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Kobe Bryant gets green light for his Newport Beach business

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers after missing his three point attempt to tie the score as time ran out in the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on January 13, 2015 in Los Angeles. Off the court, Bryant fared better -- he'll be able to operate his business in Newport Beach until 2032.
(Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers star shooting guard Kobe Bryant will be able to operate his business in Newport Beach until 2032.

A hearing officer approved Kobe Inc.’s request for a 10-year zoning change extension for the roughly 1-acre industrial site at 1499 Monrovia Ave., which was slated to change from commercial and office use to residential in 2022.

The extension will take effect Jan. 28 after a 14-day appeal period, according to city documents.

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Kobe Inc. approached the city to request the extension before embarking on an extensive plan to upgrade the aging 16,550-square-foot office building.

Bryant, who lives in Newport Coast, has proposed spending more than $5 million on interior and exterior improvements to the two-story structure, which he purchased from the city in July for $5.8 million, according to city documents.

The company’s mission is to grow brands that redefine the sports industry, Bryant has said. Kobe Inc. recently invested in a sports drink called Bodyarmor.

—Hannah Fry

@HannahFryTCN

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