HUNTINGTON BEACH : Home Moratorium Exemptions Given

Because a moratorium on building new homes on certain lots in the city has caused inconvenience and financial hardship for some property owners, some homes have been exempted from the building ban.

The council enacted a 45-day moratorium earlier this month on so-called “in-fill lots”--vacant land zoned for single-family housing that is next to existing homes.

The moratorium was a result of complaints made by Huntington Seacliff residents concerned about new homes being built in their area that are taller and larger than existing homes.

A new ordinance is expected to be adopted by the council July 5 to ensure compatibility and safeguard privacy against visual intrusion when new homes are built next to existing homes.

Meanwhile, the council this week exempted single-family homes from the moratorium provided they are:

* No more than 25 feet in height.

* At least 50 feet from an existing single-family home.

* Part of a new subdivision of custom homes.

* Built to the same zoning standards as neighboring homes.

All new homes would be reviewed to determine compliance with design and zoning guidelines, Planning Director Howard Zelefsky said.

Zelefsky said 85 building permits for new homes are pending. However, many of the lots are separated from existing homes by streets, alleys or public easements. Other homes are part of a larger tract that will be next to existing tracts of homes.

Zelefsky said the city staff is determining how many homes would qualify for the exemption.