Tom Rothmann explains how and why Los Angeles is updating antiquated language governing land use in the city.
Los Angeles' zoning code—the second-oldest in the country for a major city, dating back to 1946—is known to be near-indiscernible, filled with confusing overlays, supplemental use districts, "Q Conditions," and "D limitations" added over the decades.
The city of Los Angeles is in the midst of a five-year process to clarify this complex language through its re:code LA effort, led by the Department of City Planning. Senior City Planner Tom Rothmann spoke with The Planning Report to provide an overview of re:code LA’s objectives, funding, timeframe, and challenges. He also details issues with zoning as-is and notes other municipalities' codes that can serve as examples for LA:
"The model we like is Raleigh, North Carolina. People say, 'That’s a completely different city!' But the ideas are the same, although obviously LA is going to be a little more complex. It’s a really great code. We all seem to like the way that it looks. It makes things simple, relying on charts, graphics, and simple language that helps get the point across of what we’re requiring—rather than pages-long columns of prose text that numbs the brain."
This is Part I in a TPR series on the Los Angeles Zoning Code, with the publication's March issue carrying the next installment.
Read the full story: LA City’s re:code—Pitched as Simplifying City’s Complex & Opaque Zoning Code
Better Zoning Codes for Better Quality of Life
As Los Angeles continues the five-year process of re-writing its zoning code for clarity, one Zoning Advisory Committee member considers who should really care.
Strategies for Big Cities to Streamline Development Services
Kevin Keller, Director of Planning and Housing Policy under Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, provides insight into the city's development services reform.
New Community Plan Poises Downtown L.A. for Transformation
In addition to a contemporary vision for Downtown, the plan debuts a new approach to zoning that could help transform the entire city.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello