Planning commission approves six‑story, 12‑unit Hayworth project despite parking and storage‑conversion objections

The West Hollywood Planning Commission voted 5–2 on Feb. 19 to approve draft resolution PC26‑1634, allowing the demolition of three existing residential buildings and construction of a six‑story, 12‑unit apartment building at 946–948 North Hayworth Avenue.

Staff framed the project as a state‑law‑driven development that uses the density bonus to reach a 12‑unit maximum for the 6,800‑square‑foot site, including two deed‑restricted affordable units and two rent‑stabilized replacement units. "The project meets the definition of a housing development project under the Housing Accountability Act and will add 12 units of much‑needed housing to the city," Associate Planner Casey Connley said in the staff presentation, describing the site, zoning and the AB130 timeline.

Why it matters: The proposal prompted a sustained public outcry over parking, the conversion of existing rent‑stabilized housing and the inclusion of large storage rooms on upper floors. Opponents said the design unduly favors future market units over neighborhood stability and school‑adjacent safety; backers said the project responds to a regional housing shortage and complies with state law.

Staff and applicant response: Staff described required conditions intended to address construction impacts, school adjacency and outreach. "The city’s existing performance measures—construction traffic control, dust control and noise control—directly address the concerns raised in the LAUSD letter," Todd Nelson, land‑use counsel for the applicant, said in rebuttal. Applicant architect Will Carson said the project focuses on larger family‑type units and on maximizing light and ventilation given the narrow lot.

Community concerns: Multiple residents and community groups argued the plan reduces the neighborhood’s supply of naturally occurring affordable housing. Public commenter Victor Omulchenko told the commission the project represented "a strategy of approval by exhaustion," urging denial on legal and procedural grounds. Several neighbors and the local school district raised safety and air‑quality concerns tied to construction, and many warned that the three onsite parking spaces and permissive street‑parking eligibility would increase parking pressure on a block they said already had about 19 public spaces.

Legal and policy context: Staff cited West Hollywood municipal code provisions and the state density bonus statute (Gov. Code 65915) and noted the project was submitted under AB130, which triggers an accelerated environmental and tribal consultation timeline. Staff said tribal consultation concluded Nov. 27, 2025, and AB130 established a decision timeline the city sought to honor.

Deliberation and outcome: Commissioners split over competing priorities. Commissioner Huben Garner called the plan "a blatant slap in the face to the state law," arguing the proposed upper‑floor storage rooms and waivers were being used to maximize market units. Other commissioners said the commission’s authority is limited by state law and emphasized the need to add housing supply. The motion to approve passed 5–2; Commissioners Caralero and Huben Garner voted no.

Next steps: The commission’s action adopts resolution PC26‑1634. The approval is appealable to the West Hollywood City Council within 10 calendar days of Feb. 19; the city clerk’s office handles appeals and required forms and fees.