Dear Angelenos,

Addressing the housing crisis still remains a top priority for the Department of City Planning. In 2023, City Planning accelerated the Department’s housing approval process, drafted an ordinance to expand the City’s program for the adaptive reuse of commercial buildings as housing (the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance) and initiated a new citywide incentive program (the Citywide Housing Incentive Program or CHIP Ordinance) to meet the City’s goals for housing.

The CHIP Ordinance consists of updating the City’s State Density Bonus Program, adopting a local Mixed Income Incentive Program (MIIP), and creating an Affordable Housing Incentive Program (AHIP) for 100% affordable projects. Complementing the CHIP, the Housing Element Sites and Minimum Density Ordinance aims to fulfill Housing Element law requirements by establishing a minimum density for sites zoned for multi-family housing and streamlining the review of projects reserving 20% of their housing as affordable for lower-income rezoning sites to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation.

Together, these work programs maximize affordable housing production citywide, with a focus on encouraging growth near transit and jobs in Higher Opportunity Areas while simultaneously protecting communities in neighborhoods increasingly vulnerable to displacement pressures. The City’s rezoning must be completed (fully adopted) by February 12, 2025 to meet state law requirements.

Since the release of the drafts in March, the Department has conducted additional targeted community outreach and has continued to receive feedback to inform revisions to the draft program. Revised drafts of these ordinances were released this month and a staff level public hearing will be held on July 25, followed by a presentation to the City Planning Commission on September 26. We appreciate your continued enthusiasm to address the housing crisis in an equitable manner.

Together, we are #Planning4LA.

Sincerely,

Vince Bertoni,

Director of Planning

DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES

California Preservation Foundation: A Summit for Housing Solutions

Los Angeles City Planning Office of Historic Resources Manager Ken Bernstein and Senior Architect Lambert Giessinger recently played key roles in the California Preservation Foundation’s Summit for Housing Solutions, held in Los Angeles on May 29, 2024. The event addressed the intersection of historic preservation and housing. It also featured diverse experts and fostered dialogue on adaptive reuse, compatible infill housing, preserving affordable housing, and offering actionable insights to shape California's housing future.

Bernstein welcomed the group to Los Angeles and moderated the session on adaptive reuse, emphasizing transforming commercial spaces into housing while preserving urban heritage. "It has been since 2007 when the conference was held in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and 1989 when the conference was last in downtown Los Angeles,” Bernstein said.“We think it’s long overdue, and we are happy to host all of you here to discuss housing and historic conservation."

Giessinger contributed to discussions on integrating new housing into historic contexts, exploring best practices for maintaining neighborhood character amid increased density. “In Los Angeles, we are working through the preservation plans that we have,” Giessinger said. “We are looking at the design plans that are already objective and looking at how to supplement them with some additional research, such as, certified local government grants or consultants to get a more professional set of eyes on developing those design objectives.”

Southwest Valley Community Plans Released

In March 2024, the Department released several draft components of Southwest Valley Community Plans, encompassing the Canoga Park - Winnetka - Woodland Hills - West Hills, Encino - Tarzana, and Reseda - West Van Nuys - Lake Balboa Community Plans.

Accompanying these materials are topical handouts describing the Plans’ strategies relating to: Complete Neighborhoods, Areas of Change, Affordable Housing, Jobs & Economic Development, Environmental analysis process, Climate Resilience & Sustainability, Neighborhood Identity, and Hillsides.

The Southwest Valley Community Plan Updates team has been conducting public outreach, including thorough presentations and discussions with Neighborhood Councils, community organizations, and community events. Most recently on May 18, the team had a booth at the Reseda Rising Art Walk event held in Downtown Reseda. At the event, the Southwest Valley team had the pleasure of speaking with over 100 community members about the draft land use and zoning proposals. The community members shared their thoughts about the future of their neighborhoods.

To learn more about the updates to the Southwest Valley Community Plans and to provide feedback, please explore the interactive draft zoning map, share your thoughts in the feedback form, and visit our project website.

Draft Land Use chapter of the Policy Plan Draft interactive Zoning Map

Updated draft General Plan Land Use Designation Map

New Affordable Housing Linkage Fee Schedule

On July 1, the revised fee schedule for the Affordable Housing Linkage Fee (Linkage Fee) will take effect. It will incorporate the latest change to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect the annual inflation adjustment. Since its inception, the Linkage Fee has provided a permanent source of local funding for affordable housing, designed to help with citywide housing production goals.

The updated fee schedule outlines the Linkage Fee amount that applies to different market areas across Los Angeles. Refer to ZIMAS, or the maps included in the fee schedule, to identify the per square foot cost associated for qualifying projects based on their geographic location.

2024 Linkage Fee Schedule

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Affordable Housing Crisis, Pt. III: The Missing Middle

Los Angeles City Planning recently launched part three of a four-part social media video series with LA in a Minute content creator Evan Lovett. This segment focused on the Missing Middle, which includes smaller scale housing with multiple units on a single lot throughout the City. Evan focused on a much beloved LA housing style - bungalow courts. To learn more about what a Missing Middle is, and how it addresses LA’s housing needs, visit Planning4LA.org/CHIP! Please share your feedback with us at housingelement@lacity.org.

Los Angeles City Planning and Black Planners of LA (BPLA) Win American Planning Association Awards of Excellence

Los Angeles City Planning recently received two prestigious awards from the Los Angeles section of the American Planning Association (APA LA). The Department won the Award of Excellence in the Public Outreach category for its work on the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) Community Based Organization (CBO) Outreach. The Department also received the Award of Excellence for the Downtown Community Plan in the Comprehensive Plan (Large Jurisdiction) category.

The CHIP outreach conducted with CBOs was recognized as a model effort to amplify the voices of those traditionally underrepresented in the planning process through collaborative, inclusive and creative events amidst a historic effort to rezone the city for increased development of affordable housing. The project team included staff from the Housing and Environmental Justice teams in Citywide Planning.

The Downtown Community Plan envisions a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future for Downtown. The goals and policies described in this Plan seek to address many of the challenges facing Downtown and the larger region, such as climate change, housing demand and affordability, and a shifting economy, through strategies that guide thoughtful growth through 2040. The Plan includes a comprehensive rezone of over 15,000 parcels and the implementation of the city's New Zoning Code. The project team included staff currently and formerly in the Central/East Community Planning Division with support from GIS and Graphics.

Additionally, the Black Planners of Los Angeles (BPLA), whose membership includes many Planning staff, received an Award of Excellence in the Advancing Diversity and Social Change in Honor of Paul Davidoff. Leading up to the award, BPLA received an official designation as an employee organization within the City of Los Angeles during Black History Month. Moreover, they were recently recognized during Juneteenth by Mayor Karen Bass, Council President-Elect Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Councilmembers Imelda Padilla and Eunisess Hernandez for their exemplary work representing the interests of Black city employees within the field of planning. BPLA continues to expand professional development opportunities available to City employees and is planning further community engagement events to elevate the interests of BIPOC communities.

All teams were honored at the APA LA 2024 Awards Gala on June 25 at the California Science Center.

City Beautification Conference at Pan Pacific Park

On May 21, 2024, City Planning’s Government Relations Unit attended the 6th Annual Beautification Conference hosted by the Office of Community Beautification to join efforts in improving the quality of life for all Angelenos. The public event, located at Pan Pacific Park, featured a learning program that covered Community Beautification Efforts, the Clean California Campaign, and Sustainable Practices in the Home. The Planning Department hosted a booth at the Resource Fair which also included MyLA311, Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Water and Power, Homeboy Electronics Recycling, Bureau of Sanitation, and several non-profit organizations that gave away sustainable items such as rain barrels and compost bins.

Urban Design Group Participates in AIA LA Roundtable About Landscape and Site Design Ordinance

Late last month, the American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles Area (AIA LA) chapter organized a roundtable presentation with Los Angeles City Planning Urban Design Studio, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and AIA LA, ASLA, at Studio-MLA to discuss the recently proposed Landscape and Site Design Ordinance. The draft ordinance reflects the culmination of more than three years of working with City Planning on advancing their Healthy Buildings, Healthy Places initiative. The roundtable served as an opportunity to learn more about the draft ordinance and to provide critical feedback and specific recommendations on how to improve it with more insight from architects and landscape architects.

OFFICE OF RACIAL JUSTICE, EQUITY, AND TRANSFORMATIVE PLANNING

The Office of Racial Justice, Equity, and Transformative Planning (ORJETP) honors the Juneteenth holiday, the official celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, which marked the end of 400 years of slavery. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This day specifically commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the last slaves still held in bondage that they were free, marking the true end of the Civil War.

In recognition of this significant day, former Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a proclamation making Juneteenth an official City holiday in 2022. This proclamation underscores the importance of celebrating the end of slavery in the United States and acknowledging the ongoing journey toward racial justice and equity. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us remember the resilience and strength of those who endured slavery and continue to strive for a future where equality and justice are realized for all. For more information on the Juneteenth holiday click here.

The Office shared its work programs and efforts to integrate equity into Los Angeles' planning processes during the May 29 All Staff meeting. The presentation highlighted the history of discriminatory zoning practices in the city and outlined the ORJETP’s two-phase work program: Phase one focuses on internal initiatives to enhance workplace equity. Phase two aims to reimagine zoning and land use policies to support communities of color and other underrepresented groups. Key upcoming initiatives include collaborating with equity-focused groups, hosting a transformative planning lab, engaging with affected communities, and developing a strategic action plan for workplace equity and zoning reform. For more information or collaboration, contact rjeap@lacity.org.

JUNE METRICS

Hearing and Events

Development Trends

Applications filed increased by 2.7%, while applications completed decreased 2.9%, respectively, between April 2024 and May 2024. Proposed market rate developments were up nearly 216%, increasing from 222 to 701. Approved market rate projects also demonstrated a significant increase, from 131 to 317, approximately up 142 percent.

COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATES

Boyle Heights

On May 30, 2024, the Mayor approved the City Planning Commission’s action and transmitted the Boyle Heights Community Plan for the Planning and Land Use management (PLUM) Committee and City Council’s consideration of the amendments to the Community Plan, Framework Element, Community Plan Text, General Plan Map Land Use Change and Matrices. The Plan is anticipated to be heard again by the PLUM Committee and City Council in the summer or early fall of 2024.
The City Planning Commission disapproved modifications to the City Council adopted amendments to the Community Plan at its meeting on January 11, 2024.
The PLUM Committee recommended approval of the Community Plan with amendments on December 5, 2023, following which the City Council also recommended its approval on December 12, 2023. The City Council’s actions on the Boyle Heights Community Plan Update are summarized here.
Following the Mayor’s approval, the Plan has been transmitted to the PLUM Committee for adoption (Council File 23-0861).
On November 7, 2023 Los Angeles City Planning held an Open House event in partnership with Council Member Kevin de León - Council District 14, and the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council, as part of the Boyle Heights Community Plan Update.
Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) was published on August 10, 2023
Proposed Plan was unanimously approved by City Planning Commission on April 20, 2023
Held a public hearing on the Draft Community Plan text, zoning regulations, Draft Land Use Map, and Draft Community Plan Implementation Overlay (CPIO) on October 27, 2022
Published Draft EIR on July 28, 2022, and the EIR comment period ended on October 11, 2022

Downtown

The City Attorney is reviewing the Downtown Community Plan Implementing Ordinances and the New Zoning Code. After City Attorney Review, documents will be transmitted to theCity Council for final approval and an effective date will be established.
Per direction from City Council, transmitted reports on topics such as Adaptive Reuse, and Public Open Space in September 2023, to inform further refinements to the Community Plan
The Planning and Land Use management (PLUM) committee recommended approval of the Community Plan with amendments on April 24th, 2023, following which the City Council also recommended its approval on May 3rd, 2023
Transmitted Director of Planning's Memo to PLUM in September 2022, and a Director of Planning's Supplemental Memo to PLUM in March, 2023 describing a few amendments to the CPC Recommended draft
Transmitted Letter of Determination, Final EIR (FEIR), and CPC's recommended Community Plan to the Mayor and City Council for adoption on September 27, 2022
City Planning Commission recommended the plan and new zoning for approval in September 2021
Released revised materials in advance of City Planning Commission hearing, including Zoning, Plan Text, Land Use Map, and Community Benefits Program, in June 2021

Harbor

Preparing for the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee
Preparing Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR)
The Proposed Harbor Community Plans were considered and recommended for approval by the City Planning Commission on February 8, 2024
Hosted a virtual information session and public hearing - November 2023
Released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for public review and comment – September 2023
Hosted Virtual and In-Person Office Hours – September 2023
Released the proposed Harbor LA zones and new zoning tutorial video series in September 2023
Released Harbor LA StoryMap with new zoning information in December 2021

Hollywood

On May 3, 2023, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously adopted the Hollywood Community Plan Update. The City Council also recommended an amendment requested in the motion from Council District 13 (Soto-Martinez) and a follow up report requested in the motion from Council District 4 (Raman). Additional information about the requested amendments is summarized here.
The implementing ordinances will now be reviewed and finalized by the City Attorney, to ensure clarity of regulations and consistency with state law, which can take approximately six months to a year. After this process is complete, the Plan will be brought into effect by the City Council.

Southeast Valley

Released StoryMap for the Draft General Plan Land Use (GPLU) Designations for three Community Plans: North Hollywood - Valley Village, Sherman Oaks - Studio City - Toluca Lake - Cahuenga Pass, and Van Nuys - North Sherman Oaks.
Scheduling outreach meetings with various stakeholder groups and neighborhood councils across all three community plans, Spring-Summer 2024
Will be attending the San Fernando Valley Pride event on Saturday, June 29 at the Van Nuys Civic Center to receive feedback.

Southwest Valley

Released an interactive draft Zoning Map, draft Plan Policy text, and updated draft General Plan Land Use Designations map, accompanied by public engagement
Extended virtual office hour appointments are available, where stakeholders can sign up to meet one-on-one with planning staff.
Will be hosting a booth at the San Fernando Valley Pride event on Saturday, June 29 at the Van Nuys Civic Center and available to answer any questions about the Southwest Valley Community Plan drafts.

Westside

The Westside Community Plan Update team held Virtual Office Hours on May 21, May 23, May 28, and May 30 with over 50 attendees.
Revised Draft General Plan Land Use Maps published and showcased in interactive ArcGIS StoryMap.
Ongoing outreach efforts with various stakeholders across all four community plan areas in the the Westside.
Preparing 2024 WCPAG Curriculum that outlines meeting topics, dates, and times.
WCPAG draft materials, recordings and presentations made publicly accessible on the Westside Community Plans info page.

#OurLA

Jewel's Catch One

If liberation and dance had an offspring, it would be a cultural movement that carried a powerful message about freedom of expression and breaking down barriers. It would be called discotheque, or disco for short. Disco empowered and fostered community among women, Blacks, gays, and lesbians. It brought disparate and marginalized people together through a universal language of movement. However, during the 1970s, some venues refused people of color access or discouraged their patronage.

For this reason, an African American woman named Jewel Thais-Williams purchased a space on the first floor of a property where she was previously discriminated against. The same year (1973) she opened a bar in the space and called it Jewel’s Room. In 1975, Thais-Williams purchased the second-floor space and turned it into a nightclub named Jewel’s Catch One. It was one of the city’s first openly gay nightclubs that welcomed LGBTQ+ people of color.

City Planning is proud to spotlight Jewel’s Catch One at 4061-4069 West Pico Blvd. through the African American Historic Places, Los Angeles project, in partnership with the Getty Conservation Institute. The project has advanced Catch One for local historic designation, for its importance as a disco club, LGBTQ+ venue, and a safe meeting space during the 1980s AIDS epidemic.

Photo courtesy of the J. Paul Getty Trust

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

6728 North Sepulveda Boulevard

This month, the City Planning Commission heard about a proposed new six-story residential development located at 6728 North Sepulveda Boulevard in the Van Nuys – North Sherman Oaks Community Plan Area of Council District 6. The proposed structure is slated to contain 405 dwelling units, with 41 units reserved for Extremely Low-Income Households. The unit mix will consist of 94 studio units, 195 one-bedroom units, 115 two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit. The project will provide approximately 32,866 square feet of open space and will be comprised of private balconies, a fitness center, a recreation room, lounges, a pool deck, roof terraces, and roof decks. The commissioners voted to adopt City Planning’s staff report and have advanced the project to continue moving through the development and approval process with the city.

Staff Report