Summary
City Planning initiated the Wildlife Pilot Study in 2016 in response to a Motion introduced by City Councilmember Paul Koretz. The Motion called for the Department to create an ordinance with a set of land use regulations that would maintain wildlife connectivity in the City.
Los Angeles benefits from world-class climate, natural spaces, and biodiversity that contribute to residents' quality of life. These important resources are mixed in among the City’s homes, businesses, roads, and other infrastructure. By elevating sustainability in the development process, we can support conservation of local plants and animals while building climate resilience, fire safety, and a healthy watershed.
Please click to view an interactive map of the Wildlife District, the first area in the City where the Wildlife Ordinance will apply.
The Wildlife Pilot Study, stakeholder outreach, and expert feedback have informed an approach to proposed regulations for new development within the Wildlife District. These regulations would restrict development in highly vegetated and steeply sloped areas that would result in impacts to wildlife movement and habitats. Future work programs intend to expand the proposed regulations for the Wildlife District to include the Protection Areas for Wildlife (PAWs) within the City.
Status of the Proposed Wildlife Ordinance
On June 20, 2023, the proposed Wildlife Ordinance was considered by the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee. The PLUM Committee unanimously voted to approve the proposed Wildlife Ordinance with some additional modifications and directed the City Attorney to review the Wildlife Ordinance for form and legality. The City Attorney’s Office has completed review and on November 7, 2024 transmitted the Wildlife Ordinance back to City Council for consideration.
The most recent version of the Wildlife Ordinance can be found here.
As instructed by the PLUM Committee, Los Angeles City Planning prepared a Zone Change Ordinance (accompanied by a Technical Corrections Memo) and a report regarding resources needed to implement the Wildlife District and the creation of a list of qualified biologists. City Planning transmitted these documents to the City Council in November 2024.
To stay apprised of Wildlife Ordinance updates, please subscribe to the Council File, Council File 14-0518.
Proposed Regulations for Wildlife
Outreach Timeline
