Friday, June 15, 2012

Comprehensive Zoning Code Revision - City Council this Tuesday (6/19) at 10 AM

Greetings All:

The Department of City Planning's proposal to fund the comprehensive revision of the City's Zoning Code is currently scheduled to go before the City Council this Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the John Ferraro Council Chamber, Room 340, City Hall.  The details of the proposal can be found by following the links at the end of this email.  We hope to see you there.

Since it not been released yet, we do not know where we are on the agenda.  Please feel free to check the Council Calendar for the agenda on the days leading up to the date to get the latest information.  As always, this Council date is subject to change.

If funding is approved at this meeting, our Department will begin taking steps to initiate the creation of a brand new Zoning Code, and expect to be ready to embark on this effort by December 2012.  The last time the City of Los Angeles has done this was in the 1940's when the current Zoning Code was first adopted (1946).  It has since grown from an 84-page pamphlet to a 600+ page book does not reflect our 21st Century needs or vision.

The proposal will result in a new Zoning Code that:
  • Establishes clear & predictable language
  • More effectively implements the Goals & Objectives of the General Plan and Community Plans
  • Offers a wider variety of zoning options that protect and/or enhance our communities
  • Reflects the diversity of Los Angeles and allows each neighborhood to maintain a distinct sense of place
  •  Accommodates the City’s current and future needs
  • Improves the built environment, economic vitality, & quality of life
  • Is an economic development tool that will help shore up the City’s tax base
The five-year work program includes three major deliverables:
  • Dynamic Web-Based Zoning Code - Clear & Predictable Code that allows for customized/interactive on-line experience
  • Layperson’s Guide to Zoning - Easy-to-Read Guides that help people navigate regulations & procedures
  • Unified Downtown Development Code - New Zoning Tools for revitalization of Downtown within first 24-30 months of the program; ensuring it is poised to lead the charge for Los Angeles’s economic recovery
The work program includes an enhanced public participation strategy that will include many opportunities for public involvement and feedback.  Our Department is committed to an open and transparent process that ensures that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to participate and contribute to the new land use and development standards.

The project will not: 1) override any existing Specific Plans or Overlays; or 2) result in the wholesale "up-zoning" of the City.  Although changes will eventually be pursued in order to implement the new Zoning Code, the proposed work program does not include any amendments to the current Zoning designations.  Any future changes will include notifications and public hearings.

Below are links to the Department's funding request which outlines the proposed work program and budget plan. We hope that you support these efforts and look forward to working with you all on this endeavor.

Council File No. 12-0460

http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=12-0460

PDF of Proposal

Help us spread the word by forwarding this information to anyone you feel might be interested.

If you received this email via forwarded message from someone other than myself, and you want to obtain updates directly from the Department, please email erick.lopez@lacity.org and ask to be added to the interest list.  Please type "Add Me To Zoning Code Notification List" in the subject line.

If you are on  Facebook , please visit our Los Angeles City Planning - Code Studies page at http://www.facebook.com/LACityCodeStudies.  Click on the "like" button and you will receive updates in your news feed regarding this project and other proposed Zoning Ordinances as they become available.

As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself or David Olivo at david.olivo@lacity.org; email is preferred.

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