Looking for help with a condo conversion in Los Angeles? Entitle and Permits assists property owners and developers with the subdivision, City Planning, tenant-notification, agency-clearance and final-map requirements involved in converting existing apartment and multifamily buildings into separately saleable condominium units.
Our experience includes condominium conversions ranging from small owner-occupied properties to larger multifamily buildings. We coordinate with Los Angeles City Planning, the Bureau of Engineering, LADBS, surveyors, title companies, attorneys and other project consultants from initial feasibility through tentative map approval, conditions clearance and final map processing.
A Los Angeles condominium conversion is more than a change in ownership structure. The project generally requires subdivision approval and compliance with condominium-conversion requirements that can involve parking, building records, tenant protections, vacancy findings, notices and other project-specific conditions.
Condo Conversion Los Angeles Process
The first step is determining whether the existing property is a viable candidate for condominium conversion. We review the number of units, zoning, existing permits and Certificates of Occupancy, parking, tenant status, previous approvals and other site conditions that may affect the subdivision.
Depending on the number and configuration of units, the conversion may proceed through a Tentative Tract Map or Parcel Map process. Los Angeles City Planning‘s current subdivision materials expressly provide for residential condominium conversions through these procedures.
Tentative Tract Maps & Parcel Maps
Entitle and Permits coordinates the subdivision application with the project surveyor and other consultants and manages the case through City Planning review. This can include application preparation, map coordination, findings, agency referrals, hearing preparation where applicable, responses to staff comments and conditions of approval.
Following tentative approval, we can continue coordinating the conditions and clearances required before recordation of the final tract or parcel map.
Condominium Conversion Findings
Los Angeles requires specific findings for condominium conversion projects. Current City Planning filing instructions identify LAMC §12.95.2 for residential condominium conversions under Chapter 1, with corresponding provisions under Chapter 1A where applicable.
The required review may address matters such as compliance with applicable density provisions, the condition and history of the existing building, parking, tenant impacts, rental vacancy conditions and other factors specified by the City’s subdivision regulations.
Parking & Existing Building Documentation
City Planning’s current filing instructions require condominium-conversion applications to include a certified parking plan showing existing and proposed parking, guest spaces, driveway and aisle dimensions and related conditions. Applicants must also provide the applicable Certificate of Occupancy and, when available, supporting building-permit information.
Tenant Notices & Relocation Requirements
Residential condominium conversions can trigger tenant-notification and relocation requirements under the Los Angeles Municipal Code and California Subdivision Map Act. The requirements depend on the property’s circumstances and occupancy history.
City Planning’s condominium-conversion covenant materials reference notice requirements under LAMC §§12.95.2 and 47.06 and the Subdivision Map Act, including a 180-day notice of intention to convert in applicable situations.
Entitle and Permits can coordinate the required City Planning documentation and work with the owner and appropriate legal or relocation professionals where specialized advice is needed.
Rental Vacancy Review
Current City Planning filing instructions direct applicants to consult with the Geographic Project Planner regarding the multifamily rental vacancy rate for the applicable planning area. The instructions state that a condominium conversion may only be approved where the applicable rental vacancy rate is at least five percent.
Because this is a project-specific finding, it should be evaluated early rather than waiting until the subdivision application is already underway.
Los Angeles Condo Conversion Project Experience
Entitle and Permits has experience processing condominium conversions throughout Los Angeles and coordinating the land-use, subdivision and agency requirements necessary to create separately transferable condominium units.
Project: Existing apartment building to condominiums
Subdivision: Tract Map condominium conversion
City: Los Angeles
Result: Approved with conditions
Representative: Entitle and Permits
From Tentative Approval to Final Map
Tentative map approval is not the end of the condominium conversion process. Conditions must be satisfied before the final map can be recorded. Depending on the project, coordination may involve City Planning, Bureau of Engineering, LADBS, surveyors, title professionals and other agencies or consultants.
Entitle and Permits can help manage these conditions and coordinate the project through final subdivision clearance and recordation.
Need Help With a Condo Conversion in Los Angeles?
If you own an apartment building, duplex or other multifamily property and are considering a condo conversion in Los Angeles, Entitle and Permits can evaluate the property and explain the subdivision and City approval process before you commit significant time and expense.
Call 310-571-5833 or contact Entitle and Permits to discuss your condominium conversion project.