Mixed-Use Plan Gets Mixed Reception In Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Beverly Hills City Council is considering signing into law an ordinance that would create mixed-use residential and commercial areas.

An ordinance approved unanimously on June 19 by the city’s Planning Commission would “establish uniform standards for mixed-used development in the City with the goals of providing flexibility for property owners who wish to build housing and commercial space, respecting adjacent residential communities, encouraging a mix of housing types in the city, and revitalizing commercial corridors in the City, especially those near transit.”

If the Council approves the measure in August or September, the city’s Municipal Code would include an overlay zone for some commercial areas, especially near future Metro stations downtown and near the Business Triangle.

Under the proposed ordinance, multifamily residential units in current commercial areas will have a height limit of 45 feet or three stories. However, buildings could double their heights if they include affordable housing. According to the Planning Commission, Beverly Hills will need to add 3,100 new housing units over the next decade.

The proposal has evoked a mixed reaction from residents. During a public comment section of the June 19 Planning Commission meeting, some residents voiced concerns that developers’ interests were being put ahead of the city’s, while others asked that the overlay zone be expanded to other areas. 75 callers complained that the move would negatively impact parking, traffic, and quality of life, according to a letter written to Beverly Hills Weekly.