Council to Conduct Second Reading of Zoning Code Ordinance

This time they have the map.

After the lack of a graphic indicating the exact location of a zoning code amendment during the first reading of an ordinance that would allow a high increase on one project, staff has included the map for the second reading of the ordinance at Monday’s City Council meeting.

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

Last week, problems arose after staff did not include a map in the staff report and then displayed what some council members said was an inaccurate map.

“The amended area would allow a height bonus for parcels that abut Fair Oaks Avenue south of Pico Street but do not abut a residential use, the maximum height shall not exceed 56 feet,” the amendment reads.

Councilmember Felicia Williams voted against the ordinance because the staff report did not contain a map of the area that would be impacted by the amendment.

Although city staff claims the amendment for the sole parcel is not spot zoning, which 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.

“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.

The March 8 staff report did not list the project’s address.

“I have spoken to several residents that did not realize the project would be heard on March 8 because the address was not listed,” wrote Meagan Foker on behalf of Livable Pasadena.

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

“I know it’s hard to get more participation from the public, but we have to figure that out,” said Mayor Victor Gordo. “I know it’s not something we control entirely, but one of the issues raised was the lack of participation.”

Gordo called on the council to get the word out about updates to the Fair Oaks Avenue Plan.

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