DOWNLOAD the Santa Clara River SEA Description

The Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning has released the formal public review draft of the Significant Ecological Areas (“SEA”) ordinance. The ordinance, which updates 30-year-old regulations, is part of a larger program shaping land development within biologically-important areas. The SEA program will be considered by the County Regional Planning Commission on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 9 a.m. at the Commission Hearing Room (Room 150), 320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles.

Emphasizing “conservation through good development,” the updated SEA ordinance encourages the design of biologically-sensitive projects through standard requirements including landscaping, night lighting, brush clearance in fire-prone areas, and threatened and endangered species protection. Projects with more biological impacts also require additional open space preservation.

Since the 1980s Los Angeles County has protected its diverse natural areas through the SEA program. The program update began 14 years ago, and reflects a more modern understanding of biology. The program update expands SEA boundaries which allows for plant and animal species movement and diversity.

While the County’s natural resources serve all residents, the SEA ordinance only applies to properties outside any city jurisdiction, within County unincorporated areas. The unincorporated area of the County totals more than 2,600 square miles, and includes large areas within the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley.

The SEA Program is part of the comprehensive update of the County General Plan, the County’s governing policy document for growth through year 2035. The General Plan Update is currently in Commission public hearings. Additional information about the SEAs, including updated maps and upcoming reports, can be found at http://planning.lacounty.gov/sea. Information on the General Plan Update can be found at http://planning.lacounty.gov/generalplan.