Burbank Mayor Seeks Support for Density, Height Limitations

Nearly two years after the Burbank City Council turned down a building moratorium, Mayor Michael R. Hastings is trying to gather support for new density and height restrictions on development.

Hastings, who supported a proposed growth moratorium as a council member in December, 1985, is holding a “town hall” meeting tonight to receive resident response to the proposal and other local issues.

Recent figures show that developers are not voluntarily controlling growth in the city, Hastings said.

“The numbers I’m seeing on construction and development in this city are really alarming,” he said. “I think it’s time to take a good, long look at what’s going on. I don’t want to stop development here, but I think we need some checks and balances.”

Hastings said an average of 260 residential units were built yearly in the 12 years ending in December, 1986. But, in the first eight months of this year, 2,307 residential units were being built or proposed within the city, he said.

Neighborhood Density

One of the proposed ordinances would put a density limit in residential neighborhoods and another would put a cap on the height of office buildings, Hastings said.

Although a specific, detailed proposal has not been drawn up, City Atty. Douglas C. Holland has been studying similar growth-control ordinances in other cities and is planning to draft the ordinances soon.

“First, we want to find out what the people feel,” Hastings said.

“But if my colleagues defeat this, then the ordinance may be voted on by the people, and it will be even more radical than it is now,” Hastings said. “I think residents are upset with the amount of development here.”

He said Burbank voters may push for an initiative similar to Proposition U, passed in November by Los Angeles voters. That initiative reduces the height of new commercial buildings in Los Angeles.

Several developers oppose the height and density restrictions in Burbank and are expected to speak against the plan tonight, Hastings said.

One architect, who has built several apartment buildings in Burbank, accused Hastings of proposing the ordinance for political reasons.

“I think politicians should stay out of the free-enterprise system,” architect August Bacchetta said. “That includes Hastings and all these other young kids who are wet behind the ears.”

Bacchetta said apartment buildings occupy less than 7% of the city.

“If the city no longer wants to upgrade residential areas, that’s within their power, but they should not try to stop development,” he said.

Hastings has been criticized for the theme of his meeting: “If you’re happy with what’s happening with Burbank, don’t come.” The meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. at Jordan Junior High School, 420 S. Mariposa St.

So far, Mary Lou Howard is the only other council member publicly supporting the proposal, Hastings said.

In December, 1985, the council refused to impose a building moratorium on the Media District and the adjacent Rancho residential area. The Media District is the site of several major motion picture studios, and the Rancho area is zoned for horses.

Supporters of the moratorium had said that commercial development threatens the sanctity of residential areas.

Hastings at the time accused the majority of the council of favoring developers over the community’s residents.