Political Insiders Get Special Treatment From L.A. Building and Safety Department

The L.A.Times reports:

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has given special treatment to dozens of construction projects sought by political insiders, including nine current and former city commissioners and donors to the mayor and City Council, records show.

The department assigned the projects to the little-known Case Management Unit set up years ago to speed large and complex construction jobs, such as public schools and affordable housing. By sidestepping the standard permitting process, big developers can avoid delays that might otherwise cost them millions of dollars.


Some of the insider projects are large, such as a 40-story condominium and commercial tower on Wilshire Boulevard sought by architect Pedro Birba, who is also a Building and Safety commissioner.

Others are small or involved applicants' homes, such as the duplex owned by a public relations executive who contributed to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and a church expansion sought by Building and Safety Commission President Javier Nuñez.

It's too bad not all property owners have the same rights.That's zoning and regulation for you.