Glendale Garden Homes Apartments Project Highlights New State Housing Mandates and Limits on Local Control

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 11, 2025 City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations Email: [email protected] Phone: (818) 548-3342

Glendale Garden Homes Apartments Project Highlights New State Housing Mandates and Limits on Local Control

Glendale, CA - 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, 2025, 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 consistently 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.

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 September 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM, in Room 105 of the Municipal Services Building at 633 E. Broadway, Glendale, CA 91206.

A Case Study in State vs. Local Authority

The redevelopment of Glendale Garden Apartments is not just about one property. It is a case study in how state law now dictates housing development outcomes statewide:

• AB 130 removes local discretion. Cities must process qualifying housing projects ministerially, without discretionary review, except under limited circumstances.
• EIR not permitted. CEQA exemptions for qualifying urban infill housing projects up to 20 acres mean cities cannot require full environmental studies, unless, for example, the property is listed on a federal, state or local historic register at the time a developer submits a preliminary development application.
• Objective standards only. Cities cannot impose additional design conditions-such as incorporating historic or neighborhood architectural elements-if those are not codified as objective standards.

What Comes Next: Sears Site Redevelopment

The next major development expected to proceed under AB 130 is the redevelopment of the former Sears property on Central Avenue in Glendale. While the City was in the process of preparing an EIR to review that project, AB 130 was signed into law and exempts that project from further CEQA review. Additionally, the City would ideally seek to ensure that the architectural design reflects neighborhood compatibility and community character, but State law prohibits Glendale from denying projects on a basis other than on non-compliance with objective zoning and design standards.

"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 Governor 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.

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About Glendale
Known as the "Jewel City," Glendale is the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County. With a population of nearly 200,000, Glendale is a thriving, culturally diverse city that supports world-class events and community engagement. The City continues to invest in public spaces, recreation, and cultural programming that elevate quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.