Building and Other Permit Approval

The Pico Union 1 Redevelopment Plan requires CRA/LA’s review of any permit application before the City’s Department of Building and Safety Department can issue a building permit. The redevelopment plan for Pico Union 1contains development standards for various land use classifications. These development standards are in conformance to the City’s Westlake Community Plan.

All parties interested in rehabilitation, demolition, or new construction are strongly encouraged to contact Alison Becker, Associate Planner at (213) 368-3500 early in the concept planning stage to avoid permit approval delays.

Design for Development

The CRA Board of Commissioners on February 21, 2002 adopted the Design for Development prohibiting the construction of pole signs and billboards and providing standards for other sign structures in the redevelopment area.  The standards and requirements contained in this document are in addition to those contained in the City’s sign code.

Historic Preservation Overlay Zone

The City Council on August 10, 2004 adopted the Pico Union Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) for portions of the Pico Union 1 Redevelopment Area. Properties located within this zone are considered by the city to be unique and irreplaceable assets. Although the properties need not be of “landmark” quality, they are considered to be historically, architecturally, and culturally related to one another.  (This ordinance can be found in the City's Planning website http://cityplanning.lacity.org/ 

Only exterior alterations to such properties are subject to the HPOZ guidelines that are administered by the Pico Union HPOZ Board. Window or door replacement, additions to structures, or removal of fencing are some of the work covered by the guidelines. To determine if a property lies within the HPOZ, please refer to the City’s Zoning Information Map Access System (ZIMAS).

General Information

The ZIMAS web site referenced above also contains useful maps, land use, zoning, and Assessor’s information on all properties in the Pico Union 1 Redevelopment Area.

Building permit applications may be obtained from the City’s Building and Safety Department located at:

201/221 North Figueroa Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

(888) 524-2845