A new initiative to address West Hollywood’s housing crisis took center stage as the Rent Stabilization Commission received a presentation on the Zoning Improvement Program for Housing (ZIP). Associate Planner Michelle Montenegro outlined the program’s goals, which stem from the city’s 2021-2029 Housing Element, adopted in 2023. The ZIP aims to increase housing capacity by revising zoning standards and incentivizing affordable housing development, particularly near transit hubs.
Montenegro highlighted the city’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) goals, requiring nearly 4,000 units by 2029. As of 2024, only 484 units have been permitted, with just 24% classified as affordable, far below the 62% target for low- and moderate-income units. “We’re forecasting a shortfall of almost 3,000 units if trends continue,” she said, emphasizing the urgency of zoning reforms to boost production.
The ZIP focuses on reducing zoning barriers, modernizing incentive programs, and creating transit-oriented development standards, particularly along the anticipated Metro K Line extension. Commissioners engaged in a robust discussion, prioritizing walkability, transit access, and affordability. Commissioner Joshua Kurpies stressed the need for transit options competitive with driving, suggesting signal prioritization for buses. “It’s hard to convince people to take the bus when cars pass them by,” he said.
Commissioner Rena Goldman echoed pedestrian safety concerns, noting that safe streets foster community engagement. “It’s scary to walk right now,” she said, advocating for safer infrastructure to support multi-family housing. Chair Adam Bass emphasized workforce housing, criticizing the city’s focus on luxury units. “We’re pricing our residents out,” he said, urging policies to prioritize affordability.
Commissioner Kimberly Copeland raised concerns about high vacancy rates, citing an 11% rate citywide. She questioned whether luxury units dominate vacancies and pressed for strategies to incentivize attainable housing. Montenegro explained that the ZIP includes updating the inclusionary housing ordinance to yield more moderate-income units and formalizing a public benefit structure to streamline affordable housing incentives.
The commission also discussed housing distribution, with Bass advocating for increased density citywide to meet RHNA goals. However, Copeland and Goldman expressed caution about displacing rent-stabilized tenants, citing past examples where demolitions led to long-term vacancies. “Displacement is my number one concern,” Copeland said, urging a focus on vacant commercial properties for mixed-use development.
No public comments were offered, but the commission’s feedback will inform the ZIP’s next phase, with policy recommendations expected by year-end. The program’s Engage WeHo page offers real-time updates and community engagement opportunities.
They already know what they’re going to do. No matter what – their goal is to get rid of single family homes. They will destroy the historic neighborhoods of West Hollywood West and the Norma Triangle in the name of “progress.”