[{"_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",6248863,"mediaKeyId","3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420","parentId",3208432,"title","El Segundo council introduces code changes to align single‑family rules with state law; tree mandate draws council debate","audioSeconds",1753,"startMs",1995000,"endMs",3748000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420&start=1995&end=3748","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420/thumbnail_1995000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6248863/El-Segundo-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/El-Segundo-council-introduces-code-changes-to-align-singlefamily-rules-with-state-law-tree-mandate-draws-council-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248863-a58016dcf9b77ca42fc6149dbe51c4d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165007&Signature=ABUCqK6URze5mzRudOQbC9~fPvhclRm2W5z84UgJnOLXuRxwI7nEehbaC3TKUK37y91cQOvfArdNFJb-vhWCbAfj9IeZ19mpBYyI8YprDIEprST3eQkGsvErVeExfc8GpJAgA1ze65mhIpBPeREbBHPEI8EFyqnXF4RlUe7aGhcPwGw09FubIVYey5OrCxgLNPAv0TFakZkGFVNQOfrloRbe007QG~qn2lNci2E3qdVFrkWax2no173XqQ1BYOteEyPw9EID6PJy1Qu68W7~PRn9qjCSM-Wgq-tcYMwAaayEcHeE6NqjaJAU9nQjlKZHR42n7ykFj7Wh~ibZjR9vYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of El Segundo CA","date","2025-05-07T03:21:23Z","article","El Segundo City Council introduced an ordinance May 6 to amend the city zoning code so standards for urban lot splits match the rules that apply to single‑family (R‑1) lots, city planning staff said.

Planning director Paul Samaris told the council the changes respond to a state law, Senate Bill 450, that bars cities from imposing subjective or more restrictive standards on urban lot splits than on other development in the same zone. \"The bill prohibits subjective standards for urban lot splits that do not apply uniformly within the underlying zone,\" Samaris said, and the draft ordinance takes a number of existing urban‑lot‑split rules and either applies R‑1 standards uniformly or relaxes overly restrictive local rules.

The recommendation would alter a range of development rules: building height (preserving R‑1 pitched‑roof height allowances rather than a flat 26‑foot cap for splits); front yard setbacks (22 feet minimum in current R‑1); permitted front‑yard encroachments; side yard setbacks (keeping the R‑1 percentage formula but capping the minimum at 4 feet for urban lot splits, per state limit); floor‑area rules (retain a 60% FAR cap for wider lots and remove unit‑size maximums that applied only to urban lot splits); garage stepbacks; building separation (matching the R‑1 3‑foot requirement); driveway widths; alley access; and landscaping. Samaris said the planning commission recommended applying the R‑1 rules in most cases and removing some urban‑split‑only mandates.

Council attention focused most on a planning commission recommendation that would require planting at least one tree in the front yard for new primary dwelling construction. \"It says specifically a 24‑inch box,\" Samaris said when asked about the size. Several council members questioned whether the city should mandate a 24‑inch‑box tree in front yards for all R‑1 properties going forward. One councilmember said the original urban‑lot‑split standard had required two 24‑inch box trees but that extending a tree mandate citywide might be an unnecessary restriction on homeowners. Another councilmember argued the tree requirement had been intended to help new denser development better blend into neighborhood character.

Public comment at the hearing was limited; no written communications were received, and staff recommended the council waive first reading and schedule a second reading. The city attorney read the ordinance title, and the council moved to introduce the ordinance for first reading; the ordinance was introduced and will return for a second reading and vote at the May 20 meeting.

What happens next: the ordinance is scheduled for the second reading May 20; if adopted the municipal code (El Segundo Municipal Code Title 15, Chapter 4) will be revised to remove or modify urban‑split‑specific standards that are inconsistent with Senate Bill 450. Council discussion left the tree requirement unresolved, and members said it can be revisited before final adoption.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - Tuesday, May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","El Segundo City Council introduced an ordinance May 6 to amend the city zoning code so standards for urban lot splits match the rules that apply to single‑family (R‑1) lots, city planning staff said.","taxTitle","El Segundo City, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",70907,"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},6248843,"Council forms ad hoc special‑events committee to plan for World Cup, Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics",472,6308000,6780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420&start=6308&end=6780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420/thumbnail_6308000.jpg","/articles/6248843/El-Segundo-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-forms-ad-hoc-specialevents-committee-to-plan-for-World-Cup-Super-Bowl-and-2028-Olympics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248843-5c2960d490e7a6675eaa08c4d84e8bee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165007&Signature=XbUTM-chMixqPLVOFauTJ6un1bYrMByUgcjYzieO~wNNPNX8zZKVPGS9D~~TkuOWFb8hg8tY3bStcEtetsph49GcIwWL1kmmur0ljjH5RTKSxvmLCOHy3vk1-N35D2fTCZUMabQROzq7ALj-DXmbMsgh3tcYJzYJKd8x3XbWbPrGvXVeFCxDL4YAUAXFB~zYWVnmpCD1Y--SLYF44~akeGxXsWn1kHGYfC3E5jmpZ5irkg2HXSHtqefKwGxTTeCVPTg9NiDXxcB-e1CL1ziWm1hiVzzz4N5DjTqkjJFflIT80XO9SGJSIHssW2CIubSR2Cnl4mDVCtAq-eVg6ASoPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Segundo City Council on May 6 established an ad hoc special‑events committee to help the city plan for major upcoming events such as the World Cup, Super Bowl and the lead‑up to the 2028 Olympics.

Councilmember Keldorff was appointed as the council's ad hoc representative. Council direction asked the ad hoc to meet with relevant departments and commissions to produce a short work plan and a recommended committee composition; councilmembers suggested keeping the group \"lean and mean\" to be effective. Suggestions for representation included a planning commissioner, a parks & recreation commissioner, one or two city staff (economic development or public works), and limited outside participation as needed.

Council asked the ad hoc to report back in approximately two meetings (target: early June) with proposed structure and priorities, including consideration of traffic and safety, short‑term rental policy, hospitality and tourism coordination, and potential special events programming tied to national or international delegations.

","The council appointed Councilmember Keldorff to lead an ad hoc committee to scope special‑event planning (traffic, safety, hospitality and short‑term rental policy) for major upcoming events. The committee will return with membership and a work plan at the next meeting in June.",{"_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},6248848,"Survey finds steady resident satisfaction; council directs staff to integrate continuous feedback via city app",925,4561000,5486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420&start=4561&end=5486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420/thumbnail_4561000.jpg","/articles/6248848/El-Segundo-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Survey-finds-steady-resident-satisfaction-council-directs-staff-to-integrate-continuous-feedback-via-city-app","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248848-634e714b1ee6391ffdc4f9cf8c46c2fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165007&Signature=hyOw5oSsaFuHNhJVWwQmbEuwR7~~cUYMa2dN~JBiQhi1ETd7CYhLZWLbim9YsJGGQ66Wmi01obEmSaXcU7FJWkLzn9Yivn7M1yOIQ90u0d9bzV0xdVQPnPI~6Od~9Rq71wbiOMSVP4~FSH7NJTHN6bKgBYwxyVniUwUAWVrMLX893bxrGdD3cCslo~sBz~djrI5jzIAijkQpaVeSspVY34YBIOZsxfRbUFTS8ABKKYTnUYNH9hboBvTGCHygpQnkA6EfBP74UCjbn8XlHKIIcl6IMKPNpfi7hr15iPUWVgYCyeJtNIq61WIf~zMgGD1ZT87r5eYqGFIuoGd6mJtICw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the results of the 2025 resident and business surveys May 6 and the council voted to receive and file the report and to direct staff to pursue more continuous, transaction‑level feedback via the city app.

Deputy City Manager (presenting) said the surveys were the eighth annual effort and that resident net promoter score (NPS) was 46, in a range the presentation described as \"great;\" business NPS was 54. The presenter said the resident response rate was about 25% for mailed resident surveys (3,457 mailed to residents, 25.3% response) and the combined resident/business response rate was roughly 20% overall.

Survey highlights: residents praised public safety and recreation amenities but raised recurring concerns about odor/air quality (Hyperion and Chevron/LAX), high cost of living and parking. Businesses expressed satisfaction with the business license renewal process and public safety responses but raised issues about communication with nonresident property owners, maintenance near businesses, commercial auto‑insurance contract requirements, and parking.

Council discussion focused on methods to increase timely, actionable feedback. Several members urged integrating the net promoter approach at points of transaction—after people interact with planning, permitting or other city services—rather than relying solely on an annual static survey. One councilmember recommended piloting in‑app prompts or QR codes at service desks and in the El Segundo Connect app; another suggested doing the larger mailed/emailed survey less frequently (for example, every other year) while capturing service‑level NPS continuously. Council gave staff direction to attempt integrating the survey into the app and other points of service for 2026 and to report back.

","The city's 2025 resident and business surveys returned similar net promoter scores to prior years (residents NPS 46, businesses NPS 54). Council received the report, asked staff to explore continuous, transaction‑level feedback through the El Segundo Connect app, and agreed to pilot more targeted point‑of‑service surveys next year.",{"_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},6248853,"Council approves Club Cowabunga after‑school program; private providers raise questions about overlap",535,5741000,6276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420&start=5741&end=6276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420/thumbnail_5741000.jpg","/articles/6248853/El-Segundo-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-Club-Cowabunga-afterschool-program-private-providers-raise-questions-about-overlap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248853-35c64457167c1db7e606962f47858b3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165007&Signature=mkgf3v268-KWjUrIAOjKeqJ~nzYNY-EA1Q~iqNqhdf2~Jdn4tBfk1yEzMH2~5Bca3HUdAKfgmjHFRTB~FXT~w2Bj-Ju8Ip4SWSHh9N9Ve08GjYCdTSBYgS4Ow5qV0jXEDrbWleAGHzskAAiD5c052irMRfreoFKqHex-hunGaoildiM8dEUc~l7o1ihotyb~K5jKHurw6ryvtqcWSD9T54H0OtbIc1OkELvO~3lHxplDr6ktS0Wz8s2wftdtI3-odxSI~dVLzyzbDKk6J0mM2V66EY-XlTaCI4~X6qcp7d8~FmLOI-xTBrMBaRSFEwYkfk57y7GUV9ELh7s6btBI5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Segundo City Council voted May 6 to approve a new city‑run after‑school program, Club Cowabunga, planned to operate at the Gordon Clubhouse for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Recreation, Parks & Library Director Ali Mancini described the program as a wellness‑focused after‑school option emphasizing recreation and social skills rather than extended homework support. \"Club Cowabunga would focus on offering wellness and recreation programming while helping children build social skills in a safe and supportive environment,\" Mancini said. Staff proposed a fee of $450 per month for residents and $550 per month for nonresidents, plus an initial registration fee of $100 (residents) or $120 (nonresidents). Based on estimated enrollment of 30–40 students in year one, Mancini said the program could generate $67,000–$97,000 for the general fund; staff estimated later expansion to higher enrollment in year two.

Before the council item, a local program operator, Eric Hennesson (owner/operator of Family & Wellness Studio), addressed the council during public comment to ask how the city's program would affect existing providers, whether the city and private operators would run parallel programs, how the program would be marketed, and how fees and enrollment would interact. \"We look at our partnership or contract with the city very seriously,\" Hennesson told the council, saying his program currently serves eight full‑time students ages TK through third grade and that he was seeking clarity about potential competition if the city offered an overlapping program.

Councilmembers asked about hours (staff estimated roughly 20 hours per week, about 80 hours per month) and the registration fee's purpose; Mancini said the registration fee covers paperwork and helps stabilize enrollment. Mancini also noted a recreation program scholarship for families with financial hardship. The council approved the program motion (moved by Councilmember Drew, seconded by Councilmember Keldorf) and voted in favor.

What comes next: staff will begin program setup at the Gordon Clubhouse and work with the district and community to enroll students. The council asked staff to monitor demand and how the program interacts with existing providers.

","The council approved a new city‑run after‑school program, Club Cowabunga, to run at the Gordon Clubhouse for kindergarten through fifth grade. Staff projected 30–40 students first year and revenue of $67,000–$97,000; a local program operator raised concerns during public comment about potential competition and program details.",{"_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},6248858,"Council adopts fee‑deferral policy to delay some development fees until certificate of occupancy",939,3697000,4636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420&start=3697&end=4636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3208432-9afffe2d3c51448ea09956a6920b6420/thumbnail_3697000.jpg","/articles/6248858/El-Segundo-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-adopts-feedeferral-policy-to-delay-some-development-fees-until-certificate-of-occupancy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248858-d14b35454c7ef954f28dea16a401f487/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165007&Signature=JHOR0ncZ7M80mxDbHIhkpsJMZMqzbaf~aYMNFDbUx3Xhz44NcGjKZamNjleZzcmNDT3WWggAJNfMYEyfn6iTIMDkWdFgGhgARVqNoHf63rs1mbMEoe4n8WJyfebG6dbtG~XS1P1qQ0PBVmgYjvOeB4G2d791tudVFwIyEyx5M57CcPE9ctA0bGFsxY9H4G7BLWfS260nvrHuuaVmFJXKvkcqlEJ0K6dqz2PNgCvuNxmTXt0PZVuNPLsw2-vcblk4fSTuv9EyGhhi7Z8MSk58WPYG6ziYX2RLAoPxBkGFX8QjQVQklc~97osDgdrwgYWQnA3afMyAbmtVlJUfhGnH4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Segundo City Council adopted a resolution May 6 establishing a fee‑deferral program that allows qualifying projects to postpone payment of certain development impact fees and specified building permit fees until prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or final inspection.

Director Allen (Building/Development) told the council the item responds to economic pressures on development—high financing costs and delays—and is intended to spur projects that might otherwise be delayed. \"We're not looking to waive any fees or exempt any fees or or reduce the fees in any way,\" Allen said, explaining that the program only changes payment timing.

The ordinance change modifies El Segundo Municipal Code Title 15, Chapter 32 to allow fee deferral in specified circumstances; a companion resolution authorizes an administrative agreement form and the process for deferral of certain building permit issuance fees that are not tied to immediate staff services. Staff said the deferral would generally apply to fees connected to long‑term capital improvements rather than inspection or permit processing costs.

Council members asked how the city would ensure deferred fees were ultimately paid. Allen said staff considered liens but had not included an automatic lien provision in the ordinance because that process can be complex. He said the council's primary leverage is withholding a final certificate of occupancy: \"With the certificate of occupancy the idea is you can build it but if you don't pay your fees you don't get that piece of paper that allows people to actually go inside your new building,\" he said. Councilmembers discussed additional legal remedies and the practical leverage exerted by lenders and tenants, who typically require a certificate of occupancy to take possession or to convert construction financing.

Staff provided an illustration: in a recent large project the combined cultural development, permit and impact fees totaled roughly $1.5 million; deferral could ease developers' short‑term cash needs, staff said. After public hearing, the council adopted the resolution authorizing the fee‑deferral program by a 5‑0 vote and introduced the implementing ordinance for first reading; the ordinance will return on May 20 for second reading.

","El Segundo adopted a resolution to allow developers to defer certain development impact fees and non‑immediate building permit fees until prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy; council discussed safeguards including withholding occupancy to ensure payment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

El Segundo council introduces code changes to align single‑family rules with state law; tree mandate draws council debate

Council forms ad hoc special‑events committee to plan for World Cup, Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics

Survey finds steady resident satisfaction; council directs staff to integrate continuous feedback via city app

Council approves Club Cowabunga after‑school program; private providers raise questions about overlap

Council adopts fee‑deferral policy to delay some development fees until certificate of occupancy