Learn the words

Plain-language definitions for the WeHo civics terms you'll see on this site.

Capital Improvement Program: The city's multi-year plan for big physical projects like roads, parks, and buildings.
CDBG: Community Development Block Grant — federal money the city uses for housing, services, and neighborhood projects.
CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act — a state law that requires the city to study how a project might affect the environment before approving it.
Conditional Use Permit: Special approval needed for certain businesses or uses that wouldn't normally be allowed in a zone.
Consent Calendar: A batch of routine items the council votes on all at once unless someone pulls one out for discussion.
Encroachment Permit: Permission to do work in the public right-of-way (sidewalks, streets).
First Reading: The first time a proposed ordinance is presented. Usually a second reading is needed before it becomes law.
Fiscal Year: WeHo's budget year runs July 1 to June 30.
Ordinance: A local law passed by the City Council.
Planning Commission: Reviews and recommends decisions on land use, zoning, and development projects.
Public Hearing: A meeting where you can speak directly to the council about a specific decision.
Public Safety Commission: A volunteer city commission that advises the council on policing, traffic safety, and emergency preparedness.
Quorum: The minimum number of council members needed to legally hold a meeting and vote.
Rent Stabilization: WeHo rules that limit how much landlords can raise rent each year on covered units.
Resolution: A formal statement of the council's position. Less binding than an ordinance.
RFP: Request for Proposals — a public call for businesses to bid on doing work for the city.
Second Reading: The follow-up vote that makes an ordinance official.
TOT: Transient Occupancy Tax — the tax hotel guests pay; a major WeHo revenue source.
Variance: Permission to deviate from zoning rules — for example, building taller than allowed.
WeHo Pride: West Hollywood's annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, produced by the city.

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Learn the words

Plain-language definitions for the WeHo civics terms you'll see on this site.

Capital Improvement Program

The city's multi-year plan for big physical projects like roads, parks, and buildings.

CDBG

Community Development Block Grant — federal money the city uses for housing, services, and neighborhood projects.

CEQA

California Environmental Quality Act — a state law that requires the city to study how a project might affect the environment before approving it.

Conditional Use Permit

Special approval needed for certain businesses or uses that wouldn't normally be allowed in a zone.

Consent Calendar

A batch of routine items the council votes on all at once unless someone pulls one out for discussion.

Encroachment Permit

Permission to do work in the public right-of-way (sidewalks, streets).

First Reading

The first time a proposed ordinance is presented. Usually a second reading is needed before it becomes law.

Fiscal Year

WeHo's budget year runs July 1 to June 30.

Ordinance

A local law passed by the City Council.

Planning Commission

Reviews and recommends decisions on land use, zoning, and development projects.

Public Hearing

A meeting where you can speak directly to the council about a specific decision.

Public Safety Commission

A volunteer city commission that advises the council on policing, traffic safety, and emergency preparedness.

Quorum

The minimum number of council members needed to legally hold a meeting and vote.

Rent Stabilization

WeHo rules that limit how much landlords can raise rent each year on covered units.

Resolution

A formal statement of the council's position. Less binding than an ordinance.

RFP

Request for Proposals — a public call for businesses to bid on doing work for the city.

Second Reading

The follow-up vote that makes an ordinance official.

TOT

Transient Occupancy Tax — the tax hotel guests pay; a major WeHo revenue source.

Variance

Permission to deviate from zoning rules — for example, building taller than allowed.

WeHo Pride

West Hollywood's annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, produced by the city.

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West Hollywood

Learn the words

Learn the words