The consideration of a development proposal may require a public hearing be held prior to issuance of a formal decision. Los Angeles City Planning holds regular public hearings to consider a variety of proposals that require city approval. These hearings offer an opportunity for the public to become engaged in the review process and offer feedback for decision makers to consider. Public hearings are scheduled on a regular basis, depending on the type of application and the location where the project is being proposed.
File Review - Project files will be made available for public review by appointment only. Please email the staff identified on the hearing notice, at least three (3) business days in advance, to arrange for an appointment. Files are not available for review the same day or the day before the hearing. Electronic application materials will be available on City Planning’s “Planning Document Information System” (PDIS).
Testimony and Public Correspondence - Oral testimony can only be given during the public hearing (via in person or virtual attendance) and may be limited due to time constraint. Public Hearing participation is not a requirement for individuals who would like to provide written comments or ask questions about a project or proposed policy. The Submissions process, including due dates and page limits, is described in each meeting agenda.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and Judicial Review - If you challenge an application or item included on a public hearing agenda in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing or in written correspondence on these matters provided to this agency at or prior to the public hearing. If you seek judicial review of any decision of the City pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5, the petition for writ of mandate pursuant to that section must be filed no later than the 90th day following the date on which the City's decision became final pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6. There may be other time limits which also affect your ability to seek judicial review.
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.
