The Oxnard City Council recently reviewed a pre-application for a significant townhome development at 245 East Colonial Road, marking a potential shift from industrial to residential use in the area. The proposal, presented by Planning Supervisor Jamie Peltier, outlines plans for 121 for-sale townhomes, designed in clusters of five to seven units, each featuring three to four bedrooms and attached two-car garages.

This pre-application process is a crucial step that allows council members to provide preliminary feedback without making any formal decisions. The council's comments are intended to guide the applicant as they consider moving forward with a formal application, which will include a general plan amendment, zone change, and various permits required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The site, previously home to the Sunkist building, is currently zoned for limited manufacturing and is surrounded by a mix of residential and commercial areas. The proposed change to residential zoning aims to align with the city’s general plan policies that promote housing variety and infill development. However, the site was not initially designated for housing in the city’s regional housing needs allocation, raising questions about the necessity of the proposed amendments to meet housing goals.

Key considerations discussed by the council include neighborhood compatibility, potential noise and traffic impacts due to proximity to major streets and the railroad, and compliance with the city’s bicycle and pedestrian master plan. The project also proposes two vehicle access points, enhancing connectivity to the surrounding area.

As the city council continues to evaluate this proposal, the outcome could significantly influence housing availability and urban development in Oxnard, reflecting broader trends in addressing housing needs within the community. The next steps will involve a more detailed review process as the applicant considers the council's feedback and prepares for a formal application.