CD5 News: Keeping An Eye on the Implementation of State Zoning Bills SB-9 & SB-10

An excerpt from Councilmember Paul Koretz newsletter January 28, 2022:

Over the past few years, Councilmember Koretz has been working tirelessly against State zoning bills SB9 (Atkins) and SB10 (Wiener) to warn legislators and the general public about the dangers of the bills overreaching and over-prescribing authority at a local level. Unfortunately because of pressure, politics and misinformation campaigns, both bills were passed by the State Legislature in the fall of 2021 and signed by Governor Newsom, albeit in vastly reduced form due in large part to Councilmember Koretz’s work with advocates, neighborhood organizations and legislators all over California to remove the worst, most devastating impacts of the bill.  

In order to oversee the inevitable implementation, Councilmember Koretz co-authored a motion (Council File 21-1414) with an eye to manage the unique items and consequences as applied to the City of Los Angeles. The intent is to provide clear city guidelines to minimize the harm these bills can do. The motion directs City Planning and other departments to put together a guidance memo that clarifies key provisions in SB9 and their impacts for Los Angeles, including objective zoning and design standards, maximum density per lot, parking standards, exemptions for development in sensitive hillside and fire-prone areas, and residency requirements. 

This motion will be heard in City Council soon after the memo is distributed — before the Department works on an ordinance. Councilmember Koretz is committed to ensuring that the implementation process is clear and understandable for future applicants and City departments.