Planning Commission Keeps Animal Rescue Open

Woodland Hills animal shelter Rockin’ Rescue and its 80 current resident animals have a second chance, thanks to a recent decision by the South Valley Area Planning Commission. L.A. City Councilman Bob Blumenfield said the commission has granted the organization a conditional use permit, overturning a prior decision from a city of L.A. zoning administrator denying its applications last year for a CUP because rescues are not permitted in commercial zones. Additionally, the shelter was at risk of closure due to code violations. According to a story by the L.A. Daily News, the 11,000-square-feet facility on Ventura Boulevard and Oakdale Avenue had been operating without required approvals for about three years. The shelter is run by the nonprofit Ady Gil World Conservation. To support the shelter, West Valley residents had organized and petitioned for its continued operation, and reached out to Blumenfield’s office. The councilman said he recently filed a motion with the City Council to change the zoning code to allow animal shelters in commercial zones with similar conditions. The commission’s approval includes conditions to minimize tensions with neighbors and prevent nuisances, including protections and safety measures cognizant of the surrounding businesses, Blumenfield said. In a statement, Blumenfield said to encourage people to adopt pets from shelters and not buy them, shelters have to be visible in commercial areas. Still, he added, “it is also critical to have protections and safety measures to ensure compatibility with nearby shops and the local environment.”