Panel Criticized for Developers’ Program

A Valley homeowners representative on Friday criticized a Los Angeles Planning Commission decision to allow developers to take advantage of a controversial state program without first obtaining special city permits or being subject to a public hearing.

Under state law, developers can set aside affordable units in their developments in exchange for being allowed to exceed by 25% the number of units allowed under local zoning regulations.

On Thursday, the Planning Commission approved interim guidelines allowing developers to participate in the program without obtaining a conditional-use permit from the city, as previously required, or without a public hearing. The commission also directed Planning Department staff to draw up an ordinance based on the guidelines within 120 days.

An officer of one of the largest homeowner groups in Los Angeles said she is troubled by the decision.

“I’m concerned for where the city is headed from here,” said Barbara Fine, vice president of the Hillside and Canyon Assns. Inc., which represents dozens of home and property owner organizations on both sides of the Santa Monica Mountains. “At this point, it appears to be carte blanche for developers to go into communities throughout the city and just do what they will with density bonuses.”

Fine said the federation supports low-cost housing, but not at the expense of existing neighborhoods. But housing officials say the guidelines--and eventually the ordinance--are needed to encourage developers to build badly needed low-income housing in the city.

“You need an incentive,” Housing Department analyst Sally Richman said. “There has to be some way to get the developer past the low rents.”

Fine said the federation would ask Planning Department staff to address some of the group’s issues as the ordinance is being drafted.