Council Successfully Conducts Second Reading of Zoning Code Ordinance

With the proper map included, the City Council made short work of the second reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning code to allow a new height limit on a single project on South Fair Oaks Boulevard.

The City Council voted 6-1 to pass the second reading. Councilman Steve Madison left the meeting before the vote and Councilmember Felicia Williams voted against the project.

According to Megan Foker of Livable Pasadena, the amendment is just spot zoning. Spot zoning occurs when the use of a parcel of land differs from the surrounding properties in that zone. Critics say the amendment undermines the public process.

“It is very clear to us spot zoning is occurring.” Foker said. “What is less clear, however, is how the change of zoning to allow this substantially larger office building is in the public interest.”

The ordinance would allow a 62 feet tall 75,000 square-foot office building to be built on South Fair Oaks Avenue, exceeding the maximum 56-foot limit.

“Why participate as a member of the public in these updates, including spending significant time to attend and express public comments and views, when a developer can ‘intervene’ and convince the City to change a Specific Plan for its particular project and its particular site in the middle of the update process?” said activist Nina Chomsky.

When the project came before the City Council in early March, the staff report did not list the project’s address, which Foker claims prevented some residents from knowing the project was up for review by the council.

Only 20 people attended an open house on the project, according to one letter.

The project was approved in January with a unanimous vote by the city Planning Commission.