In a win for mountain lions, bobcats and birds, a Wildlife Ordinance designed to minimize the impact of hillside homes on the surrounding environment cleared a major hurdle on Tuesday, June 20, unanimously backed by a key Los Angeles City Council committee.
The L.A. ordinance would limit how much of a homeowner’s property can be covered in structures and requires the use of animal-friendly architecture for new development. The rules would apply to hillside communities between Griffith Park and the 405 Freeway, including Sherman Oaks, Hollywood Hills, Bel Air, Laurel Canyon and Beverly Crest.
The city council Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee’s approval means the plan will now proceed to the full council for final approval.
The decision was met with delight by environmentalists and other supporters, but with anger by some homeowners who fear the regulations will decrease their property values or prevent them from enlarging their homes.
“Over the last few decades we’ve seen development in the hillside scale out of proportion, resulting in unsafe conditions not only for wildlife, but also for people,” said PLUM Chair Katy Yaroslavsky, whose council district includes a significant part of the targeted hills.
She added, “The Wildlife Ordinance presents a critical opportunity to create sensible land use and zoning regulations that would address hillside issues and climate resiliency goals.”
The ordinance would apply to new developments, major remodels of existing homes and property additions of 500 square feet or more. It would not require homeowners to alter their existing properties or apply the new rules to minor renovations.
Nevertheless, the rules sparked pushback from hillside residents, and many spoke out at Tuesday’s meeting. The council chambers filled immediately at 2 p.m. and public comment was cut off after 90 minutes, while dozens of additional speakers–both in support and in opposition–were left hanging…
Read the full article here