Board Rules Against Owner of Hillside Lots

Over the objections of a property owner, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Thursday sided with Topanga Canyon homeowners who want to see additional environmental and planning reviews of three houses he wants to build on a steep hillside.

All but one of the houses, located along Topanga Skyline Drive, had received building permits and the only thing in the way of approving the third was an oak tree the owner, Alan Pacella, wanted to cut down to make way for his driveway.

But during a hearing on the tree removal last month, nearby residents said Pacella had avoided the more intensive review required under a conditional-use permit by pretending that he did not own all three lots. Neighbors said that such a review would show the site was not suitable for the houses.

Under county hillside ordinances, owners of two or more contiguous lots must apply for conditional-use permits instead of simple building permits.

The county counsel sided with the opposing homeowners, saying there was ample evidence in tax and deed documents that Pacella owns the three lots. Based on that finding, supervisors said Pacella must start over and apply for a conditional-use permit from the Regional Planning Commission.