South Pasadena : Building Ban Proposed

Two councilmen, complaining of inadequate building codes, have proposed a short-term moratorium on residential and commercial construction.

Councilmen James C. Hodge Jr. and Dick Richards last week brought up the proposal, which may come to a vote Wednesday. “What has become very apparent is that most city (building and planning) codes, while they give a guideline, have been inadequate,” Hodge said.

The idea of a temporary ban stems from a recent controversy about the development of a two-story office building at the intersection of Fremont Avenue and Huntington Drive, he said. The council earlier this month voted 4 to 1 to approve the project, with Richards dissenting. But Hodge said he “agreed (with Richards that) it was a nightmarish process for the public, council and developer as well.”

The ban, to last at least 45 days, would give city officials time to come up with code revisions concerning density, design, height, and size of residential and commercial projects, the councilmen said. Hodge said he hopes the city will also create a design review committee.