Los Angeles faces $19.9 million fine over housing project delay
City faces $20 million fine and lawsuit for delaying Woodland Hills housing project.
(Photo via HousingWire)
The City of Los Angeles has been warned that it faces a potential lawsuit and at least $19.9 million in fines due to the stalled development of a 398-home project at the Woodland Hills Country Club. Legal counsel for the developer issued a formal warning letter to the city on Oct. 30, 2026, citing significant financial liabilities including attorney fees and potential compensatory damages.
Dave Rand, the attorney representing the developer, contends that the city's refusal to move forward with the project violates state housing laws, specifically AB 2011 and the Housing Accountability Act. These statutes are intended to streamline and protect housing production throughout the state.
The city has been granted a 60-day window from the date of the letter to reconsider its position and approve the project. According to the developer's counsel, the current opposition to the development is linked to concerns regarding a mountain lion in the area.
Should the city fail to approve the project within the 60-day deadline, the developer intends to pursue legal action. Rand noted that a judge could potentially order the city to pay punitive damages and rule that the development must proceed regardless of the city's current objections.