Chris Robertson, deputy director of Land Use and Planning for Councilman Mike Bonin, announced the new Planning Department directive (DIR-2014-2824-D1) for the Small Lot Subdivision (SLS) ordinance and explained its authority in relation to specific plans.

The former directive for Small Lot Subdivisions (SLS), in many cases, conflicted with the Venice Coastal Specific Plan.

Challis Macpherson, then chair of the Venice Land Use and Planning Committee appealed the first directive. She was concerned about parking and affordable housing provisions. Her appeal was granted in part. The Determination by Planning clarified language regarding Beach Impact Zone parking and required replacement affordable units to be located onsite.

“Really interests me as to how this will play out from now on,” Macpherson wrote. “Stay tuned … .”

Christ Robertson said the new Director’s Interpretation is intended to:

(1) Prevent small lot projects from exceeding the densities set in the Specific Plan on individual lots;

(2) Highlight where conflicts between the Municipal Code and the Venice Coastal Specific Plan exist and uphold the Specific Plan regulations where applicable; and

(3) Outline a review process for new small lot projects in the Venice Specific Plan area that takes into account the density, parking, and setback regulations of the Specific Plan and incorporates the use of the Small Lot Design Guidelines in the review of small lot subdivisions.