After nearly two decades on the drawing board, the Los Angeles City Council voted last week to adopt new land use regulations for Boyle Heights.

The Boyle Heights Community Plan update impacts roughly 6.7 miles of land area, bounded by the Los Angeles River to the west and the unincorporated community of East Los Angeles to the east. Planning officials estimate that the new regulations will accommodate the development of up to 14,000 housing units - with 38,000 new residents -  and 12,000 jobs by 2040.

The approved plan includes tweaks from 14th District Councilmember Kevin de León, currently in a battle for reelection, which were introduced earlier this year when the update was considered by the City Planning Commission. These requirements for larger apartments in affordable housing projects, tenant protection measures, and a local preference system for affordable housing.

Changes to light industrial zone along east bank of the Los Angeles RiverLADCP

“The concerns around displacement of residents and businesses in a gentrified market are very, very real,” De León said, as reported by the Boyle Heights Beat. "The updated Boyle Heights Community Plan presents the opportunity to shape future developments.”

Next, Planning officials must work to effectuate the new land use rules. The Boyle Heights Beat reports that is expected to occur in the second half of 2025.

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