Commission to Vote on Zoning Changes

Proposed citywide zoning changes that are controversial among Valley homeowners groups are set for a vote Thursday before the Los Angeles Planning Commission.

Under state law, developers can set aside affordable units in their developments in exchange for being allowed to exceed by 25% the number of units allowed under local zoning regulations. The new guidelines would allow developers to do so without obtaining special city permits or being subject to a public hearing.

If approved by the commission and then the City Council, the guidelines would be drafted into an ordinance that housing officials say would encourage developers to build badly needed low-income housing.

“We want to give developers an incentive. That’s why we’re trying to make this easier,” said Rosemarie Ibanez, an analyst for the Los Angeles Housing Department.

Ibanez added that density bonuses are required by state law, and that the proposed guidelines would bring Los Angeles into compliance. But many homeowners charge that such structures would degrade single-family neighborhoods. Homeowner representatives also expressed concern during the commission’s July 15 meeting that the guidelines eliminate community input on projects.