L.A. Council Puts Roof on Buildings Near Homes

Los Angeles City Council members Tuesday approved an ordinance temporarily restricting the height of new apartments and condominiums built next to single-family homes in parts of Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood and Van Nuys.

The ordinance was proposed by Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky in response to complaints from Sherman Oaks-area constituents who complained about blocked views, parking and traffic problems, and loss of privacy and sunlight from the building of apartments and condominiums of up to five stories.

Approved unanimously and without discussion by the council, the ordinance now goes to Mayor Tom Bradley for his expected approval.

The ordinance restricts the heights of new apartment and condominium projects based on their proximity to single-family homes. Projects within 50 feet of a single-family home are restricted to two stories. Developments from 50 to 100 feet from a single-family home are restricted to three stories. Developments more than 100 feet from a single-family residence are not affected.

An area north of Ventura Boulevard, east of the San Diego Freeway, west of Colbath Avenue and south of the Ventura Freeway is affected by the ordinance. Also affected is an area north of the Ventura Freeway, east of the San Diego Freeway, west of the Tujunga Wash and south of Magnolia Boulevard.

The restrictions will be in effect for a year, with a possible one-year extension, to give city planners time to develop a plan to permanently restrict development of large multifamily housing projects in the Sherman Oaks area.

Several property owners who hope to sell their property for development of apartments or condominiums opposed the ordinance. They complained that it would reduce their property values.

The council previously approved restrictions on the building of high-rise apartments for most of Sherman Oaks south of Ventura Boulevard and the Valley Village neighborhood in North Hollywood.