Sherman Oaks : Zoning Official Issues Galleria Guidelines

A city zoning official has approved eight liquor permits that would be part of a $30-million project to revamp the Sherman Oaks Galleria--two less than requested by mall management.

In a report released Monday, Associate Zoning Administrator Horace E. Tramel Jr. stated that two of the eight restaurants that receive the liquor permits can serve only beer and wine.

Last Wednesday, Hearing Examiner Larry Friedman of the city Planning Department recommended in a report that the Planning Commission approve the project, which includes a reduction in retail space and the addition of 13 movie screens for a total 18. The commission is set to review Friedman’s recommendations Thursday during a 9:30 meeting at the Sherman Oaks Woman’s Club, 4808 Kester Ave.

Hearing examiners’ recommendations set tentative guidelines for parking requirements, liquor permits and other issues that zoning administrators use to establish specific restrictions.

Tramel added his recommendation to Friedman’s for the mall to provide only 3,600 parking spaces, although the Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan requires that it offer 4,800.

Tramel’s report also contains the following provisions:

* Only one restaurant may provide dancing. The mall owners, Prudential Insurance Co. of America and Dai-Ichi Life (USA), had asked for two dance permits.

* Earlier closing hours than those requested by mall owners. Under Tramel’s ruling, four restaurants may have operating hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, while the others must close by 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, only one restaurant may remain open until 1 a.m. and the rest must close by midnight.

The mall had asked for five restaurants to be allowed to stay open until 2 a.m.

Tramel’s decisions on the number of liquor permits and operating hours were in line with recommendations made by City Councilman Mike Feuer, who represents the area.

Gerald A. Silver, president of the Homeowners of Encino, said his organization will appeal Tramel’s ruling, which he described as “out of control.”

Mall officials Monday deferred comment until they had a chance to read the full report.