West Hills pushes back on SB 79, highlighting safety concerns over building setbacks and urging notification for affected owners and renters.
This post was written by AI. It summarizes the West Hills agenda for June 11, 2026, and every fact was checked against that document.
The West Hills Neighborhood Council will vote this week on a letter pushing back against California's new housing law, SB 79. The vote is set for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7 p.m.
SB 79 is a 2025 state law. It pushes for taller, denser housing near bus and train lines.
The council is not against new housing. It is against one specific part of the city's plan.
That part would let new buildings sit just four feet from the property line. Today they have to sit farther back.
The council says four feet is too close for safety. In a fire, that small gap lets flames jump from one building to the next.
It also says firefighters would have less room to get in. West Hills lives with wind driven fires on a regular basis.
The letter raises other worries too. Many of these streets still have no sidewalks, curbs, or streetlights, and the change could force the loss of shade trees.
The council also wants the city to mail a notice to every owner and renter who would be affected.
This fight is not new. SB 79 has come up at council meetings across the Valley all year, including West Hills, Encino, Tarzana, and several others.
The council says it has gone on record against SB 79 before. Thursday's vote is its latest step.
The meeting is open to the public, and you can comment before the board votes. It will be held in person at de Toledo High School, 22622 Vanowen Street, and on Zoom.
Sources
This post is based on the West Hills Neighborhood Council agenda for June 11, 2026, which includes the draft SB 79 letter. Background comes from earlier West Hills agendas and minutes and from records of other Valley councils this year.