Councilmember LaBonge’s Proposal to Revise the “Q” Conditions

Councilmember Tom LaBonge has drafted language for a motion that would “regulate any over-concentration of restaurant uses, including those defined by existing regulations as permitted as “take-out” establishments.”

Below is the full text of the draft. Councilmember LaBonge is seeking public comment on this draft. Please email him your comments at tom.labonge@lacity.org

DRAFT PROPOSAL:

Larchmont Village functions as a neighborhood center for the Hancock Park and Windsor Square areas.  The commercial district is centered along Larchmont Boulevard.  Commercial land use designations and zoning extend from First Street to the south to Melrose Avenue to the north.

The southerly portion of the district, from First Street to Beverly Boulevard, is characterized by a variety of successful shopping and service providers within walking distance of nearby residential neighborhoods. 

The northerly portion of the district, from Beverly Boulevard to Melrose Avenue, is a collection of pedestrian oriented buildings interspersed among surface parking lots and more automobile centered development patterns with a potential for infill and mixed use projects at a suitable neighborhood scale

There is a need to ensure a continued mix of services and amenities provided in this neighborhood district, and to ensure that development is compatible in scale and design to the pedestrian friendly character of the street.

POTENTIALLY INCLUDE MORE RESTAURANT LANGUAGE HERE?

The existing “Q” Qualified Condition ordinance prohibits an overconcentration of specific uses, particularly restaurant uses and financial services on the ground floor.  However, there is a need to further refine and update these regulations to address take-out establishments.

I THEREFORE MOVE that the Department of City Planning, in consultation with the Department of Building and Safety, study and develop land use regulations to promote a mix of neighborhood service uses and regulate any over-concentration of restaurant uses, including those defined by existing regulations as permitted “take-out” establishments.

I FURTHER MOVE that the Department of City Planning consider the establishment of land use regulations and urban design standards for both the existing village area south of Beverly Boulevard and to encourage the extension of pedestrian friendly design and uses to the northerly potions of the district, and to develop and recommend other land use regulations as may be necessary to enhance the existing scale and character of the district.

I FURTHER MOVE that funding be identified to provide a dedicated staff planner in the Department of City Planning to prioritize this request.

I FURTHER MOVE that the Department of City Planning, with the assistance of the Council Office, convene a neighborhood workshop with residents and property owners to identify land use options and opportunities to advance the vitality of Larchmont Village.