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

SUMMARY OF 2/26 MEETING W/ LADBS

On February 26, 2024, as part of our ongoing quarterly series of meetings with LADSB leadership, we talked about the latest hot-button issues that the department was prioritizing.   Here’s a brief summary.

LADBS Permitting Update and Advocacy Summary

Key Points:

• Progress: LADBS is making strides in reducing permit backlogs and prioritizing key areas like zoning plan checks and adaptive reuse.
• Challenges: Information on ADUs and outdoor dining needs clarification for easier compliance. Affordable housing and solar projects require improved permitting processes.

Advocacy Priorities:

1. Outdoor Dining:

   • Advocate for a standardized set of plans from the city to ensure compliance with regulations.
   • Explore creating a pre-approved library of common outdoor dining configurations.

2. Affordable Housing:

   • Push for streamlined departmental clearances for affordable housing projects.
   • Support the creation of a dedicated LADBS division for affordable housing permitting assistance.

Additional Notes:

• LADBS only oversees private property outdoor dining, while other departments handle sidewalks (BOE) and street (LADOT) permits.
• Requiring detailed plans for outdoor furniture is seen as overly burdensome and could be simplified.

Overall, the architecture community should commend LADBS’ efforts while advocating for clearer, more consistent, and more efficient permitting processes, especially for outdoor dining and affordable housing.

Key Points:

• Zoning plan check remains a top priority. Hiring efforts are underway to reduce the backlog, currently at 5 days (the lowest in a long time).
• More plan check engineers, potentially with cross-functional training, are planned for the future.
• Information bulletins on ADUs and outdoor dining require clarification and potential standardization for easier compliance.
• Adaptive Reuse is a priority, with an information bulletin and virtual counter available to streamline the process.
• LADBS is exploring ways to improve the permitting process for affordable housing and solar installations.

Suggested Next Steps:

• Advocate for a clear and consistent set of best-practice plans for outdoor dining configurations.
• Explore the feasibility of a “bank of approved projects” to expedite permitting for common construction types.
• Collaborate with LACP to establish density bonuses for new construction projects with ADUs.

Advocacy Recommendations:

• Request a standard set of plans from the city for outdoor dining to ensure compliance with fire safety, life safety, and ADA regulations.
• Push for streamlined departmental clearances for affordable housing projects.
• Support efforts to create a dedicated division within LADBS for affordable housing permitting assistance.

This summary highlights the ongoing efforts by LABDS to improve the permitting process, while also identifying areas for further advocacy around clarity, consistency, and efficiency.

If you have ideas for how to help City of LA streamline the time & effort it takes for restaurants to secure permits for outdoor dining, please contact me at will@aialosangeles.org.  Likewise, if you have examples or best-practices from other municipalities that we can encourage City of LA to replicate, share those ideas with me too.

LACP Design Review Sessions

In 2024, we will coordinate 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, March 12 (10am – 12pm)

Tuesday, March 19 (10am – 12pm)

Join us here w/ RSVP to gain zoom access.

We are delighted to announce that in addition to our quarterly series of meetings confirmed with LADBS (see schedule below), we have also confirmed a series of workshop meetings with LADWP leadership to address ideas to improve development services.

RSVP to each meeting below and share with me at will@aialosangeles.org the specific issues, recommendations, and/or questions you’d like for us to add to the agenda.

1. Wednesday, March 13 (12pm – 1pm)
2. Wednesday, June 5 (12pm – 1pm)
3. Wednesday, September 11 (12pm – 1pm)
4. Wednesday, December 4 (12pm – 1pm)

More Context:

For the past 24+ months, AIA Los Angeles and LADWP have been organizing a quarterly series of roundtable discussions, which serve as an opportunity to further connect the architecture community and LADWP development services personnel. These quarterly roundtables help to establish a more collaborative partnership and facilitate opportunities to identify solutions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

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

Let’s build a brighter future together.

Reach out and get more involved!

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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