Will Move to Encourage Density Stifle Downtown L.A. Redevelopment?

Out of concern that L.A.'s downtown properties are not being put to the highest and best use, the City Councilman representing the district has "quietly authored" a motion to incentivize density and place a moratorium on low-rise development.

1 minute read

October 15, 2013, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Is Los Angeles missing out on a golden opportunity to build a dense downtown? That's the motivation behind a motion filed by 14th District City Councilman José Huizar's last month "that would incentivize high-rise building and also put a moratorium on low-rise construction in key areas," reports Eddie Kim. Among the incentives proposed are expedited reviews and reduced parking requirements

“If we’re looking at Downtown in terms of its longevity as an economic engine, it’s clear we need to build bigger hotels and residential projects,” said Huizar spokesman Rock Coca. “The problem we’re having right now is that if low-rises go up, they’re not getting maximum efficiency out of the space. And then they’re around for decades.”

"Most experts agree that upping density in Downtown, especially in light of growing public transportation and infrastructure, is the smartest plan for the long term," adds Kim. "However, some fear that outlawing certain types of construction, even temporarily, could turn off developers entirely instead of inspiring them."


Monday, October 14, 2013 in Los Angeles Downtown News

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of high-rise buildings on waterfront in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Moves Zoning Reform Forward

The ‘Squares + Streets’ plan creates form-based zoning templates for neighborhoods that promote mixed use and denser housing near transit.

25 minutes ago - The National Law Review

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.