We are invited to a "Public Workshop"

The Department of City Planning Cordially invites You to a Public Workshop.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Boys & Girls Club of Venice
2232 Lincoln Blvd
Venice, 90291

Lincoln Boulevard Community Design Overlay District (CDO)
Public Workshop

The Los Angeles City Planning Department invites you to attend a Workshop regarding a proposed Community Design Overlay District (CDO) affecting all properties along Lincoln Boulvard between the Santa Monica-Los Angeles city boundary and the Marina Expressway. (see attached map) This is an opportunity for you to meet City staff to discuss the process of the CDO, review materials including draft plan text, and provide your input on how the appearance of Lincoln Boulevard can be improved.

A CDO can enhance the visual and aesthetic qualities of an area by imposing design guidelines and standards, applicable to new developments and to alterations of existing buildings. The proposed CDO will address such considerations as storefront design, building orientation, site layout, parking lot placement, landscaping, and signage and may restrict ground floor uses in some areas.

Your attendance at the workshop is encouraged and your feedback is important. As a courtesy, please call to confirm your attendance so we know how many people to accommodate (however, walk-ins will be welcome). If you are unable to attend and would like to submit comments, or if you have any questions, please contact Shana Bonstin at (213) 978-1207 or shana.bonstin@lacity.org .

We look forward to seeing you at the workshop.

Why a CDO?

The intent of the proposed CDO is to provide design guidance and direction to enhance the visual identity, and to improve the walkability and the appearance of the Lincoln corridor.

What initiated this effort?

Encouraged by Venice community members and existing local improvement efforts, the Los Angeles City Council approved a Motion requesting the Department of City Planning to create a CDO for Lincoln Boulvard.

What is the process for creating this CDO?

Planning Department Staff met with focus groups, conducted research and analysis, and is currently drafting a detailed CDO document that will be available at this Public Workshop. After this meeting, Staff will consider comments and revise the draft document. Subsequently, the Planning Department will conduct an Open House to present the proposed CDO, followed by a Public Hearing, where members of the public may formally provide comments to a Hearing Officer. The proposed CDO, with revisions, will then be presented to the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission and the City Planning Commission, with opportunities for public input at each scheduled meeting.

If the CDO is approved, who will be affected and how?

The CDO guidelines and standards are applicable to all development projects requiring a building permit and located within the Lincoln CDO boundary area. If a property or business owner wishes to construct a building, remodel a facade, or erect a sign, they must first submit an application and receive approval from the Planning Department, pursuant to the requirements of the CDO. This review process is in addition to other necessary reviews and clearances, such as those required by the Department of Building and Safety.