State makes T.O. add more density to city plan

The state is reviewing the City Council's rezoning last month of several areas in Thousand Oaks. The rezoning was done to make greater housing density possible.

California's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) calculates anticipated population growth in the state and mandates cities—even ones at build-out like T.O.—to make room for possible future residents regardless of general plans or local laws.

In an effort to meet the additional units required by the assessment, the council approved a change in the city's General Plan and the rezoning of areas that include one of the oldest neighborhoods in Thousand Oaks, on the west side of Conejo School Road at Chiquita Lane, and three singlefamily residential properties on Los Feliz Drive. Up to 30 units an acre can now be built in these areas. The west side of Conejo Center Drive north of Conejo Spectrum Street was changed to high-density residential.

Under state law, the city must make the construction possible through zoning, but it isn't required to actually build the housing units.

During a meeting last year when they discussed the possibility of these zoning changes, council members expressed concern that the established areas newly being considered for high-density homes may not offer recreational facilities for children, other amenities that enhance the quality of life for people who live there or infrastructure to support newcomers.

The RHNA doesn't promote growth but requires communities to anticipate growth in order to enhance quality of life, improve access to jobs, promote transportation resources and address social equity, according to the Southern California Association of Governments. The state gives SCAG the authority to oversee the Housing Needs Assessment for the region.

The current Association of Governments plans will be in place until 2014, when they will be reassessed. By state law, SCAG allocates the number of affordable houses each city must provide for low and verylowincome people.

—Nancy Needham