Arts District Community Council Los Angeles v. City of Los Angeles

Filing Date: 2018
Case Categories:
Principal Laws:
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Los Angeles Municipal Code, Los Angeles City Charter, California Subdivision Map Act
Description: Challenge to mixed-use development project in Los Angeles.
  • Arts District Community Council Los Angeles v. City of Los Angeles
    Docket number(s): BS172014
    Court/Admin Entity: Cal. Super. Ct.
    Case Documents:
    Filing Date Type File Action Taken Summary
    04/29/2019 Order Petition for writ of mandate granted. A California Superior Court found that the same "highly deferential" substantial evidence standard of review that applies to environmental impact reports also applied to Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessments, which the court noted are intended to encourage urban projects in transit areas to encourage development "that aids in avoiding urban sprawl, reduces traffic, and thereby reduces greenhouse gases." The court said "[p]art of this encouragement includes the substantial evidence standard of judicial review." Nonetheless, the court granted a petition for writ of mandate challenging City of Los Angeles approvals for a mixed-use development project adjacent to the Arts District neighborhood.