City of los angeles general plan

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CITY OF LOS ANGELES CONSERVATION ELEMENT

Adopted September 2001

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CITY OF LOS ANGELES CONSERVATION ELEMENT

Adopted September 2001

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CHAPTER II: RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT        

         

Topics are addressed alphabetically. The emphasis, in keeping with

state law, is on conservation and preservation of natural resources.

Facilities and systems, including standards relating thereto, will be

addressed by the Public Facilities and Services, Infrastructure Systems

or other elements of the general plan.

Goal, objectives, policies and programs (an asterisk * indicates the

program lead agency, if any). One goal applies to all sections.

Goal 1: a city that preserves, protects and enhances its existing

natural and related resources. 

SECTION 1: AGRICULTURAL LANDS

A few parcels of land in the city is deemed significant farmland by the

state geologist (Exhibit B), e.g., a significant commercial crop or

animal producing site. the largest of these is the Open Space Zone

portion of Pierce College (Woodland Hills). Its agricultural use is

related to the state community college's educational curriculum. 

Until World War II the city was an important center for agriculture in

California. Los Angeles was established by Spain in 1781 as an

agricultural way station to provide supplies for Spanish military

forces. By the time California achieved statehood (1850), the Los

Angeles economy was primarily cattle ranches, vineyards, wineries and

grain fields. Following statehood, immigrants, mostly from the

midwestern and eastern United States, began establishing fruit and

vegetable farms. A series of droughts (1864-76) killed thousands of

cattle and caused ranchers to subdivide and sell their large holdings

for conversion to orchards, vineyards, wineries and vegetable farms. By

1876 the city's economy had shifted from a ranch to a farm economy and

sheep raising had been introduced. With the opening of the Los Angeles

aqueduct (1913) agricultural uses expanded, particularly in the San

Fernando Valley where irrigation turned desert lands into rich

farmlands. By World War II Los Angeles was the home of the largest

dairy and egg farms in the nation and one of the principal sources for

lima beans. New vineyards and wineries, citrus groves and fruit

orchards continued to be established.

City planners were so confident that agriculture would remain a

permanent part of the city's economy that they planned (1944) new

Valley urban centers surrounded by agricultural lands. The plan was

radically changed when the county tax assessor reassessed the Valley

farmlands to "higher" uses, envisioning the need for housing to

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CITY OF LOS ANGELES CONSERVATION ELEMENT

Adopted September 2001

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accommodate the rapidly growing population. By the time the city's new

zoning ordinance was adopted to implement the plan (1947), farmers

already were selling their holdings and moving their businesses outside

the city. Zone changes and subdivisions rapidly transformed farmlands

into residential tracts to provide homes for workers in the burgeoning

aeronautics and other industries that were established during and

following World War II.

Between the 1940s and 1960s the Los Angeles economy shifted from an

agricultural to an industrial and commercial economy. Today only the

Pierce College parcel remains. The college master plan, approved in

2000, designates the parcel for agricultural and related uses.

Conclusion. The largest significant agricultural site in the city is

within Pierce College. Reuse of the site is under consideration by the

state, which owns the property.

Continuing issue: potential conversion of the Pierce College

agricultural resource site to other uses.

Agricultural lands objective, policy and program:

Objective: retain in agricultural use, as appropriate, the last state-

designated significant agricultural parcel within the city, the Pierce

College parcel.

Policy: continue to work with the college and neighbors to encourage

the retention of the parcel in agricultural use for educational and

related purposes, which are compatible with neighboring uses.

Program: periodic Canoga Park-Winnetka-Woodland Hills Community

Plan review and revision.

Responsibility: *Department of City Planning.

For related information see: Animal Keeping, Nurseries, Crop Gardens

Section.

SECTION 2: ANIMAL KEEPING, NURSERIES, CROP GARDENS

Some lands, mostly in the San Fernando Valley, are zoned for

agricultural or animal keeping uses and are improved with small garden

plots and/or animal oriented uses (e.g., equine boarding, petting zoos,

private animal keeping). These uses and the equine trail systems help

preserve the historic rural character of sections of the city.

Commercial nurseries still exist throughout Los Angeles. Through

planning and infrastructure decisions, Los Angeles has encouraged

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