L
os Angeles County officials are moving forward with plans to auction off a 27-acre property in Calabasas, but the owner is refusing to budge. Clinton Brown, who owns the site at 27250 Agoura Road, claims local authorities have trespassed on his land and is occupying it in protest. The property was previously listed for $29 million with entitlements for a 200-home subdivision, although those plans were rejected by the county.

    Brown alleges that Los Angeles County's Department of Regional Planning violated his rights under the Fifth Amendment when they denied his proposal to build a residential development or a 20-megawatt solar field on the site. He is seeking $32.4 million in compensation for what he claims is an unconstitutional taking of his property.

    The county, however, disputes Brown's ownership and argues that the land should remain open space due to its ecological designation. As a result, Brown has accumulated fines totaling over $40,000 for creating a public nuisance. The proceeds from the auction would be used to pay off these fines.

    A court filing in May recommended summary judgment in favor of Los Angeles County officials, but the case is still pending. In response, Brown occupied the site and erected a sign declaring himself "homeless on his own land." A county representative declined to comment on how they plan to address the situation.

    Brown's intentions are clear: he wants to build housing on the site and believes the government should not stand in his way. His brokerage, Atlas, had planned to develop a residential project called Atlas Hills, featuring smart home technology and homes priced at nearly $1.1 million each. The auction for the property is scheduled for April 19-22 next year.