Laurel Canyon hillside Homes Set for Demolition after Decades-Long Dispute
Five partially constructed, three-story homes overlooking Los Angeles from woodstock Road in Laurel Canyon are slated for demolition following a recent agreement between the city and property owners. The properties have been the subject of a protracted legal battle spanning over two decades, stemming from unpermitted construction and environmental concerns.
the original growth began in the late 1990s, but work was halted in 2002 when city officials discovered the developers had failed to complete a necessary environmental impact assessment, particularly concerning the area’s wildlife habitat.A demolition order was issued in 2003, but remained unenforced.
In 2020, Shahram and Ester Ghalili purchased the unfinished properties and resumed construction without obtaining the required city permits. Neighbors alerted authorities, prompting an inquiry by the LA City Attorney’s Office.
The Ghalilis were subsequently charged with 35 criminal counts related to building and safety violations, including failing to secure permits and disregarding previous city orders. To avoid criminal conviction, the owners reached a plea agreement with the city, mandating the demolition of the homes by August 7, 2026.
“For far too many years, the Laurel Canyon community has dealt with these hazardous, dilapidated homes that were ordered to be taken down more than two decades ago,” stated City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. “We took action to end this problem once and for all.”
In addition to the demolition, the agreement requires the Ghalilis to adhere to all building regulations, cooperate with city inspections, and pay $5,000 in fines.
