Planners Back Strict Limits on Girard Tract Building Projects

Although they rejected a total building ban for a crowded Woodland Hills neighborhood, Los Angeles city planners Thursday urged tough new construction guidelines for home builders in the area.

The Los Angeles City Planning Commission voted unanimously to require developers and property owners to obtain special permits before they build houses, room extensions, swimming pools and backyard fences. The proposal now goes to the City Council.

The regulations were proposed as planning officials rejected a recommendation from the city’s Planning Department to impose a one-year moratorium on all construction in the Girard Tract, a 1.5-square mile area surrounding the Woodland Hills Country Club.

The moratorium had been sought by homeowners and City Councilman Marvin Braude, who represents the Woodland Hills area. Residents had complained that large homes were being built on some of the 2,100 substandard-sized lots--some less than 5,000 square feet--established when the tract was subdivided for vacation cabins in 1922.

Homeowners said the construction smoothered many lots and caused traffic and sewage problems.

But an outright building ban was labeled “too strict” by Daniel P. Garcia, president of the Planning Commission. He said a moratorium would prevent property owners from making minor home improvements.

The controls finally recommended were proposed as a compromise by Commissioner Robert Abernethy. If they are approved by City Council, property owners will be required to get conditional-use permits from the city before building on their land.

Development plans would also be subject to special review by city planners.