Zoning & Planning Committee

Mission Statement:

The MISSION of this committee is to interface with and negotiate with stakeholders, developers, the City of Los Angeles Planning Department and the Planning and Land Use Management Committee of the Los Angeles City Council among others [on zoning and planning related items in West Hills].

Current members:

  • Aida Abkarians
  • Faye Barta
  • Dan Brin (Community Stakeholder)
  • Brenda Citrom
  • Carolyn Greenwood -- Secretary
  • Glenn Jennings
  • Kim Koerber
  • Saif Mogri
  • Penelope Newmark
  • Chris Pike
  • Steve Randall (Community Stakeholder) 
  • Bill Rose -- Co-chair
  • Charlene Rothstein -- Co-chair

Committee Meetings

Meetings held the Second Tuesday of Every Month 

Location: 

Chaminade College Preparatory High School
7500 Chaminade Ave., West Hills CA  91304

Enter Chaminade through the Cohasset Street Entrance Between Woodlake and Platt Avenue.  Enter through the parking lot, bear left and continue over the hill until you see the Condon Family Technology Center on the left.  Park in the nearest lot.

L.A. City Charter Reform

The Charter governs the structure and operation of City government. The L.A. City Charter Reform Commission was established by Mayor Bass and the L.A. City Council in August 2024 and the Commisssion is now reviewing it to make recommendations and revisions to be approved by the City Council and the Mayor.  The public has the opportunity to give opinions throughout the process.  The revised Charter will be on the General Election November 2026 ballot.

Current West Hills Development Information

*WHNC Aug 8, 2025 Letter Requesting City Council Motion to return planning and land use to local jurisdictions

WHNC Supports Protecting Single-Family Neighborhoods

Recent CA Legislative Bills**

*SB 79  On 9/12/25 the Senate passed the SB79:  Ayes 21, Noes 8.  It will be sent to the Governor for signature and then become law.  On August 19, 2025 the City Council voted In Favor of the  Resolution in opposition to SB79 sponsored by Councilmembers Lee and Park. Mayor Bass signed the Resolution opposing the measure unless it is amended to exempt cities with a state-approved and compliant housing element. 

Video  #1   Video #2      Letter to Vote No on SB79     SB 79 Hearing Flyer     SB 79 Information & Suggested Letter     WHNC June 18, 2025 Letter in Opposition to SB79

May 16, 2025 Zoning & Planning Committee Opposition Letter to SB 79   April 10, 2025 Zoning & Planning CIS Support Letter Resolution Opposing SB 79.   May 23,2025 LA City Attorney Opposition Letter to SB 79 On March 28, 2025 Councilmember John Lee introduced a Resolution opposing SB 79 that further undermines local governance, bypasses the local decision-making processes, and imposes unintended burdens on communities.  

NEW! Malibu Wines  We were recently informed that they have requested a modification of their original application and asking for a 20% increase in occupancy plus an extension of operating hours. WHNC rquested that notification be sent by mail to residents within 300-500 feet of the site.  Malibu Wines is tentatively scheduled to be on the October 14 Zoning & Planning Committee meeting Agenda.  Case# ZA-2017-2535-2V-PA1

NEW Proposed Starbucks 24-hour Drive Thru Coffee Shop

*Starbucks Drive Thru Coffee Shop  Case #ZA-2024-5222-CU2-ZBA   Notice of Public Hearing    WHNC, Starbucks representatives and West Hills Community members attended the 9/09/25 Hearing.  A request was made and granted by the Zoning Administrator to delay issuing a decision on the proposed Drive-Thru Coffee Shop until Wednesday, 9/24/25 allowing time to receive written comments on the project.  EMAIL NOW all comments on the proposed project to [email protected]  Include Case File #: ZA-2024-5222-CU2-ZBA in the subject line.  At the end of your email add your full name, address and contact information.  After the Zoning Administrator reviews comments and a Letter of Determination is issued there will be an opportunity for an Appeal.  Special Zoning & Planning Committee ZOOM meeting Thursday, 9/18/25 @7:00pm; More Information to follow. *Discussion and possible action regarding conditions and recommendations for the proposed Starbucks Drive-Thru Coffee Shop located at 23717 West Victory Boulevard, West Hills  91307.

SW Valley 2024-2025 Community Plans

*Update 7/10/25

CA Department of Housing & Community Development Confirmation Letter dated June 18, 2025 stating the City's adopted regional housing element is in compliance with State Housing Law.

  • The City of Los Angeles’ Department of City Planning is initiating the process of updating each of its 35 Community Plans over the next six years. The plans represent the land use element of the General Plan, a long-range planning document that captures the City’s vision for the future of our neighborhoods. Its vision is captured through community input on policies and programs that guide the development and growth of these neighborhoods for years to come.

An Important Step Forward to Preserve Single-Family Neighborhoods!

On December 10, 2024 the City Council voted in favor to boost housing developments while leaving out single-family-home zones!

Thank you to all those who sent emails and called City Councilmembers urging them to vote "Yes" on Draft #3 without the Exhibit D options. 

Flyer - Act Now to Preserve Single-Family Neighborhoods

The City Council PLUM Committee met on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 and voted unanimously to approve Draft #3 without Exhibit D options of the CHIP Housing Incentive Program.  We thank John Lee, Chair of the PLUM Committee and our Councilmember representing the 12th District, for his support and approval of the Draft.

LA City Clerk Connect File 21-1230-S5 (to view documents and public comments)

PLUM Committee November 19, 2024 Meeting Audio (Agenda Item #2 located 3:10 35)

PLUM November 19, 2024 Meeting Agenda

WHNC 11/12/24 Letter to LA City Council PLUM Committee and City Council Members

At the September 26, 2024 Hearing the City Planning Department submitted a report to the City Planning Commission with their finding to approve Draft #3 without the Exhibit D options in the Housing Incentive Program.  The report said that there was enough zoning to meet the States' mandate for housing without the need to rezone single-family areas.  The City Planning Commission voted in favor of the report. 

WHNC Resolution to Modify 2024-2025 SW Valley Community Plan

At the October 8, 2024 meeting, the Zoning & Planning Committee voted unanimously in support of DRAFT #3 of the Housing Element/Chip Ordinance, without the addition of Exhibit D Options.

Additional Information:

September 26, 2024 City Planning Commission Meeting Agenda   CLICK HERE   For more information on the Housing Element Rezoning Program  CLICK HERE  

Woodlake Apts Project (Circle S Ranch Property)

Case #ADM-2024-5202-DB-PHP-VHCA-1A

**Most documents related to this project are NOT available on the City Planning website online under the Case Number. The project was  submitted as an "Administrative Application" that moves faster through City Planning in response to housing mandates from the State Legislature unlike projects handled in the past.  Approval is based on pre-determined standards and regulations allowing exemptions, incentives and waivers.  There are no requirements for a traffic study, or a public hearing, and projects are exempt from CEQA. 

UPDATE

*Unfortunately we are unable to relay updates because City Planning has not posted, responded to emails or made available to the community documents relevant to this project.  Neither has the project developer responded to WHNC requests for 3-D renderings and a site visit for further discussions after their presentation at the March 11, 2025 Zoning & Planning Committee Meeting. 

Ultimately the Commission voted to deny the appeal issuing a Letter of Determination.  However, there are still some issues, such as sidewalk changes, that the applicant was requested to submit to City Planning Commission for review.  In addition the Commission strongly urged and advised the applicant to meet with WHNC and the community.  There are still more departments that have to review permits: LADBS (Los Angeles Department Building & Safety), Bureau of Engineering, Los Angeles Fire Department, Bureau of Sanitation, Bureau of Street Services, Cal/OSHA Safety and Health Administration, etc.

February 27, 2025 Hearing-Special thank you to Councilmember John Lee for his letter against the project.  The Commission voted to deny the appeal and issued a Letter of Determination, however, there are still more permit application submissions to departments for approval. 

*Access February 27, 2025 Hearing presentations and submissions

*Appeal Recommendation Report

February 27, 2025 Hearing Agenda

*February 27, 2025 WHNC Letter to City Planning Commissioners

*February 24, 2025 WHNC Letter to City Planning Commissioners

Notice of Public Hearing Thursday, February 27, 2025. The appeals will be considered by City Planning Commission at the public meeting.   Sign up to receive agenda and view hearings   Speaking time will be limited. 

For those attending the Hearing, please read the Hearing Notice above and the City Planning Commission's Rules and Operating Procedures very, very carefully!  Note deadlines.  Include the Case # on all correspondence and materials.  See directions on Pages 8 and 9 for submissions.

City Planning Granted Conditional Approval for This Project

Received- City Planning Letter of Compliance 12/05/2024

Appeal Application

City Planning Department issued a Letter of Compliance for the planned 5-story, 332 units Sr. Citizen Affordable Housing development. 

The Appeal period ended December 20, 2024. Note that ONLY an applicant, owner or tenant of a property abutting across the street, or alley, or having a common corner with the property can appeal the Density Bonus Compliance Review Determination.

Thank you for submitting your comments to City Planning. 

WHNC October 17, 2024 letter against the proposed project sent to City Planning

To contact City Planning by email make sure you include Case Number in Subject Line:  Laura Frazin-Steele, City Planner     [email protected]

Property located at 7556 N. Woodlake Avenue, West Hills

PROJECT APPLICATION received 9/17/24  The project application was filed with City Planning to start the approval process to build next to single-family homes the five-story Woodlake Apts, 332-unit affordable housing  for seniors that allows only 154 parking spaces along with other project incentives.   CLICK HERE

City Planning 2nd Status of Project Review (dated Oct 21, 2024)

Density Bonus, Conditional Use, Public Benefit Project form

Citywide Design Guidelines form (recvd Nov  2024)

Woodlake Apartments Project Description & Subject Property

Findings for Woodlake Property August 2024     CLICK HERE

Chaminade  Expansion

*Chaminade Expansion -*August 8, 2025 City Council FINAL APPROVAL       Council File #25-0574      Final Ordinance effective 9/21/25

Case #:   https://planning.lacity.gov/pdiscaseinfo/search/casenumber/CPC-2023-1254-VZC-HD-ZAD-ZAA

June 24, 2025 PLUM Committee meeting; Agenda Item #(1) 25-0574  Chaminade Expansion North Campus vesting zone and height district approved by City Council.

At the March 27, 2025 Chaminade Hearing the City Planning Commission approved Agenda Items #8, #9 & #10

Letters of Determination Issued by City Planning Recv'd 5/01/25: https://westhillsnc.org/assets/documents/20/url68190d3fd4cc1.pdf; https://westhillsnc.org/assets/documents/20/url68190d5362457.pdf; https://westhillsnc.org/assets/documents/20/url68190d65586e9.pdf

Chaminade 3/24/25 Response Letter submitted to City Planning

3/19/25 WHNC Letter of Support

Notice of Public Hearing. "Testimony and Correspondence", oral testimony can only be given at the Commission meeting and may be limited due to time constraints.  Written testimony or evidentiary documentation may be submitted prior to, or at the meeting in accordance to the Commmission's submittal requirements.  Staff Recommendation reports will be issued closer to the CPC meeting date.

Appeal filed by CREED LA  and an Environmental Determination. 

Letter of Determination dated September 18, 2024  CLICK HERE

August 28, 2024 Public Hearing

  • Chaminade Hearing Presentation  CLICK HERE
  • Agenda and Virtual Hearing Instructions   CLICK HERE
  • City Planning Staff Recommendation Report for Vesting Tentative Tract Map CLICK HERE
  • WHNC Ltr to Martin-City Planner 8/27/24  CLICK HERE
  • WHNC Additional Conditions Approved on 8/22/24 - CLICK HERE
  • Chaminade Proposed Modified & New Conditions 8/14/24-CLICK HERE

Link to fill out the Interested Parties form to receive notification when the "Letter of Determination" is issued.  Case #:  CPC-2023-1254-VZC–HD-ZAD-ZAA / CPC-2009-1477-CU-ZV-Z AA-SPR-PA1 / VTT-84101   CLICK HERE

MND (Mitigated Negative Declaration) released June 13, 2024.  CLICK HERE

  • WHNC Response to MND submitted July 12, 2024  CLICK HERE
  • Steve Randall Response to MND submitted July 15, 2024  CLICK HERE 
  • CREED Response to MND submitted July 15, 2024 CLICK HERE

Study and Appendices -open (+) for Case Number E-2023-1255-MND  CLICK HERE

The MND is prepared for a project when there is not substantial evidence that the project or any aspects could result in significant adverse environmental impacts. Review and comment period begins 6/13/24 and ends 7/15/24.  If you have comments concerning environmental impacts, implementation and operations, contact Trevor Martin, L.A. City Planning:  [email protected]

*Sample letter to Comment or Request Information on the Proposed Chaminade Expansion CLICK HERE

Past Projects:

Corporate Pointe at Fallbrook 2023 Expansion

          Thermo Fisher Scientific Development: CLICK HERE

El Camino Real Charter School Shoup Avenue Project

Canoga Mission Winery Project

Letter regarding Platt Village CLICK HERE

Highlander Road School

Boething Treeland Project (Woodland Hills)

*Update 1/30/2025

Montessori School Expansion of operations 22566 West Vanowen  WHNC position letter

Oceanside Malibu Treatment Center at 8300 Valley Circle Blvd WHNC position letter

DeToledo High School CUP Amendment

Chick-fil-A CUP Proposal at Former Osh Site

Sherman Place Mixed-Use Development Project

Schaefer House Historic Cultural Monument Designation


 City Zoning & Planning

Presentation by the Department of City Planning
WHNC Zoning and Planning Committee meeting on April 13, 2021

Processes & Procedures Ordinance CPC-2016-3182-CA City Planning Commission March 25, 2021Develop -- CLICK HERE

ReCode LA

The Los Angeles Department of City Planning is embarking on one of the City’s largest planning initiatives to date a comprehensive revision of LA’s outdated zoning code. For information CLICK HERE

Planning 101

Find out about how your Los Angeles Department of City Planning works in all aspects of zoning and planning in our city. To visit the powerpoint presentation, CLICK HERE

Historic Places Los Angeles

HistoricPlacesLA is the first online information and management system specifically created to inventory, map and help protect the City of Los Angeles’ significant historic resources. It showcases the city's diversity of historic resources, including architecturally significant buildings and places of social importance, as well as historic districts, bridges, parks, and streetscapes. 

For more information and see an interactive map of significant properties in West Hills CLICK HERE
 

Elected Officials Resources:

Mayor Karen Bass:    [email protected]

David Bright, West Valley Area Representative for Mayor Bass:   [email protected]

List of 2025 City Council Members:

Planning and Land Use Management Committee (PLUM)

  • Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Chair
  • Councilmember Heather Hutt
  • Councilmember Adrin Nazarian
  • Councilmember Nithya Raman

 

Resources

Zoning Approved Operating AUG2025

Regular Meeting Times and Locations

Chaminade College Preparatory High School Condon Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room 23241 W. Cohasset Street West Hills, CA 91304 (Enter Chaminade through the Cohasset Street entrance between Woodlake and Platt Avenues. Drive through the main parking lot, bear left and then continue up and over the hill until you see the Condon Family Technology Center on the left. Park in the nearest lot).

To attend online via Zoom Webinar: Click or paste the following link into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85777145429

To call in by phone, dial (669) 900-6833, then punch in this Webinar code when prompted: 8577 714 5429, then press #.

To attend in person, please attend Chaminade College Preparatory – Condon Center 2nd Floor, 23241 W. Cohasset Street, West Hills, CA 91304


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