Fact Page

​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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Read the Full Press Release and What Comes Next.

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Glendale Apartments Staff Report and Timeline on February 4, 2025.

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Link to the Letter to Governor Newson from Mayor Ara Najarian.

 

How the State Has Taken Away Local Control

Recent state legislation has dramatically reduced the discretion cities like Glendale have over housing decisions:

1. Housing Accountability Act (Gov. Code § 65589.5):

   • Cities must approve housing projects that meet “objective standards,” unless they pose a specific, adverse public health or safety impact— a standard that is legally very difficult to meet.

2. Senate Bill 330 (Housing Crisis Act of 2019):

   • Freezes zoning and development standards once a developer submits a “preliminary application,” preventing cities from changing the rules midstream.

3. Bypassing Local Discretion:

   • If a project includes over two-thirds residential units, meets objective zoning standards, and is in a Housing Element site, the City cannot deny the project, even if residents object.

 

PROJECT FAQ

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Q1: Why is this project moving forward even if residents don’t support it?
Because, under the current state law as recorded, if a housing project meets objective standards, the City is legally prohibited from denying it.

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Q2: Can Glendale deny the project if the community is against it?
No. If the project complies with the State’s legal and planning standards, the City must approve it—even if it doesn’t match neighborhood aesthetics or preferences.

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Q3: Will there still be a public hearing?
Yes, the City cannot pre-commit to project approval. A public hearing will be held as required by law. 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. 

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Q4: Why doesn’t the City change the zoning to stop it?
Under SB 330, once a preliminary application is submitted, zoning and development standards cannot be changed to prevent or restrict the project.

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Q5: Is Glendale doing anything to fight back?
Yes. Glendale has joined other cities in advocating for local control, submitted comment letters to oppose bills like SB 423 and SB 330 extensions, and continues to engage with SCAG and state legislators.

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Q6: What can residents do?
Call your State Assemblymember and State Senator. Tell them you support local control and oppose laws that take away your voice in shaping your community.

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Q7: What about concerns that this project doesn’t match the character of the area?

This is a valid concern, and it’s why the City required:

• Height step-backs from 4 stories down to 3 near homes

• Enhanced design guidelines to soften massing and scale

• Landscaping buffers and setbacks to create visual separation

 

That said, State law overrides aesthetic concerns if the project complies with objective design standards.

 

Even with Compliance, Community Impacts Remain — And Glendale Has No Local Control to Change That.