Report from the Office of the City Administrative Officer relative to the fiscal impact to prepare and adopt a climate action and adaptation plan, and related matters.
CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT and AMENDING MOTION 25A (KREKORIAN – PARK) relative to a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan into the City’s General Plan, and related matters.
PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT DATED OCTOBER 12, 2023
Recommendation for Council action:
INSTRUCT the City Administrative Officer (CAO), in consultation with the Board of Public Works (Climate Emergency Mobilization Office), to prepare a report with recommendations as to the cost estimates included in the Department of City Planning (DCP) report dated April 26, 2023, attached to the Council file, relative to a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan; and, the availability of State (or Federal) grant funds, as indicated in the DCP report.
AMENDING MOTION 25A (KREKORIAN – PARK) DATED OCTOBER 20, 2023
Recommendation for Council action:
INSTRUCT the Board of Public Works (Climate Emergency Mobilization Office) and CAO to include in this report an analysis of adopting a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan into the City’s General Plan, including benefits, costs, drawbacks, and potential alternatives.
Fiscal Impact Statement: None submitted by the DCP. Neither the CAO nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.
Community Impact Statement: None submitted
(Continued from Council meeting of October 20, 2023)
LOS ANGELES— Today, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission (CPC) issued a unanimous recommendation in support of City Planning’s proposed land use recommendations that would prohibit new oil and gas extraction, and begin the phase out of existing operations.
“Today’s vote demonstrates what cities can do at the local level to address issues related to environmental justice and climate change,” stated Commission President Samantha Millman. “The Department and Commission have worked together with impacted communities to advance this initiative in alignment with the broader national and statewide discussions around L.A.’s Green New Deal.”
Traditionally, while some oil wells in Los Angeles have been situated in heavy industrial areas, many have been located within residential neighborhoods, nearby community parks and schools. As a result, City Planning prepared this ordinance to institute an outright ban on all future oil uses, while making extraction activities a nonconforming use in all zones to phase out of existing operations, and to better prioritize the health of its residents.
“Zoning in Los Angeles arose from a need to protect citizens’ health, safety, and welfare,” stated Commissioner Renee Dake Wilson. “You can imagine how proud it then makes me feel to be a part of a conversation on how zoning can address issues related to equity, considering how long our front line communities of color have had to live next to these drill sites.”
Following CPC’s recommendation, the ordinance will now advance to the City Council for their consideration and approval. Upon adoption, it will add to the list of other community protections that the City has instituted to improve land use compatibility at the neighborhood level while addressing Los Angeles’s goals around sustainability and resiliency.
Thank you for your feedback and participation throughout the development of the City’s Oil and Gas Drilling Ordinance (Oil Ordinance). Public input and engagement are critical to this process, and we appreciate your thoughts and comments. A full recording of the August 30, 2022 virtual presentation, Q&A, and public hearing has been posted on Los Angeles City Planning’s Oil Ordinance website.
City Planning has taken significant steps this week to advance the Oil Ordinance, releasing an updated version of the draft proposed Oil Ordinance, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (please see Environmental Case Number ENV-2022-4865-MND) which analyzes potential impacts on the environment, and a staff recommendation report to the City Planning Commission.
The recommended ordinance, dated September 2022, includes revisions made since the release of the August 2022 draft ordinance. These revisions clarify or correct language originally presented in the prior draft and reflect comments received from the public. The revised ordinance retains conditions listed in Los Angeles Municipal Code Sections 13.01 E and F, which apply to existing oil operations. It also incorporates language to allow actions that prevent or respond to threats to public health, safety, or the environment.
The Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Oil Ordinance is available for public review and comment and can be accessed on our Department’s website (please see Environmental Case Number ENV-2022-4865-MND). The 30-day comment period will end on October 17, 2022. Please submit your written comments (and include Environmental Case No. ENV-2022-4865-MND) via email or mail by 5 p.m. on October 17, 2022 to the following addresses:
Beyond the Mitigated Negative Declaration comment period, general public comments are also welcome continually until the Oil Ordinance is adopted by City Council.
The City Planning Commission (CPC) will consider the proposed Oil Ordinance at a public meeting on September 22, 2022. The agenda for this meeting is available at planning4la.org/hearings, and includes instructions on submitting comments directly to the CPC. Due to concerns over COVID-19, this public hearing will be conducted entirely on Zoom and will allow for remote public comment.
We thank you again for your continued participation.
Sincerely,
Los Angeles City Planning
Estimadas partes interesadas,
Gracias por sus comentarios y participación a lo largo del desarrollo de la Ordenanza de Perforación de Petróleo y Gas de la Ciudad (conocida también como la Ordenanza de Petróleo). Los aportes y la participación del público son fundamentales para este proceso, y apreciamos sus pensamientos y comentarios. Se ha publicado una grabación completa de la presentación virtual, las preguntas y respuestas, y la audiencia pública del 30 de agosto de 2022 en el sitio web de la Ordenanza de Petróleo del Departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Los Ángeles.
El Departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad ha tomado medidas significativas esta semana para avanzar en la Ordenanza del Petróleo, publicando una versión actualizada del borrador de la Ordenanza del Petróleo propuesta, una Declaración Negativa Mitigada (consulte el número de caso ambiental ENV-2022-4865-MND) que analiza los impactos potenciales al medio ambiente, y un informe de recomendación del personal a la Comisión de Planeación de la Ciudad.
La ordenanza recomendada, con fecha de septiembre de 2022, incluye revisiones realizadas desde la publicación del borrador de ordenanza de agosto de 2022. Estas revisiones aclaran o corrigen el lenguaje presentado originalmente en el borrador anterior y reflejan los comentarios recibidos del público. La ordenanza revisada conserva las condiciones enumeradas en las Secciones 13.01 E y F del Código Municipal de Los Ángeles, que se aplican a las operaciones petroleras existentes. También incorpora lenguaje para permitir ciertos tipos de actividades en pozos existentes. También incorpora lenguaje para permitir acciones que previenen o responden a amenazas a la salud pública, la seguridad, o el medio ambiente.
La Declaración Negativa Mitigada para la Ordenanza de Petróleo está disponible para revisión y comentarios públicos y se puede acceder en el sitio web de nuestro Departamento. El periodo de comentarios de 30 días finalizará el 17 de octubre de 2022. Envíe sus comentarios (e incluya el número de caso del estudio ambiental ENV-2022-4865-MND) por correo electrónico y correo postal antes de las 5 p.m. del 17 de octubre de 2022 a las siguientes direcciones:
Más allá del periodo de comentarios de la Declaración Negativa Mitigada, los comentarios del público en general también son bienvenidos continuamente hasta que el Concejal de la Ciudad adopte la Ordenanza del Petróleo.
La Comisión de Planeación de la Ciudad considerará la Ordenanza del Petróleo propuesta en una audiencia pública el 22 de septiembre de 2022. La agenda de esta audiencia está disponible en planning4la.org/hearings e incluye instrucciones sobre como enviar comentarios directamente a la Comisión de Planeación de la Ciudad. Debido a las preocupaciones sobre el COVID-19, esta audiencia pública se llevará a cabo completamente por Zoom y permitirá comentarios públicos remotos.
Le agradecemos nuevamente por su continua participación.
Sinceramente,
Departamento de Planeación de la Ciudad de Los Ángeles
LOS ANGELES— Today, Los Angeles City Planning released a draft ordinance that would prohibit new oil and gas extraction, phase out existing extraction operations, and protect the public from the range of risks and hazards associated with oil and gas extraction.
“Oil drilling has long been a part of our past, but today, we’re sending a clear message: dirty energy production has no future in Los Angeles,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Earlier this year, I stood alongside fellow elected officials, activists, and community leaders to sign a directive to phase out oil and gas drilling in the City – and today, thanks to the tireless work of the Department of City Planning and City Attorney’s Office, we are one step closer to getting toxic fumes out of our frontline communities. I welcome Angelenos to play a role in shaping this ordinance and look forward to signing this once-in-a-lifetime legislation.”
Rather than imposing setback requirements, this ordinance goes further, with the end result of phasing out all oil and gas extraction activities in Los Angeles. This new citywide approach responds to Mayoral and Council direction and builds upon ongoing efforts by the Department to center issues of environmental justice, equity and sustainability through land use considerations.
“The stark realities of the past have led us to face systemic injustice,” stated Director of Planning Vince Bertoni. “Not only did we witness firsthand how the pandemic impacted underinvested communities, but we were reminded of the harsh consequences of climate change. To truly lead in the field of sustainability, we are putting an end to oil extraction next to homes, schools, and child care centers.”
In Los Angeles, there are 26 oil and gas fields and over 5,000 oil and gas wells—some active, others idle, and some abandoned.
“Communities of color have felt the impact of gas and oil drilling for decades – in their air, water, and overall health,” said Council President Nury Martinez. “Local climate change and environmental justice advocates have been working tirelessly with our Council to find solutions that would bring an end to drilling in Los Angeles and now, this goal is finally coming to fruition. As our country faces multiple public health emergencies and countless natural disasters due to climate change, this move cannot come soon enough for our city and our planet.”
City Planning, along with the Office of Petroleum and Natural Gas Administration and Safety, Department of Building and Safety, and Fire Department, are responsible for monitoring and enforcement of existing drill sites for the City.
“We can eliminate the public health and safety hazards associated with oil and gas extraction, protect impacted neighborhoods, and wean the local economy from its reliance on fossil fuels,” said Councilmember and Chair of the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee Paul Krekorian, who first introduced the motion designating all oil and gas production in the City of Los Angeles a nonconforming use. “This historic step promises long-awaited relief for hundreds of thousands of Angelenos whose neighborhoods have suffered for generations from toxic emissions near extraction sites.”
The Chair of the City Council’s Energy, Climate Change, Environmental Justice and River Committee Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell said, “This is a momentous step forward for Los Angeles, and a clear message we are sending to Big Oil. We have a moral imperative to ensure that all Angelenos, especially those living in underserved communities, have the right to a safe neighborhood and a healthy life.”
In the coming months, City Planning will facilitate public meetings with local stakeholders. Feedback collected at these hearings will inform the final ordinance that the Department will advance to Los Angeles’s City Planning Commission for a formal recommendation. A fact sheet containing frequently asked questions is available here.
Report from the Department of City Planning relative to amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 22-23 Proposed Budget to provide nine-months funding and resolution authority for one Senior City Planner, two City Planners, and four City Planning Associates to audit, update, and implement environmental justice policies and programs; amending the FY 22-23 Proposed Budget to provide funding for contractual services to support public engagement and fund community partners as part of a robust outreach effort and to advance work on a Climate Vulnerability Assessment, in partnership with the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office (CEMO) and the Emergency Management Department (EMD); and amending the Mayor’s 2022-23 Proposed Budget to provide funding to the EMD for staffing costs to support the work on the Climate Vulnerability Assessment. (Also referred to Budget and Finance Committee and Personnel, Audits, and Animal Welfare Committee)
Community Impact Statement: None submitted
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06/03/2022 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on June 7, 2022. Report from Department of City Planning 04/27/2022
04/28/2022 Department of City Planning document(s) referred to Budget and Finance Committee; Personnel, Audits, and Animal Welfare Committee; Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Report from Department of City Planning 04/27/2022
04/27/2022 Document(s) submitted by Department of City Planning, as follows: Report from Department of City Planning 04/27/2022
Department of City Planning report, dated April 27, 2022, relative to the implementation status of the City’s General Plan Health Element to promote environmental justice and address the disproportionate impact of environmental burdens on disadvantaged communities.
Motion (Krekorian – O’Farrell) relative to instructing the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, in consultation with City Attorney and the Department of City Planning, to prepare and present an Ordinance that streamlines and expedites the permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations in compliance with the requirements of Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71.
Community Impact Statement: Yes
For: Westside Neighborhood Council
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04/03/2022 Community Impact Statement submitted by Studio City Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 22-0120
03/04/2022 Council adopted item forthwith. Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 03/01/2022
03/04/2022 Council action final. Council Action 03/04/2022
03/01/2022 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on March 4, 2022. Report from Planning and Land Use Management Committee 03/01/2022
02/15/2022 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) . Motion 02/01/2022
02/11/2022 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on February 15, 2022. Motion 02/02/2022
02/10/2022 Community Impact Statement submitted by Westside Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 22-0120
02/01/2022 Motion referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Motion 02/01/2022
Existing law requires, by July 1, 2017, and every 3 years thereafter, the Natural Resources Agency to update, as prescribed, the state’s climate adaptation strategy, known as the Safeguarding California Plan. Existing law establishes the Office of Planning and Research in state government in the Governor’s office. Existing law establishes the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program to be administered by the office to coordinate regional and local efforts with state climate adaptation strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change, as prescribed.
This bill would authorize eligible entities, as defined, to establish and participate in a regional climate network, as defined. The bill would require the office, through the program, to encourage the inclusion of eligible entities with land use planning and hazard mitigation planning authority into regional climate networks. The bill would authorize a regional climate network to engage in activities to address climate change, as specified.
This bill would require a regional climate network to develop a regional climate adaptation and resilience action plan and to submit the plan to the office for review, comments, and certification, as described. The bill would require, on or before January 1, 2023, the office, through the program, to develop and publish on its internet website guidelines on how eligible entities may establish regional climate networks and how governing boards may be established within regional climate networks. The bill would also require, on or before July 1, 2023, the office, through the program, in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Services, to develop and publish on its internet website guidelines, as prescribed, establishing standards and required content for a regional climate adaptation and resilience action plan, including certain information, analyses, and contents to be included in a plan and certain considerations and procedures for a regional climate network when preparing a plan.
This bill would require the office, through the program, to provide technical assistance to regions seeking to establish a regional climate network and to regional climate networks in developing regional climate adaptation and resilience action plans. The bill would require, on or before January 1, 2025, the office, in consultation with the Office of Emergency Services, to make recommendations to certain policy and budget committees of the Legislature related to regional adaptation and resilience on expanding state support for the work of regional climate networks, as prescribed, and the potential sources of financial assistance and options for distributing state funds to support the creation and implementation of regional climate adaptation and resilience action plans and to support technical assistance and capacity building to engage vulnerable communities and under-resourced communities in the development of the plans.
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
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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
REQUEST the City Attorney to prepare and present an Ordinance to establish a fee schedule, included as Attachment 1 of the City Administrative Officer (CAO) report, dated May 6, 2021, attached to the Council file, for inspection services provided by the Bureau of Street Services, Urban Forestry Division, in relation to the Protected Tree Ordinance.
Fiscal Impact Statement: The CAO reports that the staff assigned to the permitting effort do not work full time on the permitting process given the estimated number of annual permits. The proposed new fee structure fully covers the cost of the overall permitting process based on the time and effort required to process the permit even though it cannot cover the full cost of the employees involved. Therefore, the proposed fee is in compliance with the City’s Financial Policy in that the fee fully recovers the cost to process the permits. Time spent by the employees on non-permit activities is covered by other budgeted resources. The impact to the General Fund is approximately $374,000. The first year cost of the positions identified in the report to support the tree removal permit process is $691,401 ($269,720 in direct costs and $421,681 in indirect costs). The 2021-22 estimated revenue from the proposed permit fee is $317,000.
Financial Policies Statement: The CAO reports that the recommended action complies with the City’s Financial Policies in that the fees proposed in said CAO report are based on the full cost of operations.
Community Impact Statement: None submitted.
(Planning and Land Use Management Committee waived consideration of the above matter)
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05/21/2021 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on May 25, 2021.
05/20/2021 Planning and Land Use Management Committee waived consideration of item . Report from City Administrative Officer 05/06/2021
05/12/2021 Public Works Committee transmitted Council File to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Report from City Administrative Officer 05/06/2021
05/12/2021 Public Works Committee approved item(s) . Report from City Administrative Officer 05/06/2021
05/07/2021 Public Works Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on May 12, 2021. Report from City Administrative Officer 05/06/2021
05/06/2021 City Administrative Officer document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Public Works Committee. Report from City Administrative Officer 05/06/2021
05/06/2021 Document(s) submitted by City Administrative Officer, as follows:
City Administrative Officer report 0220-05850-0000, dated May 6, 2021, relative to revising the Protected Tree permit fee.
01/19/2021 Community Impact Statement submitted by Wilshire Center Koreatown NC. Refer to CF 13-1339
12/30/2020 Council action final.
12/30/2020 Ordinance posted/published. Ordinance effective date: February 4, 2021.
12/28/2020 Mayor transmitted Council File to City Clerk
12/16/2020 City Clerk transmitted Council File to Mayor. Last day for Mayor to act is 12/28/2020. Action 12/16/2020
12/16/2020 Council action final.
12/15/2020 Council adopted item forthwith. Report from City Attorney 12/11/2020, Attachment to Report dated 12/11/2020 – Draft Ordinance 12/11/2020, Report from Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee 12/09/2020
12/14/2020 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on December 15, 2020.
12/11/2020 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee. Report from City Attorney 12/11/2020, Attachment to Report dated 12/11/2020 – Draft Ordinance 12/11/2020
12/11/2020 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows: Report from City Attorney 12/11/2020, Attachment to Report dated 12/11/2020 – Draft Ordinance 12/11/2020
City Attorney report R20-0332, dated December 11, 2020, relative to a draft Ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code, to include the Mexican Elderberry and Toyon shrubs in the class of protected trees and shrubs.
12/03/2020 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee transmitted Council File to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Transmittal from PWGR 12/03/202
12/02/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee waived consideration of item . Report from Public Works: Street Services 10/14/2020
12/02/2020 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee approved as amended . Report from Public Works: Street Services 10/14/2020, Proposed Ordinance 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Interested Parties 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Environmental 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Staff Report 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Findings 05/04/2018, Report from Los Angeles City Planning Commission 05/04/2018
11/27/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
11/25/2020 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on December 2, 2020. Report from Public Works: Street Services 10/14/2020, Proposed Ordinance 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Interested Parties 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Environmental 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Staff Report 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Findings 05/04/2018, Report from Los Angeles City Planning Commission 05/04/2018
10/21/2020 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee continued item to/for . Report from Public Works: Street Services 10/14/2020, Communication from Department of City Planning 05/17/2019,
0/16/2020 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on October 21, 2020. Report from Public Works: Street Services 10/14/2020, Communication from Department of City Planning 05/17/2019, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Proposed Ordinance 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Interested Parties 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Environmental 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Staff Report 05/04/2018, Attachment to Report dated 5/4/18 – Findings 05/04/2018, Report from Los Angeles City Planning Commission 05/04/2018
10/15/2020 Public Works: Street Services document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee.
10/14/2020 Document(s) submitted by Public Works: Street Services, as follows: Report from Public Works: Street Services 10/14/2020
Bureau of Street Services and Office of Forest Management joint report, dated October 14, 2020, relative to amending the draft Ordinance to protect the Mexican Elderberry and the Toyon, to ensure the City’s ability to fulfill replacement requirements when off-site replacements are necessary.
04/17/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
12/06/2019 Community Impact Statement submitted by Encino Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
10/14/2019 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
09/17/2019 Planning and Land Use Management Committee transmitted Council File to Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee without recommendations.
09/13/2019 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 17, 2019. Communication from City Planning (May 17, 2019), Proposed Ordinance (May 4, 2018), Environmental (May 4, 2018), Findings (May 4,2014), Report from City Planning Commission) (May 4, 2018)
05/25/2019 Community Impact Statement submitted by Bel Air-Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
05/07/2018 Los Angeles City Planning Commission document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee. Proposed Ordinance (May 4, 2018), Interested Parties (May 4, 2018), Environmental (May 4, 2018), Staff Report (May 4, 2018), Findings (May 4,2014), Report from City Planning Commission) (May 4, 2018)
05/04/2018 Document(s) submitted by Los Angeles City Planning Commission, as follows: Proposed Ordinance (May 4, 2018), Interested Parties (May 4, 2018), Environmental (May 4, 2018), Staff Report (May 4, 2018), Findings (May 4,2014), Report from City Planning Commission) (May 4, 2018)
Los Angeles City Planning Commission report, dated May 4, 2018, relative to amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to include the Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) and Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) in the list of Protected Trees or Shrubs and to update regulations.
05/02/2018 Community Impact Statement submitted by Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
04/29/2018 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
04/11/2018 Community Impact Statement submitted by Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
03/07/2017 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 13-1339
01/27/2015 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51. Report from Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee (January 20, 2015)
01/20/2015 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on January 27, 2015 . Report from Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee (January 20, 2015), Motion (October 8, 2013)
01/20/2015 Planning and Land Use Management Committee waived consideration of item Motion (October 8, 2013)
2/04/2013 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee transmitted Council File to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Motion (October 8, 2013)
12/04/2013 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee approved item(s) . Motion (October 8, 2013)
11/27/2013 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on December 4, 2013. Motion (October 8, 2013)
10/08/2013 City Clerk transmitted Council File to Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee. Motion (October 8, 2013)
10/08/2013 Motion referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee. Motion (October 8, 2013)
To Planning and Land Use Management Committee
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.
CF 20-1312 AT CITY COUNCIL 11/04/2020 Adopted, (13); Absent: Harris-Dawson, Wesson (2)
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT relative to brush clearance violations and delinquent cases in connection with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) parcels located within the City’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Recommendation for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Rodriguez – Blumenfield):
DIRECT the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to:
Report with detail regarding Caltrans parcels located within the City’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to include:
The number of brush clearance violations
The number of delinquent cases associated with Caltrans in the last three years and any outstanding costs owed to the City.
Report on the number of fires the LAFD has responded to on Caltrans property in the last three years.
Fiscal Impact Statement: None submitted. Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.
Community Impact Statement: None submitted.
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10/30/2020 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on November 4, 2020. Report from Public Safety Committee (October 27, 2020)
10/27/2020 Public Safety Committee approved item(s) .
10/23/2020 Public Safety Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on October 27, 2020.
10/13/2020 Motion document(s) referred to Public Safety Committee. Motion (October 13, 2020)
PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to initiating consideration of a General Plan Amendment (GPA) and accompanying Zone Change (ZC) for the properties located at 3031 South Hauser Boulevard, and 5461 West Jefferson Boulevard.
Recommendations for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Harris-Dawson – Koretz for Wesson – Bonin):
APPROVE initiating consideration of a GPA and accompanying ZC for the properties located at 3031 South Hauser Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016 and 5461 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016, to reconcile its existing Open Space zoning and land use designation with the long-standing Commercial Manufacturing use of the site.
INSTRUCT the Department of City Planning to process the GPA and ZC for the properties located at 3031 South Hauser Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016 and 5461 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016, to address the ongoing and future viability of the site given its current use and proximity to two light rail transit stations.
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.
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08/12/2020 Council action final.
08/12/2020 Council adopted item forthwith. Report from Public Works and Gang Reduction and Planning and Land Use Management Committees 07/28/2020
08/07/2020 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on August 12, 2020. Motion (October 17, 2018)
07/28/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) .
07/24/2020 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on July 28, 2020. Motion (October 17, 2018)
07/06/2020 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 15-0499-S1)
12/04/2019 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee approved item(s) . Motion (October 17, 2018)
12/04/2019 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee transmitted Council File to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Motion (October 17, 2018)
11/27/2019 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on December 4, 2019. Motion (October 17, 2018)
07/15/2019 Community Impact Statement submitted by Sherman Oaks NC. Refer to CF 15-0499-S1)
04/10/2019 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 15-0499-S1)
02/01/2019 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 15-0499-S1)
01/26/2019 Community Impact Statement submitted by Encino Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 15-0499-S1)
12/18/2018 Community Impact Statement submitted by Hollywood United Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 15-0499-S1)
10/17/2018 Motion document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee; Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee. Motion (October 17, 2018)
PUBLIC WORKS AND GANG REDUCTION COMMITTEE REPORT and COMMUNICATION FROM CHAIR, PERSONNEL AND ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE relative to street tree policies in relation to private development and new construction.
Recommendations for Council action, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR:
REQUEST the City Attorney to prepare and present an Ordinance to establish a new fee schedule for inspection services provided by the Bureau of Street Services (BSS), Urban Forestry Division in relation to the clearance added to the Building Clearance Handbook.
RESOLVE that the employment authority in the BSS for one Tree Surgeon Supervisor I (Class Code 3117-1) is APPROVED and CONFIRMED for the period November 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 to support inspection services provided by the BSS in relation to the clearance added to the Building Clearance Handbook, subject to review and approval by the Personnel Department as to Civil Service classification, and allocation by the Civil Service Commission.
Fiscal Impact Statement: The City Administrative Officer reports that there is no impact to the General Fund. The recommendations above are in compliance with the City’s Financial Policies as the proposed fees are estimated to fully recover the costs of providing the associated services.
Community Impact Statement: None submitted.
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12/05/2018 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on December 12, 2018 . Report from Public Works and Gang Reduction and Animal Welfare Committee (December 5, 2018), Report from City Administrative Officer (October 10, 2018)
11/30/2018 Personnel and Animal Welfare Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on December 5, 2018. Report from City Administrative Officer (October 10, 2018)
11/15/2018 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee transmitted Council File to Personnel and Animal Welfare Committee. Report from City Administrative Officer (October 10, 2018)
11/14/2018 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee approved item(s) . Report from City Administrative Officer (October 10, 2018)
11/08/2018 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on November 14, 2018. Report from City Administrative Officer (October 10, 2018)
10/11/2018 City Administrative Officer document(s) referred to Personnel and Animal Welfare Committee; Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee. Report from City Administrative Officer (October 10, 2018)
10/10/2018 Document(s) submitted by City Administrative Officer, as follows: Report from City Administrative Officer (October 11, 2018)
City Administrative Officer report 0220-05332-0000, dated October 10, 2018, relative to street tree policies in relation to private development and new construction.
09/23/2015 Council action final.
09/22/2015 Council adopted item forthwith. Report from Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee(September 22, 2015)
09/15/2015 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on September 22, 2015 . Report from Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee (September 22, 2015), Communication from Forrest Advisory Committee (September 9, 2015), Refer to CF 15-0448, Motion (April 14, 2015)
09/14/2015 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee approved as amended to direct the City Administrative Officer to coordinate the report back requested by Motion, and to include the Community Forrest Advisory Committee as a reporting agency. Communication from Forrest Advisory Committee (September 9, 2015), Refer to CF 15-0448, Motion (April 14, 2015)
09/11/2015 Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on September 14, 2015. Refer to CF 15-0448, Motion (April 14, 2015)
08/17/2015 Community Impact Statement submitted by Studio City Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 15-0448
08/10/2015 Community Impact Statement submitted by Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council. Refer to CF 15-0448
04/14/2015 Motion referred to Public Works and Gang Reduction Committee. Motion (April 14, 2015)
(File photo by Will Lester- The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
California officially became the first state in the nation on Wednesday to require homes built in 2020 and later be solar powered.
To a smattering of applause, the state Building Standards Commission voted unanimously to add energy standards approved last May by another panel to the state building code.
Two commissioners and several public speakers lauded the new code as “a historic undertaking” and a model for the nation.
“These provisions really are historic and will be a beacon of light for the rest of the country,” said Kent Sasaki, a structural engineer and one of six commissioners voting for the new energy code. “(It’s) the beginning of substantial improvement in how we produce energy and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.”
The new provisions are expected to dramatically boost the number of rooftop solar panels in the Golden State. Last year, builders took out permits for more than 115,000 new homes — almost half of them for single-family homes.
Wednesday’s action upholds a May 9 vote by another body, the California Energy Commission, seeking to fulfill a decade-old goal to make the state reliant on cleaner, alternative energy. The energy panel’s vote was subject to final approval by the Building Standards Commission.
The Building Standards Commission was limited to reviewing the energy panel’s rulemaking process, not the content of the standards, said commission Chairwoman Marybel Batjer. Commissioners said the process was more than sufficient, with 35 meetings, hearings and webinars held over a 15-month period. The energy panel received more than 3,000 comments from over 100 stakeholders, officials said.
While nobody spoke Wednesday in opposition to the new provisions, the commission received more than 300 letters from around the state opposing the solar mandate because of the added cost.
Energy officials estimated the provisions will add $10,000 to the cost of building a single-family home, about $8,400 from adding solar and about $1,500 for making homes more energy-efficient. But those costs would be offset by lower utility bills over the 30-year lifespan of the solar panels.
One commission member worried the mandate would make it harder for California wildfire victims to rebuild, but supporters assured him that won’t be a problem.
Homeowners will have two options that eliminate the upfront costs of adding solar: Leasing the solar panels or signing a “power purchase agreement” that pays for the electricity without buying the panels, said Drew Bohan, executive director of the California Energy Commission.
One solar-industry representative said the net savings from adding solar power will be around $40 a month or nearly $500 a year.
“These standards won’t necessarily make homes more expensive to buy. What they will do is save money on utility costs,” said Pierre Delforge, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “This is not only the right thing to do for the climate, it is financially smart.”
Meanwhile, the changes won endorsements both from environmentalists and the California Building Industry Association.
“Six years ago, I was very fearful of this,” said Bob Raymer, technical director for the state building association. “But the very open arrangement that we have with the (energy commission) … brought us to the point where we can support this.”
Homebuilders have been preparing for years to meet a proposed requirement that all new homes be “net-zero,” meaning they would produce enough solar power to offset all electricity and natural gas consumed over the course of a year.
Provisions adopted Wednesday relaxed that goal a bit, requiring new homes only offset electricity used but not natural gas.
To meet net-zero energy goals, a typical house would need the capacity to produce 7 or 8 kilowatts of electricity, which wouldn’t be cost-effective, Raymer told the commission. But a modest amount of solar — producing about 3 kilowatts of power — would be cost-effective in all of California’s 16 climate zones.
In addition to the solar mandate, the new provisions tighten green homebuilding standards, with such requirements as thicker attic and wall insulation, more efficient windows and doors and improved ventilation systems. They also encourage developers to add battery storage and heat-pump water heaters to new homes.
But the heart of the update is the solar power requirement, which applies to all new residential buildings up to three stories high, including apartments. The code allows some exceptions, such as when the structures are in shady areas or when electricity rates already are lower than the cost of generating solar power.
The rules also allow for offsite solar production, so developments can build solar arrays feeding multiple homes or contract with utility-owned solar farms.
“We have lots of options,” said Raymer, the building industry’s technical director.
Hundreds of letters, most of them form letters, poured into the capital opposing the solar mandate.
The solar mandate “will be costly to homeowners in California and also eliminates personal choice,” said a letter signed by Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector Peggy Moak. Moak said the tab for installing solar panels is a lot higher than the $8,400 estimate, “running more than $25,000.”
“With median home prices in California already more than double the national average, this decision will make it even more difficult for the average Californian to afford a home,” added a letter signed by Assemblyman James Gallagher, R-Yuba City.
Several solar industry representatives speaking Wednesday supported the provisions, including a representative of Tesla, which builds battery storage systems for homes.
“The homeowners will be able to save money from the day they walk in the door,” said Kelly Knutsen, technology advancement director for the California Solar & Storage Association. “This is a historical policy. California is leading the country in clean energy, clean air and fighting climate change, all while saving consumers money.”
According to a new study by the National Forest Service, it’s not just the untamed reaches of the U.S. that we need to protect. Because city footprints are expanding at a rapid rate, we need to both plan and protect forests in urban areas, too.
The crux of the study is that U.S. urban footprints are going to almost double over the next 40 years, from 95.5 million acres of land in 2010 to 163 million acres of land in 2060. That would equate to a block of concrete the size of Montana if urban planners aren’t careful about protecting tree-filled green space. And so far, many aren’t: Over the past five years, urban green cover has declined while “impervious” cover (or surfaces that don’t absorb rainwater) have increased.
Solar panels make use of renewable energy and offer an environmentally friendly means of generating electrical power. As the use of solar energy has expanded, solar carports, also known as solar shade structures, have gained popularity. Solar carports provide numerous benefits including the efficient utilization of space by using parking lots for both parking and energy producing purposes, providing shade and protection for people and vehicles, and providing locations and energy for electric vehicle charging.
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07/05/2018 Council action final. Council Action (July 5, 2018)
07/03/2018 Council adopted item forthwith. Report Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee (June 19, 2018)
06/20/2018 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on July 3, 2018. Report Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee (June 19, 2018), Report from DWP (March 1, 2018)
06/19/2018 Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee noted and filed item(s). Report from DWP (March 1, 2018)
06/15/2018 Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on June 19, 2018. Report from DWP (March 1, 2018)
03/13/2018 Department of Water and Power document(s) referred to Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee. Report from DWP (March 1, 2018)
03/09/2018 Document(s) submitted by Department of Water and Power, as follows: Report from DWP (March 1, 2018)
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power report, dated March 1, 2018, relative to a report back on the feasibility of installing solar shade structures over parking lots at Los Angeles Police Department facilities.
11/22/2017 Council action final. Council Action (November 22, 2017), Report from Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee (November 17, 2017)
11/21/2017 Council adopted item forthwith. Report from Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee (November 17, 2017)
11/14/2017 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on November 21, 2017. Report from Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee (November 17, 2017) , Report from DWP (July 25, 2017), Motion (April 7, 2017)
11/07/2017 Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee noted and filed item(s). Report from DWP (July 25, 2017), Motion (April 7, 2017)
11/03/2017 Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on November 7, 2017. Report from DWP (July 25, 2017), Motion (April 7, 2017)
08/01/2017 Department of Water and Power document(s) referred to Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee. Report from DWP (July 25, 2017)
08/01/2017 Document(s) submitted by Department of Water and Power, as follows: Report from DWP (July 25, 2017)
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) report, dated July 25, 2017, relative to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the LADWP to report on the feasibility of installing solar shade structures over parking lots at LAPD facilities.
07/07/2017 Council rereferred item to Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice Committee, pursuant to Council Action of July 1, 2017, Council File No. 17-0769.
03/07/2017 Motion document(s) referred to Energy and Environment Committee. Motion (April 7, 2017)
City Council sent to Planning and Land Use Management Committee a Motion (Huizar – Fuentes) requesting the City Attorney to prepare and present an ordinance to adjust the implementation date of the Cool Roof Ordinance to January 1, 2015 for the rehabilitation of existing roofs and to July 1, 2014 for all other applicable roof installations.
Proposed ordinance amending Sections 12.21 , 12.21.1 , and 12.24 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to provide: (1 ) the following exceptions for structures that solely support solar energy systems: reductions in parking stall length and width; limited waivers for non-conforming parking lots; modified height exceptions; (2) a new conditional use for otherwise unallowed structures that solely support solar energy systems; and (3) other technical corrections.
On October 13, 2011 , following a public hearing, the City Planning Commission approved the proposed ordinance (attached) and recommended its adoption by the City Council. Adopted the initial Staff Report as its report on the subject. Adopted the attached Findings. Adopted Categorical Exemption No. ENV-2011-1854-CE.
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04/19/2012 Mayor transmitted file to City Clerk. Ordinance effective date: May 29, 2012. Final Ordinance (May 29, 2012), Communication from the Mayor (April 19, 2012)
04/13/2012 City Clerk transmitted file to Mayor. Last day for Mayor to act is April 23, 2012.
04/11/2012 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51. Report from PLUM (April 13, 2012)
04/03/2012 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on April 11, 2012. Report from City Attorney (February 29, 2012)
03/27/2012 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) . Report from City Attorney (February 16, 2012) , Report from City Attorney (February 29, 2012)
03/23/2012 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on March 27, 2012. Report from City Attorney (February 29, 2012)
03/01/2012 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Report from City Attorney (February 29, 2012)
03/01/2012 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows: Report from City Attorney (February 29, 2012)
City Attorney report R12-0056, dated February 29, 2012, relative to a revised draft ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to provide increased flexibility for structures used solely to support solar energy systems, and make other technical corrections.
02/16/2012 City Attorney document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Report from City Attorney (February 16, 2012)
02/16/2012 Document(s) submitted by City Attorney, as follows: Report from City Attorney (February 16, 2012)
City Attorney report R12-0046, dated February 16, 2012, relative to an Ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to provide increased flexibility for structures used soley to support solar energy systems, and make other technical corrections.
11/17/2011 Council action final. Report from PLUM (November 14, 2011)
11/15/2011 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.
11/04/2011 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on November 15, 2011. Report from PLUM (November 14, 2011), Report from City Planning Commission (October 18, 2011)
11/01/2011 Planning and Land Use Management Committee approved item(s) . Report from City Planning Commission (October 18, 2011)
10/28/2011 Planning and Land Use Management Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on November 1, 2011. Report from City Planning Commission (October 18, 2011)
10/20/2011 Los Angeles City Planning Commission document(s) referred to Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Report from City Planning Commission (October 18, 2011)
10/20/2011 Document(s) submitted by Los Angeles City Planning Commission, as follows: Report from City Planning Commission (October 18, 2011)
Los Angeles City Planning Commission report, dated October 18, 2011, relative to a proposed ordinance amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code to provide exceptions for structures that solely support solar energy systems; etc.
Planning Department is instructed, in consultation with the City Attorney and with the assistance of the Department of Building and Safety and the Fire Department, to prepare and present a Solar Zoning Ordinance within 60 days, and streamline the permitting process for solar energy panel structures.
The California Energy Commission introduced the California solar mandate which requires rooftop solar photovoltaic systems to be equipped on all new homes built on January 1, 2020 and beyond. This progressive ruling is the first of its kind in the US and is leading the nation to a cleaner energy future. This initiative by the CEC aims to spearhead California’s milestone goal of producing 50% of the state’s energy through clean energy sources by 2030.
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