Planning Commission to Consider Renewing Las Encinas Hospital Master Plan

Pasadena’s Planning Commission on Wednesday will hear an application by Las Encinas Mental Health Hospital in Pasadena to extend the expiration date for its Master Plan, adopted in 2009, for an additional 10 years up to September 2029 in order to complete improvements at its complex at 2900 E Del Mar Blvd. 

The Master Plan involved the demolition of existing buildings, new construction of medical and residential treatment buildings, and preservation of historic buildings. Currently, according to the Department of Planning and Community Development, new hospital construction is underway, a parking structure has been completed and a historic building relocated, while the construction of Independent or assisted-living buildings has just received Final Design Review approval. 

The Planning Department is recommending approval of the application for renewal of the Master Plan with a 10-year time extension to September 21, 2029. 

In its assessment of the Las Encinas Hospital Master Plan, the department said improvements made on the complex were in substantial compliance with the conditions of approval of the Master Plan in 2009. Las Encinas is not proposing any changes in the approved Master Plan, and that renewal is necessary to complete the Master Plan, the Department said. 

Also at Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Department will report on its five-year review of the approved 2009 Las Encinas Hospital Master Plan. As required under the Zoning Code, all Master Plans shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission every five years for compliance with the features of the plan and conditions of approval. 

The Planning Commission’s special virtual meeting begins at 3 p.m. and can be accessed through Zoom, by visiting www.us02web.zoom.us/j/85715734094, or by phone by dialing (669) 900 6833.