City approves Regency project offering 278 apartment units and affordable housing options

Agoura Hills is set to see significant changes in its housing landscape following the approval of the Regency project, which aims to deliver 278 new residential units, including 38 affordable housing options. The project, which received staff approval in April 2024, is designed to incorporate a large oak tree as a central feature of its residential courtyard, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the development.

The Regency project will include 28 very low-income and 10 low-income units, alongside over 5,000 square feet of commercial space. A publicly accessible greenway along Agora Road will connect to the ongoing Lady Face Greenway project, promoting community engagement and outdoor activity. Construction is expected to take approximately 27 months.

To ensure the affordability of the units, the developer is required to deed restrict the property for at least 55 years. This means that the affordable units will be built concurrently with market-rate units and will maintain the same design and quality standards. The affordable rents for these units will range from $859 to $1,326, potentially saving lower-income families up to $1,700 a month compared to current market rates.

While the project meets many zoning requirements, it has received waivers for certain standards, including height and commercial space minimums, under state density bonus laws. This allows the project to exceed the city's typical three-story limit, reaching four stories and approximately 49 feet in height. City officials emphasized that the adoption of objective standards has been crucial in maintaining quality architectural design, even with these waivers.

Residents interested in applying for the affordable units will need to wait until applications become available in 2027. However, an interested party list has been established to keep potential applicants informed.

As the city moves forward with this project, it aims to address community concerns, including traffic impacts, which will be further analyzed by city traffic engineers in upcoming discussions. The Regency project represents a significant step toward increasing housing availability and affordability in Agoura Hills, aligning with broader efforts to enhance community living standards.