AT-A-GLANCE: THE DATA
Property Size: 32 Acres (Over 1.3 Million sq. ft. of industrial/commercial-scale development).
- Geological Danger: Located in an Earthquake-Induced Liquefaction & Landslide Area.
- Fire Risk: Classified as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).
- Water Risk: Built directly over a Significant LA County Flood Control Channel.
THE “BY-RIGHT” FALLACY: DEBUNKED
The Corporate Claim: “The City of Los Angeles requires no additional zoning approvals… no significant public input is expected.” (From Woodland Hills-WC NC agenda)
The Zoning Reality: This project is NOT “By-Right.” It requires a discretionary review and public hearings because it fails on three major legal fronts:
- Buffer Zone Violation: Performance standards require buildings to be 300 feet from residential (A or R) zones. The developer’s office is sitting directly on a residential parcel.
- Zoning Exclusion: A1 and RA zones are explicitly excluded from the “Public Benefit Projects” list. They do not have a free pass to build here.
- Flood Control Conflict: Under LAMC 12.05 B. and 12.07 B., any use of land containing a Flood Control Channel requires a mandatory Zoning Administrator’s Review.
THE CREMATORY DECEPTION
Dignity Says “No.” The Law Says “Yes.”
Dignity Memorial’s promise to not build a crematory is legally meaningless. The LAMC Definition of a cemetery explicitly includes:
LAMC Definition: CEMETERY. Land used… including columbariums, crematories, mausoleums, and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of such cemetery..
THE BOTTOM LINE: If the cemetery is approved, the crematory is approved. By law, they can add toxic-emitting incineration and mortuary services at any time without further permission.
Fact-Check: The West Valley Cemetery Project
Exposing the Truth Behind the Dignity Memorial Proposal
1. The “By-Right” Deception
The Claim: City officials and the developer state that no additional zoning approvals are required, meaning the community has no legal grounds for public hearings or input.
The Reality: This project is NOT “By-Right.” Under the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC), this development triggers mandatory discretionary reviews for three specific reasons:
Zoning Violations: Performance standards require cemetery buildings to be at least 300 feet from any residential (A or R) zone. Current plans place structures directly on RA-zoned parcels.
Flood Control Laws: Per LAMC 12.05 B and 12.07 B, any project involving a Significant Flood Control Channel (which runs through this 32-acre site) requires a formal Zoning Administrator’s Review.
Public Benefit Exclusion: The RA and A1 zones are explicitly excluded from the list of “Public Benefit” projects that can bypass standard hearing procedures.
2. The Crematory Loophole
The Claim: Dignity Memorial has stated they have “no plans” for a crematory on this site.
The Reality: A “No” today is a “Yes” tomorrow. The LAMC Section 12.03 defines a “Cemetery” as land used for burial including crematories, columbariums, and mortuaries when operated within its boundaries.
The Bottom Line: Once the cemetery permit is granted, the developer gains the legal right to add a crematory at any time. Without a legally binding deed restriction, their verbal promises are unenforceable.
3. Environmental & Health Risks
The Claim: The project will be a “quiet, green park” with minimal environmental impact.
The Reality: Toxic emissions and soil contamination are real threats.
Mercury Emissions: According to the EPA, human cremation is a significant source of mercury vapor (from dental amalgams), which is a neurotoxin.
Toxic Soil: The site’s history as a commercial nursery means the soil contains decades of pesticide and fertilizer buildup. In 2016, a lobbyist for the developer even admitted that disturbing this soil poses a contamination risk to the community and local groundwater.
4. The 12% Property Value Hit
The Claim: A cemetery is a “good neighbor” that preserves open space and property values.
The Reality: Expect an immediate drop in your home’s equity. Data from Realtor.com and other real estate studies show that homes in close proximity to cemeteries are typically valued at 12% lower than comparable properties. For a million-dollar home in West Valley, that is a $120,000 loss per household.
5. Traffic & Public Safety
The Claim: Traffic will be minimal and limited to “occasional” services.
The Reality: Gridlock and delayed emergency response. With only one main entrance on Valley Circle Boulevard, daily funeral processions and industrial deliveries will push our “failing” streets to a breaking point.
Safety Risk: In a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, seconds matter. Increased traffic from thousands of annual visitors and processions will impede LAFD emergency access during critical evacuation events.