The Los Angeles City Council has approved new zoning rules to facilitate the redevelopment of a shuttered Sizzler restaurant in Lake Balboa.

Aerial view looking northeastAlajajian Marcoosi Architects

On August 16, the Council approved a zone change for a site at 16949-16955 Sherman Way, where Lion Signature, Inc. has proposed the construction of a new four-story building featuring 111 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments above approximately 4,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and parking for more than 160 vehicles.

As a condition of approval, 13 of the new apartments would be set aside for rent as very low-income affordable housing. That amount is required as a result of Measure JJJ, which requires any applicant seeking a zone change or general plan amendment to include affordable units in their project.

Alajajian Marcoosi Architects is designing the proposed development, which is shown in plans with an exterior of painted plaster, composite wood panels, and metal siding. Plans also show an E-shaped footprint, leaving ground floor space for small courtyards at the ground level and an amenity deck at the roof.

16955 Sherman WayGoogle Maps

The item had initially gone to the Council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee for consideration in June, but was delayed as a result of community pushback. At the project's February 2024 City Planning Commission hearing, residents of the surrounding neighborhood argued that the project would contribute to worsening traffic congestion and a loss of privacy. While a representative of City Councilmember Imelda Padilla had sought to reduce the scale of the project at that hearing, the project will move forward at its originally proposed four story height.

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