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General Plan
County of Los Angeles
General Plan
This Streamlined General Plan is intended to ease user access to key components of the
County of Los Angeles General Pl&L The text included herein is a brief summary of
background materials plus flill planning guidelines. The Goals and Policies of this Stream-
lined General Plan are those current to January, 1993.
As the General Plan is updated over the next decade, portions of this document will be
replaced with new Elements and updated maps.
The following list identifies those Countywide chapters which have had comprehensive
revisions or textual amendments; the list provides the original adoption date and the date of
the last text amendment. All policy maps are current as of January, 1993.
Chapter Adopted Last Amendment
Introduction November25, 1980 December 29, 1987
General Goals
and Policies November25, 1980 January 9, 1990
Conservation and
Open Space November25, 1980 December 4, 1986
Land Use November 25, 1980 January 9, 1990
Housing November 2, 1989 December 17, 1992
Economic Development November25, 1980 December29, 1987
Safety December6,1990
Public Facilities November25, 1980 November 2, 1989
PAGE 2 Show Image
General Plan
County of Los Angeles
General Plan
Department of Regional Planning
320 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
January 1993
Board of Supervisors
Edmund D. Edelman, Chainnan, Third Supervisorial District
Gloria Molina, Supervisor, First Supervisorial District
Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, Supervisor, Second Supervisorial District
Deane Dana, Supervisor, Fourth Supervisorial District
Michael D. Antonovich, Supervisor, Fifth Supervisorial District
Regional Planning Commission
Richard C. Wulliger, Chairman
Patricia J. Russell, Vice Chainnan
Sadie B. Clark
J. Paul Robinson, AIA
Rene Santiago
Department of Regional Planning
James E. Hartl, MCP, Director ofFlanning
Jon Sanabria, Chief Deputy Director
Ted Elias, A~~ninistrator, Management and Fiscal Services
John Schwarze, A~hnirnsfrator, Current Planning
Rudy Lackner, A~~ninisfrator, Land Use Regulation
Geoffrey Taylor, A~bninisfrator, Advance Planning/Infonnation Systems
½'
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN
PAGE 3 Show Image
Introduction I
General Goals and Policies G
Land Use LU
Circulation C
Housing H
Conservation, Open Space and Recreation OS
Noise N
Safety S
Public Facilities PF
Economic Development ED
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Infroduefion
Introduction
The complete text for the Introduction Chapter can be found in the
Background Repo~ This Chapter was adopted on November 25,
1980. The last text amendment was adopted on December 29,1987.
½~
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN
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Introduction
Table of Contents
Section Page
A. Overview..........................................................1-1
B. Components of the General Plan....................................1-2
C. How to Use the General Plan.......................................1-3
D. General Plan Policy Maps..........................................1-4
E. Relation to Other Plans, Policies and Programs....................1-4
F. Levels of Planning................................................1-5
1. Couritwide and Local Guidance................................1-5
2. Planning Areas...............................................1-7
G. Projections for the General Plan..................................1-7
1. Population Projections.......................................1-8
2. Housing Projections..........................................1-8
3. Employment Projections......................................1-li
County o~ Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN I-i
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Introduction
List of Tables
Title Page
I-i Population Projections by Planning Area...........................1-9
1-2 Housing Projections by Planning Area.............................1-10
1-3 Employment Projections by Planning Area..........................1-12
List of Figures
Title Page
I-i Components of Los Angeles County General Plan.....................1-2
1-2 Los Angeles County Unincorporated Areas...........................1-5
1-3 Los Angeles County Planning Areas.................................1-7
14 Projected Increase in Population...................................1-9
1-5 Projected Increase in Housing Units..............................1-10
1-6 Projected Increase in Number of Jobs.............................I-li
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN I-il
PAGE 7 Show Image
Infroduction
A. Overview
easier to use. For more detailed treatment
On November 25, 1980, the Board of of issues, concepts and technical data, it is
Supervisors unamimously adopted the necessaiy to consult the complete "Back-
countywide chapters and elements of the gmund Report" found in a separate binder
County of Los Angeles General Plan, (also, please refer to Components of the _____________
including accompanying diagrams General Plan, Section B, page 1-2). The Streamlined
(policy maps), and firm which this General Plan is
document was prepared. Elements adopted prior to 1980-Noise, intended to be
Scenic Highway, Regional Recreation, clearer and easier
This document is a streamlined version of and Plan of Bikeways-are also included to use
the adopted General plan in the County in this stremlined general plan.
of Los Angeles, and is entided the
"County of Los Angeles General Plan". It This strealnlined Plan is a unified state-
focuses on goals and policies and is ment of public policy for use in making
intended to make the Plan clearer and decisions on critical public issues.
A multitude of land uses intermingle on the broad Los Angeles basin.
I-1
PAGE 8 Show Image
Introduction
The Plan provides a framework for The General Plan is primarily a public
coordinating short and medium range interest tool for initiating and respond-
actions designed to meet needs and to ing to change.
prevent problems from becoming
crises. This streamlined version of the Plan
provides the foundation document for
It sets forth guidelines for how the future updates of the General Plan. As
County of Los Angeles should allocate Countywide and Local Plan chapters
its resources in meeting identified are adopted, they will be inserted into
needs over the next few decades. the Plan. For example, when adopted,
the updated Safety Element will
replace the current Safety and Seismic
Safety Elements in the General Plan.
Figure I-i The three current Local Plan chapters
Components of the that have been updated in the new for-
mat are Altadena, Walnut Paik, and
County of Los Angeles General Plan East Los Angeles.
In order to facilitate a smooth transition
County of Los Angeles from the current form of the General
General Plan Plan (contained in its entirety in the
Background Report) to an updated plan
in a streamlined format, a General Plan
"Update Manual" has been prepared. It
contains guidance for making this tran-
GENERAL PLAN . sitioninformat.
_____________ B. Components of the
~ General Plan
The General Plan consists of four docu-
~.......................ments, as shown in Figure I-i.
1. This streamlined version of the
adopted General Plan which focuses
on goals and policies and contains
Local Plans (Altadena and Walnut
1-2
PAGE 9 Show Image
Introduction
Park) that meet the specifications of titled "Background Report1t and 1'En-
the Update Manual. vironmental Document"
2. The Background Report: the com-
plete, adopted General Plan which C. How to Use the
will gradually change as the substan-
tive Plan update occurs. The Back- General Plan
ground Report also contains technical
reports and data that support the
General Plan. The Plan is general in nature and it is,
therefore, necessary to interpret its in-
3. Implementation: a summary of im- tent. The goals and policies of the
plementation programs and actions. chapters are the primary resources to
determine the intent.
4. Environmental Document: a col-
lection of the environmental analysis The Plan provides general policy direc-
and actions that support the General tion for the fliture of the County; it is
Plan. not a detailed blueprint for action.
Nevertheless, it should be used by
Each of these documents is kept in a government for guidance in making
separate binder. It is the intent of this day to day decisions to ensure the effec-
General Plan to provide direct access to tive use of public resources and to flir-
the current policies and development ther the public interest. The Plan is the
standards used most commonly in land tool to guide decision-making related
use and development decisions. As to overall land use direction and
the substantive General Plan update oc- development in the county.
curs, portions and eventually all of this _______________
Plan will be replaced with newer sec- The General Plan serves as an advisory The General Plan
tions. document to provide decision-makers
with a policy framework to guide is an advisory
The County of Los Angeles General specific incremental decisions to move document that
Plan encompasses all State mandated toward achievement of the Plan's states policy to
elements and selected optional ele- stated goals and policies. At the time guide
specific decisions are made, such as on decision-making
ments. The Plan also includes im- for the fi'ture of
plementation programs and actions that land use, the construction of a new Los Angeles
are located in a separate binder entitled highway or an urban renewal project, County.
"Implementation" and technical sup- the appropriate decision-making
port material found in two binders en- authority must interpret and weigh
- 1-3
PAGE 10 Show Image
Introduction
various Plan policies based on the best protect the County's natural resources
information available at the time. (e.g., open space, ecologically sig-
Thus, the General Plan neither nificant lands, and hillsides). Thus, the
promises nor guarantees the achieve- allowable number of units or intensity
ment of a particular goal nor strict ad- of development on a land parcel is to
herence to any single policy statement. be determined using the designations
on the appropriate land use policy map.
The Plan's goals and policies are the
result of considerable citizen involve- Units may be transferred internally in a
ment and professional analysis. They project (regardless of urban or non-
represent a determination, based on ex- urban designation) when geological or
isting data and expectations, of what topographical data support the need.
_______________ ge~ieral course of action should be fol- The change is for the puipose of better
lowed to achieve the kind of environ- design and permitted only when it does
General Plan ment County citizens wish to be not increase the number of units or af-
policy maps are a realized in the future. fect health and safety detrimentally.
graphic
representation of The text, which indicates policy direc-
policies. tion, and the policy maps, which reflect E. Relation to Other Plans
location and pattern, combine to show
the basic intent of the Plan. Policies and Pmgrams
D. General Plan Policy `IlLos Angeles County, special dis-
tricts make many decisions related to
Maps urban services and facilities and collec-
tively appropriate large sums for capi-
tal improvements.
General Plan maps are graphic state-
ments of policy, and are intended to be The General Plan provides these dis-
general, not precise, policy statements. tricts with information on the develop-
ment potential of areas in the County
The putpose of the Plan policy maps is and advises them of County policy.
to express textual policy in diagram Regional agencies, such as the
form, and to depict the general distribu- Southern California Rapid Transit Dis-
tion, location and extent of the uses of trict, the Metropolitan Water District,
the land in Los Angeles County. The and the Southern California Associa-
designations placed within the policy tion of Governments, are responsible
lines reflect infrastructure, hazard, and for coordinating with city and county
resource limitations of the County and governments on policies and programs.
1-4
PAGE 11 Show Image
Introduction
The decisions of these agencies often Countywide chapters influence, and are
affect the County's urban form and influenced by, suirounding areas. Such
development. issues as freeway and roadway align-
ments, for instance, require coordina-
State and federal agencies have taken tion with other counties and cities
an active part in environmental protec- located within Los Angeles County.
tion and resource conservation. Their Although the County's Plan has
involvement has had an increasing im- regulatory impacts on the type of
pact on the County's population development within unincorporated
growth, urban development, and hous- areas, it also depends on and provides
ing and transportation policies. The decision-making tools for cities and sur-
General Plan is an instrument for rounding counties (Figure 1-2).
making local policy known to higher
levels of government and for estab- The Countywide Chapters and Ele-
lishing policy positions on issues of ments and their dates of adoption are
regional, state and national significance. listed on the following page.
of Planning Figure 1-2
r. IA~veiS Los Angeles County Unincorporated Areas
1. Countywide and Local
Guidance
The General Plan provides land use
guidance at two levels: 1) countywide;
and 2) local. The adopted countywide
elements set regional direction for land
use decisions while adopted "Local .. -.-.
Plans'1 (`)reviously referred to as
Areawide or Community Plans)
provide focused attention on a smaller -
scale. The countywide chapters and
½
elements constitute a collective policy ½ ½
w
statement addressing issues of coun
tywide or regional importance that can
not be resolved at the local level. ifi Unincorporated Areas
z] Incorporated Areas
1-5
PAGE 12 Show Image
Introduction
* Introduction (11,25/1980) * Hacienda Heights (adopted 1978)
* General Goals and Policies * Rowland Heights (adopted 1981)
(11/25/1980) * Santa Monica Mountains
* Land Use Element (11/25/1980) (adopted 1981)
* Circulation Element (combining * Santa Catalina (adopted 1982)
the Transportation Element * Marina del Rey/Ballona (adopted
_____________ adoptedll/25/1980,the Scenic 1982)
Highways Element adopted * Diamond Bar (adopted 1983)
The two levels of 1/30/1975, and the Plan of * Catalina Island (adopted 1983)
planning that the Bikeways adopted 9/18/1975) * Santa Clarita Valley (adopted
General Plan * 12/4/86 Housing Element 1977 and updated 1984)
addresses are
"Countywide" and * (12/4/1986) * Antelope Valley (adopted 1985)
Conservation, Open Space and * Altadena (adopted 1986)
"Local ". Recreation Element (combining * Walnut Park (adopted 1986)
the adopted Conservation and * East Los Angeles (adopted 1978
Open Space Element adopted and updated in 1988)
11/25/1980 and the Regional * Castaic Corridor (completed
Recreation Areas Plan adopted 1988)
3/30/1965) * Westmont Community (initiated
* NoiseElement(1/30/1975) 1988)
* Safety Element (combining the
adopted Safety and Seismic There are, in addition, a number of
Safety Elements, both adopted on other local and community planning
1/30/1975) programs envisioned in the coming
* Public Facilities Element years. Upon adoption, such plans wrn
(11/25/1980 and previously en- be formally incoxporated as Local Plan
titled "Water and Waste Manage- Chapters of the General Plan.
ment Element")
* Economic Development Element Adopted local plans establish detailed
(7/21/1987) standards and criteria tailored to condi-
tions within the community, and are
Local Plans constitute the primary consistent with the general countywide
tools for guiding decisions relative to provisions. In those instances where a
local land use and development pat- decision involves both local and
terns. regional concerns, it is the countywide
component that sets the broad policy
As of 3une 1988, the Local Plans parameters while local plans provide
adopted or in preparation include the more specific direction. The local
following: plans are refmements of some of the
1-6
PAGE 13 Show Image
Introduction
more important regional issues that the G. Projections for the
countywide chapters and elements ad- Projections rely
dress. General Plan on an analysis of
data. Based on
this analysis, one
2. Planning Areas The growth policies of the General possible view of
Plan consist of a set of projections for the~ture Los
The General Plan also contains population, housing, and employment. Angeles County is
These projections do not predict the fli- selected. The
guidelines for major planning areas ture. Rather, they represent a selection projections
which'iIik countywide policies to of one among many possible alterna- provide a basis for
those of cities and unincorporated com- tive flitures, based on a careflil analysis updating the
munities. The planning areas include about what may happen in the years General Plan.
the following: ahead.
* SanFernando
* Burbanl~~Glendale
* West San Gabriel Valley Figure 1-3
* East San Gabriel Valley Los Angeles County Planning Areas
* Malibu/Santa Monica Mountains
* West
* Central
* EastCentral
* Southeast ANTE~OpE~Y
* South
-. I
* Southwest
* Antelope Valley
* Santa Clarita Valley
* National Forests
* The Channel Islands
The Major Planning Areas are shown
in Figure 1-3.
Planning Area Boundary
-~ National Forest Boundary
1-7
PAGE 14 Show Image
Introduction
The projections are based on an 8,209,000; it is projected to be ap-
analysis of existing conditions, land proximately 9,900,000 by the year
suitability, and significant 2010. The overall increase is projected
demographic, economic, housing, and to occur largely due to natural in-
land use trends. The trends, in turn, creases in population.
are modified by policies found
throughout the Plan and intended to Migration is the most volatile and dif-
alter detrimental conditions or ficult of the components of population
strengthen favorable trends and condi- change to predict. While in-migration
tions that are beneficial to the public. has played a significant role in the
Consequently, the projections ap- recent growth cycle of the past decade,
proximate what may occur if achieve- in-migration is expected to slow over
ment is made in realizing the objectives the next few years and turn to a net out-
and policies of the Plan. migration by the end of the projection
period.
The technical task of projecting growth
into the future is not an exact science. Figure 14 depicts the planning areas
There is no such thing as a "right" or which will experience the greatest ab-
"correct" projection, in the sense that it solute population growth. Table I-i
will be an accurate prediction of what shows the population projections by
will actually occur in the future. Planning Area.
Figures 14,1-5 and 1-6 (found on pages
1-9,1-10 and I-li) highlight the six 2. Housing Projections
planning areas with the largest absolute
changes anticipated, expressed as a per- Housing projections for Los Angeles
centage of total projected Countywide County (Figure 1-5) were influenced by
growth. Accompanying tables (Tables the population projections. The projec-
1-1,1-2 and 1-3) detail projected growth tions indicate a net increase of 679,000
for each of the 14 planning areas. A housing units by the year 2010. The
notable aspect of planning area growth net change reflects a long4erm trend
is the wide variation in percentage of toward medium density housing con-
change among them. struction and the policy of promoting a
more concentrated urban form. Table
1-2 shows housing projections by Plan-
1. Population Projections fling Area.
The 1987 estimated population for Los
Angeles County is apprbximately
1-8
PAGE 15 Show Image
Introduction
Figure 14
Los Angeles County
Proj ected Increase in Population Figure 1-4
highlights the
(1987-2010) areas of largest
San Fernaido population growth
168,000 as a percentage of
(10%)
E. San ~briei Valley Antdope Valley total County
250,000 growth. Table I-i
(15%) (9%)
Central Santa Clarita Valley shows a wide
217,700 150,000 range (9.1% to
(13%) (9%) 125.0%) ofanti-
pated percentage
(9%) Other change among
597,300 planning areas.
(36%)
Table I-i
Population Projections by Planning Area
1987-2010
Change in 1987-2010
No. of Percent
Planning Area 1987 2010 Persons Change
Santa Clarita Valley 120,000 270,000 150,000 125.0%
Antelope Valley 146,000 305,000 159,000 108.9%
San Fernando 867,000 1,035,000 168,000 19A%
BurbanklGlendale 616,000 705,000 89,000 14A%
West San Gabriel Valley 758,000 880,000 122,000 16.1%
East San Gabriel Valley 785,000 1,035,000 250,000 31.8%
Malibu/Santa Monica Muis. 65,000 100,000 35,000 53.8%
West 424,000 505,000 81,000 19.1%
Central 1,582,000 1,800,000 217,700 13.8%
East Central 755,000 855,000 100,000 13.2%
Southeast 644,000 745,000 101,000 15.7%
South 711,000 860,000 149,000 21.0%
Southwest 733,300 800,000 67,000 9.1%
channel Islands 2,700 5,0001 2,300 85.2%
Los Angeles County 8,209,000 9,900,000w 1,691,000 20.6%
1 The projection for the Channel Islands assumes that all growth will take place on Santa Catalina Island.
2 The baseline data for these projections includes adjustments since 1980 for undocwnented aliens; it is
esiunated that almost SOO,Oo0 such persons were counted as part of the 1980 Census.
1-9
PAGE 16 Show Image
Introduction
1-5
Figure 1-5 indi- IAs Angeles County
cates the areas of Projected Increase in Housing
greatest housing (1987-2010)
growth in relation San Fernando
to the County
total. Table 1-2 E. San Gabriel Valley Antelope
shows an even 8(e) 63(;~%)
wider range of Ceutmi Santa Clarita Valley
planning area 92,2w 55,9..
change (11.1% to (14%) (8%)
149.1%) than with
population growth.
244w"
(35%)
Table 1-2
Housing Unit Projections by Planning Area
1987-2010
Change 1987-2010
in No. Percent
Planning Area 1987 2010 of Units Change
Santa Clarita Valley 37,500 93,400 55,900 149.1%
AntelopeValley 55,700 118,700 63,000 113.1%
SanFernando 334,500 409,100 74,600 22.3%
Burbanl~~Glendale 257,800 300,000 42,200 16A%
W. San Gabriel Valley 271,000 320,000 49,000 18.1%
E. San Gabriel Valley 248,000 333,900 85,900 34.6%
MalibuJSanta Monica Mtns. 23,800 37,300 13,500 56.7%
West 204,400 240,500 36,100 17.7%
Central 592,200 684,400 92,200 15.6%
EastCentral 217,600 249,300 31,700 14.6%
Southeast 214,900 253,400 38,500 17.9%
South 274,300 337,300 63,000 23.0%
Southwest 290,200 322,600 32,400 11.2%
channel Islands 1,600 2,600 1,000 62.5%
Los Angeles County 3,023,500 3,702,500 679,000 22.5%
1-10
PAGE 17 Show Image
Introduction
Los Angeles County
Proj ected Increase in Number of Jobs Figure 1-6
displays the areas
(1987-2010) of highest employ-
ment growth in
~ San Gabdel Valley relation to the
209,~ County
(14%) W San Gabdel Valley total.
EIStCentI~I Table 1-3 indi-
119,".
(8%) San Fernando cates a variation
Saudaeast 1'8(13~ in employment
1(4'i~".%) growth (73% to
South 246.9%) that far
15.,~ exceeds the ranges
517,8w for eitherpopula-
(36%) tion or housing.
3. Employment Projections
It is estimated that the number of jobs
in Los Angeles County will increase by
1,471,000 through the year 2010
(Figure 1-6). Job projections were allo-
cated to planning areas Crable 1-3, page
I-i 2) on the basis of local trends in job
growth (which indicate demand for
jobs) and the availability of land (sites
or locations) for jobs, both of which
were influenced by Plan policies. Rela-
tive changes in populatioMiousing and
employment at the planning area level
will have an important intact on even-
tual jobsIWousing balance patterns
within the County.
I-li
PAGE 18 Show Image
Introduction
Table 1-3
Employment Projections by Planning Area
1987-2010
Change 1987-2010
in No. Percent
Planning Area 1987 2010 of Jobs Change
Santa Clarita Valley 32,000 111,000 79,000 246.9%
Antelope Valley 53,000 153,000 100,000 188.7%
SanFernando 361,000 559,000 198,000 54.8%
Burbanl~~Glendale 309,000 395,000 86,000 27.8%
W. San Gabriel Valley 344,000 475,000 131,000 38.1%
E. San Gabriel Valley 298,000 507,000 209,000 70.1%
Malibu/Santa Monica Mtns. 19,000 47,000 28,000 147A%
West 276,000 328,000 52,000 18.8%
Central 1,074,000 1,152,000 78,000 7.3%
East Central 454,000 573,000 119,000 26.2%
Southeast 279,000 425,000 146,000 52.3%
South 357,000 507,000 150,000 42.0%
Southwest 451,000 544,000 93,000 20.6%
channellslands 1,800 3,600 1,800 100.0%
Los Angeles County 4,308,800 5,779,600 1,470,800 34.1%
1-12
PAGE 19 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
General Goals and Policies
The complete text for the General Goals and Policies
Chapter can be found in the Background Repoit This
Chapter was adopted on November 25,1980. The last text
amendment was adopted on January 9,1990.
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN
PAGE 20 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
Table of Contents
Section Page
A. Introduction..................................................G-1
B. Background....................................................G-I
1. Location and Natural Setting.............................0-1
2. Urban Character..........................................0-1
3.ThePeople.................................................0-2
4. The Economy..............................................0-2
5. Recent Trends............................................0-2
C. General Plan Policy Maps......................................0-3
1. General Development Policy Map...........................0-3
2. UrbanFormPolicyMap.......................................0-3
D. Goals and Policies............................................0-4
E.Glossary......................................................G-lO
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN G-i
PAGE 21 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
A. Introduction fire dangers. Finally, the proximity of
plains and rugged mountains coupled
with heavy seasonal rainfall create the
Goals are a link between needs and threat of flooding. Despite such
policies and implementation. The liabilities, a 1980 national survey
general goals express the overall direc- ranked the county in the top third of 90
tion of the General Plan and its ele- major metropolitan areas in terms of its
ments. The locations of all features quality of life.
and boundaries shown on the policy
maps are general and diagrammatic in
character. The scale of countywide 2. Urban Character
policy maps do not allow small parcels
to be shown clearly. Thus, the charac- Los Angeles is distinguished from
ter of areas less than 50 acres in size is other large metropolitan areas by its ex-
not generally determinable from the tensive freeway system, a result of the
maps. For these reasons, the policy
maps should not be interpreted literally. public's commitment to the
automobile; a great variety in ornamen-
tal vegetation introduced from around
the world; and its orientation toward
B. Background outdoor living symbolized in part by
the fme system of public beaches.
Relative newness and modernity are
1. Location and Natural Setting major aspects of the image of the urban
ares
The County of Los Angeles has a rich Nearly all of the region has been built
and diverse natural environment whose
beauty has attracted people and, with smce 1900, and over 70% of the urban
county's development has occurred since 1940.
them, new development. The The distribution of development differs
temperate Mediterranean climate and from most other large American urban
varied landscape also support diverse
areas in that the county 5 suburbs tend
biological resources.
to be more intensely developed, while
inner city areas are relatively less inten-
Part of this complex natural environ- sely developed. Single family housing
ment includes liabilities. The land is has been characteristic of the Los An-
subject to seismic activity and geles urban form, but its low profile is
peculiarities in terrain make the county punctuated by numerous high intensity
susceptible to air pollution. The arid
climate results in potential water centers, a growing number of which
shortages and, in the hillsides, wildland contain clusters of high rise buildings.
G-1
PAGE 22 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
These clusters make Los Angeles a Today, the county has a diversified
multi-centered metropolis. economy with strong manufacturing,
services and trade sectors, internation-
al business and finance, coinmunica-
3. The People tion (television and movies),
transportation, and electronics and
The cultural variety of the people is a aerospace).
primary influence on the character of
the county. Influenced by a number of
great migratory flows, the more than 5. Recent Trends
eight rnilljon people are a unique and
exciting mixture. Some of the major Some of the key trends that can be fol-
ethnic and racial communities include: lowed in the county relate to jobs, hous-
Mexican, Black, Anglo, Chinese, ing, transportation, resources and
3ewish, 3apanese, Cuban, Korean, and environmental considerations.
Filipino. The cultural distinctions, in-
come differences, occupational ex- Long term job growth has continued at
periences and educational backgrounds a healthy pace and business firm out-
greatly increase the rich human diver- migration has declined. New business
sity and social values in the county. formation, expansion of existing in-
dustries and in-migration of finns have
shown an increase during the late
4. The Economy seventies, although an apparent
shortiage of industrial lands has
The county has the second largest emerged. Inflation has had a far reach-
metropolitan economy in the nation ing impact and has reduced the living
and one of the largest markets for standards for many people with fixed
goods and services in the world. Major incomes. Unemployment has remained
features of the economy include: one of a serious problem among minorities.
the world's greatest concentration on
high technology industry supported by Housing supply has increased sig-
advanced research and education- nificantly, although the volume of con-
many struction is dramatically lower than
al institutions; a high proportion of
during the boom years of the 1950's.
employment concentrated in services, A trend reflecting a decline in
trades and professions; rapid innova- household size means that substantially
tion and change; and an emphasis on
education and research as economic ac- more housing is needed to serve ap-
tivities. proximately the same level of popula-
tion. The cost of housing has risen
G-2
PAGE 23 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
sharply and deterioration of housing C. General Plan Policy
built in the 1940's and 1950's is ac-
celerating; thus, many low and Maps
moderate income households cannot
fmd adequate housing. These maps are based on statements of
The auto remains the principal mode of general policy, plan projections and
travel in the county, but the costs of adopted plans for both cities and unin-
buying and operating a car are increas corporated areas. They indicate
ing. New freeway construction has vir- geographic aspects of policy and are
general and diagrammatic in character.
tually ceased. The number of people The Plan maps for General Goals and
needing public transportation is grow- Policies chapter are located at the end
ing, but the quality of service remains of this chapter. A filil explanation of
low in many areas.
map legends appears on the back of
The era of cheap, abundant resources is each map.
ending. Prirne developable land is
growing scarce and expensive. The
price of other key resources is also in- 1. General Development Policy
creasing. Old environmental problems Map
have persisted as new ones have sur-
faced. Air pollution remains a critical This map supports the text by indicat-
issue despite improvements in condi- ing areas in which urban development
tions. Limited headway has been made is appropriate and those which should
in reducing urban blight. Earthquakes, remain non-urban until the year 2010.
oil spills, mudslides, floods, and fires Within the urban areas, designations in-
have demonstrated the urban area's vul- dicate where rehabilitation and recy-
nerability to natural and man-caused cling are encouraged; where
disasters. Urban development has maintenance of existing development
encroached upon natural areas and the character is supported; and where new
coastline. development through infilling or urban
expansion is appropriate.
2. Urban Form Policy Map
This map establishes plan policy on the
organization and panem of the
metropolitan area. It deals with the
G-3
PAGE 24 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
relative magnitude and character of 5. Promote a balanced mix of dwell-
centers, the regional core, linear ac- ing unit types to meet present and fli-
tivity areas and other form features. ture needs, with emphasis on family
owned, moderate density dwelling
units (twinhomes, townhouses and
D. Goals and Policies garden condominiums at garden
apartment densities).
Equal Opportunity 6. Promote open and free choice of
housing for all.
Goal: Full and equal opportunity.
7. Promote the provision of an ade-
Policies quate supply of housing by location,
type and price.
1. Eradicate discrimination in hous-
ing, jobs and income, education, 8. Promote improved economic and
recreation, and other facets of employment opportutities for
living, and guarantee flill and equal youth, ethnicfracial minorities,
opportunity in order to promote in- women, the handicapped and the
dividual and group development. elderly.
______________ 2. Improve employment and educa- 9. Encourage improvements in job
tional opportunities for minorities skills to enhance opportunities for
The General Plan and the disadvantaged through af- the underemployed.
Policy Maps for firmative action programs.
General Goals Environmental Protection
and Policies 3. Maximize individual and family
provide an overall self-support and reduce the need for Goal: Conservation of resources and
view of the institutional treatment of needy, dis- environmentalprotection.
developmentpat- abled, and handicapped people by
tern and form for providing adequate facilities and ser- Policies
the~ture. vices in the community.
10. Encourage cultural and social
4. Emphasize the location of low diversity and the preservation of the
and moderate income housing cultural heritage of Los Angeles
within easy commuting range of County.
multipurpose and single purpose
centers with high concentrations of
employment.
G-4
PAGE 25 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
11. Encourage the maintenance and
enhancement of cultural values and
the ethnic variety of communities.
12. Accept and plan for a level and
rate of population and economic
growth consistent with improved en-
vironmental quality and the
availability of air, water and energy
resources.
13. Promote a distribution ofpopula-
tion consistent with service system
capacity, resource availability, en-
vironmental limitations and acces-
sibility. Amenities such as this quiet lake should be protected where possible.
14. Direct urban development and
revitalization efforts to protect 19. Restore and protect air quality
natural and man-made amenities through the control of industrial and
and to avoid severe hazard areas, vehicular emissions, improved land
such as flood prone areas, active use management, energy conserva-
fault zones, steep hillsides, land- tion and tran~ortation planning.
slide areas and fire hazard areas.
20. Promote more effective recy-
15. Protect areas that have sig- cling and reuse of resources, espe-
nificant natural resources and scenic cially those that are nonrenewable.
values, including significant ecologi-
cal areas, the coastal zone and prime 21. Stress the development of com-
agricultural lands. munity paiks particularly in areas of
the greatest deficiency, and take ad-
16. Protect cultural heritage resour- vantage of opportunities to preserve
ces. large natural and scenic areas.
17. Conserve energy to ensure ade- 22. Promote the efficient use of land
quate supplies for future use. through a more concentrated pattern
of urban development, including the
18. Conserve the available supply of focusing of new urban growth into
water and protect water quality. areas of suitable land.
G-5
PAGE 26 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
23. Ensure that development in non- 24. Encourage the development of
urban areas is compatible with rural ethnic community theme centers
lifestyles, does not necessitate the that would preserve and enhance cul-
expansion of urban service systems, tural diversity.
and does not cause significant
negative environmental impacts or 25. Support the development of a
subject people and property to tran~)ortation system that wrn
serious hazards. make a positive contribution to the
improvement of air quality.
26. Promote the development and
use of new and improved water and
$ waste management technology.
4 Revitalization
Goal: Urban areas revitalized.
Policies
27. Promote a reversal of the trend
toward population losses in older
urbanareas.
28. Revitalize declining portions of
existing urban development, with
particular attention to deteriorated
industrial and low income residen-
tial areas.
29. Maintain and conserve sound ex-
isting development.
30. Promote compatible, environ-
mentally sensitive development of
the by-passed vacant land in urban
areas.
Ethnic centers such as the fapaneseAmerican Cultural and Community 31. Give priority to the development
Center are encouraged. and enhancement of regional centers
G-6
PAGE 27 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
located in, or near, high priority 39. Emphasize the preservation, con-
revitalization and heavy main- servation, and maintenance of stable
tenance areas. residential areas.
32. Promote the preservation and en- 40. Promote the rehabilitation and
hancement of landmarks, sites, and revitalization of deteriorating neigh-
areas of cultural, historical, ar- borhoods.
chaeological and urban design sig-
niiicance. 41. Encourage the provision of ade-
quate rental housing.
33. Protect and enhance the visual
uniqueness of natural edges and en-
courage superior design of major
entryways.
34. Preserve sound residential areas
and protect them from intrusion of
incompatible uses.
35. Increase the availability of low
and moderate income housing and
encourage its distribution
throughout the urban area.
36. Emphasize development of an
improved public transportation sys A once declining area has become a regional governmental and cultural
tern that will support urban hub.
revitalization.
37. Give priority to upgrading exist- 42. Foster rehabilitation rather than
ing facilities and services in areas replacement of housing units
needing or undergoing revitalization wherever economically feasible and
or lacking adequate facilities. consistent with neighborhood plans.
38. Encourage the retention of jobs Economy and Employment
and investments in older urban areas
and prevent losses to other counties, Goal: A strong, diversified economy
regions and states. andft£ll emplQvment.
G-7
PAGE 28 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
Policies 49. Encourage the development of
regional multipuxpose centers that
43. Maintain a balance between in- provide a diversity of public and
creased intensity of development pfivate services to the communities
and the capacity of needed facilities they serve.
such as transportation, water and
sewage systems. 50. Encourage the location of
employment opportwiities in
44. Ensure that new development in regional centers and in the regional
urban expansion areas will occur in core and linear activity areas.
a manner consistent with stated plan
policies and will pay for the expan- 51. Encourage the location of
sion costs that it generates. Cibis is medium and high density housing in
not intended to preclude the public close proximity to regional multi-
subsidization of low and moderate purpose centers.
income housing which may require
special consideration.) 52. Promote the development of an
improved public transportation sys-
45. Focus intensive urban uses in an tem to link regional centers.
interdependent system of activity
centers located to effectively 53. Emphasize the location of low
provide services throughout the and moderate income housing
urban area and supported by ade- within easy commuting range of
quate public transportation facilities. miultipurpose and single purpose
centers with high concentrations of
______________ 46. Foster community identity and employment.
improve environmental quality by
Policies help the compatible interrelation of a sys- 54. Promote the development of
dfrect resources tem of centers, major transportation community transit systems that
towards areas that facilities and open space areas. would link residential areas to ser-
need special aaen- vice and job centers, and serve as a
tion or towards 47. Promote the recognition and or- feeder system to the public transpor-
areas that need to derly development of the regional tation system.
be maintained. core and linear activity areas.
55. Promote the development of in-
48. Maintain and reinforce the multi- temal circulation systems in multi-
focused pattern of regional linear ac- purpose centers.
tivity areas and centers.
56. Upgrade the existing road sys-
tem in a manner consistent with the
G-8
PAGE 29 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
policies and strategies of the plan 65. Promote jobs within commuting
for resource protection and urban range of urban residential areas in
development. order to reduce commuting time,
save energy, reduce air pollution
57. Promote the completion of gaps and improve public convenience.
or missing segments in partially
completed freeways. 66. Improve communication be-
tween government and citizens by
58. Provide for more efficient multi- soliciting greater citizen involve-
modal use of the current freeway ment in public affairs, and by in-
system. creasing the sensitivity and
responsiveness of government to
59. Encourage the development and citizen needs and values.
improvement of community level
transit systems. 67. Promote an equitable distribu-
tion of the costs and benefits of
60. Promote the filil use of existing governmental actions.
service systems in order to gain
maximum benefit from previous 68. Improve the effectiveness of in-
public investments. tergovemmental coordination.
61. Extend new urban facilities and 69. Maximize the coordination of
services only where new urban public and private activities for so-
development is planned and per- cial, economic and environmental
mitted. improvements.
62. Improve the quality and acces- 70. Encourage the annexation of
sibility of critical urban services in- small urban unincorporated islands
cluding crime control, health, that lie within cities' spheres of in-
recreational and educational ser- fluence.
vices.
63. Maintain high quality emergen-
cy response services.
64. Encourage a strong diversified
economy that will provide business
opportunities, an adequate number
of jobs for this county's labor force
__ and an improved standard of living.
G-9
PAGE 30 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
E. Glossary General Plan
The Plan is an officially adopted state-
ment of public policy. It contains a
Blight statement of development policies and
A visible manifestation of deteriorat- includes diagrams and text setting
ing or dilapidated urban environment forth objectives, principles, standards
caused by such factors as improper and and plan proposals.
misused maintenance. On the com-
munity level, blight is syit~~tomatic of Goal
negative environmental and social con- A general expression of an ideal or
ditions, such as unemployment, over- value toward which effort is directed
crowding and poor public and private for achievement; a long teim end state
services. or target.
Development Inner City
The establishment of an activity, use That part of a metropolitan area which
or flinction on a given unit of land, contains the historic center of the area.
either urban or non-urban in character. It usually contains the oldest and the
most mtensively developed parts of the
Element metropolis. In the case of older cities,
A major component of the General it is characterized by the presence of,
Plan. California law now requires the or the need for, substantial rehabilita-
following mandatory elements: land tion and recycling activities.
use, circulation, housing, conservation,
open space, noise and safety. Maintenance
The making of nonnal repairs to a
Environment building to keep it in good repair and
The surn of all natural and man-made sound condition, generally without
conditions external to an organisin or major structural alterations, or replace-
comrnunity, which influences its ment of major Systems such as electri-
growth and development. cal wiring or plumbing.
Expansion Cost Non-urban
The capital cost of constructing the A way of life characterized by living
smallest facility acceptable to the ser- in a non-urban or agricultural environ-
vice provider. The expansion costs for ment at low densities without typical
schools, fire, sewerage, and libraries urban services. Urban services and
are included in the Development facilities not normally found in niral
Monitoring System. areas mclude curbs, gutters and
sidewallls; street lighting, landscaping
G-1O
PAGE 31 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
and traffic signalization; public solid Resource
waste disposal, integrated water and Any material, structure, process or con-
sewerage systems; mass public transit; dition considered to have value. It
and commercial facilities dependent on may be man-made or natural, such as
large consumer volumes such as water, land, air, climate, minerals,
regional shopping centers, sorts structures or facilities.
stadia and theaters. For the plan maps,
residential densities less than one Revitalization
dwelling unit per acre are generally A comprehensive approach to the
considered rural. problem of urban decline, involving
the elimination of adverse social condi-
Policy tions and blight in a neighborhood ar
An expression of government commit- area and the creation of community as-
ment to a course of action intended to sets and positive social conditions
reach a goal or goals. through recycling, rehabilitation, con-
servation and maintenance actions sup-
Program ported by social and economic
Specific action or a schedule of actions improvements.
to carry out a policy or policies.
Rural (See Non-Urban)
Projection
An estimate of possible filture condi- Standard
tions and growth levels based on past A quantitative decision, rule or norm.
performance, assumptions about the fil-
ture, or policies. Urban
A way of life characterized by living
Rehabilitation in an area where the intensively man-
The making of major alterations to a altered physical environment
structure, or the replacement of major predominates over the natural. The
portions of a structure such as electd- urban physical environment includes:
cal and plumbing systems. Rehabilita- industry, trade, service and profes-
tion may be carried out on a selective sional occupations and the presence of
or wholesale basis. The concept of collective or public service systems
rehabilitation implies that the condi- (See Non-Urban). An urban environ-
tion of a structure endangers the ment is usually achieved when there is
health, safety and well-being of oc- a cluster of population of 2,500 or
cupants and users; and that it is more persons at a density of not less
economically feasible to correct the than 1,000 persons per square mile.
condition by repairs. For plan maps, residential densities
G-11
PAGE 32 Show Image
General Goals and Policies
equal to or greater than one dwelling
unit per acre are generally considered
urban.
Urban Form
The physical arrangement of urban
areas including the three dimensional
pattern of built and open areas.
G-12
PAGE 33 Show Image
Land Use
Land Use
The complete text for the Land Use Chapter can be found in the
Background Repoit Appendix A and Appendix B of this Chapter are
direct text reproductions of the General Conditions and Standards for
Development and the Hillside Management/Performance Review
Procedure located in the Background Report This Chapter was adopted
on November 25,1980. The last text amendment was adopted on
January 9, 1990.
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN
PAGE 34 Show Image
Land Use
Table of Contents
Section Page
A.Introduction..................................................L~1
B.Background....................................................LU-i
1.Trends...................................................LU-i
2. Decision-Making.........................................LU-2
C. General Plan Policy Maps.....................................LU-3
D. Goals and Policies...........................................LU-3
E. Land Use Glossary............................................L~9
Appendix A: General Conditions and Standards for Development
(Unincorporated Areas)..........................................LU-Ai
Appendix B: Hillside ManagementlPerformance Review Procedures
(Unincorporated Areas)..........................................LU-Bi
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN LU-i
PAGE 35 Show Image
Land Use
A. Introduction 1. Trends
The Land Use Element sets forth coun- Within established urban areas, be-
tywide policy for the general location tween 1970 and 1975, relatively high
and intensity of land use. The Element intensity uses became the dominant
serves as a tool for coordinating ~ture form of new development. Detached
development and revitalization plans of single family homes and other low in-
both the public and private sectors. tensity uses, however, continued to be
The policies of the Element support the the dominant form of new development
countywide General Plan policy of en- m outlying urban fringe areas, constitut-
couraging a more concentrated urban ing over 75% of new urban expansion.
pattern through the revitalization of
deteriorating urban areas, infilling of A diverging trend of centralized and
bypassed lands and focusing new urban decentralized development has oc-
development in the most suitable loca- curred in the past decade. Centraliza-
tions. tion occurs through both infilling of
vacant parcels and recycling of older
The Land Use Element calls for a dis-
tribution of use intensities within urban P
PAGE 36 Show Image
Land Use
The responsibility for positive planning in the County ultirnately lies with its residents.
urban areas to more intensive use. The vices, increased exposure to natural
1970-1975 trend analysis indicates that hazards, loss of productive agricultural
infill is taking place at nearly twice the land and mineral resource areas and
rate of new development on the urban degradation of critical watershed and
fringe, representing a significant rever- habitat areas.
sal of dominant trends prior to 1970.
A diverging trend The recycling of older areas has
of centrallzed and resulted in significant changes in the 2. Decision-Making
decentralized urban land use pattern. Between 1970
development has and 1975, it is estimated that over Clear, effective decision making re-
been occuring: 4,800 acres were recycled from less in- lated to land use is complicated by a
centralization tensive uses to medium and high den- number of factors. For one,
generally in older sity housing. governmental agencies do not always
areas and have sufficient information to monitor
decentralization Decentralized development has oc- development activity, therefore making
primarily in newer curred at a slower but still significant it difficult to see cumulative develop-
developing areas rate than in the past. Much of this type ment activity. In addition, the incor-
in the County. of development has been single family porated cities have local land use
residential in eastern San Gabriel Val- planning and zoning authority. Thus,
ley, nordiwestern San Fernando Valley, coordinating the planning activities
Santa Clarita Valley, Cerritos, Agoura with the cities, the Southern California
and Calabasas. Decentralized in- Association of Governrnents, special
dustrial development has also occurred. districts and other agencies is exceed-
Decentralized development can have ingly complex. Finally, competing
adverse consequences such as in- land planning objectives often arise,
creased costs for infrastructure and ser- complicating planning efforts.
LU-2
PAGE 37 Show Image
Land Use
C. General Plan Policy 2. Discourage the development of
isting substandard parcels when it is
Maps determined that such development in-
dividually or in combination with ad-
The Land Use Policy map portrays a jacent existing and/or proposed
general pattern and distribution of land development, will result in overbur-
uses according to nine generalized clas- dening of existing and/or planned
sifications. It serves as the policy public services and facilities.
framework within which more detailed
local plans (areawide, community and Quality Neighborhoods
neighborhood) as well as development
proposals can be considered. Key land Goal: To maintain and enhance the
development and management con- quality of existing residential neighbor-
cepts from other parts of the general hoods.
plan are related to a series of general
development standards and conditions Policies
inmap form. A full explanation of
map legends appears on the back of 3. Encourage development of well
each map. designed twinhomes, townhouses and
garden apartments, particularly on by-
passed parcels within existing urban
communities.
D. Goals and Policies 4. Promote neighborhood commercial' _______________
facilities which provide convenience
Coordination with Public Services goods and services and complement These Land Use
community character through ap- policies are aimed
Goal: To provide for land use arrange- propriate scale, design and locational at protecting com-
ments that takeffill advantage ofexist- controls. munities and using
mg public service and facility resources wisely.
capacities. Coordination with Transportation
Policies Goal: To coordinate land use with ex-
isting and proposed transportation net-
1. Require that new developments in works.
non-urban areas have adequate acces-
sibility to paved roads and water lines
of sufficient capacity.
LU-3
PAGE 38 Show Image
Land Use
`N' ~¾
The County's industry depends on an interconnecting rail system
Policies Policies
5. Encourage the clustering of well 6. Place major emphasis on channel-
The relationship designed highway oriented commer- ing new intensive commercial
between land uses cial facilities in appropriate and con- development into multipuipose
and transportation veniently spaced locations. centers.
is important.
Convenient Commercial Uses Sufficient Commercial and In-
dustrial Lands
Goal: To situate commercial activities
in viable clusters that conveniently Goal: To provide commercial and in-
serve their market areas. dustrial lands sufficient to accom-
modate the projected labor force.
LU-4
PAGE 39 Show Image
Land Use
Policies centers to provide convenient access
to jobs and services without sacrific-
7. Protect prime industrial lands from ing livability of environmental quality.
encroachment of incompatible uses.
13. Encourage the recycling of aban-
8. Where appropriate, promote more doned mineral extraction sites to
intensive use of industrial sites, espe- recreational, industrial or other
cially in areas requiring revitalization. productive use.
9. Protect major landfill and solid 14. Assure that new development is One of the Land
waste disposal sites from encroach- compatible with the natural and man- Use Element
ment of incompatible uses. made environment by implementing focuses is to
appropriate locational controls and provide compatible
10. In urban areas, encourage the high quality design standards. land uses.
retention of economically viable
agricultural production, e.g., high 15. Protect the character of residential
value crops such as strawberries, cut neighborhoods by preventing the in-
flowers, nursery stock, etc., through trusion of incompatible uses that
the identification and mitigation of would cause environmental degrada-
significant adverse impacts resulting tion such as excessive noise, noxious
from adjacent new development. flimes, glare, shadowing and traffic.
11. Protect known mineral resource 16. Promote planned industrial
reserves (including sand and gravel) development in order to avoid land
from encroachment of incompatible use conflicts with neighboring ac-
land uses. tivities.
Quality, Compatible Design 17. Establish and implement
regulatory controls that ensure com-
Goal: To encourage high quality patibillty of development adjacent to
design in all development projects, or within major public open space
compatible with, and sensitive to, the and recreation areas including Na-
natural and manmade environment. tional Forests, the National Recrea-
tion Area, and State and regional
parks.
Policies
12. Concentrate well designed high
density housing in and adjacent to
½~½
LU-5
PAGE 40 Show Image
Land Use
18. Prohibit development of existing 19. Discourage the development of
substandard parcels when it is deter- existing substandard parcels when it
mined that such development, in- is determined that such development,
dividually or in combination with individually or in combination with
adjacent existing and/or proposed adjacent existing and/or proposed
development, will significantly in- development, will result in: (1) sig-
crease exposure to unmitigable public nificant degradation of natural resour-
health and safety hazards. ces shared by community
residents;and (2) disruption of estab-
lished community character recog-
nizedinthePlan.
20. Protect identified Potential
~ Agricultural Preserves by discourag-
ing inappropriate land division and al-
lowing only use types and intensities
compatible with agriculture.
21. In non-urban areas outside of
Potential Agricultural Preserves, en-
courage the retention and expansion
of agriculture by promoting com-
patible land use arrangements and
providing technical assistance to in-
volved farming interests.
Energy Conservation and Improved
Air Quality
Goal: To foster compatible land use
arrangements that contribute to
reduced energy cosumption and im-
proved air quality.
Design enhancements can create a tranquil
atmosphere in the midst of an intense urban
area.
LU-6
PAGE 41 Show Image
Land Use
Policies 27. Improve the land use decision-
making process by closely monitoring
22. Promote land use arrangements and evaluating the cumulative im
that wrn maximize energy conserva- pacts of individual projects and by
tion. modernizing development regulations.
Decision-Making Process 28. Promote improved interjurisdic-
tional coordination of land use policy
Goal: To provide a land use decision- matters between the County, cities,
making process supported by adequate adjacent counties, special districts,
information and ongoing citizen par- and regional and subregional agencies.
ticipation.
29. Ensure that cities have a voice in
Policies land use decisions within their
adopted spheres of influence.
23. Ensure that future land division
activity within Los Angeles County Efficient Use of Land
occurs in strict compliance with State
and local laws. Goal: To encourage more efficient use
of land, compatible with, and sensitive
24. Ensure that the recognition of lots to, natural ecolocigal, scenic, cultural
created in non-compliance with State and open space resources.
and County subdivision laws (i.e., is-
suance of Conditional Certificate of Policies
Compliance) occurs only in a manner
which balances the fights and inter- 30. Prevent inappropriate develop-
ests of both the general public and in- ment in areas that are environmental-
dividual property owners. ly sensitive or subject to severe
natural hazards, and in areas where es-
25. Establish land use controls that af- sential services and facilities do not
ford effective protection for sig- exist and are not planned.
nificant ecological resources, and
lands of major scenic value.
26. Ensure contmuing opportunity for
citizen involvement in the land use
decision-making process.
LU-7
PAGE 42 Show Image
Land Use
31. Promote compatible land use ar-
rangements that reduce reliance on
the private automobile in order to
minimize related social, economic
and environmental costs.
32. Provide a land use mix at the
countywide, areawide and community
levels based on projected need and
supported by evaluation of social,
economic and environmental impacts.
LU-8
PAGE 43 Show Image
Land Use
E. Glossary The visible land area outside of the
highway right-of-way (to be defined
By-passed Land through scenic corridor studies of
proposed routes in the Scenic Highway
Land which remains undeveloped Element).
within generally urbanized areas.
Centralization Shadowing
Refers to shadows cast by structures
As used in discussion of land use onto surrounding land uses.
trends, the term refers to an intensifica-
tion or concentration of urban develop- Spheres Of Influence
ment within established urban areas. Unincorporated areas currently beyond
the boundary of a city, but likely to be
Decentralization included in the city's ultimate physical
As used in discussion of land use boundary, due to its ability to provide
trends, this tenri refers to an extension services and its social and economic
or dispersion of urban development interdependence with the area. These
into areas previously undeveloped or areas are formally designated and
in essentially non-urban use. adopted by the Local Agency Forma-
tion Commission.
Infill
The conversion of vacant or agricul- Urban Expansion
tural land within the urban area to an Geographic extension of urban levels
urban use. of development and service into pre-
viously undeveloped or non-urban
Infrastructure areas.
Basic utilities and facilities necessary
for development, such as water,
electricity, sewers, streets and high-
ways.
Prime Buildable Land
Undeveloped land which presents few
or no physical constraints to develop-
ment, is served by appropriate levels
of infrastructure and public services,
and is reasonably near existing ur-
banization.
Scenic Corridors
LU-9
PAGE 44 Show Image
Land Use
Appendix A
Table of Contents
Section Page
General Conditions and Standards for Development....................LU-Al
1. Urban Residential Development...............................LU-A2
2. Non-Industrial Uses within Major Industrial Areas...........LU-A4
3. Local Commercial and Industrial Services....................LU-A4
4. Open Space Areas............................................LU-A7
5. Non-Urban Residential Development...........................LU-A8
6. Non-Urban Residential Development Conditions................LU-A9
7. Non-Urban Hillside Development.............................LU-AlO
8. Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs)........................LU-A12
9. Flood none Areas...........................................LU-A14
10. Major Fault Zones.........................................LU-A15
11. Agricultural Opportimity Areas............................LU-A17
12. National Forests..........................................LU-A17
13. Open Space Easements and Dedications......................LU-A18
14. Coastal Zone..............................................LU-A19
15. Scenic Highways...........................................LU-A19
16. Mineral Resource Areas....................................LU-~0
17. Cultural Heritage Resources...............................LU-A21
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN LU-Ai
PAGE 45 Show Image
Land Use
Appendix A
List of Tables
Title Page
LU-Al Countywide Density Threshold Non-Urban Hillside........LU-All
County of Los Angeles GENERAL PLAN LU-Au
PAGE 46 Show Image
Land Use
Land Use Element communities. These Local Plans (corn-
munity and areawide plans) are
Appendix A: General referenced and included here as local-
Conditions and Standards ized refinements of General Plan land
for Development use policy. There are, in addition, a
number of other local and community
~nicorporated County planning programs envisioned in the
coming years. Upon adoption, such
Areas) plans wrn be fonnally incorporated as
Local Plan chapters of the General
1
It has been previously noted that the Plan. The Land Use Ele-
textual and mapped policies of the ment serves as a
Land Use Element are countywide in The introductory chapter of the key tool for im-
scope and to a large degree reflect the General Plan discusses in broader con- proving interjuris-
land use plans of other local jurisdic- text the relationship between the coun- dictional
tions and unincorporated communities. tywide and Local Plan components of coordination in
As such, the Element provides an over- the General Plan. While recognizing land use planning.
view of countywide land use policy the role of adopted Local Plans in
and the perspective necessary to iden- regulating local land use and circula-
tif~~ and resolve regional land use is- tion patterns, the countywide Land Use
sues. III this capacity, the General Plan Element provides guidance for the
Land Use Element serves as a key tool resolution of specific issues when one
for in~roving interjurisdictional coor- of the following conditions exist:
dination in land use planning matters.
1. The specific issues involved, in-
In addition to this countywide perspec- dividually or collectively, constitute
tive, the Element must also provide a a regional land use concern.
basis for more specific land use plan-
ning and decision-making activities 2. No adopted local plan covers the
within unincorporated areas. To this area in question or addresses the
end, the County has emphasized the issue at hand.
development of relatively detailed land
use plans for its major unincorporated
1 Local plans adopted or in preparation include the following: Hacienda Heights (adopted 1978); Rowland Heights (adopted
1981); Santa Monica Mountains (adopted 1981); Santa Catalina (adopted 1982); Marina del Rey/Ballona (adopted 1982);
Diamond Bar (adopted 1983); Catalina Island (adopted 1983); Santa Clarita Valley (adopted 1977 and updated in 1984);
Antelope Valley (adopted 1985); Altadena (adopted 1986); Walnut Park (adopted 1986); East Los Angeles (adopted 1978
and iapdated in 1988); Castaic Corridor (completed 1988); Westmont Community (initiated 1988).
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Land Use
Within this context the following corporated territory within its desig-
general conditions and standards for nated sphere of influence.
development are set forth to clarif~r
General Plan policy with regard to Within the range of entitlements estab-
regional land use concerns, and to lished by urban residential land use
provide guidance for decision-making classifications, transfer of density
in the absence of applicable corn- within a project site is generally en-
munity level plauning. couraged as a means of reducing poten-
tial adverse impacts, preserving scenic
areas and providing increased open
space and design amenities. However,
1. Urban Residential density transfer should be discouraged
Development when it is deteimined that:
General: The residential use classifica- 1. The proposed development is not
tions of the Land Use Policy Map are in keeping with established corn-
intended to describe dominant housing munity character recognized in a lo-
characteristics within the areas covered cally adopted plan; and/or,
and are representative of permitted den-
sity ranges established by various city 2. The proposed project will over-
and community plans throughout Los burden existing and/or planned ser-
Angeles County. Within unincor- vices, facilities or infrastnicture.
porated areas, adopted local plans serve
to refme these generalized classifica- Unincorporated local plans may -- and
tions and establish more specific den- are encouraged to -- refine and expand
sity standards and conditions for upon the above provisions governing
development. Where no such local density transfer.
plan exists, the density ranges estab-
lished by the countywide General Plan Residential Infill: General Plan policy
will guide decision-making relative to supports a more concentrated form of
specific residential development urban development. More specifically,
2
proposals. In addition, such coun- it encourages residential infill at den-
tywide standards may be interpreted to sities compatible with and slightly
reflect more specific use provisions of higher than those of surrounding uses.
an adopted city plan applicable to unin- In light of this policy emphasis, new
residential development within existing
urban areas not covered by a more
2 Minor density variations may be permitted to accomodate spec jfic lot size and net area provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
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Land Use
detailed local plan may be permitted at Low and Moderate Income Housing:
densities exceeding those depicted on General Plan policy strongly supports
the Land Use Policy Map, subject to the provision of critically needed low
4
conformance with the following and moderate income housing. In sup-
criteria: port of this policy emphasis, the Plan
proposes the development and applica-
1. The proposed project will not dis- tion of density bonus and other
rupt sound residential neighbor- programs designed to stimulate produc-
hoods nor adversely affect the tion of such housing by both the public
character of the established com- and private sectors.
munity;
The General Plan flirther recognizes,
2. The proposed project site is of suf- however, that the precise design and
ficient size to accommodate design location of future low and moderate in-
features (setbacks, landscaping, buf- come housing cannot adequately be
fering, etc.) necessary to ensure reflected by mapped land use policy at
compatibility with surrounding uses; either the countywide or local plan
levels. Thus, adopted programs for the
3. The proposed project will not development of low and moderate in-
overburden existing public services come housing units may modify the
and facilities; urban use type and intensity standards
established by generalized local land
4. The proposed use will not disrupt use plans. Such programs shall include
or adversely impact local traffic and appropriate design and density
parking conditions; and parameters for specific development
proposals that reflect the following con-
5. Compatibility of the proposed siderations:
project with surrounding uses, in
terms of scale, intensity and design, 1. The compatibility of the proposed
is ensured through specific site plan project, in terms of scale and design,
review.3 with surrounding land uses and es-
tablished community character;
3 While at present the Conditional Use Permit process is the primary mechanism available to assure compliance with an
approved site plan. new and improved development controls may be employed as they become available.
4 The Housing Element discusses in detail the topic oflow- and moderate- income housing, sets forth applicable locational
criteria, and describes a variety ofmeclzanisms which `nay be employed to encourage the provision of critically needed
units.
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PAGE 49 Show Image
Land Use
2. The viability of the proposed 1. The area in question is not
project in terms of a long term corn- suitable for present or future in-
mitment and ability to meet iden- dustrial use due to conflicts with ex-
tified lOW and moderate income isting or emerging land use patterns,
housing needs; and, lack of sufficient and adequate ac-
cess, or the presence of site specific
3. The location of the proposed physical characteristics posing
project relative to shopping and severe constraints for industrial
employment opportunities and ac- development; or the proposed use
cessibility to necessary public ser- demonstrates a desirable, corn-
vices and facilities. patible and well-integrated pattern
of employment and housing oppor-
tunities and thereby furthers General
2. Non-Industrial Uses within Plan objectives pertaining to
reduced energy consumption and im-
Major Industrial Areas proved air quality.
The countywide General Plan recog- 2. The proposed non-industrial use,
nizes the limited supply of prime land individually or in combination with
available for future industrial growth adjacent uses, will not adversely irn-
and development. This scarcity is par- pact the viability of surrounding
ticularly acute in the southern portions areas for the maintenance or expan-
of the County where the majority of the sion of industrial activities.
current and projected labor force wrn
reside. 3. Compatibility of the proposed
non-industrial use with current and
future industrial activities in the area
The Plan also recognizes, however, is ensured through specific site plan
that the Major Industrial category
depicted on the Land Use Policy Map review and approval.
is, due to mapping scale and data
resource factors, generalized in nature
and may, in fact, include areas with 3. Local Commercial and
limited potential for industrial develop- Industrial Services
ment. Therefore, establishment of non-
industrial uses within identified Major
Industrial areas not covered by a more Due to the scale and nature of the coun-
detailed local plan may be peimitted tywide Land Use Policy Map, locally-
subject to fmdings of compliance with serving commercial and industrial uses
the following conditions: are generally not shown. Such local-
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PAGE 50 Show Image
Land Use
ized land use types and associated
development standards are more a')-
propfiately addressed by detailed local
plans. However, m order to provide
giiidance for decision making in the ab-
sence of an adopted local plan, the fol-
lowing general conditions and
standards are provided.
Definition: For puiposes of the cowl-
tywide Land Use Element, local com-
mercial and industrial uses are defined
as individual enterprises or small scale
multi-use centers serving the needs of
the local community. Such uses in-
dude:
1. Facilities providing neighborhood Local shopping areas are convenient and help establish community
or community convenience goods character.
and services;
local "cottage industry't uses where
2. Highway or roadside facilities compatible with surrounding land
and services of a minor nature (i.e., use patterns).
gas stations, cafes, motels, etc.); Guidelines governing the general
location, scale, design and circula-
3. Local communitylneighborhood- tion characteristics of local commer-
serving office and professional ser- cial and industrial uses (11ereafter
vices; and
referred to as local services) are set
4. Light industrial uses of a minor forth below:
nature as defined by the scale of the Location:
facility, number of employees, ser-
vice area, and general coippatibility 1. The proposed use should be easi-
within the community setting (it is
not the intent of countywide land ly accessible and should be situated
use policy to prohibit the estab at community focal points such as-
major intersections and established
lishment or continued operation of neighborhood shopping facilities.
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PAGE 51 Show Image
Land Use
2. The proposed use should be lo- 2. Proposed local service use should
cated so as not to invade or disrupt reflect locally recognized architec-
sound existing residential neighbor- tural themes and enhance overall
hoods nor conflict with established community character.
community land use, parking and
______________ circulation patterns. 3. Local commercial signs and
graphic displays should generally be
One ofthe~nc- Scale: confmed to the facade surface of the
tions of the business establishment and should
General Condi-
1. The scale of local service uses, in not project above the roofline or dis-
tions and Stan- terms of acreage and permitted floor rupt the architectural design of the
dards for area, should be limited to that which structure.
Development is to *can be justified by local community
delineate ap- and neighborhood needs. Inmost in- 4. Free-standing signs should
propriate uses for stances, such uses, individually or in generally be discouraged and per-
Open Space Areas. aggregate, should not exceed 10 mitted only where they are deter-
acres is size. mined to be aesthetically and
flinctionally appropfiate.
2. The height of proposed facilities
should not exceed the general 5. Off-site signs should be
profile established by existing uses, prohibited.
and should in no event exceed that
of neighboring residential develop- Access and Traffic:
ment.
1. The size and intensity of local ser-
3. The overall scale and intensity of vice uses should be confined to the
proposed local service uses should extent that anticipated traffic genera-
be in keeping with the surrounding tion does not adversely affect condi-
neighborhood or community setting. tions on adjacent streets and
highways.
Design:
2. Access, egress and onsite parking
1. Local service uses should be should be provided in a manner
designed, in terms of setbacks, which maximizes safety and con-
landscaping, lighting and buffering, venience, and minimizes adverse im-
so as to ensure compatibility with pacts on surrounding neighborhood
surrounding uses. and community land use patterns.
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PAGE 52 Show Image
Land Use
4. Open Space Areas open space use, the appropriateness of
the proposed project shall be reviewed
and determined in light of the follow-
Due to the scale and generalized nature ing considerations:
of the Land Use Policy Map, it is con-
ceivable that privately owned lands not Finding: In reviewing a proposal for
intended for long term open space use development within the Open Space
have been included within the Open classification of the countywide Land
Space classification. The Plan there- Use Policy Map, the Regional Planning
fore seeks to provide a mechanism to Commission shall make a specific find-
guide detailed land use consideration ing that the proposed project site was
in instances where mapped policy, by inadvertently included within the open
itself, is unclear or inadequate. In corn- space classification.
bination with the textual and mapped
policies of the Plan, the general stand- Criteria:
ards and conditions set forth below are
intended to provide such a mechanism. 1. Land Compatibility/Suitability
It shall be demonstrated that the sub-
Corn patible Uses: Land within the ject property is capable of support-
Open Space classification of the coun- ing the proposed development
tywide General Plan may, as a matter without increasing exposure to sig-
of course, be developed to any use per- nificant natural hazards or degrad-
mitted in Zones 0-S (Open Space) and ing identified critical natural
W (Watershed) of the Los Angeles resources. It shall flirther be estab-
County Zoning Ordinance, subject to lished that access to the site is ade-
the conditions and standards of those quate to serve the intended use and
5
zones. Such uses include a variety of that the provision of necessary ser-
agricultural, recreational, mineral ex- vices and facilities wrn not result in
traction, and public and semi-public ac- undue public costs.
tivities and services.
2. Compatibility
Alternative Use Determinations: `ri It shall be demonstrated that the
the event that development, other than proposed development is com-
that provided for above, is proposed for patible, in terms of scale and
property within an Open Space clas- designed character, with surround-
sification not intended for long term ing land use patterns. Appropriate
5 Private inholdings witizin the Angeles and Los Padres National Forests are dealt with separately on page LU-A17 of this
Land Use Element, and are not subject to the conditions and standards setforth for Open Space areas.
LU-A7
PAGE 53 Show Image
Land Use
use type and intensity standards designated Open Space Area in
shall be reflective of those existing temis of suitability, scale, design
or proposed for adjacent non-open and character shall be assured
space properties. through the review and approval of
a specific site plan, with conditions
It shall flirther be demonstrated that established as necessary through nor-
the scale, design and overall charac- mal zoning or land division proce-
ter of the proposed development dures.
will not adversely affect or sig-
nificantly dimnish the open space
and recreational potential of ad- 5. Non-Urban Residential
jacent resource areas.
Development
3. Special Considerations
The countywide Land Use Element The intent of the General Plan policy
sets forth a variety of general stand- with regard to use types and intensities
ards and conditions for development permitted in non-urban areas is out-
to guide land use decision making in lined in the countywide Land Use
the absence of specific mapped Policy Map discussion. The general
policy (i.e., urban and non-urban conditions set forth below expand upon
residential development standards, that statement of intent, and are
residential infill, low and moderate designed to provide guidance for
income housing, local commercial decision-making in the absence of
and industrial facilities, special more specific standards and perfor-
management areas, etc.). Where ap- mance criteria.
plicable, such general standards and
conditions for development shall be Except as otherwise provided for by an
employed to guide decisions relative adopted areawide, community or
to appropriate alternative use of s