-house mechanical ventilation system.
  5. The unit shall provide heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of not less than 68oF at a point 3 feet above the floor and 2 feet from exterior walls. Portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance with this section. [The CF1R Residential Certificate of Compliance will dictate what means of heating will be provided.]
  6. The unit shall provide a separate bathroom containing a toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower. Bathrooms shall provide mechanical exhaust fans with a minimum intermittent ventilation rate of 50 cubic feet per minute. The center line of any toilet shall be located a minimum 15” from any side wall or obstruction, and a minimum 24” clear space in front of the toilet shall be provided.
  7. Attics shall provide a minimum cross ventilation of 1/150 of the area of the vented space. An attic access opening shall be provided with minimum dimensions of 22 inches by 30 inches and a minimum headroom clearance of 30 inches. The attic access opening shall be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location.
ENERGY / GREEN BUILDING / PLUMBING / ELECTRICAL CODES
  1. The ADU shall comply with California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). The CF1R Residential Certificate of Compliance shall be attached to the plans. If the CF1R requires Home Energy Rating System (HERS) field verification, the CF1R shall be registered with a certified HERS provider.
  2. The ADU shall comply with applicable Los Angeles Green Building Code requirements. At a minimum, Green Building Code Forms GRN 1, GRN 11, GRN 14, and GRN 16 shall be attached to the plans.
  3. Detached ADUs are not required to have independent service utility (drainage) connections provided the existing service utility complies with the current plumbing code.
  4. The ADU shall have a separate water shut off valve, accessible in the unit.
  5. The ADU shall require a separate electrical panel.
II. SETBACKS
Existing permitted structures and unpermitted structures existing prior to January 1, 2018, can maintain their existing non-conforming setbacks provided the existing reduced setbacks do not present a threat to public health and safety.
III. PLAN CHECK REQUIREMENTS
PLAN REQUIREMENTS
Document submittal requirements are listed in Information Bulletin P/GI 2020-008.
RECORDS RESEARCH
If the existing building has previously been permitted, a copy of the building’s Certificate of Occupancy and previous building permits shall be provided at the plan check stage to verify the permitted use of the structure.
ACCEPTABLE EVIDENCE FOR ESTABLISHING THE CONSTRUCTION DATE OF UNPERMITTED ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
Documentation establishing that the unpermitted structure was built prior to January 1, 2018 shall include at least one of the following:
  1. Code Enforcement case documentation (i.e. Orders to Comply) .
  2. Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) Rent Registration Certificate.
  3. Contractor’s bills and/or building material receipts.
  4. Utility bills pertaining to the unpermitted construction.
  5. A signed and dated lease agreement.
  6. Other third–party created documents acceptable to the Department.
IV. TYPICAL CLEARANCES
LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER (LADWP)
Approval will be required if the existing structure is located in a Public Utility Easement or within 10’ of a Public Utility Easement. Additional information may be found at the following link: LADWP Encroachment Process.
LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, BUREAU OF ENGINEERING (BOE)
Approval is required from BOE for all ADUs to asses sewer capacity and availability (i.e. “sewer availability” clearance). Additionally, permit applications for unpermitted dwelling units or projects that alter the site’s existing drainage pattern require roof drainage clearance.
LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT (LAFD)
Approval is required if any attached/detached ADU is more than 150 feet from the edge of the roadway or if any detached ADU is located in a designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).
V. INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Building and Safety, at the discretion of the field inspector, may require existing covered or concealed work to be exposed for examination during the inspection phase to verify appropriate installation.
VI. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
Once all inspection requirements have been met and the permit has been finalized; and all required clearances from other city departments are obtained, a certificate of occupancy will be issued.
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Department of Building and Safety announced its in-person process

Starting April 25, 2022

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, along with other departments will resume in-person operations, while still being mindful of the health threats we face from COVID-19 by ensuring that any in-person visit adheres to all safety protocols. Please note that proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test within the last 72 hours will be required to enter public buildings and indoor masking will continue to be required.

Read DBS Annoucement and Process

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Department of Building and Safety ePlanexpansion

Source: Department of Building and Safety, April 22, 2022

The City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has expanded its electronic plan review system known as ePlanLA (https://eplanla.lacity.org) to accept all plan check project types. ePlanLA is an online service for submitting plans for plan check, applying for permits, and tracking the progress of these applications.

For customers who previously registered for online services, please create an Angeleno Account using the same email previously used to register with the Los Angeles Building & Safety Department. This will allow users full access to all previously applied-for permits and services.

As the LADBS pursues new ways to enhance customer service, and improve the efficiency of the permitting process we thank you for being a valued customer. We look forward to continuing to meet your needs.

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LADBS Van Nuys and West LA Development Services Centers will continue the “Drop-off/Pick-up” system

Source:  Department of Building and Safety, April 21, 2022

Please be advised that, until further notice and consistent with other Development Services Departments, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) will continue the “Drop-off/Pick-up” system at the Van Nuys and West LA Development Services Centers until a reopening date is announced for in-person services. As the City emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, LADBS continues to provide services using modified procedures and practices to ensure the health and safety of both LADBS customers and staff.

The Metro office drop-off will no longer be available beginning Monday, April 25, 2022.

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Department of Building and Safety announced its in-person process

Commentary provided by Chris Parker, Pacific Crest Consultants at PCC 

On Thursday, April 21, 2022, the Department of Building and Safety announced its in-person process. The following is from notes taken by PCC staff.

Here are my notes from the LADBS call. This was an LADBS-only call; Osama made the point that if we want to know what Planning, LADOT, Public Works, etc., are going to do, we need to ask those departments.

If anyone else heard something that the team should know, please reply-all to this email chain. Thanks!

Opening on Monday by appointment only:

  • 4th floor: Building, mechanical & electrical plan-check counters; express permits, records, and soft story
  • 5th floor: Green and DAS
  • 8th floor: plan-check verifications and plan-check counter
  • The other tower: Inspection and Code Enforcement

Appointments will be needed for these departments/counters. Appointments have to be made through Build LA. All departments on the same appointment system. Will be launched tonight or tomorrow morning.

Approved plans can be picked up on the 8th floor. No appointment is needed.

If you are going into Metro for an appointment or pickup, you need to show proof of vaccination and you must wear a mask inside the buildings.

No more drop-off at Metro. West LA and Van Nuys are the places to go for drop-offs. If you have plans for Metro, you’ve got to deliver to Metro. Plans won’t be transferred from WLA and/or Van Nuys to Metro or vice versa.

Zoning Information counter is not available in-person but will be available via email or phone.

They’re creating a dedicated staff for online submissions (“E-plan group”), urging that we submit online for “small” projects. Promise it’ll be reviewed in a couple of days.

If you want OTC and/or ECPC, make an appointment for in-person review. The plans will be screened and processed as normal and LADBS staff will make the determination on whether they’re OTC and/or ECPC.

They’re hoping to create an online waiting room to take questions and answer questions (like the info counter of pre-pandemic). It’ll take 4 weeks at least.

They’re creating a “joint stamping” system so that once LADBS is done, the plan-checker will alert the other departments (Fire Dept., Planning, BOE, Health) so those plans can be stamped. Fire already doing it; Planning and Health may not be ready to do this until June. LADBS says LID won’t need to stamp plans anymore.

GPI requests will be available for appointments 7:30a-9:30a. All other Grading functions will still be done via drop-off.

We can make appointments now to view records such as historic building plans.

SATT:  Unrelated to PCC notes: John Doe started a Petition asking Mayor Garcetti to direct LADBS to open their development service centers to the public and follow the examples set by neighboring cities.

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LADBS will continue the “Drop-off/Pick-up” system

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Electric Vehicle Charging / Building Infrastructure / Alternative Compliance Pathways / Los Angeles Municipal Code / Amendment

CF 17-0309-S1   AT PLUM 06/15/2021

Motion (Koretz – Blumenfield) relative to directing the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety to submit a Code Amendment to all Los Angeles Municipal Code Sections regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging in buildings that will provide an alternative compliance pathway to meet the minimum required number of installed Level 2 chargers, provide flexibility for developers to locate conduit and stub outs in between two adjacent spaces where feasible, for spaces with no installed charger but where conduit and panel capacity are required; increase the multi-family EV ready parking space requirement from 20% to 25% to align with the County of Los Angeles, provide a reduced EV parking space requirement for certain technical hardships, provide developers flexibility relative to the parking stall size, ensuring only that parking stalls meet minimum Code requirements; and, such Code should be re-evaluated at the time of the triennial green building code update to adjust for changes in local charging needs and prevailing technologies.

Community Impact Statement: Yes.
For: Westside Neighborhood Council

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

  • 06/11/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on June 15, 2021.  Motion 03/17/2021
  • 05/13/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Westside Neighborhood Council.   Refer to CF 17-0309-S1
  • 03/17/2021 Motion referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Motion 03/17/2021
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System for Review / Utilization of Special Event Spaces / City-Owned Warehouses and Hangars

CF 16-1433-S1   AT CITY COUNCIL 05/18/2021 RELATED TO ITEM 1 (COUNCIL FILE NO. 15-1511) Adopted Item Forthwith Ayes: Blumenfield, Bonin, Buscaino, Cedillo, deLeón, Harris-Dawson, Koretz, Krekorian, Lee,Martinez, O’Farrell, Price, Raman, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez(15); Nays:(0); Absent:(0)

CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION, PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT, and ORDINANCES FIRST CONSIDERATION relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) with respect to Temporary Special Event (TSE) Permits issued by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) for temporary installations and outdoor uses, and certified farmers’ markets; and, Temporary Use Permits issued by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) for the temporary indoor use of a building and premise for assembly purposes.

Recommendations for Council action, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:

DETERMINE, based on the whole of the administrative record, that the draft Ordinances are exempt from the California Environmental Quality (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Section 21084 and CEQA Guidelines, Sections 15301, Class 1; 15303, Class 3; 15304, Class 4; 15311, Class 11; 15323, Class 23; and 15332, Class 32; and, that none of the exceptions under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 applies.

PRESENT and ADOPT the accompanying ORDINANCE, dated March 1, 2021, Sections 91.106.1 and 91.107 of Division 1, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC with respect to TSE Permits issued by the LADBS and associated fees.

PRESENT and ADOPT the accompanying ORDINANCE, dated March 1, 2021, amending Sections 57.105.6.5, 57.105.7.1.3, 57.105.7.8.4, and 57.4701.2 of Article 7 of Chapter V of the LAMC, and adding Sections 57.4701.2.1, 57.4701.2.2, 57.4701.2.3 and 57.4701.3.1 to require a permit from the LAFD for the temporary use of a building or premise for assembly purposes; and, adding Sections 57.4701.11 and 57.4701.12 to require crowd management and medical plans for certain assembly occupancies.

DIRECT the LADBS and LAFD to file the Notices of Exemption, attached to the Council file, with the County of Los Angeles Recorder’s Office following the adoption of said Ordinances.

REQUEST the City Administrative Officer (CAO) and LADBS to prepare a report and Resolution to establish fees for the issuance of permits, for the temporary installation and use of outdoor spaces and farmers’ markets.

Fiscal Impact Statement: None submitted by the LADBS, LAFD, or City Attorney. Neither the CAO 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.  Refer to CF 16-1433-S1  for Detail Prior to 2021

  • 05/18/2021 Council adopted item forthwith. Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 04/15/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/02/2021 -Draft Ordinance (Temporary Special Event Permit) 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/02/2021 -Draft Ordinance (Operational Permit) 03/01/2021
  • 05/04/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on May 18, 2021. Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 04/15/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/02/2021 -Draft Ordinance (Temporary Special Event Permit) 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/02/2021 -Draft Ordinance (Operational Permit) 03/01/2021
  • 04/15/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended . Attachment to Report dated 03/02/2021 -Draft Ordinance (Temporary Special Event Permit) 03/01/2021; Attachment to Report dated 03/02/2021 -Draft Ordinance (Operational Permit) 03/01/2021; Report from City Attorney 03/01/2021.
  • 04/12/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on April 15, 2021.  Report from Los Angeles Fire Department dated 03/11/2021 03/11/2021, Report from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety 03/05/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/05/2021 – Notice of Exemption 03/05/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Report from City Attorney 03/01/2021
  • 03/18/2021 Fire Department document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety 03/05/2021
  • 03/12/2021 Department of Building and Safety document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety 03/05/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/05/2021 – Notice of Exemption 03/05/2021
  • 03/12/2021 Document(s) submitted by Department of Building and Safety, as follows:  Report from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety 03/05/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/05/2021 – Notice of Exemption 03/05/2021

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety report, dated March 5, 2021, relative to a proposed ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code with respect to Temporary Special Event (TSE) permits and associated fees.

  • 03/11/2021 Document(s) submitted by Fire Department, as follows:  Report from Los Angeles Fire Department dated 03/11/2021 03/11/2021

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) report, dated March 11, 2021, relative to a proposed ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to require a permit issued by the LAFD for the temporary use of building or premises for assembly purposes; and crowd management and medical plans for certain assembly occupancies.

  • 03/03/2021 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.   Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated
  • 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Report from City Attorney 03/01/2021
  • 03/01/2021 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows:  Attachment to Report dated
  • 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Report from City Attorney 03/01/2021

City Attorney report R21-0081, dated March 1, 2021, relative to a draft Ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code with respect to temporary installation, use and assemblage permits issued by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Also see

CF 16-1433    Event Spaces / Fire Building and Safety Codes / Department of Building and Safety / Fire Department

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Farmers Markets / Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards

CF 15-1511      AT CITY COUNCIL 05/18/2021  Adopted Item Forthwith Ayes: Blumenfield, Bonin, Buscaino, Cedillo, deLeón, Harris-Dawson, Koretz, Krekorian, Lee,Martinez, O’Farrell,Price, Raman, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez(15); Nays:(0);Absent:(0)

RELATED TO ITEM 2 (COUNCIL FILE NO. 16-1433-S1)

CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION, PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT, and ORDINANCES FIRST CONSIDERATION relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) with respect to Temporary Special Event (TSE) Permits issued by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) for temporary installations and outdoor uses, and certified farmers’ markets; and, Temporary Use Permits issued by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) for the temporary indoor use of a building and premise for assembly purposes.

Recommendations for Council action, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:

DETERMINE, based on the whole of the administrative record, that the draft Ordinances are exempt from the California Environmental Quality (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Section 21084 and CEQA Guidelines, Sections 15301, Class 1; 15303, Class 3; 15304, Class 4; 15311, Class 11; 15323, Class 23; and 15332, Class 32; and, that none of the exceptions under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 applies.

PRESENT and ADOPT the accompanying ORDINANCE, dated March 1, 2021, Sections 91.106.1 and 91.107 of Division 1, Article 1, Chapter IX of the LAMC with respect to TSE Permits issued by the LADBS and associated fees.

PRESENT and ADOPT the accompanying ORDINANCE, dated March 1, 2021, amending Sections 57.105.6.5, 57.105.7.1.3, 57.105.7.8.4, and 57.4701.2 of Article 7 of Chapter V of the LAMC, and adding Sections 57.4701.2.1, 57.4701.2.2, 57.4701.2.3 and 57.4701.3.1 to require a permit from the LAFD for the temporary use of a building or premise for assembly purposes; and, adding Sections 57.4701.11 and 57.4701.12 to require crowd management and medical plans for certain assembly occupancies.

DIRECT the LADBS and LAFD to file the Notices of Exemption, attached to the Council file, with the County of Los Angeles Recorder’s Office following the adoption of said Ordinances.

REQUEST the City Administrative Officer (CAO) and LADBS to prepare a report and Resolution to establish fees for the issuance of permits, for the temporary installation and use of outdoor spaces and farmers’ markets.

Fiscal Impact Statement:

None submitted by the LADBS, LAFD, or City Attorney. 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.   Refer to CF 15-1511   for Detail Prior to 2021

  • 05/18/2021 Council adopted item forthwith. Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 04/15/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021.
  • 05/04/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on May 18, 2021. Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 04/15/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021.
  • 04/15/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended. Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021;
    Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021;
    Report from City Attorney 03/01/2021
  • 04/12/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on April 15, 2021.  Report from Los Angeles Fire Department dated 03/11/2021 03/11/2021, Report from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety 03/05/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/05/2021 – Notice of Exemption 03/05/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Report from City Attorney 03/01/2021
  • 03/18/2021 Fire Department document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety 03/05/2021
  • 03/12/2021 Department of Building and Safety document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety 03/05/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/05/2021 – Notice of Exemption 03/05/2021
  • 03/12/2021 Document(s) submitted by Department of Building and Safety, as follows:  Report from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety 03/05/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/05/2021 – Notice of Exemption 03/05/2021

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety report, dated March 5, 2021, relative to a proposed ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code with respect to Temporary Special Event (TSE) permits and associated fees.

  • 03/11/2021 Document(s) submitted by Fire Department, as follows:  Report from Los Angeles Fire Department dated 03/11/2021 03/11/2021

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) report, dated March 11, 2021, relative to a proposed ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to require a permit issued by the LAFD for the temporary use of building or premises for assembly purposes; and crowd management and medical plans for certain assembly occupancies.

  • 03/03/2021 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.   Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated
  • 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Report from City Attorney 03/01/2021
  • 03/01/2021 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows:  Attachment to Report dated
  • 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Attachment to Report dated 03/01/2021 -Draft Ordinance 03/01/2021, Report from City Attorney 03/01/2021

City Attorney report R21-0081, dated March 1, 2021, relative to a draft Ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code with respect to temporary installation, use and assemblage permits issued by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and the Los Angeles Fire Department.

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Virtual Inspection (VI) Program / BuildLA Program / Construction Site Inspections / Real-Time Video Streaming / One-Stop Virtual Platform / Development Services

CF 21-0158   

Motion (Buscaino – O’Farell) relative to instructing the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) to provide a presentation update to the Council on its Virtual Inspection Program, which provides LADBS customers and inspection staff with an innovative way to achieve timely inspections through real-time video streaming from construction sites, including discussion on the work program for the current year and additional benchmarks for its continued rollout and program evaluation; and, instructing the LADBS, with the assistance of the Bureau of Engineering, Department of City Planning, and the Los Angeles Fire Department, to provide a presentation update to the Council on its BuildLA Program, which provides land use and development customers with a one-stop virtual platform for development services, including discussion on the work program for the current year and additional benchmarks for its continued rollout and program evaluation.

Community Impact Statement: None submitted.

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  • 05/06/2021 Council action final.     Adopted Item Forth with Ayes: Blumenfield, Bonin, Buscaino, Cedillo,deLeón, Harris-Dawson,Koretz,Lee, Martinez,O’Farrell,Price,Raman,Ridley-Thomas,Rodriguez(14);Nays:(0);Absent:Krekorian(1)
  • 05/05/2021 Council adopted item forthwith.   Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 04/15/2021 
  • 04/30/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on May 5, 2021.  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 04/15/2021, Motion 02/03/2021
  • 04/15/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended . Motion  02/03/2021
  • 04/12/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on April 15, 2021. Motion  02/03/2021
  • 3/16/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee meeting cancelled.
  • 03/12/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on March 16, 2021.   Motion  02/03/2021
  • 02/03/2021 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion  02/03/2021
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Nuisance Properties / Structural Demolition Policy / Entitlement Process

CF 20-1477    CITY COUNCIL 01/13/2021  Adopted, (14); Absent: Blumenfield (1)

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to instructing the Department of City Planning (DCP) and the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) to report with recommendations on a new structural demolition policy granting developers demolition permits for properties that are public nuisance.

Recommendation for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Buscaino – Koretz):

DIRECT the DCP and the LADBS to report with recommendations on a new structural demolition policy that allows developers in the entitlement process to be granted demolition permits for properties that have become a public nuisance, without the need for an approved set of plans, while ensuring compliance with California Environmental Quality Act and the protection of historical resources.

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.

  • 01/16/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council.  Refer to CF 20-1477   
  • 01/13/2021 Council action final.
  • 01/13/2021 Council adopted item forthwith. Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 12/08/2020
  • 01/08/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on January 13, 2021.  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 12/08/2020
  • 12/08/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) .  Motion 11/10/2020
  • 12/04/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on December 8, 2020.  Motion 11/10/2020
  • 11/10/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management.  Motion 11/10/2020
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Environmental and Administrative Changes / Cool Roof and Cool Surface Creation / Los Angeles Municipal Code / Ordinance / Amendment

CF 20-1139     AT PLUM 10/15/2020 

Report from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), dated September 8, 2020, relative to requesting the City Attorney, in consultation with the LADBS, to prepare and present a draft ordinance amending Article 9, Chapter IX of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to make local environmental and administrative changes, to create cool roof and cool surface requirements.

Fiscal Impact Statement: None.

Community Impact Statement: None submitted.

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  • 10/09/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on October 15, 2020.  Report from Department of Building and Safety (September 9, 2020)
  • 09/09/2020 Department of Building and Safety document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from Department of Building and Safety (September 9, 2020)
  • 09/09/2020 Document(s) submitted by Department of Building and Safety, as follows:
    Department of Building and Safety report, dated September 8, 2020, relative to an Ordinance amending or adding sections and subsection tables of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to make local, environmental and administrative changes to create cool roof and cool surface requirements.   Report from Department of Building and Safety (September 9, 2020)

 

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Environmental and Administrative Changes / Cool Roof and Cool Surface Creation / Los Angeles Municipal Code / Ordinance / Amendment

CF 20-1139      AT PLUM 08/31/2021

Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Article 19, Section 15308, and related CEQA findings; report from the City Attorney and revised draft Ordinance relative to amending Sections 99.04.106, 99.05.106, 99.11.101, 99.11.102, and 99.12.101 of Article 9, Chapter IX of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to make local environmental and administrative changes to create Cool Roof and Cool Surface requirements.

Fiscal Impact Statement: No Community Impact Statement: None submitted.

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

  • 08/27/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on August 31, 2021.  Report from City Attorney 07/13/2021;  Attachment to Report dated 07/13/2021 – Revised Draft Ordinance 07/13/2021
  • 07/14/2021 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from City Attorney 07/13/2021;  Attachment to Report dated 07/13/2021 – Revised Draft Ordinance 07/13/2021
  • 07/13/2021 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows:  Report from City Attorney 07/13/2021;  Attachment to Report dated 07/13/2021 – Revised Draft Ordinance 07/13/2021

City Attorney report R21-0226, dated July 13, 2021, relative to the revised draft Ordinance amending Los Angeles Municipal Code Chapter IX, Article 9, Sections 99.04.106, 99.05.106, 99.11.101, 99.11.102 and 99.12.101, of Article 9, to create cool roof and cool surface requirements.

  • 05/10/2021 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.    Attachment to Report dated 05/05/21 – Draft Ordinance 05/10/2021; Attachment to Report dated 05/05/2021 – Notice of Exemption (Revised) 05/10/2021; Attachment to Report dated 05/05/2021 – Cool Roof Ordinance 05/10/2021; Report from City Attorney 05/05/2021
  • 05/05/2021 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows:

City Attorney report R21-0150, dated May 5, 2021, relative to a draft Ordinance amending sections of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to create cool roof and cool surface requirements.

  • 10/30/2020 Council action final.
  • 10/28/2020 Council adopted item forthwith.  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee (October 15, 2020)
  • 10/26/2020 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on October 28, 2020. Report from Department of Building and Safety (09/09/20)
  • 10/15/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) . Report from Department of Building and Safety (09/09/20)
  • 10/09/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on October 15, 2020. Report from Department of Building and Safety (09/09/20)
  • 09/09/2020 Department of Building and Safety document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Report from Department of Building and Safety (09/09/20)
  • 09/09/2020 Document(s) submitted by Department of Building and Safety, as follows:  Report from Department of Building and Safety (09/09/20)

Department of Building and Safety report, dated September 8, 2020, relative to an Ordinance amending or adding sections and subsection tables of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to make local, environmental and administrative changes to create cool roof and cool surface requirements.

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Inspection Warrant / Right of Entry / Building Code Violations / Los Angeles Municipal Code / Amendment

CF 20-0844       AT CITY COUNCIL 08/12/2020

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 98.0105, to clarify the current right of entry for Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) inspectors to conduct inspections.

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

REQUEST that the City Attorney, with the assistance of the LADBS, prepare and present an Ordinance, to amend LAMC Section 98.0105, Inspections, to clarify the right of entry for LADBS inspectors to conduct inspections, as follows:

Add language that indicates that the LADBS inspectors must explain the reasons to conduct inspections, and request consent of the occupant to enter when the property is occupied; and, when the property is unoccupied to locate the owner or other person having control of the property, to explain the reasons for the inspection and consent to enter.

Add a new section that specifies, that an Inspection Warrant is required when entrance to a property is refused or cannot be obtained, as follows:  Inspection Warrant – If consent to enter is refused or cannot be obtained, whether a property is occupied or unoccupied, the Superintendent of Building or his authorized representative shall obtain an inspection warrant.

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.

  • 08/27/2020 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Report from City Attorney (August 27, 2020) ,  Draft Ordinance (August 27, 2020)
  • 08/27/2020 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows: Draft Ordinance (August 27, 2020)

City Attorney report 20-0252, dated August 27, 2020, relative to a draft Ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to clarify the right of entry for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety inspectors to conduct inspections.

 

  • 08/12/2020 Council action final.
  • 08/12/2020 Council adopted item forthwith.
  • 08/07/2020 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on August 12, 2020.   Motion (June 24, 2020),   PLUM Report (July 28, 2020)
  • 07/28/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) . Motion (June 24, 2020),   PLUM Report (July 28, 2020)
  • 7/24/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on July 28, 2020. Motion (June 24, 2020)
  • 06/24/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion (June 24, 2020)
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Notification of Demolition / Los Angeles Municipal Code / Amendment

CF  18-0406     Final Ordinance No. 186484 (January 28, 2020)    Adopted, (13); Absent: Huizar, Price (2)

CONSIDERATION OF and ACTIONS RELATED TO CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDING, COMMUNICATION FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY, and ORDINANCE FIRST CONSIDERATION relative to amending Subsections 91.106.4.5.1, 91.106.4.5.2, 91.106.4.5.3, 91.106.4.5.4, and 91.106.4.5.5 of Division 1, Article 1, Chapter IX of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, to update requirements for certain demolition permits.

(Planning and Land Use Management Committee report to be submitted in Council. If a public hearing is not held in Committee, an opportunity for public comment will be provided)

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

  • 12/17/2019 Mayor Concurrence/Council Action  (December 17, 2019)
  • 12/17/2019 Council action final.
  • 12/17/2019 Ordinance posted/published. Ordinance effective date: January 28, 2020.
  • 12/13/2019 Mayor transmitted Council File to City Clerk.
  • 12/11/2019 City Clerk transmitted Council File to Mayor. Last day for Mayor to act is
  • 12/23/2019.
  • 12/11/2019 Council adopted item forthwith.  Draft Ordinance Revised (December 10, 2019) , Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee (December 10, 2019)
  • 12/10/2019 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended Report from City Attorney (November 20, 2019), Draft Ordinance (November 20, 2019)
  • 12/09/2019 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on December 11, 2019 .  Report from City Attorney (November 20, 2019)
  • 12/06/2019 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on December 10, 2019.
  • 12/05/2019 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on December 11, 2019 .   Report from City Attorney (November 20, 2019), Draft Ordinance (November 20, 2019)
  • 11/21/2019 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.   Report from City Attorney (November 20, 2019), Draft Ordinance (November 20, 2019)
  • 11/20/2019 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows:  Report from City Attorney (November 20, 2019), Draft Ordinance (November 20, 2019)

City Attorney report R19-0383, dated November 20, 2019, relative to a draft Ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to update requirements for certain demolition permits.1/02/2018 Council action final.   Adopted, (12); Absent: Blumenfield, Harris-Dawson, Krekorian (3)

  • 10/31/2018 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51. Report of PLUM (October 2, 2018)
  • 10/17/2018 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on October 31, 2018 .  Report of PLUM (October 2, 2018)
  • 10/02/2018 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved as amended . Motion (May 9, 2018)

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to update notification requirements for demolition permits.

Recommendations for Council action, as initiated by Motion (Blumenfield – Buscaino):

INSTRUCT the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), with the assistance of the City Attorney, to prepare and present an Ordinance to amend LAMC Section 91.106.4.5.1 (Notification of Demolition) and any other pertaining section in the LAMC, to require protection devices such as fences and/or pedestrian protection canopies to be installed and approved by the LADBS a shorter amount of days before demolition begins, rather than 30 days before demolition begins as currently prescribed in the LAMC, and that requires 11 inch by 17 inch posted placards giving notice of demolition to contain letters two and half inches high rather than three inches as currently prescribed in the LAMC, allowing LADBS to send written notice of the Demolition Pre-Inspection Application to abutting property owners and/or occupants rather than sending written notice to abutting property owners and occupants.

INSTRUCT the LADBS, in coordination with the City Attorney and Los Angeles Police Department, to report back concurrently at the time the final Ordinance is submitted to the Council, on costs and benefits as well as recommendations of the feasibility to require protection devices such as fences and/or pedestrian protection canopies to be installed and approved by the LADBS less than 30 days and more than seven days before demolition begins.

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.

  • 09/28/2018 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on October 2, 2018. Motion (May 9, 2018)
  • 05/09/2018 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion (May 9, 2018)

 

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Unpermitted Remodels, Additions and Demolitions of Buildings / Monetary Penalties

CF  17-0226-S1    Adopted, (14); Absent: Ridley-Thomas (1)

ADOPT enhanced non-monetary penalties effectuated by the Cities of Pleasanton and Glendale, requiring that a replacement project not exceed the height, square footage, and footprint of the demolished structure, which would serve as an effective deterrent to unpermitted demolition, as follows:

The City of Pleasanton’s proposed ordinance allows for a fine to be imposed based on the appraised value of the building before demolition, or the replacement value of the demolished building; and, states that new or replacement development needs to be no larger than the demolished historic building by square footage, floor area ratio, height, and location, with this development restriction in place for 20 years.
The City of Glendale prohibits the issuance of new construction permits for three years from the date of demolition.
The City of Glendale’s Demolition Deterrence Ordinance also contains affirmative maintenance of lot provisions as property maintenance requirements.
The City of Glendale requires in-kind reconstruction of destroyed or deteriorated features of a building that is illegally demolished, or demolished by through demolition by neglect.
The City of Glendale requires new structures to maintain the footprint, height, and square footage of demolished structures.

ADOPT increased fines via civil penalties tied to a property’s fair market value, as adopted by the Cities of New York and San Antonio, as follows:

The City of New York’s Landmarks Preservation Law imposes a civil penalty for unpermitted demolition in the amount of up to the fair market value of the improvement parcel, with or without the improvement.
The City of San Antonio levies a fine for unpermitted demolition in the amount of 90 percent of the fair market value of the cost of replacement or repair of such building, object, or structure; such fines collected are to be used for the benefit, rehabilitation, or acquisition of local historic resources.
The City of San Antonio considers demolition by neglect as a civil offense and imposes penalties of $1,000 per day.

CONSIDER a future Motion seeking a report back to the Council on the feasibility of directing the Department of City Planning (DCP), Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), and the City Attorney to develop amendments to the Los Angeles Municipal Code and the Cultural Heritage Ordinance to ensure that stronger deterrent and enforcement mechanisms are codified; and, that property owners are duly notified of the changes to help safeguard the City’s historical resources.

REQUEST the City Attorney to prepare and present an Ordinance, with the assistance of the LADBS, if new fines are recommended to be added, or existing fees are increased.

INSTRUCT the LADBS, in coordination with the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) and the DCP, to prepare any necessary fee study and conduct public hearings.

DIRECT the LADBS, in coordination with the HCIDLA and DCP, to add protected housing units, such as Rent Stabilization Ordinance, covenanted affordable housing, etc., to the types of buildings that will be subject to the additional penalties set forth in the policy; and, INSTRUCT the HCIDLA to join the effort and work with the existing City departments on the matter.

DIRECT the LADBS, in coordination with the DCP and the City Attorney, to draft ordinance language that would enhance non-monetary penalties for unpermitted demolition by requiring the replacement project to maintain the footprint, height, and square footage of demolished structures; for properties whose zoning designations allow for multi-family housing, property owners may exceed the footprint and size of the demolished structure, up to the existing zoning capacity, if they set aside a mandatory percentage of new units for covenanted affordable housing, or pay an in-lieu fee for affordable housing.

DIRECT the HCIDLA, in coordination with the LADBS, DCP, and the City Attorney, to conduct an analysis on the tipping point for the affordable housing requirement, setting the percentage to exceed any affordable unit requirements from other housing programs, including the Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines, or Density Bonus, while ensuring that a replacement project is not rendered economically infeasible.

Fiscal Impact Statement: None submitted by the LADBS. Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.

Community Impact Statement: Yes.
For: Mar Vista Community Council

  • 03/02/2021 Council action final.
  • 03/02/2021 Council adopted item forthwith.  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/04/2021
  • 02/26/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on March 2, 2021.  Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/04/2021
  • 02/11/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Mar Vista Community Council.  Refer to CF  17-0226-S1
  • 02/04/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) .   Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 02/04/2021, Report from Department of Building and Safety 11/10/2020, Motion (May 7, 2019)
  • 01/29/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on February 4, 2021.  Report from Department of Building and Safety 11/10/2020, Motion (May 7, 2019)
  • 12/03/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee continued item to/for 1/21/21.  Report from Department of Building and Safety 11/10/2020, Motion (May 7, 2019)
  • 11/30/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on December 3, 2020.   Report from Department of Building and Safety 11/10/2020, Motion (May 7, 2019)
  • 11/10/2020 Department of Building and Safety document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Report from Department of Building and Safety 11/10/2020
  • 11/10/2020 Document(s) submitted by Department of Building and Safety, as follows:  Report from Department of Building and Safety 11/10/2020

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety report, dated November 9, 2020, relative to penalties imposed for unpermitted remodels, additions, and demolition of buildings and structures.

  • 02/04/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee.  Motion (May 7, 2019)
  • 08/02/2019 Council action final.
  • 07/31/2019 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.
  • 07/25/2019 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on July 31, 2019.   Motion (May 7, 2019)
  • 07/10/2019 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council.Refer to CF  17-0226-S1
  • 06/25/2019 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) .  Motion (May 7, 2019)
  • 06/21/2019 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on June 25, 2019.
  • 05/07/2019 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Motion (May 7, 2019)
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Assemblage / Temporary Change of Use Requirements / Crowd Management / Medical Plans / Approval Process / Los Angeles Fire Department

CF 18-0235   AT CITY COUNCIL  10/31/2018

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT relative to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) permit for temporary use of premises as a place of assemblage.

Recommendation for Council action:

RECEIVE and FILE the City Attorney reports dated July 25, 2018 and August 14, 2018, and accompanying Ordinances dated July 25, 2018 and August 14, 2018, amending Sections 57.105.6.5, 57.105.7.1.3, 57.4701.2, 57.4701.3, 57.4701.4 and 57.4701.9 of Article 7, Chapter V of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to require a permit from the LAFD for the temporary use of a building or premise for assembly purposes; and adding Section 57.4701.11 and 57.4701.12 to the LAMC to require crowd management and medical plans for certain assembly occupancies.

Fiscal Impact Statement: Not applicable.

Community Impact Statement: None submitted.

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

  • 10/26/2018 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on October 31, 2018 .  Report from Public Safety Committee (October 24, 2018)
  • 10/24/2018 Public Safety Committee received and filed item(s). Revised Report from City Attorney (August 14, 2018) , Revised Draft Ordinance (August 14, 2018)
  • 10/22/2018 Public Safety Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on October 24, 2018. Revised Report from City Attorney (August 14, 2018) , Revised Draft Ordinance (August 14, 2018)
  • 08/15/2018 City Attorney document(s) referred to Public Safety Committee. Revised Report from City Attorney (August 14, 2018) , Revised Draft Ordinance (August 14, 2018)
  • 08/14/2018 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows:  Revised Report from City Attorney (August 14, 2018)

City Attorney report R18-0259, dated August 14, 2018, relative to a revised draft Ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to require a Los Angeles Fire Department permit for the temporary use of a building or premise as a place of assemblage and to require crowd management and medical plans for certain assembly occupancies.

  • 07/26/2018 City Attorney document(s) referred to Public Safety Committee.  Report from City Attorney (July 25, 2018), Draft Ordinance (July 25, 2018)
  • 07/25/2018 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows:  Report from City Attorney (July 25, 2018), Draft Ordinance (July 25, 2018)

City Attorney report R18-0239, dated July 25, 2018, relative to a draft ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to require a Los Angeles Fire Department permit for the temporary use of a building or premise as a place of assemblage and to require crowd management and medical plans for certain assembly occupancies.

  • 05/25/2018 Council action final.  (May 25, 2018)
  • 05/23/2018 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.  Report from Public Safety Committee (May 16, 2018)
  • 05/16/2018 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on May 23, 2018 .  Report from Public Safety Committee (May 16, 2018), Report from Board of Fire Commissioners (March 20, 2018)
  • 05/09/2018 Public Safety Committee approved item(s) .  Report from Board of Fire Commissioners (March 20, 2018)
  • 05/04/2018 Public Safety Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on May 9, 2018.   Report from Board of Fire Commissioners (March 20, 2018)
  • 03/22/2018 Board of Fire Commissioners document(s) referred to Public Safety Committee.   Report from Board of Fire Commissioners (March 20, 2018)
  • 03/20/2018 Document(s) submitted by Board of Fire Commissioners, as follows:  Report from Board of Fire Commissioners (March 20, 2018)

Board of Fire Commissioners Board report 18-031, dated March 6, 2018, relative to the permit requirement for temporary change of use for assemblage purposes and authority to approve or disapprove the crowd management and medical plans for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

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Remodels / Building Regulation Loopholes / Demolitions / Best Practices

CF 17-0226   AT CITY COUNCIL  06/13/2018

PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to the definition of remodel and the distinction in rules for a demolition.

Recommendations for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Koretz – Ryu – O’Farrell):

INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning (DCP), with the assistance of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), in consultation with the City Attorney and all relevant departments, to prepare a report that highlights the differences between a remodel and a demolition project in current code, the option to re-define remodels as those that maintain at least 50 percent of an original structure in order to maintain any non-conforming rights, improve notification requirements to neighbors, and review all applicable building loopholes in the City’s codes that may negatively impact neighbors.

INSTRUCT the DCP, with the assistance of the LADBS, in consultation with the City Attorney and all relevant departments, to include in the report Best Practices for Demolition and options the City could adopt to minimize impacts to neighbors, including: a) timely and adequate notification to neighboring properties; b) dust mitigation; c) noise mitigation; d) construction street parking; and e) other impacts and complaints received by the City.

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: PICO Neighborhood Council

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

  • 06/19/2018 Council action (June 19, 2018)
  • 06/13/2018 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51. Report from PLM (June 5, 2018)
  • 06/08/2018 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on June 13, 2018 .   Report from PLM (June 5, 2018)
  • 06/05/2018 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) .  Motion (February 24 ,2018)
  • 06/01/2018 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on June 5, 2018.  Motion (February 24 ,2018)
  • 03/22/2017 Community Impact Statement submitted by PICO Neighborhood Council.   Refer to CF 17-0226
  • 02/24/2017 Motion referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Motion (February 24 ,2018)
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Demolition of Older Structures

City Council Referral     Motion (April 28, 2017)

13-1104
To Planning and Land Use Management Committee
Motion (O’Farrell – Blumenfield) – Request the City Attorney, with the assistance of the Department of Building and Safety, to prepare and present an ordinance to amend the Los Angeles Municipal Code provisions in order to enact technical corrections to create further transparency and consistency relative to the public notification process for the demolition of older structures.
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Increased fee structure to cover demolition work enforcement cost and public notification for demolition of structures

CF 13-1104  at City Council   Adopted   (11 – 0 – 4)

CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT and ORDINANCE FIRST CONSIDERATION relative to options for an increased fee structure to cover demolition work enforcement cost and public notification for demolition of structures.

Recommendations for Council action, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:

FIND, that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to continuing administrative activities or organizational activities of government that will not result in specific direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, or to the creation of government funding mechanisms or other governmental fiscal activities that do not commit to any specific project that may result in potentially significant environmental impacts. Pub. Res. Code § 21065 and State CEQA Guideline §15378(b). This proposed ordinance merely establishes a public notification process that alerts affected persons whenever an individual applies for a demolition permit to demolish an older structure under existing permit procedures. On that basis, the proposed ordinance is not subject to CEQA.

PRESENT and ADOPT the accompanying ORDINANCE, dated October 15, 2014, to add Sections 91.106.4.5.1, 91.106.4.5.2, 91.106.4.5.3, 91.106.4.5.4 and 91.106.4.5.5 to Article 1 of Chapter IX of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to add a public notification process for the demolition of older structures and adopt a fee to cover administrative costs.

NOT PRESENT and ORDER FILED the Ordinances, dated October 1, 2014 and July 28, 2014.

Fiscal Impact Statement: The City Attorney reports that a fee of $60.00 is introduced to cover increased administrative costs for the demolition of older buildings, as directed by the City Council in its May 20, 2014, budget resolution and based on the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety’s fee study. The fee is in addition to preinspection fees set forth in Section 91.107.3.2 of the LAMC and will be used to fund the expansion of the City’s demolition program. The fee reflected in the proposed draft ordinance should increase annual fee revenue by .08 percent, or $95,000, if implemented for a full fiscal year. This change is not anticipated to have a significant impact on revenues, inasmuch as the anticipated increase in the revenue has already been projected in the FY 2014-2015 Budget.

Community Impact Statement: Yes

For: Hollywood United Neighborhood Council

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QUALIFICATION CRITERIA FOR BUILDING COUNTER PLAN CHECK & REGULAR PLAN CHECK

INFORMATION BULLETIN / PUBLIC – GENERAL INFORMATION
REFERENCE NO.: DOCUMENT NO. P/GI 2014-011

 

The Department of Building and Safety, in addition to the Regular Plan Check (RPC) service, offers Counter Plan Check (CPC) service for qualified projects. The attached project descriptions will assist you in determining whether your residential or commercial project qualifies as a CPC or a RPC submittal. Descriptions of the qualified projects for the CPC service are presented in this Information Bulletin. If your project does not qualify as a CPC, it will be necessary to submit your plans for the RPC service. Separate electrical, mechanical, sprinkler, HVAC, and plumbing plan check and/or permits may be required. Please check with each discipline for your project. A plan check engineer will screen your plans to determine which type of plan check service is right for your project. If further clarification is needed regarding a project qualification for the CPC or RPC, please contact a plan check supervisor.

For additional information regarding either CPC or RPC service, please contact: Metro Van Nuys West Los Angeles 201 N. Figueroa St 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. 1828 Sawtelle Blvd 4th Floor Room 251 2nd Floor 311 (within LA City) 311 (within LA City) 311 (within LA City) For telephone inquiries originating from outside of Los Angeles County, call (213) 473-3231

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DEFINITION OF “COMMENCED CONSTRUCTION” AND SIMILAR PHRASES

INFORMATION BULLETIN / PUBLIC – GENERAL INFORMATION REFERENCE NO.: LABC 108.5

 

The City of Los Angeles has enacted several ordinances which contain a provision which exempts a project from compliance to the provisions of the ordinance, provided development pursuant to a valid building permit is “commenced” or is “under construction” by a specific date. These ordinances fail to provide a definition of what “commenced construction” or “under construction” means. In order to provide a uniform enforcement policy, the Department of Building and Safety will interpret the terms “commenced construction,” “under construction,” “started construction” or similar phrases to mean that construction pursuant to a valid building permit has progressed to the point that one of the called inspections required by Section 108.5 of the Los Angeles Building Code has been made and all the work for which the inspection has been called is approved by the Department.

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DETERMINATION OF THE ZONING “HEIGHT OF A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE”

INFORMATION BULLETIN / PUBLIC – ZONING CODE
REFERENCE NO.: LAMC Sec. 12.03 DOCUMENT NO.: P/ZC 2002-008

The City of Los Angeles has many layers of regulation related to the permissible height of buildings and structures. The regulations may depend on the location of a project, the type of project, slope of the lot or proximity to residential zones. This bulletin provides the general approach that should be used in determining the permissible height of a building or structure as well as how to correctly establish what the height of a building or structure is. A complete set of all regulations on this subject is not feasible in one document. A careful review of the regulations must be done once the site and the type of project is known. Height of Building or Structure defined here is not applicable to projects in R1, RS, RE, and RA zones subject to the Baseline Hillside Ordinance. For projects subject to the Baseline Hillside Ordinance, see LAMC Section 12.21C.10 of this Code for height requirements.

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GUIDELINES FOR CONSIDERATION OF YARD REDUCTION REQUESTS

INFORMATION BULLETIN / PUBLIC – ZONING CODE
REFERENCE NO.: LAMC 12.26B & 98.0403 DOCUMENT NO. P/ZC 2002-005

 

Furthermore, LAMC 12.28 gives the Zoning Administrator the authority to grant adjustments in yard setback requirements mandated by the Zoning Code. Reduction requests in excess of 20% and those requests under 20% disapproved by LADBS must be filed with the Zoning Administrator. The following guidelines will clarify the Level of Authority, Protocol and Neighbors’ Consent Requirement for considering yard reduction requests.