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Planning panel approves expansion of Hilton Universal City hotel, citing jobs and transit access
Summary
The Planning and Land Use Committee approved a zoning and height change for an 18‑story expansion to the Hilton Universal City Hotel that would add 395 rooms, bringing the site to about 890 rooms; supporters cited union jobs, transit access and preparation for major upcoming events. The measure passed 5-0.
The Planning and Land Use Committee on a 5-0 vote approved a vesting zone and height district change and the environmental clearance for an 18‑story expansion of the Hilton Universal City Hotel that would add 395 guest rooms to the site.
The expansion will increase the hotel complex to roughly 890 guest rooms, the applicant said. "The project, when completed, will include 890 guest rooms," Edward Kaladian, a project partner, told the committee during the hearing.
The project drew consistent support from labor groups and building-trades speakers who said the hotel would create local construction jobs and long‑term hospitality work near transit. "This project will place hundreds of jobs within the walking distance of the Metro B Line and other transit options," Marco Alcala of UNITE HERE Local 11 said during public comment. Union witnesses described apprenticeship and local‑hire commitments and urged approval.
Planning staff told the committee the project had cleared the City Planning Commission and that no letters of opposition had been received. "Planning has also not received any letters in opposition to this project," Morisson of the Department of City Planning said, summarizing the file before the committee.
Councilmember Raman said she supported moving the item forward and noted the project’s role in expanding hotel capacity ahead of multiple large events. "This project will bring nearly 400 additional guest rooms to the existing hotel online, giving us nearly 900 rooms with added amenities," Raman said.
The committee approved the vesting zone change, height district change ordinance and the environmental clearance and attendant conditions. The roll call recorded Bloomfield, Hutt, Nassarian, Lee and Raman voting aye; the clerk announced the item approved.
The developer and planning staff said the project team conducted multiple community outreach events and that the City Planning Commission had unanimously approved earlier entitlements. The committee’s approval forwards the ordinance and findings to the full council for final action as required by council rules; planning staff and the applicant said they are available to answer follow‑up questions from councilmembers.
Votes at a glance: Vesting zone and height district change ordinance and EIR/environmental clearance — approved 5-0 (Bloomfield: aye; Hutt: aye; Nasserian: aye; Lee: aye; Raman: yes).
