Neighbors urge La Habra to rescind approval of permanent holding tank for 161 West Hidden Lane

Several neighbors told the La Habra City Council on April 7 they oppose a building permit approval that allowed a temporary wastewater holding tank for what they say will be permanent residential use at 161 West Hidden Lane.

Jennifer Prasca, who said she represents the Hidden Lane neighborhood, told the council that because their street is on septic rather than sewer “the building and safety department approved a temporary waste holding tank for permanent use,” connected to the construction of a 2,773‑square‑foot house at the address. Prasca cited local staff correspondence that referenced “plumbing code 301.5 and 101.11” as the basis for approval and said neighbors have not received a written response to objections submitted by email on March 25.

Prasca and another neighbor, who identified himself as Mike Peraska, said a permanent holding tank would require frequent pumping and create odor nuisance, increase wear on a newly repaved private street (which residents say cost $80,000), and create a public‑health risk if the tank overfilled and waste reached storm drains. Prasca said, “To allow this tank is extremely hazardous to our neighborhood safety and health. It will need constant maintenance oversight and regulations that the city does not have in place.”

Neighbors said Orange County does not allow holding tanks and that jurisdictions that do allow them have stringent rules; they asked the city to review the approval and to require the property be connected to sewer rather than operated on a holding tank. Residents said they sought a “pre‑litigation response” from the city and urged officials to respond to their concerns to avoid legal action.

Council did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting; the comments were received during the public‑comment period.