Dear Friends:
I received an email with a new “zone simplification ordinance” today from Lucille Sanders. I’ve just spent hours pouring through it and I believe everyone needs to read it. This ordinance on its face says it is changing or deleting 24% of findings for CUP’s and Variances. They were easy enough to get around before but Planning is now looking for slam dunks. I got mired down in the first part and saw some changes but it wasn’t until I went to the last 10 pages that the real fun began. 83 changes are presented with section and title of code, Purpose, Current finding needed, Proposed finding, disposition and Reason.
The reason I think is simple, to make it easier for Planning to approve more projects, to make many more projects basically by-right. After two devastating audits by Laura Chick and one by Wendy of Planning’s Case Processing Unit I suppose this Ordinance was to be expected. Wendy in her Audit stated.
“Out of all of the audits I have done so far, this is among the most disappointing, because it appears that the City's Planning Department was unable to implement the previous audit's recommendations. The Department gave the reason that budget deficits and other Reorganizations have hampered their ability to make the necessary changes. While the Department has used some of their resources to update community plans and zoning regulations in order to increase projects that can be built by-right, which reduce case processing times, this is not acceptable four and a half years after the original audit came out.”
Some of the changes are a word here and a word there but others remove mitigation measures, monitoring, and environmental review as being redundant to CEQA, that the State has our back. That’s not how I read what is going on in Sacramento. It changes language that protects property adjacent or in the vicinity of a project to a vague “in the same Zone or surrounding neighborhood”. How big a zone or neighborhood area is, is not spelled out. If you live in a Hillside area you need to look at changes that will affect you. Both Hillside and the Flats will get new height and side yard variations. CUP’s for small restaurants wanting to serve alcohol have parking regulations deleted in some cases. Reclamation of surface mining lands is also mixed in, but I have no knowledge of what that means. Eldercare, Homeless shelters, corner commercial, mini-shopping centers and new density bonus findings for greater than what is allowed by-right and major development projects all get new findings or have their old ones deleted.
I am attaching a searchable PDF for your use and will follow up in the coming days with some specific findings. I would love to hear what you have found out.
Jim
James O'Sullivan
213.840.0246 - Cell
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Zoning Code Simplification
August 26th, 2010
The Core Zoning Code case that is going before the Planning Commission on October 14, 2010, is the first of the six components of the Core Zoning Code Simplification work program that was laid out to PlanCheckNC at our June meeting. The original work program flyer is attached. This flyer identifies the six components. As you will note the schedule has been modified. In July were told that it would be late September or early October when the first of the six components would go before the Planning Commission.
The first component has now been scheduled for the October 14, 2010, Planning Commission Meeting. The staff report is attached for your review. This was originally scheduled for July 2010.
Multiple Entitlements/Approvals: Synchronize the expiration periods for projects with two or more discretionary land use approvals
Core Findings: Eliminate redundancy and update core findings to provide a better framework for analyzing the merits of proposed development projects
Alan Bell will be at PlanCheckNC on September 11 to present a status update and answer questions.
As we know from experience, the actual language of the changes can be critically important. We have been told that it is Planning Department policy to not release the actual document until it is given to the Planning Commission. Speakers at this meeting should request time to review the actual text as presented, in order to provide comment prior to the Commission vote. Also, attached is a resolution prepared by Jeff Jacobberger that provides a sample for requesting additional time to review the materials.
In terms of reviewing the content, Alan Bell will be invited to attend PlanCheckNC Programs through this work program and NCs may want to develop their own positions as well. Attached is a chart prepared by Sharon Commins that will provide some guidance in researching these issues.
PlanCheckNC will meet twice before the October Planning Commission meeting. There is also time to get this issue on the agenda’s of individual NCs. Hopefully many of you have already begun the discussions regarding this work program.and have a start on how to approach potential changes. We still have no assurances of when we will have the details of what is being proposed. The critical issue is getting time to review and react to the actual changes as proposed to the code. Sixty days should be requested. The clock on the review should not start until the proposed changes are available. There is no time to follow-up on the issues of review and comment if this moves through the system too quickly.
Also, in addition to sending a copy of your resolution/comments to Alan Bell, be sure to include copy to your Council Person and the Planning Deputy, PlanCheckNC (maggi4F@gmail.com) and any other alliances or groups you are working with on this issue.
Maggi Fajnor, Chair
PlanCheckNC
Please note my new e-mail address
maggi4f@gmail.com
August 26th, 2010
The Core Zoning Code case that is going before the Planning Commission on October 14, 2010, is the first of the six components of the Core Zoning Code Simplification work program that was laid out to PlanCheckNC at our June meeting. The original work program flyer is attached. This flyer identifies the six components. As you will note the schedule has been modified. In July were told that it would be late September or early October when the first of the six components would go before the Planning Commission.
The first component has now been scheduled for the October 14, 2010, Planning Commission Meeting. The staff report is attached for your review. This was originally scheduled for July 2010.
Multiple Entitlements/Approvals: Synchronize the expiration periods for projects with two or more discretionary land use approvals
Core Findings: Eliminate redundancy and update core findings to provide a better framework for analyzing the merits of proposed development projects
Alan Bell will be at PlanCheckNC on September 11 to present a status update and answer questions.
As we know from experience, the actual language of the changes can be critically important. We have been told that it is Planning Department policy to not release the actual document until it is given to the Planning Commission. Speakers at this meeting should request time to review the actual text as presented, in order to provide comment prior to the Commission vote. Also, attached is a resolution prepared by Jeff Jacobberger that provides a sample for requesting additional time to review the materials.
In terms of reviewing the content, Alan Bell will be invited to attend PlanCheckNC Programs through this work program and NCs may want to develop their own positions as well. Attached is a chart prepared by Sharon Commins that will provide some guidance in researching these issues.
PlanCheckNC will meet twice before the October Planning Commission meeting. There is also time to get this issue on the agenda’s of individual NCs. Hopefully many of you have already begun the discussions regarding this work program.and have a start on how to approach potential changes. We still have no assurances of when we will have the details of what is being proposed. The critical issue is getting time to review and react to the actual changes as proposed to the code. Sixty days should be requested. The clock on the review should not start until the proposed changes are available. There is no time to follow-up on the issues of review and comment if this moves through the system too quickly.
Also, in addition to sending a copy of your resolution/comments to Alan Bell, be sure to include copy to your Council Person and the Planning Deputy, PlanCheckNC (maggi4F@gmail.com) and any other alliances or groups you are working with on this issue.
Maggi Fajnor, Chair
PlanCheckNC
Please note my new e-mail address
maggi4f@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Citywide Urban Design Guidelines Negative Declaration-Comments Due 8/25/2010
Citywide Urban Design Guidelines Negative Declaration-Comments Due 8/25/2010
Attached and below is brief info on a negative declaration to citywide urban guidelines. Public comment is due by 25 August.
I (Lucille Saunders) spoke with Michelle Sorkin, city planner on the urban design guidelines, to arrange an appointment (thursday, 10 am, room 621, was set) to review the ENTIRE CASE FILE. Ms. Sorkin advised me
she is "still drafting" the guidelines and will have them completed "hopefully by start of next month."
This is a citywide amendment to the General Plan AND THE GUIDELINES ARE NOT COMPLETED. The only thing available is the (also attached) neg dec "checklist" file.
I and other question how public comment could be in by 25 august to address guidelines not yet written.
Sorkin will be available at the appointment to answer questions, but not even guide drafts will not be available then.
She states as with the housing element, after the completed guidelines there will be "opportunity for public input at the hearings." Well we all recall the housing element hearings where the final report was written before the community meetings were held.
Cindy Cleghorn, of Sunland Tujunga NC and PlanCheck, will accompany me at the appointment thursday. all are welcome and invited to come.
Please send questions, comments, asides, and circulate to help stop these "cart before the horse" patterns. Not to be confused with planning.
Thanks, Lucille
Attached and below is brief info on a negative declaration to citywide urban guidelines. Public comment is due by 25 August.
I (Lucille Saunders) spoke with Michelle Sorkin, city planner on the urban design guidelines, to arrange an appointment (thursday, 10 am, room 621, was set) to review the ENTIRE CASE FILE. Ms. Sorkin advised me
she is "still drafting" the guidelines and will have them completed "hopefully by start of next month."
This is a citywide amendment to the General Plan AND THE GUIDELINES ARE NOT COMPLETED. The only thing available is the (also attached) neg dec "checklist" file.
I and other question how public comment could be in by 25 august to address guidelines not yet written.
Sorkin will be available at the appointment to answer questions, but not even guide drafts will not be available then.
She states as with the housing element, after the completed guidelines there will be "opportunity for public input at the hearings." Well we all recall the housing element hearings where the final report was written before the community meetings were held.
Cindy Cleghorn, of Sunland Tujunga NC and PlanCheck, will accompany me at the appointment thursday. all are welcome and invited to come.
Please send questions, comments, asides, and circulate to help stop these "cart before the horse" patterns. Not to be confused with planning.
Thanks, Lucille
Monday, August 9, 2010
the urban design neg dec is to be ok'd before guidelines completed!
the urban design neg dec is to be ok'd before guidelines completed!ß
i just got off the phone with michelle sorkin, planner on the urban design guidelines. my call was for an appointment (thursday, 10 am, room 621, was set) to review the ENTIRE CASE FILE.
folks, this is a citywide amendment to the general plan AND THE GUIDELINES ARE NOT COMPLETED. the only thing available is the (attached) file we circulated last weekend.
she is "still drafting" the guidelines and will have them completed "hopefully by start of next month."
i questioned how public comment could be in by 25 august in that case.
she will be available at the appointment to answer questions, but the drafts will not be available.
as with the housing element, the completed guidelines will have "opportunity for public input at the hearings." and we all recall the housing element hearings where the final report was written before the community meetings were held.
cindy cleghorn will accompany me at the appointment thursday. all are welcome and invited to come.
please send questions, comments, asides, help.
i just got off the phone with michelle sorkin, planner on the urban design guidelines. my call was for an appointment (thursday, 10 am, room 621, was set) to review the ENTIRE CASE FILE.
folks, this is a citywide amendment to the general plan AND THE GUIDELINES ARE NOT COMPLETED. the only thing available is the (attached) file we circulated last weekend.
she is "still drafting" the guidelines and will have them completed "hopefully by start of next month."
i questioned how public comment could be in by 25 august in that case.
she will be available at the appointment to answer questions, but the drafts will not be available.
as with the housing element, the completed guidelines will have "opportunity for public input at the hearings." and we all recall the housing element hearings where the final report was written before the community meetings were held.
cindy cleghorn will accompany me at the appointment thursday. all are welcome and invited to come.
please send questions, comments, asides, help.
Confusion on policies, environmental, and time sequence
RE: Confusion on policies, environmental, and time sequence.
It is ND (neg dec), not MND--which means there is no environmental impacts, therefore NO MITIGATION in this CITYWIDE AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN.
The point is the Neg Dec or NO IMPACTS is on GUIDELINE which have not been written yet.
This is not on the Hollywood Plan Update. It is part of a barrage of bull being hurled at us in planning--out of sequence and with limited time to review and discuss.
Lucille
It is ND (neg dec), not MND--which means there is no environmental impacts, therefore NO MITIGATION in this CITYWIDE AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN.
The point is the Neg Dec or NO IMPACTS is on GUIDELINE which have not been written yet.
This is not on the Hollywood Plan Update. It is part of a barrage of bull being hurled at us in planning--out of sequence and with limited time to review and discuss.
Lucille
Framework Element
http://cityplanning.lacity.org/cwd/framwk/chapters/05/05.htm
The above link is to the Framework Element. Urban Form, Neighborhood Design. It is all about growth and they were supposed to do demonstration projects.
The above link is to the Framework Element. Urban Form, Neighborhood Design. It is all about growth and they were supposed to do demonstration projects.
Curious Initiative from City Planning
A very curious initiative from City Planning. Since they have ignored the Framework's very good chapter on community design for the past 15 years, I wonder why they want to amend it now. Furthermore, how will they implement these amended policies? Since LADBS does not do design review, few cases would ever be subject to these policy amendments.
Be sure the look out for some hidden agendas. Back in about two weeks.
Richard (Dick) H. Platkin, AICP
Be sure the look out for some hidden agendas. Back in about two weeks.
Richard (Dick) H. Platkin, AICP
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
NEGATIVE DECLARATION-NG-10-280-PL: ENV-2010-715
Initial Notice
FR: Joyce Dillard DA: Aug 4 2010
RE: NEGATIVE DECLARATION-NG-10-280-PL: ENV-2010-715. Citywide. The proposed project involves the adoption of Citywide Urban Design Guidelines (“Design Guidelines”) as an Appendix to the General Plan Framework Element for Multifamily Residential, Mixed-Use, Commercial and Industrial land uses. The purpose of the Design Guidelines is twofold: to implement the design values in the 10 Urban Design Principles, a part of the Framework Element, on individual projects; and to consolidate basic Design Guidelines common throughout most Community Plans in one document, allowing individual New Community Plans to provide tailored, neighborhood-specific Design guidelines. The Design Guidelines will establish design expectations for new development based on Citywide goals, policies and objectives. The Design Guidelines will illustrate ways for individual projects to promote walkability, maintain neighborhood form and character, and promote creative infill development solutions. The Design Guidelines will apply to all new developments and substantial building alterations that require discretionary approvals from the Dept. of City Planning. As well, they may also be used by staff in other Departments or community members for advisory review of new development applications. Please call Michelle Sorkin a DAY in advance to review the file: (213) 978-1199. If she is not available, please leave message. Documents are available for REVIEW by APPOINTMENT only at: Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Rm. 621, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Comments can be faxed: (213) 978-1226. REVIEW/COMMENT period ends: Aug. 25, 2010.
FR: Joyce Dillard DA: Aug 4 2010
RE: NEGATIVE DECLARATION-NG-10-280-PL: ENV-2010-715. Citywide. The proposed project involves the adoption of Citywide Urban Design Guidelines (“Design Guidelines”) as an Appendix to the General Plan Framework Element for Multifamily Residential, Mixed-Use, Commercial and Industrial land uses. The purpose of the Design Guidelines is twofold: to implement the design values in the 10 Urban Design Principles, a part of the Framework Element, on individual projects; and to consolidate basic Design Guidelines common throughout most Community Plans in one document, allowing individual New Community Plans to provide tailored, neighborhood-specific Design guidelines. The Design Guidelines will establish design expectations for new development based on Citywide goals, policies and objectives. The Design Guidelines will illustrate ways for individual projects to promote walkability, maintain neighborhood form and character, and promote creative infill development solutions. The Design Guidelines will apply to all new developments and substantial building alterations that require discretionary approvals from the Dept. of City Planning. As well, they may also be used by staff in other Departments or community members for advisory review of new development applications. Please call Michelle Sorkin a DAY in advance to review the file: (213) 978-1199. If she is not available, please leave message. Documents are available for REVIEW by APPOINTMENT only at: Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Rm. 621, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Comments can be faxed: (213) 978-1226. REVIEW/COMMENT period ends: Aug. 25, 2010.
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