Summary
Three residential approvals — a porch rebuild, window swaps, and a rear addition — show the board steering home projects to match existing neighborhood character, especially the Craftsman-style guidance on the Cordova Street porch.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 28
- Last 30 days
- 5
Discussed at 5 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost to residents; the changes guide future development standards.
The individual homeowners gain approval to improve their properties.
None identified.
Mentions & discussions (40)
Design Review Board (Regular) - Oct 27, 2026
Several homeowners are proposing exterior upgrades, window replacements, and structural modifications to single-family homes across Alhambra. The Design Review Board will evaluate these projects to ensure they fit neighborhood aesthetic standards.
Alhambra Voters to Decide on Data Center Ban in November
Alhambra Voters to Decide on Data Center Ban in November LAmag
What It Takes to Open a New Business in Alhambra - Around Alhambra
Residents often have a wish list for Alhambra: a Trader Joe’s, a Dutch Bros, or a restaurant they currently have to drive to visit. The city had an estimated 79,820 residents in July 2025, and retail sales tota...
Planning Commission (Regular) - Oct 19, 2026
A developer wants to replace an old warehouse with a four-story self-storage facility and a large community arts space. While artists and nonprofits are thrilled about getting a free gathering venue, neighborhood residents worry about building bulk, increased traffic, safety, and whether the arts promise is just a loophole for an unwanted storage building.
Design Review Board (Regular) - Oct 13, 2026
Three residential approvals — a porch rebuild, window swaps, and a rear addition — show the board steering home projects to match existing neighborhood character, especially the Craftsman-style guidance on the Cordova Street porch.
Design Review Board (Regular) - Sep 22, 2026
Homeowners are expanding their Spanish-style property with a substantial two-story addition and backyard trellis. The project maintains the home's original architectural style while increasing living space.
Irwindale approves data center ban, adding to growing list of San Gabriel Valley cities
The Irwindale City Council unanimously approved a data center ban through an ordinance on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in effect 30 days after adoption. The decision makes Irwindale one of the latest cities to ban data ...
Design Review Board (Regular) - Sep 8, 2026
A homeowner is adding a 638-square-foot second-floor expansion and making exterior changes. The board approved the project with specific conditions to ensure the new addition fits the home's Spanish architectural style.
Design Review Board (Regular) - Aug 25, 2026
Homeowners across Alhambra won approval for window replacements, exterior remodeling, and a new two-story backyard duplex, adding housing options and updating neighborhood aesthetics.
City Council (Regular) - Aug 24, 2026
The Council finalized new objective design standards for development and scrapped the West Main Corridor Master Plan Overlay District, replacing it with new focus-area design guidelines. Two parcel zoning map errors were also fixed. This shapes what new buildings in Alhambra will look like for years.
Planning Commission (Regular) - Aug 17, 2026
A developer wants to tear down an old warehouse and build a massive 4-story storage facility. Residents are worried about traffic, lack of jobs, and whether the promised community art space is just an afterthought.
Design Review Board (Regular) - Aug 11, 2026
The Design Review Board evaluated various home renovation projects to ensure they fit neighborhood aesthetics, maintaining architectural integrity across Alhambra's residential areas.
Alhambra approves November ballot measure that would ban data centers. Will other cities follow?
Alhambra approves November ballot measure that would ban data centers. Will other cities follow? Pasadena Star News
Alhambra approves November ballot measure that would ban data centers. Will other cities follow?
Advocates are also eyeing El Monte, Montebello and Baldwin Park for similar ballot measures, following in the footsteps of Monterey Park, which in June banned data centers via public vote.
City Council (Regular) - Jul 27, 2026
The city is updating its building rules to be more clear and predictable. This helps ensure new housing and commercial projects meet high standards without the uncertainty of subjective reviews.
Planning Commission (Regular) - Jul 20, 2026
LaTerra Development is proposing to replace an old industrial warehouse with a large 4-story self-storage facility featuring community and retail spaces. The project is scheduled for review under a public hearing.
Taking page from Monterey Park, Alhambra looks to voters on possible data center ban
Taking page from Monterey Park, Alhambra looks to voters on possible data center ban Pasadena Star News
City Council (Special) - Jul 14, 2026
Residents and the Council want to permanently ban data centers to protect water, air quality, and local power reliability. By putting this on the ballot, they ensure the ban stays in place regardless of future council changes.
City Council (Regular) - Jun 22, 2026
Council reviewed and approved income eligibility ranges to help middle-income workers like teachers and nurses find housing in Alhambra. The plan aims to foster mixed-income and missing-middle housing.
Monterey Park Voters Ban Data Centers
Monterey Park Voters Ban Data Centers California City News
Planning Commission (Regular) - Jun 1, 2026
LaTerra Development proposed replacing an industrial warehouse with a four-story self-storage facility, management office, and flexible community retail space. The project aims to bring new commercial activity to an industrial zone.
Planning Commission (Regular) - May 18, 2026
The city is updating its design rules to ensure new buildings look good and fit the neighborhood. These rules are meant to be clear and objective so developers know exactly what is expected.
City Council (Closed) - May 11, 2026
The city is moving to restrict smoke shops to protect youth and neighborhood character, but business owners are concerned about fairness and property rights.
Planning Commission (Regular) - May 4, 2026
Residents are concerned that new high-density housing projects are demolishing historic bungalow courts. They are urging the city to prioritize relocating these structures to fire-impacted communities instead of sending them to the landfill.
Design Review Board - Apr 28, 2026
Homeowners received permission to add square footage and remodel their single-family house, with conditions added to match accent colors and window alignments.
City Council (Closed) - Apr 27, 2026
Renters facing no-fault evictions will now receive three months of rent to help them move, a big win for families struggling with high housing costs.
City Council (Regular) - Apr 13, 2026
Residents expressed strong opposition to commercial microenterprise kitchen operations and events operating in a residential neighborhood on Balzac Street.
Planning Commission (Regular) - Apr 6, 2026
The city is updating its zoning rules to fix typos, clarify language, and align local laws with state requirements for housing and business operations.
Planning Commission (Regular) - Mar 2, 2026
The city is updating its rules for how new developments contribute to affordable housing. The goal is to make sure new projects actually help local families who need it most, rather than just paying a fee to avoid building affordable units.
City Council (Regular) - Feb 23, 2026
Residents facing displacement from new developments are asking for financial help to cover moving costs and security deposits. The Council is now looking into how to fund this support without violating state housing laws.
Planning Commission (Regular) - Feb 2, 2026
Residents expressed concern over the impact of new high-density housing projects on local aesthetics, traffic, and infrastructure, citing a desire to maintain the city's historical character.
City Council (Closed) - Jan 12, 2026
The city is launching a new historic preservation program. Residents are concerned about the high cost of application fees and whether the program will be accessible to average homeowners.
Lantern Terrace affordable housing opens at 103 N. Chapel Ave. in Alhambra
Lantern Terrace affordable housing opens at 103 N. Chapel Ave. in Alhambra Urbanize LA
Affordable housing unit switching hands in Alhambra
Affordable housing unit switching hands in Alhambra csulauniversitytimes.com
Commentary: Even in L.A. County's solidly middle-class towns, home prices are soaring out of reach
Commentary: Even in L.A. County's solidly middle-class towns, home prices are soaring out of reach Los Angeles Times
Related California breaks ground on affordable housing at 103 N Chapel Avenue in Alhambra
Related California breaks ground on affordable housing at 103 N Chapel Avenue in Alhambra Urbanize LA
Alhambra breaks ground on a 44-unit affordable housing project
Alhambra breaks ground on a 44-unit affordable housing project San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Ratkovich to sidestep zoning laws in Alhambra, proceed with controversial housing project
Ratkovich to sidestep zoning laws in Alhambra, proceed with controversial housing project The Business Journals
Alhambra’s Affordable Housing Crisis Is Worse Than You Think
Alhambra’s Affordable Housing Crisis Is Worse Than You Think ColoradoBoulevard.net
End Comes for Alhambra Redevelopment Agency
End Comes for Alhambra Redevelopment Agency Next City
Related development
Window Replacement
Improves home energy efficiency and appearance while maintaining visual harmony with exterior paint conditions.
Porch Replacement and Paint Scheme at 126 South Cordova Street
The home gets a rebuilt front porch designed to fit the Craftsman character of the block.
South Cordova Street Porch Remodel
Upgrades the front facade and entryway of a residential property.
431 North Hidalgo Avenue Addition
Expands residential square footage while maintaining neighborhood architectural standards through design conditions.
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