Local News in Brief : Panel Wants Project Approval in Its Hands

Pasadena’s Board of Directors took a step toward controlling the pace of development by tentatively approving an ordinance that will require its approval for all major projects.

Officials said the ordinance approved by the directors will allow them to more closely scrutinize large projects and impose a wider range of conditions to ensure that the development does not increase the city’s mounting traffic, noise and pollution problems.

All commercial projects larger than 25,000 square feet and most apartment and condominium developments will be subject to board review under the ordinance, which is the first phase of a temporary slow-growth plan that the board approved last week.

The key to the plan is banning the construction of office buildings larger than 25,000 square feet for up to two years, except in redevelopment areas.