Local News in Brief : Council Gets Plan to Limit Reseda Building

Building in Reseda’s business district would be severely restricted until a development plan can be prepared under a recommendation sent to the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday by its planning committee.

The proposal by Councilwoman Joy Picus would limit the height of new buildings to 2 stories if less than 300 feet from homes or 3 stories if more than 300 feet from homes. It also would restrict the square footage of new buildings to 1 1/2 times the lot size as well as increase parking requirements for new projects.

Zoning now allows buildings up to 10 stories with a square footage of six times the lot size.

The business district extends along Reseda Boulevard between Kittridge and Lull streets and Sherman Way between Hesperia and Wilbur avenues.

The proposal also would temporarily prohibit development of any more thrift stores, auto body repair shops and other businesses that residents say have contributed to the area’s decline. The restrictions would remain in effect until the council adopts a new development plan for the business district.

Picus proposed the restrictions in April at the request of a citizens’ advisory committee she appointed to prepare the development plan. The plan, which seeks to transform the area into a fashionable shopping district, is expected to be sent to the council for approval in about a year.

No one spoke in opposition to the measure at Tuesday’s committee hearing.