Sunset Square in Hollywood became a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) in 2017, marking it as an area of architectural significance. Some residents claim this designation linked to a 2021 incident where Lady Gaga’s dogwalker was shot in the neighborhood.
The HPOZ designation has sparked debate among residents. Some argue the permitting process stalls development, leading to vacant homes that attract crime. Others believe preserving the area’s historical character outweighs these issues. Property modifications often face delays due to necessary HPOZ board approvals.
Kate Brown, a long-time resident, finds the slowdown frustrating. Her plans to repaint her house and renovate were denied for not aligning with traditional designs.
The HPOZ program, launched in the 1970s, protects 35 neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It involves strict reviews to ensure historical consistency. In Sunset Square, this means preserving Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Colonial Revivals, capturing the charm of the early 20th-century Pacific Electric Railway Line suburb.
Failures to navigate the system lead to stalled projects. Properties left vacant, surrounded by chain-link fences, highlight the tension between preservation ideals and safety concerns. Mason, a resident, noted a vacant property next to her home became a hub for crime before an incident involving Lady Gaga’s dogwalker.
The push for the HPOZ began after a developer’s drastic renovation of a Craftsman home in 2013. This led residents like JoAnn Koplin to advocate for the zone’s creation, though she now regrets the delays it causes.
Koplin illegally added a wall to deter crime despite HPOZ restrictions, facing demolition orders without fines yet imposed.
HPOZ rules create disparities among residents. Some can renovate more freely due to prior approvals, while others face restrictions. A house on Curson Avenue advertised its ‘grandfathered’ gate, showcasing these exceptions.
The most contentious property is at 1547 N. Sierra Bonita Ave. In 2021, unauthorized work led to a lengthy HPOZ review. Its vacancy invited unhoused individuals, culminating in a fire. Jonathan Cowan, a board member, blames developers ignoring guidelines for such delays.
“Most projects pass the initial review but non-compliant ones take longer,” Cowan explained.
Meanwhile, some residents enjoy the historic allure. Laura Grenfell notes increased film shoots and believes the architectural preservation benefits the community and local industries more than the inconveniences it causes.
A planning department spokesperson stated 90% of projects receive fast-tracked reviews, countering claims of systemic delays. However, residents still battling over minor modifications, like Mason and Brown, feel HPOZ oversight is burdensome.
“It’s a pain in my ass,” Brown expressed of the HPOZ process.