New Development Services Bureau at LA City Planning: What You Need to Know
Los Angeles City Planning has launched a new Development Services Bureau, bringing several planning and zoning functions under one umbrella.
While the announcement sounds big, much of this is a reorganization of existing offices—with one important change for commercial real estate.
What You Need to Know
Los Angeles City Planning created a new Development Services Bureau, but the offices within it already existed and were doing this work before.
This is largely a rebrand and internal restructuring, aimed at streamlining planning and zoning services.
The real change is that zoning plan check is moving from Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety to City Planning. That function was previously handled by LADBS.
How It Impacts You
Clearer zoning authority: Zoning plan check now sits fully within City Planning, which may reduce confusion over zoning interpretations.
Watch for transition impacts: Short-term adjustments could affect timelines as responsibilities shift.
Permitting still requires coordination: Building permits remain with LADBS, so projects will continue to involve both departments.
BOMA/GLA will be watching closely to see whether this change leads to smoother reviews—or new challenges—for commercial projects.
