Gatekeeping Green Space: Minimum Lot Size Requirements, Private Lands, and Public Park Provision in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County

This paper examines how affluent neighborhoods control their spaces, from minimum lot size requirements to gatekeeping public parks in the City of Beverly Hills, California. Utilizing spatial analysis and ethnographic observations, the study reveals that restrictive land-use policies, such as minimum lot size requirements, limit public space availability, reinforcing socio-economic disparities. Public parks in northern areas often function as semi-private extensions of luxury properties, with numerous regulations catering to aesthetic preferences rather than inclusivity. Parks in the southern parts of Beverly Hills, though more community-oriented, still face regulatory barriers, revealing the city’s prioritization of property values and homeowner interests over accessible public spaces. Through analysis of city commission meetings and planning decisions, this paper demonstrates how the influence of affluent residents on urban policy perpetuates exclusivity, as public parks serve dual roles in enhancing property values and acting as extensions of private green spaces. The findings underscore the need for urban planning reforms that address these inequities, advocating for public spaces that foster inclusivity and meet the needs of diverse communities.