In Los Angeles, the City Council, City Planning Commission, and Director of Planning initiate amendments to the Zoning Code. These Code amendments are often limited in scope and are intended to either address a local issue, reflect changes to federal and state legislation, or implement a new program.
Adoption Process
The adoption process for an ordinance begins when the item is first considered by the City Planning Commission, and ends when the City Council formally adopts the ordinance and the Mayor signs it into law.
Notice to Land Use Industry Professionals
If you are compensated to interact with the Department of Planning, City law may require you to register as a lobbyist and report your activity. Any individual may qualify as a lobbyist, regardless of occupation, education, training, or professional title. A lobbyist may hold a position that includes but is not limited to attorney, CEO, consultant, architect, engineer, government liaison, business owner, permit applicant, urban planner, expediter, land developer, various real estate specialists, and others.
More information is available on the Ethics Commission’s lobbying page and Influencing Land Use Decisions brochure. For assistance, please contact the Ethics Commission at (213) 978-1960 or ethics.commission@lacity.org.
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