W. Hollywood Clarifies Condo Conversion Status

Substitute conditional-use permits will be issued by the City of West Hollywood to residents of West Hollywood who bought certain condominiums between Dec. 17, 1986, and July 13, 1989, that were converted from apartments to condominiums.

Condominiums purchased after July 13, 1989, will be considered for a substitute conditional-use permit on a case-by-case basis.

The permits will clarify the legal status of the units temporarily, while the City of West Hollywood continues its court fight with the more than 30 property owners involved in the dispute.

The property owners got permission for the conversions from Los Angeles County before the City of West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984, but the city claims its laws supersede the county’s in the matter. It is requiring the building owners to obtain conditional-use permits from the city.

The Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of the city in the matter, and the state Supreme Court recently agreed to hear the case. If the court affirms the appellate ruling, the sale of units in buildings that did not have a conditional-use permit from the city will be subject to cancellation.

As a result of the Court of Appeal’s decision, title insurers, lenders and real estate brokers have refused to do business with owners of the units in the buildings subject to the city’s lawsuit.