Burbank Planning Division

Burbank Planning Division
Agency name	Burbank Planning Division
Formation	20th century
Jurisdiction	Burbank, California
Headquarters	Burbank, California
Parent agency	City of Burbank

Burbank Planning Division

Overview

The Planning Division serves as the land use, zoning, and urban design arm of the City of Burbank, interacting with entities such as the Burbank City Council, Los Angeles County, California Environmental Quality Act processes, Southern California Association of Governments, and state agencies including the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the California Coastal Commission to coordinate development, transportation, and housing policy. It advises elected officials, prepares planning documents like general plans and specific plans alongside partners such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Los Angeles County), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and regional nonprofit organizations including LA Conservancy and Metropolitan Planning Organization counterparts. The division works with cultural institutions such as the Warner Bros. Studios, Walt Disney Studios, and local landmarks like Burbank Airport and Stough Canyon Nature Center to integrate land use, historic preservation, and economic development strategies.

History

The Division traces its lineage to municipal planning movements concurrent with the growth of Burbank, California and the rise of studios like Warner Bros. Entertainment and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, evolving through eras influenced by legislation such as the California Environmental Quality Act and regional plans from the Southern California Association of Governments. Key historical milestones involved coordination with federal programs like the Federal Highway Administration during freeway expansions and with state housing mandates from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, while landmark local undertakings engaged stakeholders including the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority and civic groups such as the Burbank Historical Society. Over decades the Division adapted to zoning reforms, redevelopment policies tied to the now-defunct California Redevelopment Agency, and modern initiatives responding to regional efforts by bodies like the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and transit projects supported by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Organization and Responsibilities

Structured under the City of Burbank administrative framework alongside departments such as Burbank Fire Department and Burbank Police Department, the Division coordinates code enforcement, zoning updates, environmental review, and long-range planning with divisions including Public Works (Burbank), Community Development Department (City of Burbank), and housing partners like Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing and the California Housing Finance Agency. Staff roles typically mirror practices from professional bodies such as the American Planning Association and certification standards from the American Institute of Certified Planners, while interagency collaboration includes the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Department of Transportation, and regional commissions like the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments. Responsibilities include implementing the City of Burbank General Plan, administering zoning ordinances, processing conditional use permits, and overseeing historic resource surveys in coordination with entities like the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Planning Programs and Initiatives

Programs emphasize housing production consistent with the Regional Housing Needs Assessment and state mandates from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, transit-oriented development near corridors served by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and regional rail initiatives like Metrolink, as well as sustainability measures aligned with the California Air Resources Board and regional climate plans from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Initiatives include affordable housing partnerships with organizations such as Mercy Housing and Habitat for Humanity, Complete Streets designs influenced by the National Association of City Transportation Officials, and historic preservation efforts coordinated with the National Park Service and the California Office of Historic Preservation. Programs also address economic vitality through collaboration with the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, studio stakeholders like Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment, and cultural venues such as the Starlight Bowl.

Development Review and Permitting

The Division processes entitlements, design reviews, environmental impact reports under the California Environmental Quality Act, conditional use permits, variances, and zoning changes in coordination with the Burbank City Council, Planning Commission (Burbank), and advisory bodies like the Design Review Board (Burbank). Project review often involves technical input from agencies such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison, and transportation authorities including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, with legal frameworks informed by case law and statutes including the Subdivision Map Act and state housing laws. Major permitting workflows address large redevelopment proposals from studios like Warner Bros. or mixed-use projects linked to regional entities like the Southern California Association of Governments.

Community Engagement and Public Outreach

Public engagement programs use forums such as city council hearings, workshops with advocacy groups like the Burbank Coalition, community meetings at venues such as Burbank Public Library, and digital outreach coordinated with platforms employed by municipalities across California, while partnering with neighborhood organizations, business improvement districts like the San Fernando Boulevard Merchant Association, and civic institutions including the Burbank Arts for All Foundation. Outreach efforts align with state requirements for public notice under statutes like the California Public Records Act and aim to incorporate input from stakeholders including transit advocates tied to the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and housing advocates such as California Housing Partnership Corporation.

Major Projects and Planning Documents

Key documents administered by the Division include the City of Burbank General Plan, specific plans for corridors adjacent to the Burbank Airport and studio properties like Warner Bros. Studios, environmental impact reports prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act, and housing elements responding to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation. Major projects have involved mixed-use developments with private partners such as Walt Disney Company, infrastructure coordination with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Los Angeles County), and preservation projects in partnership with the Burbank Historical Society and state preservation offices. Planning outcomes influence regional frameworks tied to the Southern California Association of Governments and statewide initiatives promoted by the California Strategic Growth Council.

Category:Urban planning agencies in California