Press Release: YIMBY Law Lawsuit Results in the City of Burbank Approving 92 New Homes
/Contact: Jessamyn Garner
Burbank, CA— Following a lawsuit from YIMBY Law, the City of Burbank agreed to approve the Pickwick Project that will convert a parking lot and a bowling alley into 92 new homes. In a meeting held on October 25th, city officials finally approved the SB 35-compliant project.
“We’re glad to see these homes come to Burbank,” said Rafa Sonnenfeld, director of legal advocacy at YIMBY Law. “After months of needless delay, the city came to its senses and approved a slightly modified version of the project. We’re looking forward to seeing these homes be built soon and happy to not be wasting more time arguing in court about the application of SB 35.”
YIMBY Law filed a lawsuit against the City of Burbank on June 21, 2022, for illegally blocking the Pickwick Project. According to the lawsuit, the City Council’s decision was at odds with state law SB 35 which streamlines the approval process for new homes when a city is not on track to meet state-mandated housing goals.
At the time, the City’s Planning Commission as well as the California Department of Housing and Community Development found that the project qualified under SB 35. Despite these findings, the city denied the project and YIMBY Law stepped in.
The city approved a modified version of the original project on October 25th, reducing the number of homes from 96 to 92 without decreasing the total residential square footage, and adding an equestrian trail and other pedestrian and equestrian safety
measures. Measures to mitigate the impacts of construction on surrounding residents will also be put in place.
This lawsuit is one of several filed in 2022 by YIMBY Law to hold jurisdictions accountable for the implementation of SB 35 as well as other California state housing laws. YIMBY Law will continue to monitor city behavior as it relates to housing to ensure local jurisdictions plan for and approve the minimum number of homes required by the state.
“Burbank has blocked hundreds of homes from being built over the years,” said Sonja Trauss, Executive Director of YIMBY Law. “This project is one important step toward making sure Burbank has enough homes for the people who live and work in the community.”