The Community Plans establish neighborhood-specific goals and implementation strategies to achieve the broad objectives laid out in the City’s General Plan. Together, the 35 Community Plans make up the General Plan’s Land Use Element, which plays an important role in bolstering housing and job opportunities, conserving open space and natural resources, and balancing different neighborhoods’ needs.
In addition to the 35 Community Plans, the Department is the lead agency responsible for preparing the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Specific Plan and the Port of Los Angeles's Dual Coastal Plan Zone [30000 - 30601], which guide land use consideration at two of the City's proprietary agencies, namely the airport and port.
Each Community Plan consists of a policy document and a land use map. The policy document lays out the community’s goals, policies, and programs, while the land use map identifies where certain uses (such as residential, commercial, and industrial) are permitted. Together, the policy document and land use map inform local zoning decisions. Proposed changes to the City’s zoning are usually initiated through Community Plan Updates.
Notice to Land Use Industry Professionals
If you are compensated to interact with the Department of Planning, City law may require you to register as a lobbyist and report your activity. Any individual may qualify as a lobbyist, regardless of occupation, education, training, or professional title. A lobbyist may hold a position that includes but is not limited to attorney, CEO, consultant, architect, engineer, government liaison, business owner, permit applicant, urban planner, expediter, land developer, various real estate specialists, and others.
More information is available on the Ethics Commission’s lobbying page and Influencing Land Use Decisions brochure. For assistance, please contact the Ethics Commission at (213) 978-1960 or ethics.commission@lacity.org.
