After four years of debate, the Los Angeles City Council approved Wednesday an ordinance that would allow developers to build taller, larger buildings if they include units for lower-income residents, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
While required under a state law designed to promote affordable housing construction, the “density bonus” ordinance has angered homeowners groups that don’t want to see big buildings in their neighborhoods.
To help alleviate concerns, the council tweaked the rules to protect single-family neighborhoods, including requiring developers to get special approval if they want to add extra height for a building within 50 feet of a house.
“We have been working on this to make sure communities have a stronger voice and that we protect neighborhood character,” said Council President Eric Garcetti.
“This adheres to this state law that many … don’t love, but it will get us closer to achieving those three goals of making sure we protect our neighborhoods, we build affordable housing and we save taxpayers’ money.”
The City Council voted 12-2 in favor of the ordinance, with Tom LaBonge and Dennis Zine opposing the rule because they said it doesn’t do enough to restrict building size.
