Local News in Brief : Developer Sues Over Building Moratorium

A developer filed suit Monday against the city of Glendale, alleging that a five-month moratorium on the construction of apartment buildings and condominiums violates the city charter.

The City Council enacted the moratorium as an emergency ordinance in September to prevent a rush of construction while it considers amendments to the city zoning ordinance.

In a suit filed in Superior Court, the Tensor Group alleged that three of its apartment building projects were halted when the city enacted the ordinance. The developer asked the court to stop the city from enforcing the ordinance and asked for the return of $104,000 in architect fees and payments to the city for the projects.

City Atty. Frank Manzano said the suit had no legal foundation. “I don’t think they have a very good chance of winning this particular lawsuit,” he said. Fifty projects were frozen by the ordinance.