Homeowners in Altadena are turning to state legislation that permits property division as a financial lifeline to rebuild after wildfires, even as community resistance to denser development grows. The approach offers a potential path for residents who face significant funding gaps, though it has sparked debate over neighborhood character and preservation.
Andrew Post, whose parents lost their home on North Marengo Avenue, initially opposed the idea of splitting their parcel. However, he now supports the effort due to the severe financial constraints facing his family. His parents, retired physicists Jonathan and Christine Post, have limited fixed incomes and face uncertain insurance payouts and construction costs. Post warned that without additional funding, they risk running out of money with an unfinished house.
The family filed paperwork with the county in early June to determine if their lot could be divided under the law. This strategy addresses a widespread financial shortfall. A survey by the nonprofit Department of Angels found that typical Altadena homeowners are short approximately $550,000 after accounting for insurance proceeds. Azeen Khanmalek, director of Abundant Housing LA, stated that selling a portion of a lot to a developer could help close this gap for many residents.
Khanmalek described the density-boosting state laws as necessary tools for recovery rather than threats. Post echoed this sentiment, arguing that maintaining affordability is the best way to preserve Altadena’s legacy of diversity and tolerance. He noted that prioritizing architectural preservation over the ability to live in the community undermines its core values.
Data from a town council-commissioned dashboard shows that 52 of the 5,645 parcels with damaged or destroyed homes have active permits invoking the state law, known as SB 9. Of those, 14 projects are under construction and two are complete. Devang Shah of Genesis Builders attributed the low number of permits partly to the narrow and deep geometry of Altadena parcels, which makes adding units difficult.
Despite the limited number of active projects, the prospect of multifamily dwellings has fueled opposition. Some locals view the development as an exploitation of the community’s tragedy by investors. John Chan, a Los Angeles architect who supports redevelopment, argued that poorly designed projects have created a backlash that could ultimately harm Altadena.
