Planning commission backs rezoning recommendation with minimum-lot condition for Woodland Hills property

The Woodland Hills Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve a zoning change to allow a lot split on property presented by an applicant identified in the meeting as Christy, conditioned on a minimum lot size of 0.75 acres.

Commissioners said the applicant originally proposed a 0.5-acre parcel but that proposal raised concerns about narrow frontage and building setbacks under the R-1-19 zone. Commissioner Larry (Planning Commission member) said he was “uncomfortable with the a 100 foot frontage” and preferred 120 to 130 feet to keep the lot more consistent with nearby parcels. Commissioners discussed a revised diagram that showed a roughly 0.81-acre alternative and ultimately settled on a minimum of 0.75 acres for the recommendation.

The commission’s discussion focused on lot character and buildability. Commissioners noted the existing house placement and several sheds on the parent parcel; one commissioner observed that keeping a shed on the original lot could be accomplished by adjusting the subdivision line rather than leaving a very narrow lot. Staff member Jody (city staff) explained that if the council approves an R-1-19 rezoning, the owner would still return to the commission for a separate subdivision approval and that the subdivision would be sold according to the parcel lines approved at that time. The applicant said she preferred to sell a larger parcel but was willing to proceed with the revised layout to move the process forward.

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to forward a recommendation that the City Council approve the zone change to R-1 and R-1-19 with a condition that the minimum lot size be 0.75 acres. The commission voted in favor; individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the meeting minutes. The commission chair said the recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.

Why it matters: The commission’s recommendation, if adopted by the council, would allow the property owner to split the parcel and sell a new residential lot. Commissioners framed the condition as an attempt to preserve neighborhood character and avoid creating a “skinny” lot that would be inconsistent with surrounding properties.

Next steps: The recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council as the commission’s formal position. The applicant was told to provide a clearer lot map to staff (Jody) before the council hearing and to return for a separate subdivision approval if rezoning is granted.

Discussion versus action: The commission’s substantive discussion included technical questions about setbacks and frontage, alternatives for moving a property line to retain an accessory structure and the relationship between zoning approval and later subdivision recording. The formal action taken was a recommendation to the City Council with the 0.75-acre minimum-lot condition.

Votes at a glance: The commission moved, seconded and approved a recommendation to the City Council to rezone the applicant’s property to R-1 and R-1-19 conditioned on a minimum lot size of 0.75 acres. Individual member votes were not recorded; the meeting record shows the motion passed with the commission chair declaring it in favor and no oppositions recorded.