Montebello council advances viewshed preservation ordinance after broad public support

The Montebello City Council voted 4‑0 to introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2483, a city‑initiated zoning text amendment to establish a Viewshed Preservation Overlay in Chapter 17.41 of the Montebello Municipal Code.

The ordinance is intended to protect scenic views — including mountain ridgelines, skyline vistas and city lights — from new structures or unmanaged vegetation in the overlay area. Planning Director Joe Palumbo told the council the measure would not preclude new development but would require a visual impact analysis for projects that could obstruct identified views and would include mitigation options such as additional setbacks, non‑obscuring design features and architectural compatibility.

Palumbo said the proposal implements Objective 6 of the city’s recently updated general plan and that the Planning Commission recommended approval on Aug. 5. As part of outreach staff reported collecting 207 community surveys at public events; those surveys showed 81% of respondents said preserving views was “very important” and 89% supported restrictions on new development that would block scenic views. Palumbo also said staff received a comment letter from the California Housing Defense Fund raising regional concerns; staff said the ordinance includes an administrative review process intended to be consistent with housing element and streamline provisions for projects that offer substantial public benefit, such as affordable housing.

During the public hearing more than a dozen residents from hillside neighborhoods urged adoption. City Treasurer David Matonga said the ordinance would “protect our neighborhood views for generations to come.” Amber Carmirian, president of the Rocket Mountain 1 Homeowners Association, told the council that homebuyers paid a premium for views and urged enforcement of permitting rules for fences and structures on slopes. Other residents described safety concerns related to slope alterations, the potential loss of property value, and local pride in the city’s skyline.

Council member Romero made the motion to approve the ordinance; Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo seconded. The roll call vote was Tamayo — aye; Peralta — aye; Romero — aye; Melendez — aye. Palumbo noted tonight was the first reading; the ordinance will return for a second reading and, if adopted, will become effective after the statutorily required posting period (Palumbo said a second reading and a 30‑day waiting period are required before final adoption).