Help Transform L.A.’s 68 Year-Old Zoning Code
February 11, 2014
by Gary Toebben
It has been 68 years since the City of Los Angeles did a comprehensive update of its zoning code, an important tool that plans, defines and directs the City's built environment. Over the years, the City has taken a “piecemeal” approach by amending the zoning code at will without a visionary picture of the future. This has resulted in a more than 600-page book, which represents a substantial hurdle in the modernization of Los Angeles.
Recognizing this obstacle, the L.A. Department of City Planning recently announced the appointment of 21 individuals to a new “Re:Code LA Zoning Advisory Committee.” The group has been charged with using its expertise and personal experiences to provide guidance and direction on zoning policy in the context of specific and potentially far reaching changes and updates to the City’s zoning code.
The Chamber’s Land Use, Construction and Housing Council met with the co-chairs of this new Advisory Committee last month for a vigorous discussion regarding their approach and vision in tackling this important update. During the meeting, the Chamber made a commitment to provide the Advisory Committee with real stories about what our businesses face when attempting to build in Los Angeles in compliance with the current zoning code.
We invite all of our business members and interested citizens to join us in sharing the challenges you've faced in working with the City's existing zoning laws, and the impact these outdated laws have had on your business. Specifically, we are looking for the following information:
- Address and description of the project
- Time frame (dates and length of process)
- A description of the challenges you faced (Note: We are particularly interested in issues concerning the zoning code’s outdated definitions of "uses" and how they do not match today's businesses, as well as unnecessary approvals that impede a by right approach to zoning — such as site plan review.)
- Your recommendations to the Advisory Committee
Relaying these first-hand experiences in writing to the Advisory Committee will be critical as it seeks to understand the challenges and propose amendments. Your participation in this process will help build a dynamic and livable city for future generations. Email Samantha Beasley with the above information. I urge you to do it now.
And that's The Business Perspective.
Comments
I enjoyed your article on transforming old zoning codes as perhaps one way of attracting new funds to new policy. Fred Walti of Cleantech LA once commented to me that we should revitalize existing manufacturing territories that once a bustling region behind downtown east going southward towards Torrance, just east of the harbor freeway. Zoning changes should reflect the mayors vision (and communities) to create jobs. Thank you for this article.
Terry Gubatan
Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corp.
323-753-2335
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