Council to Vote on Annexation of Land Next to Chatsworth

Los Angeles would grow by about two square miles by annexing 1,011 unincorporated acres west of Chatsworth under a recommendation sent to the City Council on Tuesday.

The annexation, approved by the council’s Planning and Environment Committee, involves rocky, largely undeveloped land south of the Simi Valley Freeway between Chatsworth and the Ventura County line.

It was initiated by Councilman Hal Bernson, whose district includes Chatsworth, as a way to gain control over development in the scenic area.

The area’s zoning is under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, whose approval of a 290-unit condominium project south of the freeway and west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard angered Bernson and his constituents.

If the area becomes part of Los Angeles, it will be under City Council control. Bernson has proposed that most of the area be rezoned to restrict development to large single-family residential lots. He said the condominium project would be permitted.

During Tuesday’s committee hearing, residents of the Indian Hills Mobile Home Village, which is in the area proposed for annexation, welcomed the opportunity to come under the city’s rent control law.

The city Planning Department also recommended the annexation as necessary to protect a wildlife migration route into the Santa Monica Mountains.

The annexation must be approved by the full council and the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission. If 25% of the 220 registered voters in the area protest at a hearing, the city must hold an election among area residents.

If 50% protest at a hearing, no election is required and the annexation is deemed disapproved, said Michi Takahashi, administrative assistant of LAFCO.