PlanCheckNC – Los Angeles

Minutes: Feb. 14, 2015
Chair: Cindy Cleghorn – CindyCleghorn@Mac.com
Next meeting: Mar. 14 – Dean Sherer, CEQA presentation. Location TBD.

Other meetings:
Sat., Feb. 21, 2:00 pm: NC Sustainable Alliance: TreePeople office at 12601 Mulholland Dr. in Sherman Oaks (near Coldwater Canyon).
Be sure to carpool, they have a small parking lot. http://www.treepeople.org/directions
Sun., Feb. 22: NC Congress planning committee – workshops/ speakers/ ideas needed.

1. General
Discussion about Citywide Design Guidelines: Group discussed that Alan Bell stated that guidelines (even though they are called “guidelines”) are mandatory for projects that are reviewed by the Planning Dept. Guidelines were approved by Planning Commission, but never considered by the Council. So, Council has the right to override everything.

Cell towers: City should adopt ordinance to prohibit in R1 zones. Other cities prohibit them. Cell providers are starting to apply to 60 ft. towers next to houses.

EIR scoping meetings: They used to be question and answer format with all statements recorded. Now, they are open house format, and no idea if written comments are recorded and considered. All comments should be listed in EIR.
Developers should not hire the EIR consultant, the city should (and charge the developer).
EIRs should have realistic alternatives.

Overpopulation produces many of the problems we face – taxing of limited resources and too much overconsumption, pollution, cars and housing.

2. Mansionization: PLUM may consider on Feb. 24.
May be wrapped into Recode LA.
This can be a quick fix, and Council should fix it quickly, instead of delaying it with Recode LA.
Problem that new houses are not in character with the community. They usually have the minimum backyard (15 ft.) and no yard space for families.
Appeals of building permits can be done. First step is to submit to DBS counter for a review of the planning portion of the permit and determination by DBS. If you disagree with the DBS’s determination, you can appeal to APC and with Council support, possibly overturn the permit.
Good presentation, actually encouraging if it will be implemented. Shows different types of neighborhoods and customizes protections: http://recode.la/updates/events/zac-meeting

3. Database of developments’ CUPs and conditions: Proposal to create database to easily search the conditions on projects, and then check if the conditions are being adhered to and enforced. File 15-0026.

4. Transit Station Neighborhood Plan (Expo Line): Proposes big upzones around stations.
In West LA at Bundy Station, an R1 neighborhood of 200 cute houses is proposed to be flattened and replaced with ugly R3 (4-5 stories with density bonus).

5. Sign Ordinance: It’s a mess. Wesson got Englander to propose changes and totally divert the current consensus that was emerging. Englander’s proposal is to allow signs outside of Sign Districts, to grandfather in existing illegal and unpermitted signs, and to allow digital signs.

6. Beekeeping: Council on Feb. 19.

7. Vacation rentals: Proposal in Economic Development Committee to set up a regulatory system for all <30 day rentals, so city can tax.
Concern that units are lost for regular residents when city has shortage of affordable housing.
Problem that pro-AirBNB will bus in supporters to create false support.
Possible proposals: 500 ft. notification of new rentals, approval from adjacent neighbors, shortened CUP process (lower fee), living wage for cleaning staff.

8. Presentation: Lydia Grant, Sunland Tujunga stakeholder (818) 470-6629 LydiaJeanGrant@Gmail.com
Discussion about overdevelopment and city’s lack of assessment of infrastructure needs and failure to review cumulative impacts.
In Sunland, proposals are for 755 new units (2,000 new students). Existing enrollment in area is 5,100 students, and now 2,000 students will be added,
However, LAUSD is not notified unless new projects are within 500 ft.
Some caveats – LAUSD enrollment has been decreasing and many wealthy families send students to private schools.

Planning does not assess if new housing is close to schools. New students may need to be bussed farther away.
Traffic studies do not include increase in parent car trips to drop off students (no busses, too far to walk or bike).
Developers pay school fees, but not targeted to local area.
Gracie Liu, DONE director, will meet with LAUSD Superintendent Cortines to discuss collaboration on issues like these.

9. Sustainability meeting in the Mayor’s office: Concern about proposals to reform the Ellis Act (reduce protections for poor residents), reform CEQA (reduce environmental protections), Density Bonus and TOD areas (increase density).

10. Code Compliance Unit for CUPs: PLUM in March.
Disconnect between City and State Alcoholic Beverage Control Dept. City proposed Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Program that will be proactive and check on condition compliance, and not wait for complaints. Supported by fees on developer / owner. File 15-0020.