AIA|LA Roundtable Discussion on Zoning Code Reform

Wednesday, February 27 (6:00pm - 8:00pm)

Gensler
500 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90071

For directions click here.

AGENDA:

6:00 - 6:13pm Networking, refreshments

6:13 - 6:15pm Li Wen and Arpy Hatkikian welcome everyone on behalf of Gensler

6:15 - 6:30pm Powerpoint Presentation by Alan Bell and Tom Rothman

6:30 - 7:15pm PANELISTS frame the discussion :: How do we ensure the optimal process for revising zoning code?

7:15 - 8:00pm Q&A Roundtable Discussion w/ Audience :: What is the narrative of Los Angeles?

8:00pm End.

AIA|LA Roundtable Discussion on Zoning Code Reform

As you may know, the City of Los Angeles is committed to investing in a process to revise and streamline our outdated zoning code. This is expected to be a $5 million investment over the next five years. Although a consulting team has been assembled and their contract pending, there are still many questions to ask as we move forward with this endeavor:

THE QUESTIONS WE'D LIKE TO DISCUSS INCLUDE:

If the zoning code is a map of LA's future, what is the narrative we're trying to tell?
What is the most effective way to shape the City of LA zoning code reform process?
How do we modernize and re-evaluate compatibility of land-uses?
What should the zoning code of the 21st century look like?
With the primacy of so many other environmental and fiscal considerations, why do we even need to regulate land-use in the first place?
How do we optimize economic development opportunities?
How do we incentivize design innovation?
How do we ensure equitable and accessible placemaking?

Presenters

Alan Bell, AICP - City of Los Angeles

Tom Rothman - City of Los Angeles

POWER POINT PRESENTATION :: COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE REVISION:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/46776075/AIA%20Roundtable%20(02-27-13%20compressed).pptx

Panelists // Responders ::

Chava Danielson, AIA - DSH Architects

Liz Falletta - University of Southern California

James Favaro, AIA - Johnson Favaro Architecture and Urban Design

Ann Gray, FAIA - Balcony Media

John Kaliski, AIA - John Kaliski Architects

Hank Koning, FAIA - Koning Eizenberg

Neal Payton, AIA - Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc.

Gwynne Pugh, FAIA - Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio

ROUNDTABLE AUDIENCE :: Questions & Answers

Clifton Allen, AIA - Meyer & Allen Associates

Peter Zellner - ZELLNERPLUS

Ryan Aubry - Kosmont Companies

Ava Bromberg - Atwater Crossing

Shiraz Tangri - Alston & Bird LLP

Martin Leitner, AIA - Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc.

Michael Sweeney, AIA - Rios Clementi Hale Studios

Catherine Roussel, AIA - Woodbury University

Alex DeGood - Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP

Neal LaMontagne - UCLA

Matt Goulet - Kosmont Companies

Steven Chavez, PLA, ASLA - SCA-LARC

Catherine Tang - AECOM

David Bergman, AICP - Metropolitan Research + Economics

Mark Vallianatos - Occidental College

Tina Hossain - Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce

Jean Armbruster - Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Gloria Ohland - MOVE LA

Amber Hawkes - Melendrez

Jonathan Parfrey - ClimateResolve

Deborah Weintraub, AIA - City of Los Angeles

Mark Glassock, MPH - Community Health Councils

Carter Rubin - David Bohnett Fellow at the LA Mayor's Office

Kurt Rademakers - Urban Insight

Elaine Kabala - Kosmont Companies

Raeven Flores, AIA - Abode Communities

Rene Rodriguez - Abode Communities

Lydia Vilppu - Lydia Vilppu Architecture

Mehrnoosh Mojallali, AIA - Merhnoosh Architecture - Urban Design

Brian Reiff - DIGBAR interiors & architecture

Marissa Aho, AICP - The Planning Center

Woodie Tescher - The Planning Center

Will Wright - The American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles

USC Price School of Public Policy (students)

Jon Boyden

Nick Busalacchi

Stephanie Byrd

Yiming Chen

Amy Conway

Sarah Dominguez

Peter Enzminger

Ivy He

Bradley Henning

Ryan Kucinski

Janelle Mammini

Andre Sahakian

Zahratu Shabrina

Janis Stewart

Helen Wang

Xin Xin

Liping Zhang

BACKGROUND from the Department of City Planning ::

The last time the City of Los Angeles did a comprehensive revision was when the current Zoning Code was first adopted in 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 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.

OTHER INFORMATION

Below is a link to the Council File for the proposal. It includes copies of the Department's funding request which outlines the proposed work program and budget plan, as well as other reports and comments submitted to date.

Council File No. 12-0460

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

POWER POINT PRESENTATION :: COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE REVISION:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/46776075/AIA%20Roundtable%20(02-27-13%20compressed).pptx

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: