Old Granada Hills Residents’ Group (OGHRG) is a truly grassroots neighborhood organization based on our common desire to maintain and improve the quality of life for those living in the Old Granada Hills (OGH) area.  Fundamental to the quality of life in a residential community is the preservation of neighborhood character. During the initial stages of formation of OGHRG, over 2,500 households were surveyed and by far the majority concerns among residents were preserving the character of OGH and that of increasing density and overbuilding. Land subdivisions and overdevelopment were becoming a serious threat to the stability of our historical area characterized by single family dwellings on larger sized lots. There was a growing trend to haphazardly subdivide lots (legally and illegally). Single family homes were being demolished to be replaced by 2 to 3, 2-story structures leading to an undesirable increase in density.  Overcrowding leads to more crime, increased street parking, blighted conditions, invasion of privacy, and overall deterioration in community standards.  By researching City documents, it was discovered that the current zoning regulations in OGH were part of the problem and inconsistent with adjacent neighborhoods.  For example, properties bordering OGH (west of Lindley Ave.) are zoned to limit lot subdivisions. This is not the case in OGH. Therefore, the overall goal of this Committee is to promote more consistent and suitable development, by working in conjunction with City officials to:

 Ø      Ensure enforcement of  current zoning ordinances and municipal codes

 Ø      Establish a consistent zoning designation (as enjoyed by adjacent neighborhoods)

 Ø      Prevent “spot zoning” (zoning designations that are inconsistent with prevailing density)

 Ø      Limit lot splits and land subdivisions

 Ø      Expedite the inclusion of appropriate amendments/revisions to Community and Specific Plan guidelines

 Ø      Ensure that new development adheres to Community and Specific Plan standards

 Ø      Establish a height limit (less than 4-stories)

 Ø      Preserve historical trees

The Zoning and Density Committee (Z & DC) of Old Granada Hills Residents’ Group has approximately 5 dedicated volunteers who meet on a regular basis with City officials and agencies in order to promote and support the above listed goals.  The following is a list of the

Z & DC’s involvement and ongoing projects:

 1    Proposed Motion to Amend the Community Plan

During his campaign, Greig Smith went door-to-door and heard residents’ concerns relating to haphazard overdevelopment.  Shortly after his election Councilman Greig Smith proposed a motion to amend the Granada Hills-Community Plan to downzone OGH (August, 2003). Since that time the Zoning and Density Committee has been meeting on a regular basis with Councilman, Greig Smith, Planning Deputies, and Planning Department officials to ensure that our Councilman fulfills his campaign promise to the community.   

2    Old Granada Hills Interim - Control Ordinance

Pending above Community Plan amendment adoption, Councilman Greig Smith proposed an Old Granada Hills- Interim Control Ordinance (OGH-ICO) for residential development that has been in effect since September, 2005.  The OGH-ICO limits lot subdivisions, building height and square footage.  Committee members meet on a monthly basis to review proposed residential development and hardship exemption applications.  Committee’s recommendations are then forwarded to CD-12 Planning deputies. These recommendations are taken under consideration by City agencies in granting permit approval.  

 3    Redesignation of White Oak Avenue

After learning that other nearby residents’ groups were promoting the opening of

White Oak freeway ramps, members of the Z & DC communicated this information to OGH residents and mobilized community opposition. Subsequently, Councilman Greig Smith sponsored a motion that was adopted 3/07,  amending the Transportation Element of the General Plan and the Granada Hills-Knollwood Community Plan to re-designate and downgrade a portion of White Oak Avenue, from Rinaldi Street on the north to Devonshire Street on the south, from a Major Highway to a Collector Street.

 4    Ensuring Protection for Cultural Monuments

The history, tree trimming and care procedures for the Deodars (designated Cultural Heritage Board Monument no.41) along White Oak Avenue, were communicated to residents of OGH.  Z & DC committee members invited Officials from Bureau of Street Services to speak to residents about tree trimming policies and procedures for landmark trees.  

 5    Citywide Baseline Mansionization Ordinance

Members from the Z & DC attended Los Angeles Department of City Planning’s hearings and provided written and verbal input regarding the development of Ordinance guidelines. The proposed Ordinance would amend several provision of the Los Angeles Municipal Code that deal with massing, scale, and size of new construction, additions to, and remodels on single-family residential zoned lots (not located in Hillside Areas).  The proposed code would protect single-family lots from mansionization, or out-of-scale development, in established neighborhoods.

6    Granada Hills-Knollwood Community Plan Focus Groups

The Community Plan is an official guide to the future development.  The GH-KCP is being reviewed and updated.  The Department of City Planning has been holding regular Focus Group meetings seeking community input relating to solutions for traffic problems, improving commercial areas, determining the need for more parks, determining where more density should be placed, developing a more walkable community and providing more trees and landscape .  The Z & DC has been working closely with Planning officials to communicate the goals of the Plan focus groups and to ensure attendance at regularly scheduled meetings. Members of the Z & DC have attended these meetings and provided written/verbal input relating to the development of future Plan guidelines.  

7    Design Review Board

A Design Review Board is mandated by the Granada Hills Specific Plan.  A seven  member board makes recommendations on the exterior design of commercial projects.  Since a DRB does not exist, the Z & DC has requested that the Councilman appoints members to establish a functioning DRB.  The Board is in the process of formation.

 8    Proposed Granada Village Shopping Center expansion

Regency Centers, owners of Granada Village Shopping Center has proposed to expand the center to include a 95,000 sq ft Kohl’s Department store.  The Z & DC has: Reviewed pertinent zoning codes, ordinances, Community Plans, project plans/permit applications, traffic/environmental studies;   Prepared and presented testimony at public hearings;  Secured legal counsel and advice from other experts;   Communicated information to the community through website entries, door-to-door flier distribution, street signs and regular newsletter articles;   Arranged meetings with Regency Centers representatives to present details of the project;  Mobilized community (door-to-door petition drive);  Obtained support from nearby Neighborhood Councils;  Forwarded letters, documents, petition signatures to Councilman Greig Smith and City Planning officials. The goal has been to ensure that City officials and agencies approve an expansion that complies with zoning codes/laws and also consistent with Community and Specific plan guidelines.

The objective of this committee is to promote a thriving, viable, safe, desirable, healthy, economically vibrant Old Granada Hills.  Many nearby neighborhoods have been destroyed by poorly planned residential and commercial development.  And in the not to distant past, similar destructive developments began to erode the fundamental character of OGH.  Fortunately, there has been renewed interest in reviving and preserving OGH. Recently, both commercial and residential districts have experienced some very positive changes.  And this is due to the fact that there is a strong and vocal alliance working closely with City agencies to ensure that future development benefits the community as a whole.  It is also the aim of the Old Granada Hills Zoning and Density Committee to ensure that future development abides by current laws and ordinances and consistent with the intentions and descriptions as outlined by our Community and Specific Plans, “Granada Hill-Knollwood has maintained a small-town rural feeling.  Even Chatsworth Street, the area’s active commercial strip contributes to the small-town environment.”