Development Rights Expanded

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Downtown developers seeking to build high-density projects have a new tool at their disposal the air space above the Los Angeles Convention Center.


The Transfer of Floor Area Rights ordinance approved by the City Council last week will allow Los Angeles to sell off 9 million square feet of unused convention center development rights. Builders can purchase the rights credits to increase the density of their projects.


Total proceeds from the convention center “area rights” could reach $200 million, said City Councilwoman Jan Perry, who sponsored the ordinance that was passed unanimously last week by the City Council.


“It’s another tool in our tool box to achieve smart growth,” said Perry, who represents the area. “Enhanced density makes for a great urban center and a better community and neighborhood.”


Perry said that projects that use the area rights credits will be encouraged to include affordable housing components in their developments. She noted that the sale would not restrict a possible expansion of the convention center.


Funds from the sale of the credits will be used for public improvements downtown, including parks, child care centers and affordable housing, among other benefits. Money generated by the sale of the rights will be placed in a public benefits trust fund that will be managed by a committee of interested parties, including Perry and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles.


Perry will discuss the ordinance at a press conference on Tuesday at the convention center.

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