Residents call for strict controls in Calabasas

Acorn Staff Writer


Many homeowners in the Old Topanga area of Calabasas want stronger building codes to preserve their semi-rural community, they said at a recent meeting at Creekside Park.


The meeting was called by the city’s Planning and Building Services Director, Mark Persico, "to talk about what the residents want to see in their neighborhood," he said.


More than 50 area residents attended to voice their opinions.


Although there was some dissension, most said they wanted stricter building codes and less development.


The meeting followed a temporary moratorium on construction in the Old Topanga/Highlands Overlay area, passed by the Calabasas City Council last month. The moratorium is expected to be extended through January 2001, Persico said.


The moratorium was approved on an urgency basis, due to failing septic tanks and other issues.


"What we don’t want ( property owners) to do is spend a lot of money drawing up plans, then not be approved," said Persico, who later said that the moratorium and implementation of stricter standards are "not meant to be punitive" to people who are in the process of obtaining building permits, of which there are two.


The overlay zone was created in 1998 to address special needs in the area, according to Persico. Most of the lots are small and on steep slopes. The neighborhood consists of 97 parcels (many vacant) in Old Topanga and 220 in the Highlands.


"We’re asking, "What is appropriate for the neighborhood?"’ said Persico, noting such features as size, setback space, sewage and fire safety.


Discussion concentrated on setbacks, size and heights.


Several members of the city’s staff and consultants were on hand to discuss building requirements, recommendations and application procedures.


Larry Young, the city’s environmental health specialist, discussed septic systems.


Geological consultant Don Kowalewsky addressed the consideration of land structure and landslide potential in planning septic systems.


Joyce Parker, an independent planning consultant who often works with the city, talked about proposed changes in building standards.


Wide sidelots are needed for greater fire safety and community aesthetics, she said. The issue of heights dealth with a change in the way they are measured "so we don’t have such huge houses that overpower the lots," she said.


The land in the Old Topanga area was originally designed for smaller houses and cabins, Parker said. The city proposes to decrease the maximum house size from 2,500 square feet to 2,000 per lot, including the garage.


While some people grumbled and laughed at the proposal of a 1,600 square foot house, many applauded.


"What we’re trying to do is to balance the original intent of having rural small cabin lots versus the perception that it’s okay to build a 3,000 square foot house," said Persico.


"We live in homes that reflect the character of the community," said homeowner Mireille Neumann, who lives in a small A-frame house. Her neighbor lives in a log cabin. Increased density means more houses and more traffic, she said.


"Soon, we won’t be able to get out of our own houses," Neumann said.


Joie Albrecht, who owns one home on three lots discussed septic tank failure.


"When you have sludge and bacteria running down your street, it is not a pleasant thing," she said.


Old Topanga Homeowners Association president Toby Keeler reminded the crowd of the city’s general plan, which called for the preservation of the semi-rural area.


"People are dissatisfied with what they’re seeing," Persico said.


"What I’m hearing is that there is too much development in the neighborhood."


Property owner Chase Craig disagreed. Chase, who abandoned one home because of a failing septic system is proposing to build a house on an adjacent lot. Craig spoke strongly for the rights of property owners to do what they want with their land.


"You can’t take away a person’s rights," he said, as several people applauded.


"We need to balance each interest. That is the city’s job," Persico said.


A similar meeting of the Highlands neighborhood is planned for 6:30 p.m. Wed., June 28, at Creekside Park .





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