Deadline May Be Extended for Airport Land-Use Plan

The Assembly approved a bill on Monday to give Los Angeles County an extra six months to complete controversial land-use plans for airports, including those in Palmdale, Burbank and Van Nuys.

The legislation by Sen. Robert G. Beverly (R-Manhattan Beach) would extend the present June 30, 1991, deadline for the plans until Jan. 1, 1992. The plans are designed to ensure that high-rises and residential developments planned near airports are compatible with noise and flight safety.

A law requiring the plans has been in effect for two decades, but the plans have been drafted for only slightly more than half of the state’s 269 airports and for none of the 17 airports in Los Angeles County. Last year, the Legislature approved a bill, which was signed into law by Gov. George Deukmejian, to force non-complying areas to draft the plans immediately.

During a brief debate on the Assembly floor Monday, Assemblywoman Marian W. La Follette (R-Northridge) said that the Beverly bill would give the county the necessary time to establish planning guidelines for areas around airports.

Assemblyman Gerald N. Felando (R-San Pedro) argued that the county already had been given ample time to develop the plans. During an interview, Felando said that the county “knew about this thing a long time ago. I don’t believe any more time is necessary.”

Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Los Angeles) also objected to the Beverly bill, saying it would delay for six months “the opportunity to control development near airports.” Friedman represents parts of the San Fernando Valley, including Sherman Oaks and Encino.

But the urgency measure was approved 56 to 8--just two more votes than the required two-thirds--and sent back to the Senate for concurrence in Assembly amendments. If it wins final passage and is signed into law by the governor, the legislation would take effect immediately.