Mountain View Estates Zoning Approved for Annexation

The decision to annex Mountain View Estates could be up to its residents if a Los Angeles County agency orders such an action, but such an outcome won't be decided for months.

Zoning designations were approved for the 385-home gated community by the Calabasas City Council Wednesday in the latest step toward annexing it into the city.

The motion passed 4-0 and divided Mountain View into "residential single-family," "open space, development restricted" and "recreation" zones.

Councilmember Mary Sue Maurer was absent from the meeting.

The city began the annexation process on March 18 by starting an application with Los Angeles County's Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

With the zoning approved by council, the question of annexation is now up to LAFCO, which could approve the request, deny it or send the decision to a vote by Mountain View homeowners.

LAFCO will allow Mountain View residents to file complaints or "protests" with the agency regarding the potential annexation.

But it could be months before LAFCO entertains those complaints, said June Zavala, a deputy executive officer with LAFCO.

The city of Calabasas will enter tax sharing negotiations with the county, which could last until the end of the year, Zavala said.

LAFCO commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the annexation after an agreement between the county and the city is reached and set a date for collecting protests, she added.

If more than 25 percent of the gated community submits protests, LAFCO will place the item on a ballot.

If 51 percent or more of Mountain View residents vote against the annexation, LAFCO will terminate the effort, Zavala said.

A small group of Mountain View residents spoke out against annexation during the council meeting.

"I and my neighbors are opposed to this intrusion into our lives," said Mountain View resident Carol Elliot.

Elliot said 207 of her neighbors filled out a survey regarding the annexation and that 167 of them reported they are against it.

"However, it would appear that the city is proceeding despite overwhelming opposition," she said.

Other residents who addressed the council shared the concern that Gates Canyon Park, which abuts Mountain View, would expand its footprint because such a goal is outlined in Calabasas' current parks and recreation master plan.

However, that plan does not have the final say on matters discussed within its pages and Councilman Jonathan Wolfson made an additional motion Wednesday to not expand Gates Canyon Park into Mountain View.

Mayor Pro Tempore Dennis Washburn, who helped draw Calabasas' city borders during its incorporation, said the city is respectful of open space and it would give Mountain View the same treatment.

"We fought long and hard so that such open space could be preserved," he said. "Mountain View Estates is a property we've respected for 19 years and we are looking to do that this time as well."