Dear AIA|LA member:
The Office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has contacted AIA Los Angeles with four immediate openings on boards of Historic Preservation Overlay Zones. The Mayor's appointee needs to live in the City, but does not need to live in the HPOZ or in the associated Council District; however, he or she should be able to comfortably attend the meetings without "distance hardship."
The board meets, generally, on an as needed basis in a private business location within the HPOZ and in the evening. They can meet up to twice a month, although I understand that does not happen often.
If you think you, or someone from your firm, would have interest in serving the City on an HPOZ Board, please contact Will Wright at will@aialosangeles.org with the following information:
1. Your letter of interest
a. residential and work address
b. the council district you reside in
c. which HPOZ you have interest in serving
2. an updated resume, C.V. and/or a link to your portfolio of work
Additional details can be found below:
CITY OF LOS ANGELES HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY ZONES ("HPOZ")
While many outsiders may view Los Angeles as an imposing megalopolis, it is truly a city of great neighborhoods. Just slightly off the beaten path, in communities throughout the city, are remarkably intact historic neighborhoods. Recognizing the need to identify and protect neighborhoods with distinct architectural and cultural resources, the City has developed an expansive program of Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZs). HPOZs, commonly known as historic districts, provide for review of proposed exterior alterations and additions to historic properties within designated districts.
The City Council adopted the ordinance enabling the creation of HPOZs in 1979; Angelino Heights became Los Angeles' first HPOZ in 1983. Today, the City of Los Angeles has 24 designated HPOZs, with many more under consideration. HPOZ areas range in size from neighborhoods of approximately 50 parcels to more than 3,000 properties. While most districts are primarily residential, many have a mix of single-family and multi-family housing, and some include commercial and industrial properties. HPOZs are established and administered by the Los Angeles City Planning Department (in concert with the City Council). Individual buildings in an HPOZ need not be of landmark quality on their own: it is the collection of a cohesive, unique, and intact collection of historic resources that qualifies a neighborhood for HPOZ status.
THE HPOZ BOARD
The board is comprised of five volunteer members who serve four year terms. Meeting up to twice a month, but generally on an "as needed" basis and in the evening, the board is charged with the duty of ensuring the recognition, preservation, enhancement, and best use of buildings, structures, Landscaping, Natural Features, and areas within the City of Los Angeles having Historic, architectural, cultural or aesthetic significance . The
Mayor's appointee to the HPOZ board must have experience in construction or real estate.
Board Power and Duties
When considering any matter under its jurisdiction, the Board shall have the following power and duties:
• Evaluate any proposed changes to the boundaries of the Preservation Zone it administers and makes recommendations to the City Planning Commission, Cultural Heritage Commission and City Council.
• Evaluate any Historic resources survey, resurvey, partial resurvey, or modification undertaken within the Preservation Zone it administers and make recommendations to the City Planning Commission, Cultural Heritage Commission and City Council.
• Study, review and evaluate any proposals for the designation of Historic- Cultural Monuments within the Preservation Zone it administers and make recommendations to the Cultural Heritage Commission and City Council, and to request that other City departments develop procedures to provide notice to the Boards of actions relating to Historic-Cultural Monuments.
• Evaluate applications for Certificates of Appropriateness or Certificates of Compatibility and make recommendations to the Director or the Area Planning Commission.
• Encourage understanding of and participation in historic preservation by residents, visitors, private businesses, private organizations and governmental agencies.
• Render guidance and advice to any Owner or occupant on construction, demolition, Alteration, removal or relocation of any Monument or any building, structure, Landscaping, Natural Feature or lot within the Preservation Zone it administers.
• Tour the Preservation Zone it represents on a regular basis and to report to appropriate City agencies matters which may require enforcement action.
• Assist in the updating of the Historic Resources Survey for the Preservation Zone.
• Make recommendations to decision makers concerning façade easements, covenants, and the imposition of other conditions for the purposes of historic preservation.
• Make recommendations to the City Council concerning the utilization of grants and budget appropriations to promote historic preservation.
• Accept donations from outside sources to be utilized for historic preservation efforts.
HPOZ Neighborhood Open Seats
Adams-Normandie CD 8
Pico-Union CD 1
Spaulding Square CD 4
Balboa Highlands CD 12 (new, Granada Hills area)
For more information, please contact the Office of Historic Preservation:
Office of Historic Resources, Department of City Planning
200 N. Spring Street, Room 620
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 978-1200
Fax: (213) 978-0017
