Save Altadena

Background

Update: On June 9, 2026 Altadena Heritage issued a letter describing the situation in Altadena and the potential impact of SB9 and SB1123 on Altadena.

Altadena High Density Development and Housing Legislation: Background

June 2026

Residents recently learned that numerous vacant single-family lots in Altadena are being acquired by developers who are planning high-density housing development projects on single-family lots under California housing laws.

These lots were formerly occupied by single-family homes destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Community members are concerned that significant high-density redevelopment will occur before many displaced residents have had the opportunity to rebuild and return home.

Properties Identified by Residents

Project applications identified by residents include:

  • 2262 N Glenrose 
  • 2821 Santa Rosa Avenue
  • 30 W Harriet Street
  • 25 E Palm Street
  • 412 W Altadena Drive
  • 369 E Altadena Drive
  • 416 E Altadena Drive
  • 1134 E Altadena Drive
  • 1145 E Altadena Drive
  • 1540 E Altadena Drive
  • 2271 Maiden Lane
  • 1691 E Mendocino Street
  • 1049 Concha Street 
  • 1068 Dolores Drive
  • 2261 Sinaloa Avenue

Residents continue to investigate ownership, development applications, and the laws being utilized for these projects.

Housing Laws Involved

Several California housing laws may permit these projects:

SB 9

Allows lot splits and additional residential development on qualifying single-family lots. A single family lot can be split into two lots, and each of these two lots could have an ADU. Total: 4 units on what was formerly a single-family lot.

SB 1123

Allows a vacant single-family zoned lot to be subdivided into up to 10 residential lots. This ordinance was intended for urban areas with a fully improved built environment, where there was still an occasional vacant lot available for development. It was not intended for an area such as Altadena, where over half the lots are vacant due to the Eaton Fire.

SB 684

Creates a streamlined approval process for subdividing a multi-family zoned lot into up to 10 units.

Density Questions

Residents have expressed concern regarding the cumulative impact of:

  • Primary homes created through subdivision
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)

Depending on future approvals and applicable regulations, the total number of residential units on a property could potentially exceed the number of primary homes shown in an initial subdivision proposal.

Community members are seeking clarification from Los Angeles County regarding the maximum build-out potential under various state housing laws.

Current Status of Applications

During a June 2026 meeting at the Altadena One Stop Center, residents were informed that:

  • Obtain written confirmation from Los Angeles County regarding project application status.
  • Review public records requests as documents are released.
  • Continue researching ownership and development applications.
  • Written confirmation has been requested from Los Angeles County regarding:
    • Which applications were voided
    • Why they were voided
    • Whether additional applications exist besides those identified.
    • Whether developers may resubmit applications in the future

At the time of the meeting, residents had not yet received formal written confirmation.

Community Concerns

Residents have raised questions regarding:

  • Obtain written confirmation from Los Angeles County regarding project application status.
  • Review public records requests as documents are released.
  • Continue researching ownership and development applications.
  • Fire-flow requirements
  • Utility infrastructure
  • Emergency access
  • Evacuation routes
  • Public safety
  • Neighborhood character
  • Long-term disaster recovery

Many residents believe these issues should be carefully evaluated before significant increases in density are approved.

Legislative Advocacy Efforts

Residents are organizing around three primary goals:

1. Disaster-Recovery Protections

Advocate for amendments or exemptions to the State laws that would protect communities recovering from major disasters from certain high-density development provisions.

2. SB 1116

Monitor and influence proposed legislation that some residents believe could further limit local control over housing development decisions.

Residents are requesting consideration of disaster-recovery exemptions, infrastructure review requirements, and continued local input into development decisions. 

3. SB 1090

Monitor and influence proposed legislation that would place a moratorium on permit applications under SB9 and SB1123 in ZIP codes 91001 and 91003, from January 1, 2027 through January 7, 2030. 

Residents are requesting that this bill be amended to go into effect immediately, rather than on January 1, 2027.

Community Organization

Residents are:

  • Obtain written confirmation from Los Angeles County regarding project application status.
  • Review public records requests as documents are released.
  • Continue researching ownership and development applications.
  • Contacting elected officials
  • Researching permits and public records
  • Seeking legal and planning expertise
  • Working with community organizations and local leaders

The overall objective is to ensure that residents have access to accurate information and meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions affecting Altadena’s future.

Next Steps

  1. Obtain written confirmation from Los Angeles County regarding project application status.
  2. Review public records requests as documents are released.
  3. Continue researching ownership and development applications.
  4. Monitor pending state legislation.
  5. Expand community outreach and public awareness.
  6. Advocate for policies that balance housing production with disaster recovery, infrastructure capacity, and community input.

This summary is intended to provide factual information and does not take a position on any specific project, applicant, or legislative proposal.