There are two serious ordinances pending approval by the City Council and County Council that will have an immediate, direct impact on your home values and disclosure requirements.

The first is the Baseline Hillside Ordinance that impacts all residences and vacant land in our neighborhood.   On August 5^th the Los Angeles City Council approved the proposed Baseline Hillside Ordinance provisions with 2 changes and has asked the City Attorney’s Office to review and prepare the official Ordinance.

The changes, in the form of Motions, should be available for download on the online Council File.  But as of August 17^th, all the signs are indicating that this will assuredly be passed.  The ordinance is going to have a huge impact on the residential areas that are approximately south of Valley Vista, North of Sunset, Hollywood Hills to the east and Mulholland Park/Bel Air to the west.  The exact map of coverage is still being finalized.

The premise is that tall, multi-level homes and homes that are not consistent with the existing architectural “culture” will no longer be allowed in this geographical area.  There will be strict limitations to height, size, grading, slope and style with this ordinance.  It also includes limitations on adding any additions to any existing homes even if they currently comply with building codes.

There will not only be restrictions on the size of a home that can be built based on the square footage of the lot, but what constitutes square footage and how it is calculated.  (The GARAGE!)

I have all the precise information and available or you can put Baseline Hillside Ordinance in your browser and peruse.  There is also a Facebook Fan page that you can follow that will give you updates.

The second ordinance pertains to Septic Systems.  The Proposal will amend the current standards to the Board of Public Works, City Council and Mayor an OWTS Management Program (Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems).  This will require inspection and certification every 3 years for high risk areas and every 5 years for the remaining areas.  If you have to upgrade your system to new standards this can cost thousands of dollars.  I know from personal experience that my system is now required to have a second opening and Certification was refused.  An extension has been granted until December 31, 2010 but information must be disclosed should you sell your home.  For more precise information go to http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/losangeles.

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