Universal Studios Could Face Nighttime Filming Restrictions

In an apparent first for Hollywood, a studio would be barred from some loud nighttime filming under a recommendation approved Wednesday by a divided Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission.

Over the strong objections of Universal Studios executives, and amid joking comments about how much sleep people really need, the commission voted 3-2 to restrict helicopter noise, explosions and other loud sounds at the Universal City lot between midnight and 5 a.m. during standard time, and between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. during daylight-saving time.

Los Angeles City Planning Department staffers and members of the county planning commission said they knew of no similar limitations imposed on a Southern California movie studio.

But commissioners, who voted for the noise restrictions as part of a package of improvements Universal must make during a proposed expansion, said the move was necessary to safeguard the quality of life for the area’s residents.

Universal officials said the restrictions would be a blow to the entire entertainment industry.

“We think the limitations are just inappropriate for this industry,” said Universal attorney George J. Mihlsten. “This is a key industry that needs to be supported by the county.”

The restrictions, which must be approved by at least three other governmental bodies before taking effect, would prohibit “impulsive sounds,” including pyrotechnics, gunfire and simulated explosions, in three specific areas on the Universal lot, mostly on land near neighborhoods or the Los Angeles River.

In addition, the nighttime use of helicopters in production would be prohibited throughout Universal’s property.

Though Mihlsten said the restrictions would put Universal at an “immense competitive disadvantage,” one commissioner urged his colleagues to go beyond the staff recommendation and extend the restrictions until 6 a.m. or 7 a.m.

Eliciting chuckles from the crowd, Commissioner Don Toy asked, “Who can sleep for just four hours?”

Given the precedent-setting nature of the vote, Commissioner Esther Feldman urged her colleagues to stick with the staff recommendations. Commissioner Renee Campbell joined Toy in voting against the measure.

The commission did not address a request from a coalition of homeowner/labor groups pushing for the establishment of a citizens oversight committee to help govern the mammoth expansion project, which would add 3.2 million square feet of development to the hilltop property over 15 years.

Judith Fries, a lawyer for the county, said she did not view the request as a land-use issue, the only area over which the commission has jurisdiction.

A spokesman for the coalition vowed to keep making the request as the process continues up the governmental food chain--a trek that could take six months.

Because some of Universal’s property falls within city boundaries and some in Los Angeles County, the proposed expansion plan must be approved by the city and regional planning commissions, the City Council and the county Board of Supervisors.