New Planning Chief Wins Council’s OK
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Kenneth Topping, a San Bernardino County land official, was confirmed as expected Wednesday as the new director of the Los Angeles City Planning Department.
Topping, 50, was approved on a unanimous vote of the City Council. He was picked for the $91,000-a-year position last month by Mayor Tom Bradley.
Responsibilities of the new job include administering the 260-employee department, which approves most new building in the city, and helping to set the tone for future growth.
Topping replaces Calvin Hamilton, who retired after 21 years as chief of the department and plans to open a consulting firm with major developers as clients.
In San Bernardino County, Topping most recently served as deputy administrator of development services, a title that gave him supervisory power over several departments that regulate land-use. He had previously served as the planning chief.
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