WINDSOR SQUARE : Restrictions Put on Scottish Rite Temple

Responding to complaints from a homeowners group, a city zoning administrator has severely restricted the operation of the Scottish Rite Temple.

Neighbors represented by the Windsor Square Assn. said the temple’s managers created parking, noise and trash problems by renting out the building for commercial and entertainment events unrelated to the temple’s activities. The temple at 4357 Wilshire Blvd. is headquarters for a branch of the Freemasons.

In his decision, zoning administrator James J. Crisp said that the current operation of the temple constituted a public nuisance, and he prohibited the use of the temple or its parking lot for events not directly related to its work or mission.

Bruce Nahin, legal counsel for the Scottish Rite Cathedral Assn., said temple events have had little effect on the neighborhood and help pay the temple’s expenses. The temple is appealing the decision, he said.

Michael Cornwell, president of the Windsor Square Assn., said the group did not oppose all rental use of the temple but sought stricter regulation of hours, the type of events and frequency of use.

The temple has been cited for holding events without proper permits. Failure to comply with the new conditions could result in the revocation of the temple’s operating permit, according to the zoning decision.