Woodland Hills OKs ordinance to let developers buy city water shares instead of supplying their own

The Woodland Hills Planning Commission voted to adopt an amendment to city code 8-5-1 that lets developers acquire water shares from the city for a fee instead of bringing their own water rights when building new lots.

The change was presented during the meeting's public hearing portion as a response to the city’s current surplus of water rights. A staff member explained the ordinance will create a mechanism allowing developers to obtain “water shares” from Woodland Hills at fees set in the city fee schedule; those fees will be competitive with open-market prices and subject to periodic review.

Residents at the hearing asked whether the city could inadvertently sell water needed for existing residents. A speaker identified as Diana Sackett asked whether retaining “a little bit of excess water” created risk. A staff member replied the city would monitor supplies, could refuse to exchange shares if local needs would be compromised, and that oversight would involve the city’s water superintendent, the planning commission and the mayor.

Commissioners also noted state oversight: the Division of Water Resources monitors city water use and receives annual reports on consumption and unused rights. The commission discussed storage constraints and how additional storage would affect reliability, and a resident later raised questions about how share values would be set; staff said price and timing will be reflected in the city fee schedule and could be adjusted.

A motion to approve the amendment to city code 8-5-1 was made and seconded; the commission voted in favor and approved the change.

The ordinance change does not eliminate the option for developers to bring their own shares; it provides an alternative for applicants who prefer to acquire city-approved shares. The city emphasized that any share transfers must meet state approval for use in Woodland Hills.