FAQ
What is a General Plan?
The state of California requires every city and county in California to adopt a General Plan, which is the local government’s long-term blueprint “for the physical development of the city and any land outside its boundaries that bears relation to its planning.” The General Plan represents the community’s view of its future and expresses the long-term growth and development goals. It addresses issues that impact the entire city, such as how land is used, where buildings are built, the locations of roads and parks, safety, noise, and more.
The General Plan contains the goals and policies upon which the City Council and Planning Commission will base their future land use decisions. All city plans, specific plans (like the Hawthorne Blvd Specific Plan), zoning, and private development must be consistent with the diagrams and policies in the General Plan.
What is a Specific Plan?
A Specific Plan is a document designed to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan. These plans contain detailed development standards, distribution of land uses, infrastructure requirements, and implementation measures for the development of a specific geographic area.
The History of Lawndale
Following the real estate boom in the Inglewood area in the late 1800s, similar development began in the southern portion of the old Rancho, where the present City of Lawndale is located. This activity was the direct result of the opening of a seaport at Redondo in 1890, and the railroad service developing between Port Redondo and Los Angeles. Steam trains were soon replaced by electric trolley cars.
The year 1902 marked the Los Angeles and Redondo railways arrival in Lawndale along what is now Hawthorne Boulevard; the line extended south from Inglewood along what was then called Railroad Avenue.
The town of Lawndale was founded in March of 1905 by real estate developer, Charles B. Hopper. After a lack of initial sales, Mr. Hopper planned another “Opening Day” for Lawndale on February 25, 1906 which drew the first settlers. In May of 1906 another subdivision opened just east of the first one and was named “Lawndale Acres.” And a second Lawndale Acres located just south of the first one was surveyed in November of 1910. By the time the 1910 U.S. census was taken there were 142 residents living in Lawndale.
Oil discoveries in the 1920's created major commercial activity and temporarily changed the face of the community. During the oil period, Lawndale was easily recognizable by the landscape of oil derrick construction. Lawndale settled into the 1930's with three schools in the community, and weathered, as did all America, the Great Depression.
The population of Lawndale did not increase as rapidly during the war years of 1941 through 1945 as did adjoining communities. The major influx of people occurred in the decade following the conclusion of World War II, as Lawndale slowly lost its rural atmosphere. Post war veteran housing and the construction of the Harbor Freeway caused major growth. The advent of the personal automobile assisted in the gradual dismantling of the Pacific Electric and all rail transportation in the area. Lawndale's residential community transformation from a rural community highlighted a rapid increase of daily auto traffic through the community.
Although major growth occurred after the conclusion of World War II; the Civic Association, which was responsible for many community improvements, was originally established in February of 1939. This is considered to be one of major steps in the consolidation of this community. For many years community leadership remained in the hands of the Civic Association; and on March 3, 1948, the Businessman's Corp. incorporated as the Lawndale Chamber of Commerce. The original Chamber group consisted of eleven charter members. The Chamber, from its earliest years, has been a mainstay in community affairs at all levels.
The City of Lawndale ultimately incorporated in 1959. Today Lawndale continues to utilize County Fire, Sheriff, and Library services for the community and has maintained its independence in other areas of control. The Charter promise of 1959 of no City taxes has never been altered due to this continuing process of responsible financial policy.
Why is the City updating it's General Plan and the Hawthorne Blvd Specific Plan?
The City’s current General Plan was last comprehensively updated in 1991 and the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan was prepared in 1999. Lawndale is facing important demands and challenges (some new, some long-standing) on our land use pattern, economy, budget, and infrastructure network. Changing demographics and economic conditions, a shifting retail environment, new and improved transit connections to the region, and new state legislation are some of the important reasons that the City has decided to update the General Plan and Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan.
What is included in the General Plan/Specific Plan Update project?
The General Plan and Specific Plan Update work program includes community outreach and preparation of a variety of documents and reports that will inform the General Plan and Specific Plan documents. These include:
Vision Statement – The Vision Statement will summarize the public engagement and outreach efforts during the visioning phase, input received, and outreach outcomes. The Vision Statement will describe themes expressed by the community, the community’s goals and vision for the future, and specific issue areas that must be carefully addressed in the General Plan, Specific Plan, and/or Environmental Impact Report.
Existing Conditions Report – The Existing Conditions Report will describe current conditions and regulations affecting the City associated with land use and growth, circulation, environmental justice, community services and facilities, safety and noise, climate change, and conservation. As part of the Existing Conditions Report effort, a series of technical documents and reports will be prepared to identify current conditions related to demographic and economic conditions, infrastructure capacity, mobility, and noise. The Existing Conditions Report and supporting documents are prepared early in the process and serves as a resource to City decision-makers, the public, City staff, and the consultant team throughout the project.
General Plan Document – The General Plan document will address all state-required General Plan topics land use, environmental justice, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, safety, and noise and other topics of local importance, including community character, community health, economic development, and community services and facilities (see below).
Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan – The Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan will serve as a tool to implement the General Plan. The Specific Plan will include a land use plan identifying the type and intensity of development allowed within the plan area, a mobility plan, an infrastructure plan, customized development standards, design guidelines, potential financing strategies, and direction regarding the administration of the Specific Plan.
Environmental Impact Report – An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared to address all potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the General Plan and Specific Plan. The EIR will serve as a "tiering document" to facilitate streamlined environmental review of subsequent development, planning, and infrastructure projects undertaken in the City which are consistent with the General Plan and Specific Plan.
What topics are addressed in the General Plan?
General Plans are divided into elements based on specific topics. There are eight mandatory elements: land use, environmental justice, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, safety, and noise. State law allows local governments to organize and format their general plans however they desire, as long as the required topics or elements are addressed. Cities can also choose to include additional elements, such as community character, community facilities and services, community health, economic development, and implementation.
We expect to address all of these topics, and more, in the General Plan Update. As a part of preparing the General Plan Update, the existing elements may be reorganized and new elements may be added to emphasize new planning issues that have arisen since the current General Plan was adopted.
What is the schedule for the Project?
The Lawndale General Plan Update will take place over an approximately two-year period starting early 2020 and concluding in Winter 2021.
How can I get involved?
The Lawndale General Plan and Specific Plan Update process provides an opportunity for community members to discuss and weigh-in on the City’s future. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to participate, including surveys, meetings, workshops, and public hearings. Click on the "Contact Us" tab at the top of the page to register your email address and receive updates about opportunities to provide input.
How will my feedback be used?
Public input from every engagement opportunity is reviewed and documented to ensure that planners, City staff, and decision-makers have a full understanding of the community's priorities for the General Plan and Specific Plan. Public feedback on General Plan and Specific Plan materials, including goals and policies, will be considered throughout the process.
How can I stay informed?
Visit the Meetings and Events to view the dates of upcoming meetings and community events. If you wish to be added to the City’s mailing list to receive project updates and invitations to community events, use the contact form and request to be added to the mailing list.
The General Plan and Specific Plan Update process is an opportunity for community members to discuss the city’s future. There will be many opportunities to participate, including meetings, workshops, and public hearings. All of these opportunities will be posted on this website.
