DISABLED TO GET NEW HOME-STYLE DIGS IN SAUGUS.

Byline: Patricia Farrell Aidem Staff Writer

A dormitory-style building at a Bouquet Canyon home for the developmentally disabled will be replaced with cozier cottages under a plan approved Tuesday by a Los Angeles County hearing officer.

The large residential building at LARC Ranch was damaged by the Northridge Earthquake and will be replaced by 13 modular homes, which will allow residents a more independent lifestyle, said Michael Bowers, executive director of the private nonprofit facility.

``It's going to be very much like a small planned community, very progressive,'' Bowers said. The plan approved on Tuesday calls for modular buildings with concrete foundations for the residences and also for two new administration buildings, said Mark Child, a county planner.

``This is going to allow them unique individual opportunities that have not been there before,'' Bowers said. ``Those who are capable will cook meals. They will have much more independence in day-to-day routines.''

A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for Oct. 24, with completion expected by next summer.

Los Angeles Retarded Citizens was established in 1959 for developmentally disabled children. Many of those original residents are among the 92 adults now living at LARC. The ranch today is licensed only for adult care.

LARC residents work in the Santa Clarita Valley and are active in community events, Bowers said.

``Our residents are developmentally disabled, but they are fully participating members of our community and have the right to enjoy all the things in this community that other residents do,'' Bowers said. ``And now they're going to live like anyone else in any other neighborhood in the Santa Clarita Valley.''

The renovation is being financed by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for quake repairs and by donations from the residents' families. Bowers said LARC also is seeking contributions. For information, call the ranch at [phone].