As a particularly sad example of the morass of confusion and litigation that defines the development and planning process in California cities, renters have been ordered to vacate a newly constructed residential building in Hollywood.
Los Angeles building officials on Thursday ordered a real estate developer to remove tenants from a 22-story apartment building in Hollywood, the latest piece of bad news to befall the recently opened project amid a long-running court battle," reports David Zahniser.
"The city's action comes five months after a judge invalidated construction permits for the 299-unit project, saying that city officials improperly allowed the developer to demolish a 1924 building on the site. Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant said in his ruling that CIM Group had proceeded with construction during a legal challenge at 'its own peril.'"
The neighborhood association and lawyer behind the lawsuit that has forced the tenants from the building are two of the most notorious NIMBY activists who use CEQA to delay and prevent development in Los Angeles. CIM Group could appeal the ruling to the city's Board of Building and Safety Commissioners to postpone the April 19 deadline for tenants to vacate. Failing that option, the project would need a new environmental review and approval process to be granted the necessary occupancy permit.
FULL STORY: L.A. orders tenants to vacate troubled Hollywood building
NIMBYs at Center of California's Housing Shortage
Sacramento Bee's political columnist, Dan Walters, writes that NIMBYs are among the main reasons for the state's chronic housing crisis, and one of their main tools is the California Environmental Quality Act, which must be reformed by politicians.
Report: CEQA Lawsuits Challenge Almost Half of All Housing Development in California
A new report details the reach of California’s controversial environmental regulation, and warns of more consequences to come.
Two Signs of Approval Process Failure Finally to Proceed in Los Angeles
Neighborhood groups blocked the construction and completion of a Target-anchored retail complex and a 22-story residential high rise for years. Developers and the city have finally moved forward.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
Low-Income Columbus Households Struggle to Find Housing
The Ohio city has a more severe affordable housing crisis than more traditionally expensive cities like New York and San Francisco.
Expanding Green Spaces in Greater LA: Challenges and Solutions
Creating parks and open space in L.A. County requires overcoming land scarcity, high costs, and other challenges through strategic partnerships, innovative multi-benefit designs, and policy reforms to ensure equitable access and sustainability.
Embracing Spring: Ways to Reconnect With Nature and Find Joy
This spring, reconnect with nature and enhance your well-being through simple activities like observing plants up close, practicing forest bathing, birdwatching, arranging flowers, and starting a container garden.
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.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
City of Edmonds
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research