Land-Use Law in Glendale

I take exception to Gideon Kanner’s opinion concerning zoning and illegal structures in Glendale (“Clear Views--and a Total Lack of Insight,” Feb. 1). Kanner has sought to expose the poor plight of the Trevor family’s crusade to legitimize an illegal structure built without permits in the public right-of-way. In fact, as built, this fence causes local schoolchildren to walk, dangerously, in the street. I, like many Glendale residents, am tired of people ignoring the law and then pleading ignorance or contempt [for] the rules to gain their own way.

Kanner asserts that Glendale’s land-use planning is intrusive. He notes that zoning laws are only 80 years old nationwide. Glendale’s forefathers, in 1922 (76 years ago) prohibited construction in the front setback, and Glendale’s wide-open streetscapes are the result of this foresight. One need only compare Glendale’s beautiful streets with the cinder-block walls in Van Nuys or Burbank to see why we are adamant about protecting the front setbacks.

The problem is not land-use law or municipal enforcement, it is a problem caused by the few seeking special treatment at the expense of the neighbors. The “hillside rapists” who seek to use the guise of property rights to level and build on every hillside are a prime example of this greedy self-interest.

Freedom of movement is a cornerstone of America. If you don’t like the restrictions placed upon land use in one town, move elsewhere.

BRIAN J. ELLIS

Glendale