Community News

Current News and Updates

Community News

Current News and Updates

MANDATORY BRUSH CLEARANCE AND FIRE PREVENTION

IN LIGHT OF THE INCREASING BRUSH FIRE RISKS, ALL HOMEOWNERS MUST COMPLY WITH THE MT. OLYMPUS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION CC&RS, ARTICLES X & XII, AS WELL AS THE LOS ANGELES CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT BRUSH CLEARANCE REGULATIONS, L.A.M.C.  (SECTIONS 57.4906.5.1.1.1 THROUGH 57.4906.5.1.1.10).

Overgrown vegetation presents an active fire hazard. Please ensure compliance with both the CC&Rs and the fire safety standards set forth by the LAFD.

Please note the following brush clearance and fire prevention requirements:

  1. Minimize Wind-Driven Fire Hazards & Eliminate Vertical Fire Spread Routes
    • Taller, untrimmed trees increase the likelihood of embers and firebrands spreading to other properties, amplifying fire risk throughout the community.
  2. Trim Overgrown Trees
    • Trees must be trimmed to prevent vertical fire spread. Overgrown vegetation creates ladder fuel, which allows flames to reach canopies and significantly increases fire intensity.
  3. Maintain Required Clearance Around Structures (Government Code § 51182)
    • Maintain a defensible space of 200 feet around all structures.
    • Remove all flammable vegetation and combustible growth within 100 feet of any structure.
    • Ensure a minimum of 10 feet of clearance between tree branches and any roof or chimney.
    • Trees adjacent to streets and driveways must provide a minimum of 16 feet of vertical clearance to facilitate emergency vehicle access.
  4. Remove Excess Brush and Dry Vegetation
    • Dry trees, shrubs, palm fronds, and pine needles are highly flammable and must be cleared immediately.

MOPOA is authorized to enforce fire safety-related property maintenance obligations through the following provisions:

  • Article X – Nuisance and Hazardous Conditions: Prohibits homeowners from maintaining hazardous conditions on their property, including overgrown vegetation and excessive brush that pose a fire risk, particularly in a VHFHSZ.
  • Article XII – Right of Enforcement: Grants MOPOA the authority to take legal or other enforcement measures to ensure compliance, including levying fines and recovering legal costs.

CONSEQUENCES OF CONTINUED NONCOMPLIANCE

Failure to correct these violations by May 30, 2025, will result in the following penalties:

  • Legal Action: MOPOA may pursue legal remedies, with the associated fees recoverable by the homeowner under Article XII of the CC&Rs.
  • MOPOA will report every violation to LAFD: The Los Angeles Fire Department will issue further notices, citations, impose escalating fines, and take corrective action under the Los Angeles Municipal Code and California Fire Code.

MOPOA is working with LAFD to ensure compliance and safety of our community.

  • FIRST NOTICES OF NONCOMPLIANCE have been distributed to households in violation of CC&R's and City Ordinance with 03/15/2025 compliance due date requests.
  • The second visual inspections are scheduled for 03/30/2025 to determine compliance.
  • Residents in violation of the first request for corrective actions will be issued the SECOND NOTICE of noncompliance with 05/15/2025 deadline.
  • After the THIRD/FINAL notice of noncompliance, MOPOA will consider further enforcement actions, which may include fines or other legal remedies.
  • Should you have any questions or concerns about the steps required for compliance, or if you wish to dispute this notice, please contact MOPOA immediately.
  • While MOPOA prefers voluntary compliance, please be advised that if you fail to take the necessary corrective action, MOPOA reserves the right to exercise its legal rights to enforce compliance. As outlined in the CC&Rs, should enforcement action be required, you may be held responsible for any legal fees incurred by MOPOA in connection with the enforcement process.
  • Your prompt cooperation is essential for protecting the safety of your property, your neighbors, and the entire Mt. Olympus community. We urge you to act immediately.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at [email protected] and 213-486-4555 or visit Brush Clearance Requirements | Los Angeles Fire Department for additional details on fire safety compliance.

SECURITY CAMERAS INSTALLATION PROJECT:

New security cameras have been installed at Mt. Olympus and Jupiter Dr. entrances. An additional location is being considered to be added on Mt. Olympus and Oceanus Dr. by Summer 2025. Theses security cameras are equipped with artificial intelligence to monitor vehicles entering and exiting Mt. Olympus, including capturing license plate numbers and vehicle images. PLEASE NOTE THAT ACCESS TO SECURITY CAMERAS’ FOOTAGE IS LIMITED TO CURRENT DUES-PAYING MEMBERS ONLY.

SAFETY UPDATES:

To comply with MOPOA CC&R’s and to support Board’s effort to increase security patrol presence in our community, all households are encouraged to sign up with a preferred Patrol company, allowing for a more consistent and uninterrupted security monitoring throughout Mt. Olympus. The increased presence of patrol cars in Mt. Olympus would help minimize ongoing crime attempts and provide greater peace of mind for all residents.

MAIN ENTRANCE PLANS:

The Greek columns and concrete fountains lining the entry to Mount Olympus for over 60 years may soon be replaced by a more modern design featuring a travertine stone monument, an architectural water feature and landscape befitting our Mediterranean climate.

The goal to develop a new entrance to Mount Olympus off Laurel Canyon Boulevard has been in discussion for years but now with conceptual designs completed by AUX Architecture we are a major step closer.

The new design incorporates innovative features to improve security and privacy of our Mt Olympus neighborhood and will increase the values of our homes.

A capital campaign for the needed funding to support the brand-new entry and the further beautification of our Mount Olympus community is soon to be under way.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS

The next MOPOA Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 05/08/2025 at 07:00 PM.

HOA meetings are usually held on the first or second Thursday of each month at a Member's home in Mt. Olympus, and are open to MOPOA members.  We encourage you to attend and share your ideas.  Please call (213) 486-4555 for the date and location of the meeting. Feel free to email us at [email protected]