It will either be a very long process, or a very short one. On the other hand, if the majority of residents, business owners and builders believe the incorporation of architectural themes into their communities, or the preservation of those that already exist, will curb this San Fernando-ization, then there will be a whole series of questions for Santa Claritans to answer. Participants in these meetings might decide they want to develop architectural standards for builders to follow. More discount outlets, office buildings, condos and detached homes will come, of course, because property owners have the legal right to improve their land. Make no mistake.
Architectural guidelines are controversial.
Developers will tell you the market dictates building styles. If someone anchors a raw metal trailer next to your landscaped Saugus home, your property values plummet. By the same token, if you're an owner on San Fernando Road and your neighbor follows the Western, Victorian or Spanish Colonial building styles that the community has outlined for that area, your property values go up. Carefully-crafted guidelines can protect property values. Developers could benefit, too.