Burbank Weighs Horse Barn Rules as Rancho Neighborhood Evolves

City officials review progress on $1.4 million Rancho Neighborhood Specific Plan project.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:15pm

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The Burbank City Council reviewed a report on the progress of the $1.4 million Rancho Neighborhood Specific Plan (RNSP) project, which aims to evaluate and ultimately codify various standards in the city's unique southern section known for its horse population. The plan is examining mobility issues, the legal aspects of housing equine animals, and the impact of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing horse barns.

Why it matters

The Rancho neighborhood is one of the last remaining areas in Burbank with a significant horse population, but it is facing changes that could impact longtime residents who keep horses on their properties. The city's review of the RNSP project is an effort to balance the needs of the equine community with the evolving residential landscape.

The details

The city's investigation found that there are only 30 horses legally registered and permitted to live in the Rancho area, separate from the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. However, 13 additional properties have manure removal services, suggesting a higher number of unregistered horses. One key issue is how the city should respond to existing laws that require horse barns to be a certain distance from ADUs, potentially forcing homeowners to move their barns if an ADU is built next door.

  • The Burbank City Council reviewed the RNSP report on January 13, 2026.
  • Community meetings were held in May and August 2025 to gather resident feedback.

The players

Greg Mirza-Avakyan

Senior planner for the city of Burbank and co-project manager of the RNSP.

Tamara Takahashi

Mayor of Burbank.

Marvalea Kornblatt

79-year-old Rancho neighborhood resident who has lived in the same house since 1945 and has been riding horses since a young age.

Veronica Christianson

Rancho neighborhood resident who praised the city for including residents in the RNSP discussion.

Amanda Landry

Principal planner for the city of Burbank.

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What they’re saying

“It is critical for the city to have this data for emergency preparedness.”

— Greg Mirza-Avakyan, Senior planner

“That's messed up.”

— Tamara Takahashi, Mayor

“My biggest concern is ADUs. I have barns in my backyard. Somebody can build an ADU next door to me and if I am the one that's too close to them, I have to pull up my barns. That's frightening. I've had barns in my yard my whole life.”

— Marvalea Kornblatt

“I really appreciated the fact that they consulted the public. They had several meetings, which was really nice that we were able to express our concerns, our wants and desires, our vision for that neighborhood. It was just really refreshing that we were being included in that.”

— Veronica Christianson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.