Proposal to Limit Zoning Appeals Draws Fire

Calling it a dangerous and potentially harmful proposal, Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs and several San Fernando Valley homeowner groups plan to protest a proposal Wednesday that would limit the council’s authority to hear public appeals of planning decisions.

The proposal--one of 65 ideas offered last year by a development reform panel created by Mayor Richard Riordan--would take away the council’s power to overturn decisions made by the Board of Zoning Appeals, a mayoral-appointed committee.

Under the proposal, the Board of Zoning Appeals would have final say on approving liquor licenses, imposing restrictions on bars and restaurants, and permitting cellular antennas, among other matters.

The idea behind the proposal and the 65 other measures offered by the so-called Development Reform Committee is to reduce the amount of time and money developers spend in getting projects approved by City Hall.

But Wachs and others say they are not willing to sacrifice the council’s oversight for expediency.

“This is a dangerous and potentially harmful proposal that takes away from city residents their rights to due process and a full hearing,” Wachs said.

Valley homeowner groups are already queuing up to protest the measure when it comes before the council today.