City Council — March 10, 2026

Meeting Summary

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The 2026 "One City, One Book" selection was announced as The Foxwife with scheduled author events.
Denise and David Belko were recognized as Donate Life ambassadors following their son's organ donation.
The Council proclaimed April as Donate Life California Month to encourage donor registration.

Staff reported that ten requested modifications to the Hillcrest Drive project deviated from original architectural standards.
The applicant cited unforeseen cost escalations and tight lending conditions as the reason for the changes.
Despite concerns regarding design degradation and precedent, the Council unanimously approved the amendments.

An ordinance was presented to update Municipal Code regulations for ADUs and JADUs to align with state law.
The Council unanimously approved the motion to adopt the updated ordinance without further discussion.

Staff reported that the City met its 2,621-unit Regional Housing Needs Allocation through zoning actions.
In 2025, 139 units received planning entitlements and 111 building permits were issued for 340 new units.
The Council received and filed the report detailing progress on zoning alignment and homeless support services.

Presentations were delivered regarding the "One City, One Book" program and the "Donate Life" initiative. Natasha Buran of the Thousand Oaks Library announced The Foxwife by Yangshi Qiu as the 2026 selection for the One City, One Book program, outlining upcoming events including a concert on March 28 and an author appearance on April 26. Denise and David Belko were recognized as Donate Life ambassadors following their son's organ donation. The Council proclaimed April as Donate Life California Month to encourage organ donor registration.

The Consent Calendar was presented. Council Member Adams made a comment regarding the characterization of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). With no further discussion or requests to remove items, a motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

A public hearing was held regarding a request by Latigo Hillcrest LLC to amend the development agreement, Specific Plan 24, and Development Permit for a mixed-use project at 2150 West Hillcrest Drive. Staff reported that the applicant requested ten major modifications, including substituting vinyl windows for non-vinyl, removing third-floor awnings, reducing brick veneer, altering trellises and storefront glazing, and installing external downspouts. Staff noted these changes deviated from the original agreement negotiated for enhanced architectural quality and were not considered "comparable or better."
The applicant argued that the modifications were necessary due to unforeseen cost escalations and tight lending conditions, stating that the cost of the original window specifications alone would consume 40% of the project's contingency fund. Council members questioned the timeline, financial impacts, and the precedent of modifying signed agreements. Concerns were raised regarding the potential degradation of design standards, the impact on community trust, and the finality of entitlements.
A motion was made to approve the staff report and the requested amendments. The motion was seconded. The vote passed unanimously.

A report was presented regarding an ordinance to amend the Municipal Code to regulate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), updating Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 45 to ensure consistency with state law. No questions were raised during the presentation. A motion was made to approve the ordinance. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Staff presented the Annual Progress Report for the 2025 calendar year, required for submission to state agencies by April 1. Regarding General Plan implementation, staff reported progress on aligning zoning regulations with the 2020–2045 General Plan, processing entitlement applications for the Downtown Thousand Oaks project, and updating the Active Transportation Plan.
Regarding the Housing Element, staff reported that the City met its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 2,621 units through zoning actions. In 2025, 143 housing development applications were received, resulting in 139 units receiving planning entitlements and 111 building permits issued for 340 new units. Staff noted 554 units are currently proposed in pending projects. Specific program implementations included updates to ADU regulations, funding for a 78-unit townhome project, the opening of the Thrive Grove Navigation Center, support services for homeless residents, CDBG-funded rehabilitation of mobile home and rental units, and infrastructure improvements in low-resource census tracts.
Public comments were received regarding pre-application consultations, federal immigration enforcement impacts, and the utilization of tools for housing construction. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded and passed.

Public comments were received on various agenda items. Speakers addressed housing production, zoning reviews, and the design changes proposed for the mixed-use development project.

The City Manager made announcements, and the meeting was adjourned to the next regular meeting scheduled for March 24, 2026.