Homeowners charged with code violation

GLENDALE — Owners of a home at 702 E. Glenoaks Boulevard have been charged with a misdemeanor for violating a provision of the city zoning code for allegedly operating a business in a home that is zoned as residential.

The homeowners were arraigned Tuesday on charges of city zoning-code violation, with another court date scheduled for March 1, said Asst. City Atty. Paul Early, who is handling the case.

"There is evidence of a business," Early said about the home.

Property owners Minas and Dalida Keuroghlian have said they would comply with city regulations between now and March 1, Early said.

"They've made an offer to end the illegal activity" Early said. "We are working with them during this 30-day period to see if they proceed with the compliance."

Area neighbors, who say they have spent more than a year on the effort to stop the alleged business, are pleased that the city has taken action, but say they expect the situation could still continue.

"I'm delighted the city finally moved forward, but my greatest concern has been for the greater impact on the neighborhood," said Laurie Collins, who lives near the residence. "[The home] has an absolute detrimental impact on the immediate neighbors."

Though this could be a turning point in their efforts, some neighbors are still wary of how things will turn out.

The Keuroghlians have recently filed for a use variance, which, if approved, could allow them to use the property as a business, Early said.

The owners applied in July to have the zoning of the property changed to allow them to run a business out of the home. But neighboring homeowners and small-business owners representing 78% of frontage adjacent to the property filed protests against it — far exceeding the 20% needed to require a unanimous, full-council vote on the zoning change.

In the end, the application was denied because Councilman Ara Najarian recused himself from discussion and deliberation before a vote was taken, making the five votes needed for passage impossible.

Neighbor Susan Roberts said the issue is far from over and expects business will continue operating out of the home.

"I feel it's a hollow victory," she said of the charges and arraignment. "We don't see any stopping, we don't see any retribution whatsoever."

The possibility of a variance is also adding to many neighbors' concerns.

"Its tandem, there is no justification for it, its not a blighted neighborhood, it's a residence and it should remain a residence," Collins said. "We've got another fight on our hands."

City Zoning Administrator Edith Fuentes handles the decision for the use variance. If her decision is appealed it would go before the Board of Zoning Appeals, and if appealed again, on to the City Council, city officials said.

The public would be able to participate in all of these scenarios, officials said.

The Keuroghlians could not be reached for comment.