Proposal Would Increase Lot Size

In a move to protect a neighborhood from developers who could slice large lots into smaller properties, Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski steered a proposal for a zoning change through the council’s Planning and Land Use Committee.

The committee, of which Miscikowski is vice chair, Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to increase the minimum size of various properties along Hayvenhurst, Petit and Libbit avenues from 5,000 to 9,000 square feet. The area, located south of the Ventura Freeway, has historically featured homes built on large lots.

“I’ve initiated this to preserve the existing quality of the neighborhood and larger lot sizes for single-family homes,” Miscikowski said.

The councilwoman said she had received petitions “signed by 30 or 40 neighborhood residents” supporting the change. The move would also prevent more traffic from streaming into the area, she said.

As with other proposed zoning changes, the plan faces months of public hearings and evaluation before it could be approved. Miscikowski said she expects the full council to vote on the proposal within two weeks.

If the proposal is approved, the Planning Department would send notices to all affected property owners and convene hearings.