Developers And City Battle Over Affordable Housing Rules

Upset developers forced to set aside 25% of their development as affordable housing are facing off with city officials in Los Angeles over its inclusionary housing policies.

1 minute read

April 9, 2007, 9:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Los Angeles' push to have developers set aside portions of new residential projects for below-market-rate housing is facing a showdown at City Hall this month, with the outcome likely to shape the city's future housing policy."

"In recent years, Los Angeles has gradually increased the percentage of units that developers must set aside for moderate-income residents."

"Now, a developer is pushing back after the city ordered it to reserve 25% of the 438 units planned at a Warner Center apartment complex - the largest set-aside the city has ever required."

"The idea behind the city's 'inclusionary housing' rules, officials say, is to allow people who work in an area but might not be able to afford market rents - such as teachers, shopping mall employees and police officers - to live near their jobs."

"When a development opens, the first renters for the below-market units must work nearby and meet the economic qualifications."

Saturday, April 7, 2007 in The Los Angeles Times

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

MARTA train tracks run in the middle of a six lane highway with an overpass and the Buckhead city skyline of skyscrapers in the background.

How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?

Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.

September 29, 2024 - Marcelo Remond

Aerial view of low-rise neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.

California Law Ends Road Widening Mandates

Housing developers will no longer be required to dedicate land to roadway widening, which could significantly reduce the cost of construction and support more housing units.

September 25, 2024 - Streetsblog California

People in large plaza in front of Zurich Opera House in Switzerland.

But... Europe

European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?

September 26, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

Wood WELCOME sign with Bureau of Land Management name and logo next to concrete stairwell outdoors in Utah.

Western Conservationists, Tribes File Legal Motion to Defend Public Lands Rule

Some states and industry groups have sued to stop the Bureau of Land Management from enforcing the new rule, which promotes the conservation and restoration of public lands and shifts focus away from extractive uses.

October 3 - WildEarth Guardians

Wildfire burning under power transmission towers and large trees at night.

Intense October Heat Wave Raises Fire Risk in California

Unusually high temperatures across the state are prompting power shutoffs and could fuel more destructive wildfires.

October 3 - Los Angeles Times

Damage from flooding from HUrricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Climate Havens’ Not Safe From Hurricane Helene’s Destruction

Parts of North Carolina previously considered immune to the impact of hurricanes experienced historic flooding in the aftermath of the storm.

October 3 - Scientific American

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.