The proposed demolition and redevelopment of the Glendale Garden Apartments underscores a growing challenge for local communities: state housing mandates that override local planning preferences.

On June 30, Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) was signed into law, immediately reshaping how cities across California must process housing projects. While the City of Glendale has acted in good faith to address community concerns, protect neighborhood character and safeguard property it considers historic, AB 130’s new statutory exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) have eliminated the City’s ability to require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Glendale Garden Apartments project, including on the basis of its potential historic status. AB 130 only permits consideration of impacts on the demolition of a historic structure listed on a federal, state or local register before the date of a preliminary development application was submitted.

Glendale has sought to balance state housing obligations with the wishes of its residents. However, under AB 130, qualifying housing projects are exempt from CEQA review, subject only to “objective standards” in zoning and planning. This means Glendale must process the proposed Glendale Garden Apartments demolition and redevelopment – even though it previously required the preparation of an EIR.

City of Glendale staff is currently reaching out to the residents of the Glendale Garden Apartments and advising them of the impacts of AB 130 on the Glendale Garden Apartments redevelopment proposal.

A public hearing to consider approval of the proposed project will be held before the Design Review Board on Sept. 25 at 5 p.m., in Room 105 of the Municipal Services Building at 633 E. Broadway in Glendale,. 

“This is not a Glendale-only issue – it’s a statewide mandate,” said Mayor Ara Najarian. “The Garden Apartments project makes clear that AB 130 prevents cities from shaping projects in ways that reflect local community values. The Sears site and future projects will be processed under the same state laws. While we continue to advocate for local control, we must comply with the law to protect Glendale taxpayers from costly litigation and penalties.”

Mayor Najarian has written, on behalf of the City of Glendale and its residents, a letter to Gov. Newson asking him and the legislature to put a pause on and reassess the current strategy to housing and affordability. 

The City encourages residents to contact their state representatives to express their views on housing legislation that has stripped away local discretion. Glendale will continue to push for reforms that restore balance between state housing production goals and community character.

Submitted by Office of the City Manager