Akhilesh Jha, an engineer-turned-real estate developer known for challenging local zoning rules, was back before the Los Angeles City Planning Commission this week.

On November 6, the Commission voted to approve plans from Jha to redevelop the site of a single-family home located at 13916 W. Polk Street in Sylmar. Plans call for the construction of a four-story development including 40 residential units and no automobile parking. The proposed development is described as a residential care facility for the elderly.

Commission authorization was required for density bonus incentives to permit the project at its proposed scale. Eight of the apartments would be reserved for rent by low-income households in exchange for the incentives.

13916 Polk StreetGoogle Maps

Also included in the density bonus approval was a slew of waivers of zoning standards which would otherwise be applied to the site. That includes multiple requirements for setbacks, a restriction on floor area, a requirement to maintain equine-keeping standards, minimum bicycle and automobile parking requirements, landscaping requirements, a height limit, and even low-impact development standards.

The project is one of three cases in which the City of Los Angeles was forced to vacate a prior decision to deny an application by court order. A Superior Court Judge determined that the City had violated protections offered to housing developments under state law, including vesting rights under SB 330.

Jha has made headlines for several battles against the City of Los Angeles relating to housing construction, including at sites in Woodland Hills and Harvard Heights.

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