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Planning commission approves driveway gate code changes, adds annual testing and placement rules
Summary
Woodland Hills Planning Commission approved amendments to the driveway-gate section of city code to require at least annual testing, require owner notification after repairs, and set a minimum gate placement of 20 feet from the property line.
The Woodland Hills Planning Commission voted unanimously June 18 to amend city code related to driveway gates, adding testing frequency, repair-notification, and placement requirements.
The commission debated inspection timing, whether the city should reinspect gates after repair, and whether fines are fair if applied immediately after a failed test. Commissioners agreed to require property owners to notify the city once a gate is repaired and for the city to conduct a follow-up inspection. The draft language removes the term “manually,” clarifies the city may test gates “at least once yearly,” and sets a minimum installation distance of 20 feet from the street property line (an increase from 19 feet in the prior standard). Commissioners also discussed fines and suggested penalties should apply only if issues are not resolved within a set period, with 30 days cited as an example for a cure period.
A motion to amend city code (noted in the minutes as “amend city code 10 69 on driveway gates” with the listed adjustments) was made by John Stout, seconded by Severn Johnson, and the motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners emphasized public safety concerns if gates block emergency access, especially when gates are chained manually, and clarified the city’s ability to retest gates after repairs. Staff will prepare amended ordinance language for City Council review and final action.
