Monterey Park Eases Rule on Demolitions

The City Council on Monday decided to allow houses and businesses that do not comply with building standards to remain as long as they don’t pose health and safety hazards.

The council voted 4 to 1, with Councilwoman Betty Couch opposed, to eliminate a retroactive measure in the city’s building codes that requires existing structures to comply with new building standards.

The action removes the threat of demolition of about 1,000 residential units that do not conform with open space requirements, density and height limitations and parking requirements adopted last September. Without Monday’s vote, the residences would have 20 years to comply or face demolition.

Over the last several years, Monterey Park has made sweeping changes in commercial and residential development, especially for apartments and condominiums. The council has imposed a series of building moratoriums while it tightened standards, leaving relatively new buildings out of compliance.

In 1986, voters approved major zoning changes that further restricted the height of commercial buildings and established standards for shopping and residential areas.

Also Monday, the council removed price ceilings on the maintenance, repair and renovation of nonconforming buildings, which were intended to prevent expensive work that could significantly change the character of a residence or business.

Now, an owner can make repairs at any cost, as long as the square footage and height remain the same. Previously, repair or maintenance work was allowed only if the cost did not exceed 50% of the building’s assessed value. Restoration of damaged buildings could not cost more than twice the building’s assessed value before damage.