Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions come from comments received by the SCRA office staff and conversations with both SCRA members and non-members who have spoken with both the SCRA Board and the SCRA Overlay Committee.
Please check the RFA ordinance at Planning and Land Use (this website) for complete information. The answers below are a guidelines only
1. Exactly what is the purpose of the RFA?
2. But if my house burns down, can I replace it to the same size?
3. How big a house is permitted under the proposed RFA?
4. But I am on a small lot and don't want or can't afford to go to a second story. What can I do?
5. What about my property values being reduced by this RFA coming into effect?
7. So how do I figure that out?
8. But what happens if I need more room than allowed?
9. What is a “Conformance Rate” the Planning Report talks about?
10. Why do we need the RFA? We have the Baseline Mansionization to protect us, right?
11. When all is said and done, what is this about?
1. Exactly what is the purpose of the RFA?
As stated in the report by the City Planning Department, "It is important to note that the proposed RFA district is not intended to prohibit any and all new development or large homes, but it is a measure to reasonably restrict buildings that are substantially larger than the range of existing homes size and are incompatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood." (Department of City Planning: Staff Report Feb 25, 2010)
2. But if my house burns down, can I replace it to the same size?
Yes: Fire or Earthquake.
3. How big a house is permitted under the proposed RFA?
It all depends on the size of the lot. The bigger the lot, the bigger the house. The percentage of the floor area is initially set at 33 percent of the lot size, but that can be increased up to .53 percent if it provides for using “bonuses” See the RFA ordinance under Planning and Land Use.
4. But I am on a small lot and don't want or can't afford to go to a second story. What can I do?
According to the City Planning Department staff report, if you want to make a first floor addition only, i.e., no second floor, and wouldn't qualify for the bonus, then you will automatically qualify for the 40 percent RFA plus the 400 foot garage and other exceptions. Check the RFA ordinance
5. What about my property values being reduced by this RFA coming into effect?
The argument is that there is value in the existing character in Studio City's neighborhoods and the restrictions can ensure property values by preserving the desirable characteristics of these neighborhoods. Sunland Tujunga has had a similar RFA for some years now, and property values there have not diminished because of its RFA. According to brokers in that area, prospective buyers can get assurances that a mansion will not be built next to the house they are contemplating buying.
6. I have seen flyers that say: "If your house is larger than 2,062 to 2,227 square feet currently, then you will never be able to add even a bathroom or a bedroom." How about this?
This quoted statement above is incorrect. The size of the house is governed by how large the lot is.
7. So how do I figure that out?
Take the square footage of the lot and multiply by 0.33. That is the starting point. Then checkout the bonus options to see how much larger you can make it.
8. But what happens if I need more room than allowed?
There is a variance process that addresses to what extent the square footage can be increased. It is on a case-by-case basis.
9. What is a “Conformance Rate” the Planning Report talks about?
The majority (84 percent) of the existing housing (single family residences) have a floor RFA of 33 percent or less. The proposed RFA will complement the surrounding houses in terms of scaling and massing.
10. Why do we need the RFA? We have the Baseline Masionization to protect us, right?
No, not necessarily.. Under the BMO, with readily obtained bonuses, the rate is at 60 percent, e.g., lot size 6,250 square feet, allowable house = 3,750 square feet plus a 400 square foot garage for a total of 4,150 square feet. A lot size of 6,750 square feet provides for allowable house of 4,050 square feet plus a 400 square foot garage for a total of 4,450 square feet.
11. When all is said and done, what is this about?
If you are concerned about the size of a remodel or tear down next to your house that will impact the enjoyment and privacy of your home and diminish the value of the neighborhood, then some form of restriction on size is necessary.
All impacted residents with additional questions may contact the Studio City Residents Association at 818-509-0230.
