The Small Lot Subdivision directive (revised) issued 14 August 2014 was appealed and appeal is tentatively set to be heard 23 October 2014 by the City Planning Commission.

According to Michelle Levy, City planner and program supervisor of Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZ), the appeal of a director’s interpretation must be heard within 75 days.

The latest directive was written to make the small lot subdivision subordinate to the Venice Specific Plan.

History
This ordinance was written to allow smaller parcel sizes in multi-family zones than would normally be permitted as long as they complied with the density provisions established by zoning. It thus allows fee simple ownership of single-family homes on smaller lot sizes. It is better than a condo ownership because of all the common areas and legal problems that have accompanied that type ownership. It was approved 31 January 2005.

A directive was issued in 2009 to clarify the position of the Venice Specific Plan and the Small Lot Subdivision. Then chair of the Land Use and Planning committee (LUPC) Challis Macpherson appealed the directive in reference to parking and affordable housing. The February 2010 determination included language to clarifying Beach Impact Zone parking and requirements for replacement affordable units.

Since then there have been opportunities for input for the small lot subdivision ordinance which was in conflict with the Venice Specific Plan. Then chair of LUPC Challis Macpherson was very vocal in pointing out conflicting points.

The director’s interpretation of the ordinance issued 14 August 2014 was issued in response to the inputs and made the small lot subdivision ordinance subordinate to the Venice Specific Plan.