LA temporarily halts demolition permits of low-income housing in Boyle Heights

This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Aug. 14, 2024.

In an effort to protect Boyle Heights residents from gentrification, the Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday that temporarily prohibits demolition permits on low-income housing in the community.

In a unanimous vote, the City Council passed the Interim Control Ordinance (ICO), introduced by Councilmember Kevin De León, who represents Boyle Heights in the 14th District. The ICO acts as a temporary measure that would halt demolition permits on rent stabilized multi-family housing and covenanted affordable housing units.

De León says the ordinance will help families struggling with rising costs, protect affordable housing in the neighborhood and send a clear message to developers “eager to exploit this moment by pushing through evictions and demolitions” before the plan’s final version is approved.

“The approval of this ICO is a powerful statement that Boyle Heights is not for sale,” said De León. “This ordinance is not just about stopping demolitions — it’s about defending the heart and soul of our community from those who would prioritize profits over people. We’re sending a clear message to developers: we will not allow the displacement of our families or the erasure of our culture.”

The ordinance was made immediate through an additional vote, making it effective now until long-term protections are adopted under the Boyle Heights Community Plan, which is expected to be finalized later this year.

The proposal defines rent stabilized multi-family housing as any structure subject to the city’s rent stabilization ordinance, and covenanted affordable housing units as multi-family dwelling units designated for lower income households as defined by Health and Safety Code Section 50079.5.

The Department of City Planning’s 2022 economic analysis found that rent per square foot has increased in the Boyle Heights Community Plan area by about 66% from 2012 to 2022, with the median home sales price per square foot also seeing an approximate 207% increase during the same period.

Upon a final executive approval by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, the ordinance will be effective for 45 days, with the possibility of a 10-month and 15-day extension, and may be further extended for an additional year, or until the Community Plan update is adopted.