Moratorium Vote Delayed
The Lomita City Council delayed a vote on whether to put a moratorium on development along Pacific Coast Highway, the city’s major commercial thoroughfare, pending further study.
Although the Planning Commission had recommended imposing a moratorium while the city studies how to better regulate development along the highway, council members voted 5-0 to postpone a vote until their next meeting Dec. 7.
Although he voted for the delay, Councilman Charles Belba said development along the highway has been “haphazard” and a moratorium “could be used as a very effective long-term planning tool.”
If approved, the moratorium would last a maximum of 45 days, said City Atty. Lee Dolley, after which the city would be required to hold a public hearing to extend it. A moratorium could then be extended for as long as two years, he said.
“It’s important for the City Council to decide what it is they’re trying to stop,” said Dolley, who recommended postponing the decision.
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