Link to the PlanCheckNCLA meeting recording: https://youtu.be/4CBbiOD7-oY

Following is a recap of the Chat for this meeting:

PlanCheckNCLA Meeting Summary – November 8, 2025

Recording: The meeting was recorded and will be linked on the PlanCheckNCLA website and on YouTube at @plancheckncla.

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Welcome and Introductions

Cindy Cleghorn opened the meeting and welcomed participants, inviting everyone to share their names, Neighborhood Council affiliation, and contact information. She then handed the meeting to Denzel Henderson, Planning Department Liaison.

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Key Discussion Topics

1. Permit Delays and Budget Impacts

Question: Why does a residential repair permit take up to two months to be approved, and is this delay related to budget constraints?

This reflected shared concerns about backlogs and inefficiencies in the current review system.

2. Community Engagement and Transparency

Cindy noted a decline in communication between City Planners and local communities:

“We’ve seen less engagement with Council office staff and planners who once worked closely with our neighborhoods. It often feels like projects are reviewed using only Google Earth.”

She emphasized restoring collaboration and accountability in the planning process.

3. Replacement Unit Determination (RUD) Process

Participants expressed concern that the RUD process within the Residential Protection Ordinance may limit housing production needed for the Housing Element and RHNA goals.

Example: RSO (Rent Stabilized) units are automatically required to be replaced as deed-restricted affordable housing even when the prior tenant’s income was not low-income.

4. Tenant Accountability and Property Damage

Cindy raised concerns about property owners dealing with tenants who cause damage or fail to pay rent:

“This pushes owners not to rent, leading to empty properties. How can there be an incentive to fix this?”

Response: Michelle Levy noted that <a href=”https://housing.lacity.org/renters/just-cause-eviction

🏙️ PlanCheckNCLA – November 8, 2025 Meeting Recap

Topic: Department of City Planning Reorganization & “Missing Middle LA” Housing Program

Overview

At the November PlanCheckNCLA meeting, Denzel Henderson, City Planning Liaison for the Valley Area, welcomed participants and introduced Kevin Keller, Cameron Kaskill, and Danai (Dani) Xy Ray from the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. The session focused on the Department’s internal reorganization and updates to support affordable “Missing Middle” housing.

Department Reorganization

Kevin Keller, Executive Officer with over 25 years at DCP, outlined the transfer of zoning review functions from Building & Safety to Planning. A new Development Services Bureau and an additional fifth Bureau are being established to create a one-stop shop for zoning review. The goal is to reduce delays, improve coordination, and enhance customer service without changing existing zoning laws.

Zoning Review & Missing Middle Housing

Cameron Kaskill, Principal City Planner, described how the new structure will integrate zoning reviews, streamline workflows, and expand over-the-counter services. He also introduced the “Missing Middle LA” Program, designed to encourage small-scale homeownership through ADUs, duplexes, and small-lot subdivisions while aligning with state housing laws and preserving neighborhood character. The draft ordinance is expected in January 2026.

Design & Community Concerns

Community members raised concerns about small-lot developments with minimal open space. Staff noted that updated standards are intended to improve design outcomes and confirmed that these streamlined programs do not apply in hillside Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Danai (Dani) Xy Ray from the Urban Design Studio shared that the Low-Rise Design Lab is developing tailored guidelines for corner lots, alley-access lots, and other infill parcels to improve compatibility with existing neighborhoods.

Next Steps & Resources

• Slides and the meeting recording will be shared with attendees.
• Follow-up on the small-lot project location mentioned during the meeting.
• Ongoing feedback encouraged on zoning review integration and Missing Middle initiatives.

Stay informed via the Planning Liaison Updates, Planning 101 videos available from the City Planning website: https://planning.lacity.gov then select Resources