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Venice News Updates

News of Venice, CA and Marina del Rey CA

Public Hearing for Short-Term Rentals, 21 May

Posted by :reta On : April 15, 2016
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Category: City Ordinance, Planning, Short-Term Rentals, short-term rentals (STR)

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Public hearing for the draft Short-Term Rental ordinance that was released by the Planning Department 15 April will be held 10 am, 21 May at Ronald F. Deaton Auditorium, 100 W 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Note that the public refers to the ordinance as the “Short-Term Rental” ordinance while the Los Angeles City Planning Department refers to it as the “Home-Sharing” Ordinance (CF 16-1435-S2) that addresses the short-term rentals in Los Angeles.

After the hearing, the ordinance will be considered by the City Planning Commission, likely at 8:30 am, 23 June meeting in the Van Nuys City Hall, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd, 91401, according to Tricia Keane, planning director for Councilman Mike Bonin.

“There will be further notice for that meeting, and there will be a staff report made available two weeks prior to the meeting,” Keane wrote.

Comments can be sent to Matthew Glesne, Housing Planner, matthew.glesne@lacity.org, 213-978-2666, prior to 6 June.

New Short-Term Rental Ordinance Draft Out

Posted by :reta On : April 15, 2016
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Category: Planning, Short-Term Rentals, short-term rentals (STR)

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By David Graham-Caso, communications director for Councilman Mike Bonin

LOS ANGELES – After months of work and collaboration with neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, the Department of City Planning today released a draft ordinance regulating short-term rentals in Los Angeles that will protect both affordable housing and neighborhoods while still allowing people to rent their primary residences for home-sharing.

Councilmember Mike Bonin and City Council President Herb Wesson, who originally proposed the regulations, applauded the draft ordinance.

“This draft ordinance proposes an enforceable system to protect affordable housing and our neighborhoods from rogue hotel operators, while still allowing people to make ends meet by sharing their primary residence,” said Bonin. “I appreciate the hard work of the planning staff and the input of hundreds of neighbors who helped get these smart regulations ready to be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council.”

“From the beginning we sought a solution that balanced the needs of neighborhoods while protecting the city’s affordable housing stock,” said Wesson. “Today we are a step closer to maximizing the L.A. tourist experience while allowing the city to use new transit-occupancy tax revenues to deliver constituent services.”

Under the proposed regulations, people who would like to offer their homes as short-term rentals would need to register as a host with the Department of City Planning, which would include signing up with the Department of Finance to pay Transient Occupancy Taxes to the City. Once registered, hosts would be required to include their registration number on all advertisements for the rental. This would prevent speculators from purchasing entire buildings, evicting tenants, and replacing scarce rental stock with de facto hotels.

Additionally, hosts would not be able to register properties that are under affordable housing covenants or the city’s rent stabilization ordinance, and hosts would only be allowed to register their primary residence for short-term rentals. Finally, hosts would only be allowed to rent their property for a maximum of 90 days a year.

“The draft ordinance establishes clear guidelines for how people can honestly homeshare,” said Bonin. “Even better, the registration process would make it very easy to know if a host is offering a short-term rental that is not allowed under the new rules, which will help the City enforce these new rules and protect affordable housing in our neighborhoods.”

Neighborhood character would also be protected by the draft ordinance, which would make hosts legally responsible for all nuisance violations by their guests. Violations of the ordinance would be a misdemeanor, and the draft outlines financial penalties for listing rentals without a valid registration number or listing a rental for more than 90 days in a year.

The draft ordinance would also place enforcement and reporting requirements on homesharing sites, which would help the City enforce the new rules. Sites would be required to actively prevent listings without a host registration number and they would need to provide a monthly inventory of rentals in the city.

The first public hearing to gather input on the ordinance is being scheduled for Saturday May 21st at 10am at the Deaton Auditorium (100 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012). The ordinance will then be considered by the City Planning Commission on June 23rd.

The ordinance can be found at:
http://www.11thdistrict.com/bonin_and_wesson_applaud_draft_short_term_rental_ordinance

Ado Restaurant to be Heard 5 May

Posted by :reta On : April 15, 2016
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Category: Alcohol, Business, Planning

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Ado Restaurant is seeking a conditional use permit to continue dispensing beer and wine for on-site consumption in a 1000-sqft restaurant with 26 seats. Hours of operation are 5:30 to 10:30 pm Monday thru Saturday and Sunday 5:30 to 9:30 pm.

Hearing will be held 10 am, 5 May at West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Ave, 90045. For questions or comments contact Matthew Quan 213-978-1320.

Developer Proposes Six-Story, Mixed-Use in Del Rey

Posted by :reta On : March 20, 2016
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Category: Del Rey, Planning

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A six-story, mix-use building is proposed for Del Rey at 4040 Del Rey, 4051 Glencoe, and 13440-13454 Beach Avenues. The hearing will be 23 March, 10:30 am, Los Angeles City Hall, 200 North Spring Street, Room 1020, LA 90012.

The developer proposes a six-story (66 feet) 167,710 square foot building consisting of 10,000 sq ft of office/commercial space and 165 residential condominiums. Also there will be a three-story (45 feet) building for self-storage on the 2.29 acre site. Developer is Matt Dzurec, Armbruseter Goldsmith and Delvac LLP.

Heather Bleemers is the hearing officer. Comments and question can be directed to Bleemers at 213-978-0092.

The hearing officer will consider the following

A 35 percent Density Bonus with 11 percent of the total dwelling units reserved for Very Low Income Households, to permit the construction, use, and maintenance of a new mixed-use development with 165 residential units and 10,000 square feet of commercial space, utilizing Parking Option 1 and requesting the following two on-menu incentives:

A 35 percent increase in floor area, not to exceed 1.35:1 in lieu of the maximum 1:1 floor area ratio permitted by Section 6.D of the Glencoe-Maxella Specific Plan thereby allowing 167,710 square feet of floor area in lieu of the 124,310 square feet of floor area otherwise permitted, and

An 11-foot increase in height to allow a building that is 66 feet in height in lieu of the maximum height of 55 feet pursuant to Section 6.E of the Glencoe-Maxella Specific Plan.

A Plan Approval to allow a reduction in the project site from the previously approved 99,877 square-foot site in Case No. APCW-2006-8443- SPE-CU-SPR to a smaller project site consisting of 26,035 square feet; and

Site Plan Review for a project resulting in 50 or more dwelling units.

The Deputy Advisory Agency will consider:

1. A Tract Map for 165 residential condominium units and 10,000 square feet of commercial condominiums; and
2. Adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring Program for the above referenced project.

Gjusta Wins Appeal Hearing

Posted by :reta On : March 6, 2016
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Category: 320 Sunset, Planning

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320 Sunset

By Roxanne Brown Concerned Neighbors of 320 Sunset (CNS)
At the prior West LA Planning Commission (WLAPC) hearing for Gjusta’s (320 Sunset) change of use from bakery/take out only to restaurant with full alcohol, commissioners were upset that Maya Zaitzevsky, Zoning Administrator, was not present. They insisted on her presence and the presence of Building and Safety.

At this appeal hearing on March 2,2016, Zaitzevsky was present. Building and Safety was not present.

ZAITZEVSKY PRO GJUSTA
Zaitzevsky started by stating that the past record can’t be looked at. Each case is presented individually: can’t presume Camaj will be a bad operator.
Regarding alcohol, Zaitzevsky stated, “Gjelina only seats people for an hour – not enough time to get drunk.” She further stated, “Their plans show more than I approved – 87 seats. I’m not sure if it’s accurate.”

Zaitzevsky said there had been so many plan changes, that’s why she marked them up so much – to make them more clear. Unfortunately, CNS had not seen the new plans, nor were they allowed to view them at the hearing.

With the new plans, cars will enter and exit on Sunset (rather than the alley). The parking lot will now hold seventeen cars (although CNS has never seen it hold more than eleven at present.

REZNIK OPENING REMARKS
Ben Reznik, attorney, presented that Fran Camaj’s Gjelina, GTA, and Gjusta have an exemplary record and Camaj is an upstanding member of the community.
Reznik stated that the patio will be enclosed. He said this will eliminate noise. The patio will have a retractable roof that let’s the sun in.

MAROSI OPENING REMARKS
Ilana Marosi, Appellant and President of Concerned Neighbors of 320 Sunset (CNS), presented the opposite case. She presented evidence showing hundreds of violations, nuisance complaints, and non-compliance issues at Fran Camaj’s Gjelina’s, GTA, Gjusta, and the Black Beast at 1305 Abbot Kinney.

HEALEY OPENING – VENICE CRIME DROPS WHEN ALCOHOL LICENSES RISE
Laurette Healey, consultant working with Reznik and Camaj, presented a chart that demonstrated her words, which were: Unlike other areas, adding a liquor license in Venice brings the crime rate down.
Healey stated that: “Crime exponentially went down as alcohol went up in Venice from 2009-2015.”

CNS REBUTTAL
A CNS member stated that the LA Times reports Venice crime up. Further, the LA Times reports that the LAPD has understated that crime rate.

Another CNS member cited evidence from Pacific Division: DUI’s in Venice from December 6, 2015 to January 2, 2016 were up 800%.

Sarah Blanch from the Public Policy Institute said: There is a point where alcohol licenses reach a critical mass – Venice is already saturated – and that is harming the public’s health and safety.
Dr. Todd Sherman representing the Renaissance building (70 units) on Main between Rose and Marine said that homeowners there have witnessed, “ With the increase in restaurants with alcohol, we have seen crime increase. Our Home Owners Association has hired its own security guard. Perhaps this is not on LAPD’s radar.”

HEALEY AND CNS REGARDING HOMELESS
Healey further stated that: We all know bringing a restaurant in reduces homeless and crime.
A CNS member later countered, “Since Gjusta’s arrival, the homeless population which used to be confined to 3rd has now spread further onto the 300 block of Sunset and beyond.”

APPLLEANT JIM MUREZ – PRO GJUSTA
Commission President Donovan stated that, “It’s a little strange to have an appellant in favor of the project.”

Murez, a former LUPC Chair, stated that he felt with the changed plans, Gjusta was an exceptionally brilliant solution to a troubled neighborhood.

CNS MEMBERS and RESIDENTS TESTIFY OPPOSING GJUSTA
A CNS member/resident who resides in the 300 block of Sunset stated that he sees Gjusta customers pee in the alley behind Gjusta and has seen a significant increase in critters – rats.
Reznik later said: The homeless pee in the alley. Not Gjusta’s customers.

CNS members cited everything you readers have heard before: disregard for rules, regulations, violations, nuisance, noise, traffic, and parking problems since Gjusta’s arrival.

GJUSTA EMPLOYEES, VENDORS, CUSTOMERS TESTIFY
A Gjusta customer stated: I no longer have to carry my stun gun when I walk in the 300 block of Sunset.
Gjusta employees and vendors complimented Camaj on being a great employer to work for and providing internships, jobs, and voluntary help in the community.

Dustin Mills a business owner behind Gjelina says he has had no issues with Gjelina.

PRESIDENT VENICE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Carl Lambert, President of the Venice Chamber of Commerce sat on Gjusta’s side at the hearing. Lambert owns multiple apartment buildings that he converted into “de facto hotels.”

REZNIK CLOSING REMARKS PRO GJUSTA change of use from bakery
In closing, Reznik presented Camaj as a responsible alcohol licensee.
Reznik called CNS members Gjusta’s “aggressive neighbors.”

1. Reznik concluded that Gjusta would now be a restaurant, bakery, and retail with full alcohol – on site only (imposed by commissioners and agreed to – no off-site sales)
2. Gjusta patio will be enclosed with skylight and doors. Walls will be the appropriate 4-pound thickness, which is adequate according to the City’s Building & Safety engineers.
(Architect Stephen Vitalich said earlier that Gjusta’s patio walls will have 4 pounds of noise protection per square foot. CNS Sound Engineer and Acoustics’ Expert, Cambridge educated Kevin Madigan, testified that a sheet of drywall provides 40 pounds of protection.)
3 Gjusta will have a signed agreement with Board of Ed for valet parking.
4. Alcohol is part of an eating experience – no need for off-site.
Reznik and Murez stated: Everyone knows the Metro yard at Main and Sunset will be a parking lot providing 1,000 parking spaces.

MAROSI, PRESIDENT CNS, CLOSING – OPPOSING GJUSTA
Marosi stated, “ We are aggressive neighbors, because Building and Safety and the City don’t enforce conditions, code, rules, regulations – so we are driven to do so.”
Marosi stated that the fact is CNS has evidence, and there is evidence online, of Gjelina/GTA serving alcohol in what is supposed to be an upstairs apartment, and serving food and alcohol in the back alley patio area of GTA which has no permit to do so.

CNS Neighborhood Watch kept records of dates and times that Gjelina catering special events with food and alcohol in the “apartment:” more than 170 times in the past 1-½ years. Marosi concluded that this shows Camaj is not a reliable alcohol licensee and cannot be trusted to uphold conditions.

Marosi further concluded that business owner Camaj has a pattern and practice of bad behavior. He has shown himself to not be responsible with alcohol. Camaj continues to serve food and alcohol in an unpermitted event center “apartment” and in GTA’s patio/alley and back alley.

She showed 100 pages – 1 inch thick of violations and complaints and nuisance evidence, which are detrimental to the health and safety and welfare of the Venice Community. There is a clear pattern of abuse over the past eight years.

Marosi asked the commissioners to please uphold the appeal.

WLAPC DECISION
Commissioner President Thomas M. Donovan and Commissioners Lisa WaltzMorocco, Marian Merritt, Esther Margulies, and Joseph W. Halper approved change of use as outlined above in Reznik’s concluding remarks.
Throughout the hearing, Commissioner Halper did push for enclosed roof, enclosed patio, no off-site liquor, and did say he was very concerned about parking and the disturbance imposed on this neighborhood by Gjusta.
This hearing is audio and video recorded. CNS was there from 4:30 until 1 a.m.

ROCKY’S OPINION: CITIZENS WIN WHILE LOSING at GJUSTA APPEAL HEARING
CNS did achieve its goal: providing evidence of wrong doing and speaking the truth. Mayor Eric Garcetti, his administration, his City Council, and his WLAPC have now given the green light to more “property gangster” – some one that ignores laws.

Venetians are inspired to keep fighting for truth and justice. If you disagree with this approval, please contribute $5 now – this very moment – before you forget – to save Venice. These monies are and will be used to hire experts and lawyers -https://www.gofundme.com/helpsavevenice

It seems we no longer live in a democracy for the people by the people. We seem to be experiencing a dictatorship run by special interests with a puppet government.
VOTE MITCHELL SCHWARTZ to replace GARCETTI.

Overdevelopment Amendment Goes to Ballot?

Posted by :reta On : March 6, 2016
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Category: Planning

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By Gerald A. Silver

Note: Gerald A. Silver is President of Homeowners of Encino. He served on the Citizens Advisory Committee that helped craft the Ventura Blvd. Specific Plan. He can be reached at gsilver4@earthlink.net. The Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino press release is published here because the people of Venice are concerned about development.

A Committee of five registered voters in Los Angeles has gained a lot of traction in their effort to place a game changing initiative on the November ballot. The proposed “Neighborhood Integrity Initiative for a Livable Los Angeles” will give voters the power to stop over-sized development for the next two years. The Committee is seeking 61,000 signatures for the measure to qualify for the November ballot. Jill Stewart the managing editor of the LA Weekly was appointment as Campaign Director of the Initiative.

“The proposed ordinance would amend City laws related to the General Plan, including to:

1) prohibit geographic amendments to the General Plan unless the affected area has significant social, economic or physical identity (defined as encompassing an entire community or district plan area, specific plan area, neighborhood council area or at least 15 acres);
2) require periodic, comprehensive review of General Plan based on principles identified in the ordinance; 3) require the City make findings of General Plan consistency for planning, zoning and building laws and decisions;
4) void existing zoning laws and regulations inconsistent with the General Plan;
5) prohibit project applicants from completing environmental impact reports for the City;
6) impose a two-year building moratorium, with certain exceptions, on projects for which the City granted, or which seek, General Plan amendments or zone or height-district changes resulting in more intense land use or rezoned open space, agricultural or industrial areas; and
7) prohibit certain parking variances.”

If successful, the measure would stop developers from significantly reducing the parking spaces that are now required by the building code. It would put an end to allowing developers writing their own Environmental Impact Reports – a source of major bias. The proponents claim that “Megaprojects are worsening traffic and destroying neighborhood character. Today, cozy “density” deals between developers and politicians are destroying community character from Boyle Heights to Brentwood. Developers buy exemptions from the rules by contributing to City Hall. They make a ton of money on luxury mega-projects — we get terrible traffic and congestion.”

The goal of the measure it not to stop all development, but rather to give the City time to create a new General Plan. It doesn’t stop projects that conform to existing density and height limits. The measure permits the construction of any development that is allowed, as long as it does not require exceptions.
Pasadena lawyer Robert Silverstein is a consultant on the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative. Silverstein’s involvement is a real threat to the City Hall. Silverstein has won significant suits against the City and stalled massive apartment projects in the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood, including the 325-unit Il Villaggio apartment project planned near the 101 and 405 interchange in Sherman Oaks.

As expected pro over-development groups will use big guns to fight the measure. The Central City Association is organizing opposition and fundraising to stop the proposed ballot initiative. They and other groups have a history of never opposing any new mega-development, regardless of the impacts on traffic and the environment. This may finally force all developers to play by the rules.

I want to purchase parking spot in front of my house …

Posted by :reta On : February 21, 2016
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Category: California Coastal Commission (CCC), Parking, Planning

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by reta moser
I want to purchase the parking place in front of my house for $18K. I am ready to write the check.

It is my understanding that businesses and restaurants can grandfather and buy their parking way thru our City planning to the tune of $18K per space. It has gone too far. Doing such leaves customers, employers, and employees totally dependent on parking in front of residents’ homes. It is purchased parking. So I want to purchase the space in front of my house. At one hearing, I offered to do such and I was told it didn’t work that way. Why not?

This parking space “given” or “purchased” by businesses and restaurants means blatantly that businesses and restaurants can operate without parking and use mine. Some businesses and restaurants even rent out their parking and let their tenants, customers, employees find on-street parking, which is in front of my house.

Some businesses are zoned for “in-home” businesses and have twenty employees with no place to park. Apartment owners rent out their visitor and extra spaces, giving one space per apartment and leaving overflow for residential parking. All are examples of what I call illegal, but apparently it isn’t, and even if it were illegal, LA has no enforcement. They park in front of my house.

This is why I want to purchase the spot in front of my house. The price of $18K is doable and I am ready to write the check.

The system the City has now is inequitable and can never be mended once the heaven should bestow Venice with permit parking. What would happen to businesses, restaurants without residential parking? Customers forced to use a bike?

Councilman Mike Bonin, you want to get people out of their cars and on their bikes? Get the California Coastal Commission (CCC) to give us permit parking for residents. I know it requires an acceptable Land Use Plan. Get City Planning to stop this “buy your parking” space for $18K or let residents do such too. And 18K … we won’t mention that price.

Another way to look at it is to let me buy the spot in front of my house and rent it out. One restaurant in contention now requires 12 spaces, four will be grandfathered, and the rest the owner will buy. One of those phantom–purchased spaces will be in front of my house. Why can’t I buy the spot in front of my house and use it or rent it to the restaurateur?

They have petitions and protests for everything. Venetians, let’s unite and protest. I will be first to put my signature on this petition. Go for it Venetians.

Ezra Gale Appointed Senior Planner

Posted by :reta On : December 2, 2015
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Category: Councilman, Planning

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EzraGale copy

Ezra Gale was appointed Senior Planner for Council District 11 by Councilman Mike Bonin.

“I look forward to working with the community, please reach out if you’d like to chat,” Ezra told Venice Update. “I am a big fan of Venice.” He can be reached at: ezra.gale@lacity.org.

“He will work with residents to ensure neighborhood-friendly development on the Westside,” according to Council District “Meet Ezra Gale.” “Also, in conjunction with Mike’s Planning Team and District Staff, he will be used to promote sustainable, neighborhood-friendly and transit-oriented development.”

Ezra received his B.A. in political science with a minor in public policy from UCLA and J.D. from UC Hastings, where he concentrated in local government law. While attending law school Ezra clerked for two federal judges and the Oakland City Attorney, where he worked on municipal code updates in the administrative law department. Prior to joining the CD 11 team, Ezra was the Director of Government Affairs for Building Industry, where he worked on a broad range of legislative and government relations issues relating to housing and development.

In his spare time, Ezra serves on the Urban Council of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and the Land Use Committee of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council.

Venice Way, San Juan, and Indiana to be Heard

Posted by :reta On : November 29, 2015
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Category: Planning, Zoning Administrator

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Zoning administrator will hear 230 San Juan Ave at 10 am, 10 December at West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth, LA 90025.

Owner wants to permit 1) a front yard of 5 feet in lieu of the 15-foot front yard required by Section 12.09.1-B,1; 2) a 3-foot 6-inch westerly yard and a 2-foot 4-inch easterly side yard in lieu of the 4-foot side yard required by Section 12.09.1-B,2; and 3) a rear yard varying from 0 feet to 8 feet in lieu of the 15-foot rear yard required by Section 12.09.1-B,3, all in conjunction with the proposed 1,159 square-foot addition to an existing 1,056 square-foot single-family dwelling and new 310 square-foot attached garage, on a 1,344 square-foot lot zoned RD1.5-1-O, resulting in a maximum height of 35 feet.

All comments and questions may be directed to Kenton Trinh, zoning administrator, at 213-978-1290 or Kenton.Trinh@lacity.org.

Zoning Administrator will hear 310-312 Venice Way, at 9:30 am, 17 December at West LA Municipal building, 1645 Corinth Ave, LA 90025.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.24-X,27 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Zoning Administrator will determine whether to allow the continued operation of 4,134 square-foot office building in the RD1.5-1-O Zone, otherwise not permitted by Section 12.23-B,2 of the Code.

All Comments and questions may be directed to Nicole Velasquez at 213-978-1347, Nicole.velasquez@lacity.org.

Zoning administrator will hear 338 Indiana Ave at 9:30 am, 10 December, West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth, LA 90025.

Owner wants to construct a new 30-foot tall duplex sited on a vacant 5,282 square-foot lot zoned RD1.5-1 located within the single-jurisdiction area of the California Coastal Zone.

All comments and questions may be directed to Kenton Trinh, zoning administrator, at 213-978-1290 or Kenton.Trinh@lacity.org.

908 Harding to be Heard 3 December

Posted by :reta On : November 21, 2015
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Category: Planning

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908 Harding will be heard by the zoning administrator 3 December, 10 am at West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Ave, Los Angeles 90025.

Owner wants to build a 30-foot tall, 2,669 square-foot single-family dwelling located on a 7,463 square-foot lot zoned R2-1. Owner also wants to construct and continue to use a wall, landscaping, and entry gates with a maximum height of 8 feet, all in lieu of the maximum 3-1/2 feet in height otherwise permitted in the front yard by Section 12.21-C,1(g) of the Code.

All questions and comments can be submitted to Kinikia Gardner, 213-978-1340, kinikia.gardner@lacity.org.