Planners Move to Speed Rebuilding : Riot area: But the ordinance that they vote for bars an expedited approval process for new liquor store projects.

The Los Angeles Planning Commission approved a new ordinance Monday to help speed the redevelopment of buildings and businesses destroyed in the riots nearly two weeks ago.

The ordinance, which still must be approved by the City Council, will establish a quicker approval process for the construction of some new, non-controversial projects, such as day-care centers or supermarkets.

It also streamlines the application process for owners of destroyed businesses seeking to open shops in temporary facilities.

The ordinance specifically bars an expedited approval process for new liquor store projects, which will be subject to detailed review and a public hearing to give neighborhood residents a chance to express concerns.

The ordinance did not address the controversial issue of rebuilding liquor stores that were destroyed in the riots. Those businesses will continue to fall under current regulations, which in most cases require a public hearing. Owners of existing stores cannot be denied permits to rebuild but stricter conditions can be imposed.

Dozens of Korean-American liquor store owners unsuccessfully pleaded before the commission Monday for help in getting their businesses rebuilt quickly.

“To have to go through a public hearing again is unfair. We cannot use this tragic incident to create another tragic incident,” said Christopher C. Pak, a board member of the Korean American Coalition.

David Kim, president of the Korean American Grocers Assn., said that out of a total of about 700 liquor stores in South Los Angeles, 452 liquor stores and markets owned by Korean-Americans were destroyed or seriously damaged during the riots.

Neighborhood groups and some city officials were buoyed by the commission’s decision to bar liquor stores from benefiting from the expedited approval process.

Critics have maintained for years that there are too many liquor stores in South Los Angeles, complaining that they have been a focal point of crime, loitering, drunkenness and blight.