People v. Venice Suites, LLC

FACTS

The material facts of this case are undisputed. The subject property, a 32-unit building, is located at 417 Ocean Front Walk (417 OFW) in an area zoned for R3 Multiple Dwellings. The building was developed in 1921 in the City of Venice, which was later consolidated with the City of Los Angeles (City). The City issued a certificate of occupancy on June 10, 1966, permitting use of 417 OFW as a “Thirty Two – Unit Apartment

LAMC section 12.03 defines an Apartment House as “A residential building designed or used for three or more dwelling units or a combination of three or more dwelling units and not more than five guest rooms or suites of rooms.”

2 House. H Occupancy.” In 1966, “H-Occupancy” uses were associated with the following subgroups: subgroup H-2 was for “Apartment House” use, H-3 was for “Hotel” use, and H-4 was for “Apartment/hotel” use. Lambert is the owner and corporate manager of Venice Suites, LLC. Venice Suites, LLC purchased 417 OFW on September 14, 1999, when it housed a mixture of short-term occupants (those staying 30 days or less) and long-term occupants (those staying more than 30 days). The 32 units in 417 OFW are subject to the City’s Rent…