South Pasadena : Hillside Building Limits
An ordinance to protect the city’s remaining undeveloped hillside areas from the construction of houses described by some residents as “monsters” and “behemoths” has been given tentative approval.
The measure, passed by the City Council last week on a 4-0 vote, would place new restrictions on the development of single-family homes on lots with a minimum 20% slope. During a public hearing, several residents expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s control over hillside development.
“(Developers) are totally decimating the hillsides,” resident Beverly Biber said. “While (the ordinance) is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t go far enough.”
Chief among the new limitations are more stringent height and grading standards, which city officials hope will curtail development of massive, towering residential structures that opponents contend have spoiled many hillsides.
A final vote is set for the council’s Dec. 2 meeting.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
