Lawndale

The Planning Department has launched a study aimed at preserving already scarce street parking spaces that are being lost to driveways in a neighborhood near the Civic Center. The City Council rejected a moratorium on construction in R-1 (single-family) zones until the problem is solved, but it gave its approval to the study of driveway standards for narrow lots. The study will be completed in March.

According to the department, the problem stems from the redevelopment of 50-foot lots on which old homes have been torn down and replaced with paired homes on 25-foot lots. Driveways have been built side by side, eliminating street parking in front of the homes. The problem is centered in the area between Rosecrans Avenue, Firmona Avenue, Compton Boulevard and Burin Street, planners said. The aim of the study is to find a way to place driveways so parking will be protected.