First to Navigate LA's Housing Element Streamlining Checklist
Andrea Schultz
At CAJA Environmental Services, we don’t just navigate regulations—we help define them. As the first firm in Los Angeles to work with the City’s Housing Element CEQA Streamlining Checklist, we bring unparalleled expertise to expedite approvals and advance projects efficiently.
Why CEQA Streamlining Matters
The Housing Element CEQA Streamlining Checklist simplifies the environmental review process by demonstrating that project impacts have already been assessed. This provides several key benefits:
Time Efficiency: Reduces environmental review time by leveraging existing Program EIR findings.
Cost Savings: Minimizes the need for additional environmental documentation, lowering project costs.
Predictability: A standardized checklist offers clarity and reduces uncertainties in the approval
Pioneering the CEQA Streamlining Checklist
The 5300 Oakdale Avenue Project became the first to benefit from this innovative process, utilizing the Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) certified for the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Safety Element Updates. By doing so, this project set a precedent for future housing developments in Los Angeles.
When CAJA first embarked on this effort, the City was still refining the details of the Streamlining Checklist—what it should include, how information should be presented, and the necessary technical reports. Through multiple iterations and collaboration with city planners, the process was finalized, leading to the successful project approval.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Approved: December 2024 The approved development includes:
21 Single-Family Homes on the western portion of the site.
Demolition and Reconstruction of a caretaker apartment, replaced by a 1,347-square-foot, single-story, two-bedroom caretaker residence with a two-car garage.
Land Conservation: The eastern 4.15-acre portion of the site will be donated to a conservation organization such as the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to remain as open space.
Environmental Enhancements: The project will introduce 330 new trees while maintaining 215 existing citrus trees. Additionally, two rows of existing citrus trees along Oakdale Avenue will be replaced with new Valencia orange trees, preserving the site’s historical orchard character with lower maintenance requirements.
Moving Housing Forward in Los Angeles
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This streamlined approach underscores the City’s commitment to facilitating housing development while maintaining environmental integrity. As a leader in environmental services, CAJA is proud to set the standard for efficient, sustainable urban growth.
For more information on how we can assist with your housing project, contact us today:
CONTACT US
CAJA Environmental Services, LLC
CAJA’s Leadership Team
Chris Joseph | chris@ceqa-nepa.com
Stacie Henderson | stacie@ceqa-nepa.com
Seth Wulkan | seth@ceqa-nepa.com
Kerrie Nicholson | kerrie@ceqa-nepa.com