Development in Canyon Barred Pending Study

A developer has been prohibited from begining construction on a controversial housing tract in scenic Fryman Canyon in Studio City until a city commission decides whether the oak-shaded canyon should be preserved as a cultural monument, city officials said Monday.

In a separate action, Mayor Tom Bradley also ordered that developer Fred Sahadi be prevented from starting work on the 63-acre wooded site, off Laurel Canyon Boulevard near Mulholland drive, until he completes all the environmental studies required by law.

Sahadi had planned to start grading the land this week. In 1988, the city issued a grading permit for the parcel and an attorney for Sahadi said he thought he had all the permits needed.