L O S A N G E L E S D E PA R T M E N T O F C I T Y P L A N N I N G | Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R

INSIDE THIS ISSUEDIRECTOR’SMESSAGE

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WEST LOS ANGELES DSC TURNS ONE

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URBAN DESIGN STUDIO

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DSC DEEP COUNTER SERVICES

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD TRAINING

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PROJECT PLANNING 101 TRAINING SERIES

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STAFFPROFILE

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PLANNING UPDATES

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LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB UNVEILS NEW STADIUM IN EXPOSITION PARKLA’s Newest Soccer Team Moves to South Los AngelesOn April 18, the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new $350 million Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park. The event was attended by Mayor Eric Garcetti, members of the City Council, the Commissioner of Major League Soccer, Director of Planning Vince Bertoni, and several A-List celebrities.

The Department’s Major Projects Section oversaw the consideration of the privately-funded project, which is located on the site where the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena once stood. The 22,000 seat, open-air venue was completed in only 17 months, in large part due to dedicated Planning staff who worked closely with other governmental agencies and community members to bring this project to the finish line.

The arena also features 105,000 square feet of ancillary facilities including office and conference space, private suites, a museum, a team store, and a restaurant — and is accessible from Metro’s expanded Expo Line. Additionally, it is the first new open-air stadium to be built in the City since Dodgers Stadium was constructed in 1962.

The LAFC played its season opener at the Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd on April 29. The Stadium — which will serve as an iconic venue for the community of South Los Angeles, the City, and the sports and entertainment industry — is also scheduled to host a number of sporting events when the Summer Olympics come to Los Angeles in 2028.

SPRING 2018VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 2

www.planning.lacity.org

Los Angeles Mayor Eric GarcettiRibbon Cutting Ceremony

DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING | 2

This edition of the Planning newsletter highlights the recent milestones of our Project Planning Bureau, including some of the enhancements to our project workflow and expanded services at our Development Services Centers (DSCs).

Last May, we established our presence in the West Los Angeles DSC, our newest addition to date. In the first year alone, we’ve seen a noticeable decrease in the average wait times citywide, even as the numbers of customers served has risen –– a product of having additional staffing and resources available to support the work of project planning.

In an effort to improve the customer experience at our public counters, we also began offering appointments for our specialized services at our Metro/Downtown Los Angeles DSC, and recently launched a new appointment system for the Project Planning Valley office in Van Nuys.

In addition to our ongoing commitment to strengthening the skill sets of our staff, we have also focused our efforts on providing members of our communities with the tools and training to equip them with a better understanding of the planning process.

As we approach the new fiscal year, we will continue to set priorities that enable us to improve how we do planning in the City of Los Angeles.

The month of May marks the one year anniversary since the West Los Angeles Development Services Center (DSC) opened its doors to residents and business owners in the surrounding area. Since its opening, the West Los Angeles DSC has assisted over 12,500 customers, averaging almost 1,050 customers per month and a 5 minute wait time.

Similar to the Downtown and Valley offices, this location provides a full suite of services, ranging from consultation and project plan review to building permit clearances. At any of the three DSC locations, applicants can speak to Planning staff who are familiar with the various aspects of the planning process and their assigned geographic areas.

Expanding the Department’s presence to the Westside is a result of ongoing efforts to allocate new staffing and resources citywide –– all of which will help realize greater efficiencies. Overall, the new DSC has helped contribute to a 27.5% increase in customers served citywide and a 13.1% decrease in average wait times across all three locations in the course of a 12 month period.

The West Los Angeles DSC is located at 1828 Sawtelle Blvd., 2nd Floor. The public counter is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Wednesdays.

West Los Angeles Development Services Center

WEST LOS ANGELES DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CENTER CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARYProviding Convenient Planning Services to the Westside

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

VINCEBERTONI

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URBAN DESIGN STUDIOReshaping the Face of Planning in Los AngelesIn January, new changes in senior management for the Department’s Urban Design Studio became effective. Principal City Planner Ken Bernstein assumed leadership of the Studio, in addition to continuing his role as Manager of the Office of Historic Resources. He is joined by Senior City Planner Claire Bowin, City Planner Lakisha Hull, Planning Assistant Karolina Gorska, and Planning Assistant Holly Harper.

The Studio — founded in 2006 — works to elevate the quality of public and private design, creating a more vibrant, livable, walkable, and sustainable city. Among its guiding values are to create a public realm that matches some of Los Angeles’ iconic and recognizable private spaces; to elevate design expectations for private development; and, to promote Los Angeles as a center of design innovation and experimentation.

Studio staff provides planners and applicants with project-specific recommendations. These recommendations are organized around three distinct yet interrelated approaches to design. First, they look at the pedestrian experience and how buildings open up to the street front. Second, they take into consideration the impacts of the built environment on the surrounding area –– a 360-degree approach to planning. Lastly, they draw upon some of the latest advancements in climate adapted design, recognizing the role a building’s form can play on the local climate.

Most recently, the Studio launched Urban Design Studio Office Hours — a pilot program that aims to provide the Department’s project planning staff with further design guidance on private development projects, citywide or community design policies, and streetscape plans.

In addition, the Studio oversees the Professional Volunteer Program (PVP) — a review forum comprised of a rotating pool of volunteer architects and designers from the local chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), who provide feedback to assist planners in shaping the design of proposed projects. Last October, the PVP was expanded to include regular meetings in the Van Nuys offices.

The Studio will be coordinating closely with Christopher Hawthorne, former architectural critic of the Los Angeles Times, who was recently named by Mayor Eric Garcetti as the City’s first Chief Design Officer. In his new role, Christopher will collaborate with relevant City departments to elevate the quality of civic architecture and urban design across Los Angeles.

PROFILE:: CHRISTOPHERHAWTHORNEChief Design OfficerOffice of Mayor Eric Garcetti

Prior to joining City Hall, Christopher Hawthorne was an architecture critic for the Los Angeles Times from 2004 to early 2018. In addition to serving as the City’s Chief Design Officer, Christopher is a professor of practice at Occidental College, where since 2015 he has directed the Third Los Angeles Project — a series of public conversations about architecture, urban planning, mobility, and demographic change in Southern California. Christopher grew up in Berkeley and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Yale, where he studied political science and architectural history.

DEEP COUNTER SERVICESImproving the Overall Customer ExperienceThe Department’s Development Services Centers (DSCs) are at the forefront of project planning operations, serving as a central consultation portal for applicants in the City of Los Angeles. Residents and business owners are able to schedule appointments at any one of the three DSC locations — Metro/Downtown Los Angeles, Valley, and West Los Angeles — to receive technical guidance during the design, entitlement, and permitting stages of a project.

To address the various needs of its customers, the DSCs are staffed with planners familiar with different case types and issues unique to their geographies. Additionally, the Metro DSC has a specialized set of services that extend beyond the traditional public counter operations at the other DSCs. Referred to as the “Deep Counter,” these specialized services were added to meet the needs of specific industries and offer tailored consultation services and processing expertise.

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Wireless & Telecommunications Unit

The Wireless & Telecommunications Unit is a specialized, one-stop full-service center for the wireless telecommunications industry. Staff assigned to this Unit review proposals for the placement of wireless telecommunications facilities on public and private property to ensure that they are compliant with the City’s zoning requirements and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Throughout the process, applicants can meet with trained planners for guidance and technical expertise.

Beverage and Entertainment Streamlined (BESt) Unit

The Beverage and Entertainment Streamlining (BESt) Unit was created to centralize and reduce the overall processing time for the approval of alcohol sales and live entertainment Conditional Use permits, as well as to standardize the types of conditions imposed citywide on the restaurant and hospitality industries. The Unit handles the initial case intake services, and signs off on the condition clearances for projects meeting the necessary requirements.

Housing Services Unit

The Housing Services Unit provides technical assistance and interdepartmental coordination through all phases of development for affordable housing projects. Staff in this Unit help implement housing policies and monitor programs that increase the City’s housing supply by offering a variety of services, ranging from consultation and project review to building permit clearances. The Unit specializes in cases such as Density Bonus, Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) Incentives, Unapproved Dwelling Units (UDU), and others related to the implementation of state bills.

Map Processing Services Unit

The Map Processing Services Unit is in charge of three core functions: Lot Line Adjustments, Certificates of Compliance, and Deemed-to-be Approved Private Streets. Planning staff assigned to this Unit provide general consultation and case filing instructions for project applications. They also guide applicants through the approval process, reviewing individual requests, and recommending possible project alternatives prior to formal submittal.

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PROFILE: DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CENTERS The first interaction most Angelenos have with their local government is often at the Development Services Centers (DSCs). At any of the three locations, individuals can file a project application, inquire about land use considerations, and request information about planning-related policies.

Project applications –– ranging from a single-family home addition to planning entitlements for a skyscraper –– start at the same place: the DSC Public Counter. It is the physical location where planning and development come together, and where the land use process typically begins.

For every project submitted, there is a planner available to answer questions, review initial plans, and shed some light on the work of the Project Planning Bureau.

DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNINGDevelopment Services Center Staff

SMALL LOT ORDINANCE AND DESIGN STANDARDSCreating a Clearer Path for New HomeOwnership OpportunitiesOn April 18, the amendment to the Department’s Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance went into effect after being adopted by the City Council on February 27. The amendment is a part of a comprehensive update of existing regulations that were first adopted over 10 years ago. In 2005, the City of Los Angeles adopted the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance, which introduced a new hybrid housing typology to the City — namely, this concept of the small lot home. The Ordinance was created as a means to increase homeownership opportunities within existing multi-family and commercial zones throughout Los Angeles.

Since that time, the Department has made refinements to the Ordinance to address specific neighborhood-related concerns to further improve the compatibility of housing projects with the surrounding character of its neighborhoods. Specifically, new design standards were developed to establish a defined set of enforceable rules.

Through these updated regulations and the establishment of a formalized design review process, the revised Ordinance will better equip the City with the tools to address the physical design of small lot homes. These changes will also create a more predictable and streamlined process for applicants, while fundamentally still providing neighborhoods with the enhancements they have requested in the form of greater setbacks and reduced lot coverage requirements.

From a citywide perspective, the implementation of these revised regulations will not only improve the overall review process, but also set in motion a clearer path forward for the construction of small lot homes.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Key ProvisionsDesign StandardsA set of new requirements to address building design, pedestrian connectivity and access, and landscaping have been incorporated as part of the enhanced review process for small lot subdivisions.

Map StandardsProvisions relating to common access walkways, vehicular guest parking, on-site trash pick-up, and open space easements have also been developed.

Eligible ZonesIn order to preserve the original intent of lower density neighborhoods citywide, small lots are no longer being allowed in R2 residential zones.

Lot CoverageThe maximum lot area of a small lot subdivision was reduced to 75% of any property to minimize the overall coverage on a particular site.

Lot WidthThe minimum lot width for new projects was increased to 18 feet to be more sensitive to the needs of neighboring communities.

5112 Melrose Avenue

The City of Los Angeles established the Design Review Board (DRB) process in 1996 as a way to evaluate the overall design quality of proposed projects. Currently, there are 13 DRBs located across the City from the North Valley to South Los Angeles.

The DRBs assist decision makers, property owners, and design professionals in implementing the stated design goals of communities within applicable Specific Plan boundaries. These are parts of the City that contain detailed development standards to further shape the types of projects permitted in a number of neighborhoods. DRB members are architects, planners, urban designers, and other professionals — most of whom are appointed by City Council.

Last fall, the Department began to revise the DRB program, working closely with the Council offices and the corresponding Board Members to provide an in-depth understanding of some of the proposed procedural changes and enhancements to the existing review process. Since

that time, project planners have presented at the Hollywoodland, Mulholland, and Westwood DRBs to solicit initial feedback.

In May, the Department expanded the discussions citywide, hosting two trainings in the Valley and Downtown Los Angeles for all members of the DRBs. At these meetings, staff

highlighted the importance of future streamlining efforts that will simplify the workflow, set clearer expectations for applicants, and also allow for more efficient meetings.

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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD PROGRAMEnhancing the Overall Look and Quality of Projects Citywide

In April, the Department launched the second Planning 101 training series — this time covering the basic elements of the City’s development process and key points for public participation. The training was a collaboration with the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) and held in seven regions of the City between April 9 and May 2.

Each presentation included an overview of the Department’s Project Planning Bureau and work program, a review of project types and decision makers, and a brief discussion on the City’s processes and procedures for case intake. The second half of the two-hour training included a tutorial on the Department’s web-based mapping tool, ZIMAS

(Zone Information and Map Access System), and a Q&A session conducted by project planning staff in attendance.

More than 450 community members attended the seven trainings, with a number of these individuals representing block clubs, homeowner’s associations, and neighborhood councils.

Later this year, the Department will share a new series of Planning 101 training videos focused on Project Planning on YouTube. Video segments covering the basic elements of planning, zoning, and land use are already accessible online.

PROJECT PLANNING 101 SERIES

Jane Choi is a Senior City Planner in the Central Project Planning Division. Currently, she oversees the implementation of the General Plan, in addition to specific plans within the Boyle Heights, Central City, Central City North, Northeast Los Angeles, Silver Lake-Echo Park-Elysian Valley, and Westlake Community Plan areas. Working in close coordination with Council offices, Jane also manages the Department’s Design Review Board program.

As a project planner, Jane takes pride in the important role she and her colleagues have in shaping the quality of life in Los Angeles’ neighborhoods. From approving signage for a new business to reviewing plans for a mixed-use development, she believes that the work of her division creates a lasting imprint on how people experience the City.

Jane’s interest in planning began during her college years in Philadelphia, PA. Through her studies and work at a local community development corporation, she grew an appreciation for placemaking and the complex dynamics that coexist within cities.

Since joining the Department in 2007, Jane has worked in the Citywide Policy Division and Expedited Processing Section. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies with a minor in Art History from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from UCLA.

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METRO PUBLIC COUNTER

201 N. Figueroa St., 4th FlLos Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 482-7077

VALLEY PUBLIC COUNTER

6262 Van Nuys Blvd., 2nd FlLos Angeles, CA 91401

(818) 374-5050

WEST LOS ANGELES PUBLIC COUNTER

1828 Sawtelle Blvd., 2nd Fl Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 231-2901

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CENTERS OUR MISSIONTo create and implement plans, policies and programs that realize a vision of Los Angeles as a collection of healthy and sustainable neighborhoods, each with a distinct sense of place, based on a foundation of mobility, economic vitality and improved quality of life for all residents.

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.

Designed by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning Graphics Services Section.

This newsletter is published quarterly by the External Affairs Unit of the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. For questions, comments or reprint requests, please contact Yeghig Keshishian at Yeghig.Keshishian@lacity.org | (213) 978-1324.

On April 6, the Major Projects Section, Urban Design Studio, and the Office of Historic Resources (OHR) relocated from City Hall to the 13th and 14th floors of the Figueroa Plaza Building (221 N. Figueroa Street).

On April 9, the Valley Project Planning Division on the 4th Floor of the Marvin Braude Building launched a new appointment system in an effort to enhance customer service and operations. Appointments can be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays by calling (818) 374-9918.

On April 15, the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) announced the winners of the 2018 Planning Awards. The Department received the award for Comprehensive Plan, Large Jurisdiction for the South and Southeast Los Angeles Community Plans and the award for Social Change and Diversity for the City’s newly adopted cannabis regulations. The awards ceremony will take place at the Santa Monica College of Performing Arts Center on June 7.

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