Council directs 90-day study of inclusionary zoning and housing trust fund options

The Los Angeles City Council voted Nov. 2 to move forward with a study of inclusionary zoning tied to the city ffordable Housing Trust Fund and to require a written report back to the City Council in 90 days.

Councilmember Eric Garcetti described the decision as a step to focus the study on an inclusionary zoning approach — measures that would require a percentage of new market-rate housing to be affordable or, alternately, allow developers to pay an in-lieu fee. Garcetti said the council is postponing a separate linkage-fee study at the mayor nd mayor—ommittee—an pursue that work in parallel.

Councilmember Rudy Reyes moved for the 90-day report-back on the inclusionary zoning study. Colleagues debated scope and enforcement issues, including whether requirements should include replacement of affordable units lost to conversions and the geographical radius for replacement units.

Councilmember (surname recorded in transcript as) Brits urged that any program include mechanisms to preserve existing affordable units and avoid displacement of residents. Several council members said they want planning and housing policy language to be coordinated so the land-use and housing tools would operate together.

After debate, the council approved the motion and related amendments (vote recorded 14 ayes). The vote instructs the housing department, planning staff and related city offices to return within 90 days with a report that lays out inclusionary zoning options, potential in-lieu fee levels, and how such requirements could be linked to the city ffordable Housing Trust Fund.