Los Angeles Zoning Decisions: May 2026

In May 2026, Los Angeles held 15 public meetings covering zoning matters. 12 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 6 approved (55% approval rate), 5 denied, 1 deferred. Activity was up 7% compared to April (150 activity items across 8 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

CEQA appeal of Class 32 exemption for flag-lot subdivision at 23139/23111 41 West Collins Street, Walnut Acres

Denied.

Appeal by David Lowery (represented by Amy Minster of Carstens, Black and Minster, LLP) challenging the Class 32 categorical exemption for a two-lot infill parcel map subdivision with a zoning administrator's adjustment reducing midpoint lot width to 20 feet in lieu of the required 70 feet (flag lot), on an ~36,000 sq ft RA-1 parcel. Applicant BMR Enterprises (Aaron Belliston). Appeal denied, sustaining the South Valley Area Planning Commission approval; a fifth aye (Lee) was added later. Chair opposed the flag lot in principle but stated denial could not be legally justified.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Haul route appeal for 3842 & 3852 W Roble Vista Drive housing project

Denied.

Council denied the appeal by Eric Zimmerman (CF 26-0516) and supplemental appeal by Lazaros Papademetropolis (CF 26-0516-S1), sustaining the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners' approval of a statutory CEQA exemption and haul route to export 23,000 cubic yards of earth for a 27-apartment-unit plus 2-ADU development in four structures at 3842 and 3852 W Roble Vista Drive. Project qualifies for by-right density bonus (3 very-low-income units) and AB-130 CEQA exemption. Conditions modified. Vote.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Item 12 - Fourth and Central vesting tract map appeal

Denied.

Second-level appeal of the vesting tentative tract map number 82974-CN-HCA for the Fourth and Central project (~2 million sq ft, 8-acre mixed-use, ~1,600 units, ~16% affordable) in the Arts District/CD14, filed by Kristen Fukushima on behalf of Little Tokyo Community Council. Applicant is LA Cold Storage (Larry Rausch/Rush, CEO), represented by Edgar Kaladjian of Mayer Brown. Appeal denied, subject to CD14 amended conditions and Department of City Planning corrections.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Amendment to exempt hotel restaurant workers from wage ordinance (Item 20B)

Denied.

Motion 20B introduced by Councilmember Rodriguez, seconded by Councilmember Park, to instruct the CLA and city attorney to draft an amendment to LAMC section 186.01 defining 'restaurant' and creating an exclusion for restaurants in hotels, which would revert those workers from the hotel minimum wage ($22.50) to the regular minimum wage ($17.87). Failed.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Item 13 - Fourth and Central conditional use permit and site plan review appeal

Denied.

Appeal by Kristen Fukushima on behalf of Little Tokyo Community Council of the main conditional use permit for up to 10 alcohol establishments and site plan review for the Fourth and Central project. Appeal denied (Rahman absent), sustaining the City Planning Commission approval, subject to amended conditions.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Item 15 - Vacation Rental Ordinance (VRO)

Deferred.

The vacation rental ordinance (CF 18-1246, 25-0029) was continued with report-backs requested on how to define and enforce a limited program without losing housing stock. City Planning recommended against a permanent VRO due to negative housing impacts; analysis showed short-term rentals become more lucrative than long-term after 28 days in impacted areas and 62 days citywide. Councilwoman Hutt's proposed amendments (limited program through 2028 events, 1% citywide cap, 250-foot separation, sunset by Dec 31 2028) were telegraphed but not adopted. Office of Finance estimated $25-30 million TOT potential. No vote required for the continuance/report-backs.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Support resolution for AB 1406 (item 12)

Approved.

Council adopted a support resolution endorsing AB 1406 (authored by Assemblymember Chris Ward), which raises the condominium buyer deposit / liquidated-damages cap from 3% to 6% to make condo projects financeable. Championed by Councilmember Nazarian. Vote: 14 ayes.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Item 26A - Amendment to LAX/hotel Olympic minimum wage ordinance

Approved.

Motion 26A (Harris Dawson, seconded by Lee) to amend the minimum wage ordinance affecting LAX and hotel workers, delaying the $30 wage to 2030. Numerous labor speakers (Unite Here Local 11, SEIU USWW, AFSCME) opposed; business speaker (CCA) supported the negotiated compromise. Councilmember Soto-Martinez voted no. Amendment passed.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 12 recorded zoning decisions. See all Los Angeles meetings →

Zoning Changes

• Zoning change, 8 acres at Fourth and Central, Arts District, CD14, Los Angeles

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 21 instances
• short term rental: 19 instances
• commercial: 16 instances
• residential: 14 instances
• density: 9 instances

What to Watch

• Short term rental is new this month with 19 mentions, not present in April.

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