BAN URGED ON 2-STORY VALLEY VILLAGE HOMES.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Citing a threat to the ``rustic nature'' of Valley Village, Councilwoman Wendy Greuel on Friday urged a study that could lead to a ban on construction of two-story houses in the area.

Greuel said she is concerned that the traditional feel of the southeastern San Fernando Valley community - which has large lots ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 square feet - is in danger of being lost to the new construction trend.

``Recently, the area's rustic elegance was altered by several houses which disregarded the essential character of Valley Village,'' Greuel said.

``These box-like structures present two-story facades to the street instead of the traditional single story.''

Greuel said she wants to see whether an interim control ordinance can be adopted to block two-story homes.

She made the proposal in a council motion she introduced Friday. It was sent to the council's Planning Committee for review.

In addition to being out of character with the neighborhood, Greuel said, large houses do not allow enough space and threaten their neighbors' privacy.

Valley Village, an area of slightly more than one square mile, is bounded on the north by Burbank Boulevard, on the south by the Ventura Freeway, on the west by Whitsett Avenue and on the east by the Hollywood Freeway.

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com