In 2017, the Sunset Square in Hollywood was designated a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ), marking its architectural significance in Los Angeles. Fast forward four years, the neighborhood witnessed a shocking incident: Lady Gaga’s dogwalker was shot outside a vacant house, drawing attention to its status and the debate surrounding it.
Residents are divided over the impacts of the HPOZ designation. Some argue that the strict permitting process discourages renovation, leaving homes vacant and attracting crime. Others defend the HPOZ as essential to preserving the area’s character, preventing it from becoming another uniform suburb.
The intention of L.A.’s HPOZ program, introduced in the 1970s, is to maintain the architectural integrity of neighborhoods. It covers 35 distinct areas throughout the city, such as Hancock Park and Angelino Heights. Homes in these zones undergo additional zoning and design scrutiny, requiring board approval for certain exterior alterations.
Sunset Square’s charm lies in its well-preserved Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Colonial Revivals, reflecting its history as a streetcar suburb. Yet, the downside includes sites frozen in disrepair: vacant homes, unfinished projects, and trash-laden lots.
The HPOZ process demands navigating city departments and securing approvals. Missing a step can delay projects for months. Some residents like Mason see this as a trade-off, where historic preservation impacts community safety. The property next to hers remained vacant for years, becoming a center for criminal activity.
The HPOZ in Sunset Square originated as a reaction to a contentious house flip. In 2013, a developer bought a Craftsman home with promises of preservation but demolished it entirely, building a large, modern structure. This triggered outrage and led residents to push for historic protection. JoAnn Koplin played a key role in the HPOZ application but later regretted the slow city process that left many lots vacant.
Koplin built a wall without HPOZ approval to deter theft but now faces orders to remove it. Her experience echoes that of other residents like Kate Brown, who encountered significant hurdles while attempting to make changes to her home.
The designation seems to have created disparities among residents. Older constructions enjoy exemptions, while newer ones face strict regulations. Homes painted in vibrant colors contrast with those restricted to traditional hues.
The property at 1547 N. Sierra Bonita Ave. exemplifies this struggle. Unapproved renovations led to prolonged vacancies and culminated in a suspicious fire in 2023.
Despite concerns, many residents renovated their homes hassle-free under HPOZ regulations. Laura Grenfell sees the value in maintaining Sunset Square’s historic charm, which attracts film productions and tourism.
The planning department claims most applications undergo expedited reviews with minimal delays. However, for some residents, compliance feels cumbersome, revealing the complex balance between preserving heritage and fostering modernity.