1. Technical Bulletin No.: 13
Original Published Date: 01/05/11
Last Revision Date: 01/05/11
Public Participation Policy
This Technical Bulletin describes the Planning Department’s new Public Participation Policy, which goes
into effect immediately.
Late last year, the Planning Department released “Blueprint 2010-11”, eight strategic changes that will
enable the Department to “do more with less.” The first strategic change described in that document is
“increase community involvement”. The new Public Participation Policy described in this Technical Bulletin
is one of many steps the Planning Department will undertake in 2011 to increase community involvement in
planning for the future of Los Angeles.
Public Participation Policy
The purpose of the Public Participation Policy described in this Technical Bulletin is to engage Certified
Neighborhood Councils, community-based organizations, other affected stakeholders, and the general
public in the development of citywide plans and policies. This Policy applies to City-initiated:
- Amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code;
- Community Plans, Specific Plans, Overlay Zones and Districts; and
- Citywide Guidelines.
This Policy supplements and does not supersede or replace the specific public hearing and notification
requirements set forth in the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
Public Outreach
The Department will engage the public in the development of preliminary staff recommendation reports
before they are presented to the City Planning Commission. Different points of view will be considered. The
method of engagement will generally include public workshops, small group meetings, stakeholder
meetings, and other appropriate public participation methods, including web-based methods. The public
engagement process will enable staff to gain a better understanding of the issues, to weigh the policy
options, and to hear and respond to the public’s specific concerns and issues.
During this process, staff will present and discuss initial proposals, concepts and ideas, and solicit
feedback before arriving at a preliminary recommendation. The level and type of public engagement used
will be tailored to the complexity and significance of the issue, existing policy on the matter, the new policy
options that should be examined, and the points of view that should be considered.
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2. Bulletin No. 13 Original Published Date: 01/05/11 Revision Date: 01/05/11
Preliminary Staff Recommendation Report
Staff will release a preliminary staff recommendation report at least 60 days before the matter is
calendared before the City Planning Commission. A hearing officer appointed by the Director of Planning
will also conduct a public hearing on the preliminary staff recommendation report. During this 60-day
review period, the public will have the opportunity to comment on the preliminary report.
Final Staff Recommendation Report
At the end of the 60-day comment period, staff will review and consider all written and other public
comments and the testimony received at the public hearing. Based on this review and consideration, staff
may revise the preliminary staff recommendation report. The final staff recommendation report will be
released to the public at least two weeks before the City Planning Commission hearing date.
Distribution
To ensure widespread distribution of Planning Department preliminary and final staff recommendation
reports, a copy of the staff report will be posted on the Department’s website. In addition, a copy of the staff
report will be electronically provided to all members of Certified Neighborhood Councils, as shown on the
Department of Neighborhood Empowerment data base, as well as any interested party who requests one.
A paper copy of the staff report will also be available for pick-up at a public office of the Department by any
interested party, free of charge.
Environmental Clearance
The environmental clearance will evaluate the specific recommendations contained in the preliminary staff
recommendation report. The case file for the environmental clearance will also include a copy of the
preliminary report.
Questions
Questions about this Policy may be directed to the Department’s Neighborhood Liaison,
Claudia Rodriguez, at (213) 978-1283, or by emailing her at Claudia.Rodriguez@lacity.org.
Conclusion
The Public Participation Policy set forth in this Technical Bulletin will enable the Planning Department to
engage the public in the development of staff recommendations before they are submitted to the City
Planning Commission. Each community has its own unique voice and priorities and the Department must
listen in order to plan for and protect the future of our neighborhoods. The new Public Participation Policy
described in this Technical Bulletin will enable us to listen to these unique voices and consider these
priorities.
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