From the desk of Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director of Government & Public Affairs

AIA|LA CLIMATE LEADERS

We’re excited to announce that AIA|LA member Simone Barth, Assoc. AIA will serve as the 2024 Chair of the AIA CA Climate Action Advocacy Subcommittee.

CLICK HERE to read an interview with her about her vision, core values, goals, and specific programs and initiatives she will be leading.

Are you also actively involved as a climate leader?  If so, contact will@aialosangeles.org.  We’d love to celebrate your leadership involvement.

CITYWIDE ADAPTIVE REUSE 2.0

Last week, I met with Ken Bernstein, AICP and Michelle Levy, AICP from Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) to discuss the status update of the citywide adaptive reuse ordinance.  They both shared insight about effective strategies to revitalize underutilized buildings while protecting history.

Los Angeles is taking steps to encourage the reuse of existing buildings through an updated adaptive reuse ordinance. This draft ordinance, set for a public hearing in Spring 2024, aims to streamline the approval process and offer incentives like property tax abatements. Discussions explored leveraging existing programs like the Mills Act and LAHD linkage fees to support these projects. However, I expressed the need to ensure that the new ordinance supersedes the limitations imposed by specific plans and enlivens the character of mixed-income developments with an ordinance that facilitates greater financial feasibility.

Additionally, the meeting identified key individuals and organizations to collaborate with, including the Central City Association, CCA, LA Conservancy, and city departments (LADBS, LAFD, CAO, et al). These collaborations aim to navigate the acquisition of existing buildings, connect adaptive reuse with initiatives like embodied carbon reduction, and preserve the cultural heritage of historically significant structures. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and utilizing financial incentives, Los Angeles hopes to revitalize underutilized buildings while safeguarding its unique history.

THE LACP UDC Low-Rise Design Advisory Panel

Last week, I also moderated a series of panels organized by LACP’s Urban Design Studio to explore ways to promote more low-rise urban infill development, with a focus on the Low-Rise Design Challenge and Senate Bill 9 (SB9). Key points include:

Challenges:

+  High fees associated with ADUs and lot splits, particularly for surveys and tract maps.
+  SB9 owner-occupancy requirement hindering participation from non-profit organizations.
+  Height restrictions limiting the potential of some ADUs.
+  Limited understanding of how to navigate the complex approval process, especially for low-income communities.
+  Existing regulations that discourage the construction of traditional LA housing typologies like bungalow courts and dingbats.

Possible solutions:

+  Reducing fees associated with ADUs and lot splits.
+  Revising SB9 home-ownership provisions to allow non-profit participation in the program.
+  Relaxing height restrictions for ADUs.
+  Providing educational resources and assistance to navigate the approval process for low-income communities.
+  Reforming regulations to allow for the construction of traditional LA housing typologies.
+  Utilizing existing programs like the California Housing Finance Agency (CHFA) and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) funding to support homeownership.

Additional resources:

+  Low-Rise Design Challenge winners
+  SB9 information
+  ADU standard plans
+  Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP)
+  LA City Planning’s new Zoning Code
+  Community Plan updates
+  Analysis of SB9 by Tracy Stone, AIA

LACP Design Review Sessions

In 2024, we will be coordinating thirty-six virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout the City.

Upcoming sessions include:

Tuesday, February 13 (10am – 12pm)
Tuesday, February 20 (10am – 12pm)
Tuesday, March 5 (10am – 12pm)

Join us here w/ RSVP to gain zoom access.

Tired of deciphering cryptic code updates and navigating bureaucratic labyrinths? It’s time to take the reins! Register now for our exclusive quarterly meetings with the General Manager of Los Angeles Building and Safety and be the architect of your own informed future.

Join us to have:

+ Direct access to LADBS leadership: Get your questions answered straight from the source. Answers in real time!
+ The inside scoop on building codes and initiatives: Stay ahead of the curve with firsthand insights on new regulations and emerging trends.
+ An opportunity to shape the future of LA’s built environment: Be part of the conversation, advocate for architect-friendly policies, and influence the city’s skyline.
+ To network and build your community: Connect with like-minded professionals, share best practices, and foster meaningful collaborations.

This is your chance to:

+ Elevate your practice: Gain a competitive edge with unparalleled knowledge and insider connections.
+ Build smarter, not harder: Navigate the permitting process with confidence, saving time and resources.
+  Leave your mark on LA: Make a lasting contribution to the city’s architectural legacy.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage, empower, and shape the future of LA’s built environment. Register today!

These will be virtual meetings on zoom.  Click the dates below to register for each session.

1. RSVP HERE = Monday, February 26 (12pm – 1pm)
2. RSVP HERE = Monday, May 20 (12pm – 1pm)
3. Monday, September 23 (11am – 12pm)
4. Monday, December 9 (12pm – 1pm)

Let’s build a brighter future together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org

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