January 21, 2021 Update. The City of Los Angeles (City) Bureau of Engineering (BOE) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Los Angeles Zoo Vision Plan (Project) consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). BOE is the Lead Agency under CEQA. As the Lead Agency, BOE has prepared an EIR in accordance with current City of Los Angeles Guidelines for Implementation of CEQA of 1970, Article I, and Section 15085 of CEQA Guidelines. The EIR addresses the proposed Project’s potential environmental impacts for the following resource areas:
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Using the information obtained through the environmental scoping period, the City prepared the Draft EIR and analyzed the environmental impacts of the proposed Project and alternatives. The City welcomes comments related to the content of the environmental information presented and invites you to attend a virtual public meeting to learn more about the proposed Project and participate in the environmental review process, as noticed herein.
The Draft Environmental Impact Report can be viewed via the links below.
Also, an audio/visual presentation (approximately 25 minutes) that summarizes the Draft EIR can be accessed via this link: DEIR Summary Presentation
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed Project would guide future development and modernization of the Zoo for the next 20 years. The proposed Project would include comprehensive redesign and redevelopment of the Zoo to replace outdated buildings and infrastructure and upgrade animal care and guest amenities through the 133-acre Zoo. Improvements would include new and revitalized immersive exhibit space and animal habitats, new visitor-serving buildings, expanded and modernized administrative and services facilities, circulation improvements for access roads, pedestrian walkways and paths, an enhanced entry way and plaza, and new parking facilities. The Project is projected to increase annual visitation by approximately 1.2 million visitors per year. This projected growth in visitation and expansion of facilities within the Zoo property would have commensurate increases in employment. See Section 2.0, Project Description of the EIR for a detailed description of the proposed Project.
PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The Draft EIR will be circulated for a sixty (60) day public review period, beginning on December 17, 2020 and ending on February 15, 2021. All comments must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 15, 2021 by mailing or emailing (please include “LA Zoo Vision Plan EIR Comments” in the subject line) to:
