Demystifing the Development Process

The article features an in-depth interview with Los Angeles City Planning Commission President Bill Roschen:

"In the early years we would try to improve each individual case by making changes during the hearings. What we have been able to do, in more recent months, is focus not so much on change through cases, but focus more on how to institutionalize those policy issues that we have identified-how to make sure that these issues are brought up early in the design process and that it's something that staff introduces."

"We are trying to find ways to institutionalize these policies so that it's not left to the commission on a case by case basis. One really important reason is that developers appreciate the certainty when they don't see the last minute changes on their projects. We are working hard to find ways to make that communication with planning staff and how to make sure that there is follow-through on those issues."

"The Planning Commission is interested in looking at development agreements. Do they offer the kind of flexibility for a developer to move forward with projects in these very difficult times? Do they offer the kind of community benefits that you negotiate with a developer to provide priorities for affordable housing and the job-base support?"

Thanks to James Brasuell