Local News in Brief : High-Rise Moratorium Gets Final Council OK

A one-year high-rise building moratorium on congested Ventura Boulevard was given final approval Tuesday by the Los Angeles City Council.

The measure, which passed by an 11-1 vote, was sent to Mayor Tom Bradley for his signature.

Because of the “no” vote cast by Eastside Councilman Arthur K. Snyder, it will take 30 days before the ordinance, if approved by Bradley, can take effect. A unanimous vote is required for an ordinance to take effect immediately.

Snyder said he voted no because he is philosophically opposed to moratoriums.

Councilman Marvin Braude, who introduced the ordinance, said he doubted that the 30-day delay would enable any developer to slip in under the wire with a major project. He said it takes too much time to plan a project.

The moratorium is designed to give city planners time to prepare a development plan that would require builders to take measures to reduce the effect of their projects on boulevard traffic. Such measures could include financing street widenings or providing shuttle buses.

The moratorium prohibits new buildings of more than three stories and cuts in half the permitted floor space for construction along the boulevard between Coldwater Canyon and Valley Circle boulevards. It allows developers to argue for exemptions by convincing City Council that they have reduced the impact of their projects on traffic.

A separate proposal to extend the moratorium east to take in all of Studio City is pending. Because of legal requirements, it must be considered separately. It stands a good chance of approval because it is supported by district Councilman Joel Wachs.