Anti-mansionization goes to the ballot. Zoning code issue continues as anti-mansionization group Saving Arcadia (an outgrowth of Save the Arcadia Highlands) takes it to the ballot in April 2018. At issue are Floor Area Ratios (FAR). See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 17, April 7, 2016-initiative did not make it onto ballot because of signature discrepancy.
Arcadia City Council approves changes to Zoning Code and General Plan. The goal was to update it and bring it up to current development standards. Certain sections were decided on separately, including the single-family development standards, which were updated in April, while short-term rentals and vacant home registry will be considered later. The code was reorganized and now addresses emerging issues such as shopping carts being used outside retail areas and aims to make sure the high quality of development expected is clearly articulated.
Arcadia City Council chooses to hold a comprehensive zoning code update, which backers said would have included changes to create a more business-friendly atmosphere, encourage economic growth, and curb overdevelopment in the sprawling foothills community.
The Arcadia City Council has approved a design review process for the upcoming addition to the Santa Anita Park race track. The procedure adopted requires review by the Planning Commission and the City Council of all preliminary site plans, floor plans, exterior architectural improvements, and new construction.
Arcadia City Council last week approved expanding the kinds of outdoor special events allowed at Santa Anita Park race track, and in the adjacent parking lot areas, including concerts, carnivals, and farmers markets. The change will allow the track to host the California Philharmonic summer concerts and possibly Cavalia, a Cirque du Soleil show. Councilman Roger Chandler said the amendments made to the city's municipal code allow a very large and underused piece of land, specifically the south parking lot, to be used and to generate additional income for the track.
Arcadia city officials to seek opinions today on residential development. This was the second and final meeting for the update process to amend the city's Zoning and Subdivision Codes, which establish what can be built on individual properties in Arcadia, and determine the application review process.
Arcadia housing standards campaign to launch. City officials will engage in a "public education campaign" to inform residents about the city's current residential development standards and to look at what other communities are doing.
Arcadia Police close 13 maternity homes in a crackdown months after a full-time detective was assigned to address calls about pregnant Asian women living in groups at residences around the city. The pregnant Asian women come to the U.S. so their babies receive U.S. citizenship. Detective James Trabbie became the quality-of-life detective.
Arcadia residents and ex-mayor Mickey Segal threaten to recall city council members Roger Chandler, John Wuo, and Sho Tay for their decision to suspend a zoning code update last month. The issue involves a lawsuit, Arcadia Highlands Homeowners Association (HOA) and mansions. See hard copy in VF "City Council 2011-2020."
Arcadia residents hoping to vote to curb home sizes. Groups want city to have a lot less 'mansionization' and are circulating a petition for a ballot initiative that aims to set square footage regulations for new residential development projects.
Ballot initiative targeting large scale homes in Arcadia (often referred to as McMansions) will not make it on the ballot after all. The city clerk's office discovered a discrepancy in the number of qualifying signatures. Saving Arcadia is the local activist group behind the initiative.
Caruso and Westfield are still battling over the proposed Caruso lifestyle center. A decade ago the race track's south parking lot had been rezoned for commercial development. Rick Caruso feels his development will help Westfield while Westfield believes a new mall will cannibalize tenants and harm both companies and the city's sales tax revenues.
The City Council voted against a proposed 6-unit development of condominiums on First Avenue. This caused some conflict as applicant Hank Jong had received approval for the project until a second check showed the zoning he was relying on conflicted with the general plan.
City to release first round of education campaign on Arcadia real estate rules and local zoning code in a forthcoming City newsletter. The campaign will include public meetings in November and an advisory committee comprised of Arcadia residents.
The Derby could highlight new hub. If developers get their way with a zone change and other approvals, the area around the 1920s-era Derby restaurant will be transformed into a mixed-use development with the eatery as its centerpiece. Right now the 2.23 acre project site has 2 structures, the two-story restaurant at 233 East Huntington Drive and a vacant one-story building at 301 East Huntington Drive, once occupied by Souplantation. The new development would include 205 market rate residential units and 9 affordable units.
First Avenue zone change delayed. Owners of property at 1020-1026 First Avenue have three more months to work out a compromise for use of the property, with six condominiums in development, in an area zoned as single family residential. Arcadia staffers have found a number of areas where the city general plan and zoning map do not agree in designation.
License revocation upheld for internet studios run by couple Dr. Susan Block and Maximillian Lobkowicz. City says sex therapist Dr. Susan Block and husband allow people to sleep there overnight in the business building on Las Tunas Drive that is zoned for office use. City revoked their license on July 28. The couple appealed but the city's Planning Commission upheld the decision. The couple will appeal again.
Mansionization vote soon. Officials say no to economic impact study (on how home size affects property value) amid update to city's zoning code. Opponents and proponents packed into City Council Chambers. Resident Lee Marshall said more stringent regulations (in building height, floor area ratio (FAR), setbacks, hillside standards) would add value to homes by encouraging more harmonious development. Resident Polly Wong said she built her dream home in Arcadia and the new recommendations might significantly hurt her investment. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 16, March 17, 2016 for "No economic study for zoning code changes."