City Mini-Mall Legislation Creates Major Controversy : Council Acts to Restrict Development

Few projects draw more public criticism than so-called “mini-malls”--those small, usually L-shaped shopping centers that typically contain a convenience store, a few eating establishments and a handful of other small businesses.

Many Angelenos have complained that the projects are ugly, generate too much traffic and detract from the quality of the surrounding neighborhood.

Last week the City Council gave preliminary approval to a temporary ban on new mini-mall construction. The council also wants developers to obtain a conditional-use permit before construction of any future mini-malls.

Careful Review

The city would carefully review each project’s design, landscape and site plans, and parking requirements would be beefed up. Parking spaces may have to be placed behind new developments or in underground structures.

A final vote on the measure is slated for this week.

Proponents say the plan is needed to improve the appearance of mini-malls, soften their impact on traffic patterns and “protect” residential neighborhoods from the problems some of the projects create.

Most mini-mall developers are opposed to the plan for a variety of reasons.

More Red Tape

They are particularly concerned that strict design review procedures would create more costly red tape and would give city staffers the ability to change plans drawn up by seasoned architects. The parking proposal has also drawn much of the criticism because developers feel the new requirements could reduce customer traffic and encourage more criminal activity.

In an adjoining commentary, Los Angeles Planning Commission President Daniel P. Garcia says a properly formulated ordinance would benefit residents and developers alike.

But Arthur K. Snyder, a former city councilman who now acts as legal counsel for several developers, claims the current proposal is too far-reaching and will cause several new problems if it is enacted.