More Time Granted To Use Special Permits

The Los Angeles City Council approved a proposal this week to give business owners more time to begin using special permits granted by the city.

On Wednesday, the City Council amended an existing ordinance, giving businesses, individuals and groups two years to activate conditional-use permits. These permits confer special privileges, such as the right to sell alcoholic beverages or operate a church in a residential zone.

In the past, people had one year to activate a conditional-use permit. Under the new system, they may apply for a single one-year extension if two years is not enough.

The city Planning Department proposed giving permit holders more time, saying that the new system would simplify matters for people who sometimes must wait for other city approvals before activating a conditional-use permit.

Usually, holders of conditional-use permits are allowed to carry on certain activities under certain restrictions, such as limited hours of operation or a requirement for a security guard.