Federation of Hillside & Canyon Associations v. City of Los Angeles

Federation of Hillside and Canyon Associations and Coalition Against the Pipeline (collectively Petitioners) appeal the denial of their petition for writ of mandate against City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles City Council (collectively the city). Petitioners challenged the city’s approval of a revised “General Plan Framework” and the city’s findings and statement of overriding considerations under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) in connection with that approval. We conclude that Petitioners have not shown error and affirm the judgment.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

1. Prior General Plan Framework, EIR, and CEQA Findings

The General Plan Framework, an element of the city’s general plan, states policies, objectives, and goals for the long-term growth of the city. The General Plan Framework influences but is separate from other general plan elements, which together comprise the general plan. The city completed a proposed General Plan Framework and a draft environmental impact report (EIR) and provided public notice and an opportunity to review and comment beginning in January 1995.

The proposed General Plan…