Building Limits Sought : L.A. Acts to Protect Annexation Target

The Los Angeles City Council took steps Wednesday to restrict building on 1,011 acres of largely vacant land west of Chatsworth that is expected to be annexed to the city next week.

The council unanimously called for an ordinance that would limit development in the area, south of the Simi Valley Freeway and west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, to single-family homes on large lots. The measure must go back to the council and then to Mayor Tom Bradley for final approval.

The action was requested by Councilman Hal Bernson, who will represent the area if it is annexed. Bernson has been promoting the annexation to give the city control of the area’s zoning. The land is now under the control of the more pro-development county Board of Supervisors.

Although there are no building projects awaiting approval for the area, Bernson said he is concerned about large tracts near Topanga Canyon Boulevard and the Simi Valley Freeway, currently zoned commercial, that have been considered for a hotel and a water-slide attraction.

A large condominium project already approved for the area will be allowed to proceed.

The council is scheduled to hold a hearing Tuesday on the annexation. The annexation will become final unless more than 25% of the area’s landowners and voters, who have been notified of the proposal, file written objections.

If more than 25% object, an election on the issue will be held in the area proposed for annexation. If more than 49% of the landowners and registered voters protest, the annexation will be disapproved without an election.

Some landowners have expressed fears that rezoning will reduce their property values, but the annexation is strongly supported by many residents of a mobile home park within the area, who welcome the prospect of coming under the city’s rent-control law.