Council OKs Limits on Developers : Affects Condos in Sherman Oaks

Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday tentatively approved one-year limits on residential development in part of Sherman Oaks that would roughly cut in half the size of apartment and condominium projects permitted in the area.

The 8-2 vote was a victory for Sherman Oaks residents who had sought the restrictions, complaining that a boom in apartment and condominium construction has caused traffic and parking problems.

Some Sherman Oaks landowners objected to the curbs, however, arguing that to suddenly change development rules would unfairly limit what they could do with their property.

Both sides found sympathetic ears on the council.

The restrictions, which will go before the council for final approval next week, were proposed by Zev Yaroslavsky, who became the councilman for Sherman Oaks under recent council redistricting. The 12-month development limits would take effect 30 days after they are signed by Mayor Tom Bradley.

Not a Total Ban

Although billed by Yaroslavsky as a moratorium, the measure would not impose a total ban on multifamily residential construction.

Zoning would be changed to reduce by about half the number of units that could be built on lots in the area from Ventura Boulevard south to Valley Vista Boulevard, and from the San Diego Freeway east to Hazeltine Avenue.

Whereas existing zoning for much of the area allows one unit for every 800 square feet of lot, the measure would allow one unit for every 1,500 square feet. Thus, a developer who previously could put a six-unit building on an average lot--about 5,000 square feet--would have to scale down such a project to three units.

Yaroslavsky proposed the measure as a way to “buy some time” so the city can study the community plan for the predominantly single-family area.

Although the restrictions would not take effect until a month after the measure is signed, developers who had not submitted building plans to the city department of building and safety by Jan. 8 would have to comply with the new limits.

Yaroslavsky told his council colleagues Tuesday that the restrictions are needed because the area “has experienced a tremendous amount of massive apartment construction recently.”

“It’s a mess,” he said.

But Councilman Gilbert W. Lindsay, who voted against the measure, as did Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores, said he is for more, not less, development.

“No moratoriums, let’s build,” said Lindsay, who represents downtown Los Angeles. “I’m for progress, big deals, big times and big buildings.”