[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6631291,"mediaKeyId","2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92","parentId",2680069,"title","Council holds workshops on SB 9 and ADU rules; staff seeks direction on objective local standards","audioSeconds",2007,"startMs",5199000,"endMs",7206000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92&start=5199&end=7206","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92/thumbnail_5199000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6631291/Norwalk/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-holds-workshops-on-SB-9-and-ADU-rules-staff-seeks-direction-on-objective-local-standards","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631291-2463d8b1bde04b5bfbdbe0ada3edcbef/orig.mp4?Expires=1774993191&Signature=FIxx3MjCuZ-lWZcoz3WpINkVaLRLX6mutkFk~aZ9Dq4DKQNi16O0ShWgLqlInUImvpffhRGbjqYCPmgESsMBWb~87V2Kov1WZMI93triJsX5oLGCCYuTCNMzGQYQbvdkj7LqLtdoCEcAD5e0AGUVGBPx3SAZGnKXj9Ac6iNWPwhLkeMy2N9hytEnpi0va9ndIbxgvWIVsBtxT7txo2e3uZEAO1Lez3jYvT5vqxYmBoEaXrjSK4RJA3mAkGueZAPVKKhEkShJUtMPq7XAyahD9Yk~CaeuwMr68xMVKXYCp0zmSycccqXdd~SzPgNuVCdB7iflj~-ruwv1TYqRPIenRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norwalk","date","2025-03-19T04:24:17.86Z","article","The Norwalk City Council on March 18 reviewed state laws that alter how single‑family lots may be subdivided under SB 9 and how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are regulated, and asked staff to return with draft objective standards aimed at limiting neighborhood impacts while complying with state requirements.

Planning staff presented SB 9 background, explaining the law (effective Jan. 1, 2022) allows ministerial approval in many cases for up to two primary dwellings on a parcel and enables an ‘‘urban lot split’’ into two parcels in many single‑family zones. Senior staff explained that the law restricts local discretion in certain cases but does permit cities to impose objective development standards in order to address impacts such as parking, building separation, open space and privacy.

City staff illustrated how SB 9 combined with ADU rules can substantially increase density on existing single‑family parcels — in some examples converting a single house into up to four units on subdivided or split lots — and noted that many of Norwalk’s single‑family zones consist of 5,000‑square‑foot lots where splits could create much smaller parcels. Staff reiterated that some categories are exempt from SB 9, including historic districts and deed‑restricted affordable housing.

Planning staff also reviewed ADU law changes since 2018 and identified key concerns in Norwalk: a sharp rise in ADU inquiries and applications; requests to legalize previously unpermitted garage conversions; multiunit conversions in multifamily buildings; reduced on‑site parking when conversions remove carports or garages; and requests for two‑story ADUs that raise privacy and design compatibility questions. The presentation listed local options staff can pursue subject to state law: limit ADU height, require enclosed off‑street parking when feasible, set minimum building separation (staff suggested 6 feet), set objective window and screening requirements, require mature tree and landscape plantings, and require minimum line‑of‑sight and trash‑storage standards.

At the council workshop several members urged staff to pursue a conservative approach to minimize impacts on neighborhood character and infrastructure. Vice Mayor Jennifer Perez and Councilmember Margarita Rios emphasized the need to protect parking, stormwater and sewer capacity and to monitor county fire code implications — councilmembers cited cases where small additions triggered costly fire‑protection infrastructure upgrades.

Planning Director Alex Hamilton and Senior Planner Sofia Tatlian said staff will draft a city ordinance with as many objective standards as state law allows — the ordinance will be returned to the Planning Commission and council for review. Hamilton noted that some state‑required exemptions limit what municipalities can do, but many of the design and screening standards staff proposed are objective and therefore potentially defensible under state law.

Councilmembers asked staff to provide the workshop slides and to return with a draft ordinance that includes proposed objective standards for setbacks, parking, building separation, open space and landscaping, and guidance on historic‑district designations where applicable.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - 3/18/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff updated council on state laws affecting subdivisions (SB 9) and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), described potential neighborhood impacts and sought direction to draft objective local standards constrained by state mandates.","taxTitle","Norwalk, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",4534,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631296,"Council hears staff report on Norwalk Auto Auction lease; staff to return with compliance list and market analysis",198,3840000,4038000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92&start=3840&end=4038","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92/thumbnail_3840000.jpg","/articles/6631296/Norwalk/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-hears-staff-report-on-Norwalk-Auto-Auction-lease-staff-to-return-with-compliance-list-and-market-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631296-804568f2232515c32cdace39863ab090/orig.mp4?Expires=1774993191&Signature=T~6gDZGQDdp4RBuBHNYWC-~2e4CJLwy9~NjSOskgWsPy8zQkfFHPeQetFRFVIJMQ0prSZ95BIjX~VvRQZ8jUJaQ1bpbgKFtiqG~15oSjioaPAjpTFqRXxiah~obwD65ionY28tw6pWUvFxDTRBBFp0iR0KUl9iRoC~3rQFsYB7kXCLdnAcAXMyCTNKaYSoiKreccLDvA~E1uyNkZifA6ygnZvBeloOrl0HeK-2~OXla0a9re8bgVoYvj6tC70e~Lc~SXgKB07wv-xVuMnHvQ~eHjWDKaoPs1NWIjsCoHS8Duw8SNhnmASKQflJEAVftRtpgfkuj~kBTiG-rqiMeCMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff briefed the Norwalk City Council on March 18 about negotiations on a proposed third amendment to the city’s long‑standing ground lease for the Norwalk Auto Auction at 12405 Rosecrans Avenue. The council pulled the item from the consent calendar to receive more detail before taking final action.

Alex Hamilton, presenting for staff, said Acquire Corp. has leased the property since Sept. 1, 1985 and the parties have been negotiating a long‑term ground lease amendment. Hamilton described outstanding property‑maintenance issues — building repairs, landscaping and perimeter walls — that have been required by prior amendments and said the proposed third amendment would provide a temporary extension through August to allow further negotiation and completion of required work.

When Councilmember Margarita Rios asked how much the lease contributes to the city’s general fund, staff replied the lease generates ‘‘about approximately $861,000 per year.’’ Councilmembers pressed staff for more documentation and said they wanted assurance the tenant is meeting maintenance obligations. Hamilton confirmed some items previously required were completed — he cited replacement of a dilapidated fence — but that other repairs remain in active plan check or need a work plan and schedule from the tenant.

Several councilmembers asked for more specifics before approving a multi‑year extension. Councilmember Rios asked staff to return with a list of items required under the 2021 amendment and which had been completed versus outstanding. Councilmember Anne Valencia asked for a market‑rate lease study for city‑owned property of comparable size and location to confirm the city is receiving fair market value.

Staff indicated the tenant had requested a five‑year lease with a five‑year extension but said staff was not prepared to recommend that length of term at this meeting. Instead, staff sought authority to approve a short, temporary third amendment while negotiations continued. Councilmembers did not approve a final amendment on March 18; they directed staff to return with a detailed compliance list, a tenant work plan and schedule, and a market‑rate lease study when the item is brought back to council for decision.","Council received a staff presentation about a proposed temporary third amendment to the city’s ground lease with Norwalk Auto Auction (Acquire Corp) and requested a detailed list of required repairs, a timeline, and a market rate lease study before considering a longer‑term extension.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631300,"Council approves $626,216 planning agreement for Norwalk, Holifield and Robert White parks",567,7633000,8200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92&start=7633&end=8200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92/thumbnail_7633000.jpg","/articles/6631300/Norwalk/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-626216-planning-agreement-for-Norwalk-Holifield-and-Robert-White-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631300-18c2728107d1c548ce21ec252cc4f8b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1774993191&Signature=IBfHdKeLv0EsV1iB4pYzVBsxxwqJNaoUR2RC-3MsVF842R3dUg2L0BCGhqHb9D-wmlz~hJDuL0mc5-rJopirHASKOMo6DsbDlRezj2ZAhB0YAvnxWXLXfBCUDNPhaD-fyjCrrKIningr0FNJ8hsefK-6jbIqvSJxt3~ogSJ~ev6zZ5GNls17MbzNo2nlbFCWiqxBGvdm7sBi9DYo3txbftI-Nw3ztBY0o1EXp0WYXumEqfZzT~1bPXyI3TivO-tzljAt22BK~0JDrqAvrQRoAHAlFq6-dssfaxBAmw~FoG-G8r9~Ec1WfynkhgdznnY8uNqTxPb0c9dHCj26bLVJIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk City Council on March 18 approved a $626,216 budget amendment and a planning and design services agreement to update master plans for Norwalk Park, Holifield Park and Robert White Park.

Sonia Bautres, who presented the staff report, said the city received a $181,740 Technical Assistance Program (TAP) allocation from the Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Space program to support planning for additional park acreage and that existing park renovation funds would cover the remainder of the fee. Staff recommended awarding the contract to David Bolt’s design firm (proposal listed as David Bolt’s Design) after an RFP evaluation; Bryant Avalos, studio manager for the firm, attended the meeting to answer questions.

The agreement will update the Norwalk Park master plan to incorporate newly acquired Caltrans lots and connect parking areas with the aquatic pavilion; prepare a Holifield Park master plan that incorporates 15 acres the city received from the U.S. Air Force; and complete a master plan for Robert White Park to guide future improvements such as lighting, irrigation, accessible parking and additional amenities. Staff said the work is intended to strengthen the city’s eligibility for future state and county park funding programs, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Councilmembers praised the project and asked the consultant about design precedent; Avalos referenced recent award‑winning projects the firm has completed in nearby jurisdictions. Councilmember Anne Valencia and others also asked that the plans incorporate native landscaping, biodiversity and water‑conservation elements. The resolution authorizing the budget amendment and the design agreement passed on a unanimous roll call.

The contract sum was presented as $626,216; staff said $444,476 would come from the City’s Park Renovation Fund and $181,740 from the county TAP allocation. Work will proceed under the city manager’s signature subject to city attorney approval of final contract form.","The council approved a budget amendment and contract with David Bolt’s design firm to prepare master plans and designs for Norwalk Park, Holifield Park and Robert White Park, funded by the Park Renovation Fund and a County Technical Assistance Program allocation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631305,"Norwalk council adopts resolution of intention to form Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District with county partner",2429,2771000,5200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92&start=2771&end=5200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92/thumbnail_2771000.jpg","/articles/6631305/Norwalk/Los-Angeles-County/California/Norwalk-council-adopts-resolution-of-intention-to-form-Enhanced-Infrastructure-Financing-District-with-county-partner","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631305-5e13abab28b9115b872bcafeabbebf87/orig.mp4?Expires=1774993191&Signature=AsRZB3pFLQlzFXAJifrCsgDZ9s2pjyJ8OnyYz5blTdYq8uG9hgdcRYt9ET4vCDQPWfMij-n66auXbPog8nmbq4DD6NNF8sVT6l1wZp8n55E8QhcAhkC0tWJrI4PmqvDGA3eEgXhUCTHYovDix-xpSfkE31F8blrgiqm5EczUnJKdUmudpxCiZ1~Z-RbnRHr44679kFmGBwgg87EiZRfpRznYkwsEROiZBluKUm645t9mBul1YnZcvmhtwY4ydI-iH~FVEJ1ePgPv9mjvk31hO6lECEq1NMcoPnY7NiWN6TtcLid1f1xS33U-65k3vLwxcJ4wJtrO7mtr1qZfSzOWIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk City Council voted unanimously March 18 to adopt a resolution of intention to form an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) and the Norwalk Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Public Financing Authority, a step staff and consultants say will allow the city to set aside part of future assessed‑value growth in targeted areas to pay for infrastructure.

Joe Dieguez, a public‑finance adviser with Cosmont, told the council the EIFD is “a way, without adding any new or increased taxes, to capture value from new investment coming in” and dedicate a share of that incremental property tax growth to streets, utilities, affordable housing and other infrastructure. Dieguez said the county has tentatively scheduled its accompanying resolution of intention for April 15 and that the proposal focuses on roughly 200 acres in targeted growth areas.

Dieguez and Cosmont partner Ken Hera outlined key elements: the district would freeze current assessed values at formation, capture a portion of later increases as “tax increment,” create a public financing authority governed by local elected officials and public representatives, and pursue an infrastructure financing plan with detailed project lists, budgets and public hearings.

Council members asked about likely project types and future steps. City staff and consultants said eligible projects would include roadway and utility capacity improvements, affordable housing, parks and transit connectivity. Dieguez gave an illustrative order‑of‑magnitude estimate of roughly $30 million in available revenue over 10 years from the target area, noting that final numbers and any bonding plan would be set in a later infrastructure financing plan and public review process.

Mayor Tony Ayala and other council members described EIFD formation as a long‑term financing tool to attract other funding and accelerate redevelopment. The council approved the nonbinding resolution of intention by unanimous roll call; staff will proceed to draft a detailed financing plan, coordinate with Los Angeles County, and complete the required noticed public hearings before formal district formation.

The next steps enumerated by staff include preparing the infrastructure financing plan, conducting the statutory series of public meetings and hearings, finalizing a governance agreement with the county if it becomes a partner, and returning to council later this year with a recommended project list and financing schedule.","The council unanimously approved a resolution of intention to form an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) and public financing authority to capture a portion of future assessed‑value growth in targeted districts and finance infrastructure and affordable housing projects.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631310,"Norwalk reviews draft five-year consolidated plan and FY 2025–26 annual action plan; public services and capital projects proposed",1434,4897000,6331000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92&start=4897&end=6331","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680069-8c945a258ccea21ba6d5648a8c44fe92/thumbnail_4897000.jpg","/articles/6631310/Norwalk/Los-Angeles-County/California/Norwalk-reviews-draft-five-year-consolidated-plan-and-FY-202526-annual-action-plan-public-services-and-capital-projects-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631310-cb5af87f5a5cb5936ddfc46c051c65b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1774993191&Signature=leCk4po4aLA1vRZko8VD6GGmSSC2P09bY40x0OteI-y4yzM9i-YEwPnPp0TIZADEt25-8qwBUejPPHqA2BXCg0fko5maZGlDq933kFdYMgq9WQUqBBPNKR22TLtmd-y229YKM-UUU7P1NWQ3HwqMf9tcLAy1TIWO9ytCtATaXzp7SgPGX6iV1tsqkdepQRX6gkvNx-wsWV0kF6kA83mo9xoDIJW1OBGPpeYKHJEOMgfLn~YX31CP0W3TQSTztKFGHpY3djNQELjS6RE2kmQ4~Dh0utcurC97fB6vuLgiwqMEUdBzhFIF0Kg~gxRK3YtRkEj5CkMvxGxnPs5lGiHYkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials on March 18 presented a draft five‑year Consolidated Plan and the fiscal year 2025–26 Annual Action Plan describing how Norwalk plans to use federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds.

The draft Consolidated Plan covers July 1, 2025–June 30, 2030 and will guide use of CDBG and HOME formula grants the city receives directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Monica Trancoso, a consultant who worked on outreach and the draft plan, told the council the city solicited 437 survey responses and held community meetings and a housing summit to shape priorities.

The plan identifies six priorities — affordable housing, neighborhood preservation, special‑needs services, community facilities, economic development and planning/administration — based on available data and community input. Staff estimated the city could receive roughly $5,000,000 in CDBG funds and $1,500,000 in HOME funds across the five‑year period, depending on federal appropriations.

Planned FY 2025–26 uses described in the draft annual action plan include: funding for social‑service providers, capital improvements, economic development activities and HOME program investments to support affordable housing. Community Development Director Miranda Montgomery and staff provided a preliminary breakdown of recommended allocations. For CDBG the draft lists about $977,097 in entitlement funds and program income and carryover that staff estimated would result in available funds for the annual plan; staff also identified $536,678 for capital improvements and proposed a $100,000 economic development allocation that includes a $10,000 microenterprise grant to Upwards Inc.

Staff recommended a social‑services cap consistent with federal limits and listed proposed awards recommended by the Social Services Commission, including $75,000 for emergency services delivered by the Social Services Center, $20,000 for Community Legal Aid SoCal, $20,000 for Community Family Guidance Center and $20,000 for LA Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse. For HOME the draft identifies an estimated $240,414 for FY 2025–26, including administration, a CHDO set‑aside and a proposed security deposit assistance program.

Several nonprofit grantees spoke in favor of the funding recommendations during the public hearing. Melanie Fore, community impact manager for Upwards, asked the council to support the $10,000 economic development microenterprise award to expand child care capacity and coaching for low‑income in‑home providers. \"This allows them to efficiently manage and expand their business, create local teaching assistant jobs, and improve the quality and inclusivity of care,\" Fore said. Bill Cinco, executive director of Community Family Guidance Center, described sharp rises in crisis‑level mental‑health cases among Norwalk youth and said the organization's services remain in high demand.

Council members thanked staff and social‑services commissioners for review work and asked for additional detail in the final plan. Councilmember Margarita Rios requested that, when the item returns for adoption, staff include the specific list of repair/completion items and a comparative market study for any long‑term leases associated with funded projects. Staff noted the draft plan will be available for public review from March 25 through April 25, 2025 and that a final public hearing to adopt the annual action plan is tentatively scheduled for May 6, 2025. Staff also cautioned that the draft financial figures will be updated once HUD issues final entitlement amounts.

The council took the item as information and directed staff to return with a final annual action plan after the 30‑day public review period and in advance of the May adoption deadline.","City staff presented a draft five‑year Consolidated Plan and the FY 2025–26 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds, proposing social‑service grants, capital projects and housing investments and opening a 30‑day public review period.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council holds workshops on SB 9 and ADU rules; staff seeks direction on objective local standards

Council hears staff report on Norwalk Auto Auction lease; staff to return with compliance list and market analysis

Council approves $626,216 planning agreement for Norwalk, Holifield and Robert White parks

Norwalk council adopts resolution of intention to form Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District with county partner

Norwalk reviews draft five-year consolidated plan and FY 2025–26 annual action plan; public services and capital projects proposed