November 30, 2005
FAQ: Los Angeles HPOZs
PreserveLA recently received the following inquiry from one of our regular subscribers. Our response contains useful information that others may find helpful:
We have questions regarding HPOZ procedures and need a reference. Can you help? In particular, we are looking for answers to the following questions:
Is there one body of 'rules' that are set by the City of Los Angeles for all HPOZs?
What determines who is appointed to an HPOZ Board?
Who supervises the HPOZ Board and its decisions?
Where can we obtain more information on HPOZs and their creation?
Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZs) are the City of Los Angeles' version of a historic district. By definition, they are any designated "area of the City of Los Angeles containing buildings, structures, Landscaping, Natural Features or lots having Historic, architectural, Cultural or aesthetic significance."
The creation and administration of HPOZs is defined by Los Angeles City ordinance #175891. A copy of this ordinance, along with guidelines for the creation of HPOZ Preservation Plans and information about L.A.'s existing HPOZs, can be found on the Los Angeles Planning Department's website at: http://cityplanning.lacity.org (Click the 'Historic Preservation' link in the left-hand column of the main page). A downloadable copy of the L.A. HPOZ ordinance is also available in PDF format.
Most questions about HPOZs can be answered by reading this document. However, here are brief answers to our reader's specific questions:
1. Is there one body of 'rules' that are set by the City of Los Angeles for all HPOZs?
Yes. These rules are contained in the HPOZ ordinance, referenced above. You can view a copy of the ordinance at: http://cityplanning.lacity.org/Code_Studies/Other/ApprovHPOZOrd.pdf.
2. What determines who is appointed to an HPOZ Board?
The City of Los Angeles' HPOZ ordinance requires that a Historic Preservation Board be be established to oversee each HPOZ. The members of this Board must consist of residents of the community, preservation professionals, and others, as required by the ordinance. Each member is appointed by a different entity. One is appointed by the Mayor, one by the City Councilperson of the local council district, two by the Cultural Heritage Commission, and one by the Historic Preservation Board itself.
3. Who supervises the HPOZ Board and its decisions?
The powers and responsibilities of an Historic Preservation Board are defined by the city's HPOZ ordinance. The ordinance establishes the limits of what the Board can and cannot do, and the processes and procedures it must follow. If conflicts emerge, the HPOZ ordinance also prescribes an appeal process. Appeals are typically made to the Cultural Heritage Commission, the City Planning Director, the Area Planning Commission, and ultimately the Los Angeles City Council.
4. Where can we obtain more information on HPOZs and their creation?
To learn more about HPOZs, their creation and administration, you will want to visit the Los Angeles City Planning Department website, or contact the Planning Department's Historic Preservation staff at (213) 978-1300.
Have further questions? Contact PreserveLA using the online form at: http://www.preservela.com/contact.html.
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