News Summary
The Beverly Hills City Council is reviewing a proposed ordinance that aims to alter the permitting process for builder’s remedy projects. This comes amid community concerns regarding the impact of high-density developments, including potential changes to local zoning laws. Residents fear reduced oversight could lead to detrimental effects on their neighborhoods, prompting the council to form an ad hoc committee to investigate the issue further.
Beverly Hills City Council Deliberates Builder’s Remedy Ordinance Amid Controversy Over High-Density Developments
The Beverly Hills City Council voted on June 3 to continue discussions on an ordinance that would restructure the permitting process for builder’s remedy projects. This ordinance is designed to encourage developers to reduce the size and scale of their projects in exchange for an expedited permitting process.
The Planning Commission had recommended this ordinance to the City Council on May 5. Following concerns expressed by residents during the recent meeting, an ad hoc committee will be formed to further examine the ordinance.
Understanding the Builder’s Remedy
The builder’s remedy is a provision established by the state of California, allowing private developers to bypass local zoning regulations if their projects include at least 20% affordable housing. This provision is activated when a city’s housing element is out of compliance, a situation in which Beverly Hills has found itself for the past three years (2021-2024).
Currently, Beverly Hills is processing 14 builder’s remedy projects that were submitted while the city was out of compliance. This has raised significant concerns from residents regarding issues related to the size, density, and height of these developments. Furthermore, at least six lawsuits have been filed by developers claiming the city has illegally denied their projects.
Proposed Changes and Residents’ Concerns
The proposed ordinance would shift the permitting process from a discretionary model that requires public hearings to a ministerial model allowing city staff to approve projects without public input. Many residents voiced strong opposition to this change during the June 3 meeting, arguing that it removes essential community oversight and potentially leads to developments that could detrimentally impact their neighborhoods.
In light of these concerns, Mayor Sharona Nazarian suggested a careful examination of the ordinance before making a decision, resulting in unanimous support from council members to create an ad hoc committee dedicated to this matter.
State Housing Accountability Efforts
The ordinance is part of broader state housing accountability efforts aimed at addressing California’s housing crisis. Beverly Hills is currently reviewing 14 builder’s remedy projects, some of which significantly exceed typical building height parameters. Developers argue that the city’s actions run counter to state housing laws which mandate compliance and limit the grounds for denying applications.
Potential Impacts on the Community
Prominent projects that are currently facing legal challenges due to alleged denial by the city include 8800 and 8820 Wilshire Blvd., both submitted under the builder’s remedy. Local residents have raised concerns regarding the potential impacts of these high-density developments on traffic, parking, and overall quality of life in their neighborhoods. The ongoing debate around the builder’s remedy provisions highlights the tension between state housing policies and local community interests, particularly as residents push back against high-rise developments in areas traditionally characterized by low-density housing.
The Beverly Hills City Council is expected to conduct further discussions as the ad hoc committee embarks on its examination of the proposed ordinance to potentially reshape the future of development in the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Developers Sue Beverly Hills Over Housing Project Denials
Beverly Hills Approves New Ministerial Permit Process for Builders
Beverly Hills Planning Commission Approves Streamlined Permit Process
Beverly Hills Planning Commission Approves Builder’s Remedy Ordinance
Beverly Hills Planning Commission Proposes New Permit Process
Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Continues Discussion on Builder’s Remedy Permits
- Wikipedia: Builder’s Remedy
- Beverly Hills Courier: City Faces New Lawsuits Over Builder’s Remedy Projects on Wilshire Boulevard
- Google Search: Beverly Hills Builder’s Remedy
- Los Angeles Times: Beverly Hills is Dragging Its Heels on a New Building
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Crisis
- The Real Deal: Beverly Hills Facing New Builder’s Remedy Lawsuits
