Residents of the Old Topanga area, which was annexed by Calabasas shortly after the city was incorporated in 1991, have decided they want out.

Old Topanaga Homeowners Inc., the HOA, has taken steps to return to unincorporated Los Angeles County.

The association submitted a tract map to the Local Agency Formation Commission for Los Angeles County (LAFCO) outlining the boundaries of the subdivision to determine how much detachment would cost.

The move to detach comes in protest to a new city ordinance that requires stringent and costly inspections of homeowners’ septic tanks. A proposed 6,200square-foot sewer system to replace the septic tanks has created opposition among the residents.

“When Calabasas first took us on, it was clearly stated in the general plan that they would protect rural communities,” said Jody Thomas, HOA president. “Things have changed. It’s clearly on their agenda to develop the scenic corridor—that can’t be disputed.”

Following a recommendation by LAFCO, the association asked the city’s staff to poll their community on the de-annexation issue. City manager Tony Coroalles denied the request and told the residents to proceed using the LAFCO route.

“We think that’s a bit unfair because they won’t acknowledge (what decision they may make) before we have to spend a lot of money,” said Thomas, who claims LAFCO fees could amount to more than $10,000.

Even if the application moves through LAFCO successfully, the Calabasas City Council has the power to veto the de-annexation.

“They need to know they are proceeding at their own risk and there’s no guarantee what the council will do at the end of it,” Coroalles said.

Thomas said several developers who are preparing to start building on Old Topanga land after the sewers are installed have already contacted her.

“The developers say the city staff is telling them that the sewers will be ready in two years,” Thomas said. “This is before a (preliminary environmental report) has even been ordered, let alone completed.”

There are many small lots along old Topanga Canyon Road that are seen as difficult to develop because they are very tiny and require a septic system. But a new sewer system would make development easier.

“We’re just trying to maintain the rural character of our little community,” Thomas said. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

There are 29 listed homeowners in the Old Topanga area. According to the association, the “majority” of them support detachment. Twenty names were signed at the end of a letter informing the council of their intent to secede.

“We have no interest in facilitating their detachment or hindering it,” Coroalles said. “There’s a process and they just need to do their work and see if they can make it through.”