West Hollywood : Zoning Ordinance Adopted

Six years after incorporation, West Hollywood has adopted a permanent zoning ordinance. The City Council voted Tuesday night to accept the 2-inch-thick document, which outlines all rules and regulations for development in the city.

The city had been operating under an interim ordinance since its incorporation in November, 1984. State law required that the city adopt a permanent ordinance consistent with its General Plan, the overall blueprint for growth that was adopted in June, 1988.

“With the new ordinance in place, we will only need to consult one document on future planning questions,” said Anne Browning, the city’s planning manager.

The ordinance sets a number of planning standards, including those for affordable housing. Residential developments of 10 units or fewer are required to reserve 10% of the units for low-income and moderate-income households.

Developments with 11 or more units are required to reserve 20% of their units for such households. Developers also can elect to pay a fee in lieu of the requirements or provide some combination of low-income units and cash.

The ordinance also sets parking standards, requiring two parking spaces for every single-family detached dwelling in the city. Residential hotels must provide one space for every sleeping room; congregate-care facilities, one space for every three beds. Bars and lounges are required to provide 15 spaces, and health clubs 14 spaces, per 1,000 square feet of use.