Circumventing of Film Curb Cited as Possibility

Universal Studios “theoretically” could circumvent precedent-setting nighttime filming restrictions by obtaining a special permit, a city planning official said Wednesday.

Over the studio’s strenuous objections, the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission voted 3 to 2 last week to recommend restrictions on loud early morning filming noises at Universal. If enacted, they would be the first such curbs ever imposed on a Southern California movie studio. Universal called it a blow to the entertainment industry.

“What’s to stop you from circumventing the process by getting a special film permit,” Commissioner Donald Toy asked as the panel continued its review of the studio’s proposed expansion. “If it can be circumvented it means nothing.”

Robert Sutton, deputy director of the city’s Planning Department, acknowledged that “theoretically” Universal could do just that.

“Again, we’re trying to balance out the concerns of the community with the rights the applicant has today,” said Sutton, whose department has helped draft the staff recommendations on the expansion project. “This is certainly a major improvement to what we have today.”

Details of what would be needed to obtain a permit, or even what agency would issue it, were not spelled out in staff recommendations. Sutton said the request for a permit could be rejected if the city and county’s Entertainment Industry Development Corp., the agency most likely to handle the matter, deemed the exemption inappropriate.

The commission was unable to conclude its 22-month review of the proposed expansion at Wednesday’s meeting.

Yet to be completed is a development agreement between Universal--seeking to add 3.2 million square feet of space to its hilltop perch--and the city and county of Los Angeles, which must ensure the public also benefits. The development agreement would essentially serve as a contract between the two sides.

The commission also called for a feasibility study to determine whether a bike path planned for the area can cross either over or under Lankershim Boulevard. If it’s found to be feasible, Universal would have to pay its fair share.

Esther Feldman, vice chairman of the commission, also recommended that Universal create a river trust fund to pay for a full-time ranger to patrol the path, which would be finished in 15 years and run adjacent to the Los Angeles River.

The panel already had approved a Neighborhood Protection trust fund to pay for improvements--such as speed bumps and stop signs--in the streets adjacent to Universal.

The commission said it will consider the expansion again Nov. 19.