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RESOURCES
California Solar Center
The California Solar Center has compiled a list of financial incentives offered for using alternative energy sources.
Reuse Building Materials
Discover how you can help recycle construction and deconstruction products.
New Fannie Mae Guidelines
Effective March 1, 2009, Fannie Mae will start once again financing up to 10 properties for investors in order to help with lending recovery. Find out what this means for you.
Wall Street Journal
National and International Real Estate trends and news.
Go Green
Everyone has ideas about greening residential real estate, but what about commercial investment property going green. Share your experiences or questions…comment here!
House of Representatives
Learn about the Bills currently on the table and how to voice your opinions.
Pool and Spa Safety Laws
Pool Safety Laws and information including the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, 15 USC 8004.
Mixed Use Zoning in Los Angeles
RAS3 and RAS4 Zoned Property
Zoning laws are important to understand when you are looking to buy or develop Los Angeles properties. Sometimes the distinction between what is permissible in different zones is relatively subtle. RAS3 and RAS4 areas allow for residential and accessory use. This includes use for single family homes, apartments, multiple dwellings, and limited commercial development on the ground floor. Both allow for child care use as well, however RAS3 properties limit this type of operation to a max of 20 children and RAS4 doesn’t impose this limitation. Additionally RAS4 properties can be used as churches, schools, and homeless shelters.
Zoning codes restrict not only use but also the physical properties and dimensions of buildings on these lots. RAS3 and RAS4 zoned lots must be at least 5000 sq. ft. in size with a minimum width of 50 ft.. Front yards are required to be 5 ft. deep or the average of adjoining buildings. 5 ft. side yards are also required under the circumstance that the ground floor is residential. No side yards are required if the ground floor is commercial. A 5 ft. rear yard is generally required but under the circumstance that the property borders RD zoning or another more restrictive zone a 15 ft. rear yard is required.
In some cases restrictions on the physical specifications of properties differ from RAS3 to RAS4 zonings. Both types of properties cannot exceed an height cap set by the district. However RAS3 properties cannot exceed 45 ft. even if the district cap is higher. RAS4 properties do not have this additional restriction and are only limited by the district cap. The minimum area for a dwelling unit on an RAS3 zoned property is 800 sq. ft., while the minimum area for a dwelling unit on an RAS4 zoned property is only 400 sq. ft. There are also different regulations within these two zones regarding parking requirements. RAS3 properties are required to provide 1.5 parking spots per unit and define this unit as 3 habitable rooms. RAS4 properties are required to provide 2 parking spots per unit and a unit is defined as at least 3 habitable rooms.
All of these regulations should be kept in mind when you are considering the purchase of property because as negligible as some of these differences might seem they can really effect the profitability of your real estate.
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REAL ESTATE
West Hollywood 3 Bedroom
Cute cottage with lovely front and backyards at 362 Huntley Drive. This charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath is located on a cul de sac between La Cienega and San Vicente. $773,000. See the MLS for more info
Development Opportunity or SFR on Culver Blvd
Culver City home at $549,000. Great Starter House… Priced Right With Nice Backyard & Mature Trees. Across From Bike/Pedestrian Path. Close To Freeways, Shopping, Public Transportation. Or Hold & Develop This R4 Property Later (Buyer To Confirm Current Zoning W/City). Court Confirmation Not Required
Santa Monica Extends Smoking Ban into Residential Territory
February, 2009- Santa Monica is known for its already severe anti-smoking legislation. City Council has passed further measures to safeguard residents against secondhand smoke. The new law regulates smoking in common areas of multi-family residences including apartment buildings and condos. Victims of secondhand smoke can file a civil action which can award them up to $100 in damages or order legal injunction. It is necessary that the victim of secondhand smoke attempts to reach a solution with the smoker and provides written notice before these matters are brought to court. Some tenants rights organizations feel that this bill goes too far into regulating residents lives, while some health organizations feel that these anti-smoking measures are too soft. This reaction is par for the course with the polarizing smoking issue.
Beverly Glen Condo
This extra large bright unit offers great flow for entertaining and you can’t beat the location. The condo is centrally located near bus stops, and minutes from the Rancho Park Golf Course, recreation center, Westfield shopping malls (Westside & Century City), movie theaters,
Westwood Village, UCLA, and a variety of neighborhood restaurants, shops and services. Huge living room with wet bar & fireplace opens up to huge seating area, separate dining area, and adjacent kitchen. Building offers controlled access, elevator, pool, and spa.
Investment Opportunities in Corona del Mar
There are uniques opportunities in this upscale community where duplex/condo conversions provide investment opportunities for the small investor. Corona del Mar is a fashionable beachside Orange County community with dazzling residential properties as well impressive shopping and entertainment options. Explore Corona del Mar