Council Authorizes Demolition Pacts

The San Fernando City Council has authorized officials to proceed with emergency demolition contracts, and laid down rules on reconstruction of the city’s quake-damaged neighborhoods.

Virtually all structures can be rebuilt as they were, provided they conform to modern seismic standards and building codes, according to the resolutions.

Some older buildings damaged by the earthquake normally would not be permitted under new zoning regulations.

The council voted Monday night to allow almost all of those buildings to be reconstructed--even those with too many residential units or not enough parking.

But the policy bans commercial uses that may have prevailed in neighborhoods that since have been rezoned as residential.

The city will have to tear down about 14 structures that pose an immediate hazard to the public, according to Community Development Director Howard Miura.

Miura’s agency has deemed 131 structures unsafe, and limited access to 132 others.

Building officials hope to authorize demolition contracts quickly, after an abbreviated bidding procedure, City Administrator Mary Strenn said Tuesday.

“We actually don’t have to go through the normal bidding procedures in emergency cases, but we feel a little bit better about the prices this way,” she said.

The city also will charge its usual construction fees, but so far is not collecting them, according to Miura.

Council members Monday night said they will consider waivers, discounts or other incentives at a future meeting.