South LA Development Services Center (DSC)

The New South LA Development Services Center

It is a racial equity goal of the LA City Planning Department and the LA City Council to have a physical Planning presence in South Los Angeles. The new South Los Angeles Development Services Center (DSC) allows the Department to bring a Planning counter and other vital services closer to the South LA community and surrounding areas.

More Equitable Access to Planning

A legacy of inequities including racialized policies - from redlining and zoning to urban renewal have contributed to the disenfranchisement of South Los Angeles. The lack of diverse and inclusive community stakeholder involvement in urban planning policy and development decisions have oftentimes contributed to poor outcomes for this community.

The South Los Angeles Development Services Center, consisting of traditional planning services along with a community engagement component, is critical to racial equity for area residents and applicants. In addition, South LA and Harbor LA community stakeholders finally have convenient access to a Planning counter providing an opportunity to schedule an in-person appointment with a Planner to file cases, obtain information or assistance with navigating through challenging Planning policies, procedures and regulations. This level of convenience and accessibility is unprecedented for this community.

One-Stop Services Offered

The South Los Angeles DSC is located on the first floor of the Council District No. 8 (CD 8) Constituent Service Center, 8475 Vermont Avenue. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and Housing Department also operate public counters at this location. This provides a one-stop shop experience for applicants to meet with a planner to receive assistance and with staff from LADBS during the same visit.

Please note separate appointments must be made to meet with staff at LADBS and Housing through their websites.