There may be protection soon for historic buildings in LA.

LA City Councilman Jose Huizar is proposing making it illegal for owners to tear down properties they own that are being considered for landmark status by the LA Cultural Heritage Commission.

Buildings whose applications are still being considered for landmark status can be demolished under current law.

As part of the new proposal, property owners would have to be contacted immediately when their application to the LA Cultural Heritage Commission is received, The Real Deal reports. As it stands, many do not know when their applications are being considered.

The proposed ordinance would also give the city council and the Cultural Heritage Commission 60 more days in addition to the 75 days allotted from the date the application is received.

Some in the commercial real estate industry have argued the historic-cultural status hinders new projects.

The proposal will go to the city's Planning and Land Use Management Committee before the city council vote. [TRD]