Council approves fifth amendment to Runkel Canyon development agreement; in-lieu affordable fee split clarified

The Simi Valley City Council on Oct. 20 approved on second reading Ordinance No. 13-64, a fifth amendment to development agreement DA-04-01 between the city and Runkel Canyon LLC that includes an in-lieu affordable housing fee.

The ordinance, read at the meeting, specifies a remaining in-lieu fee of $900,000 related to 30 affordable units. Council Member Litster asked when that payment is due. Assistant City Manager (staff) explained the fee is split into two payments: an initial payment of $350,000 due prior to issuance of the first building’s certificate of occupancy, and a second payment of $650,000 due the following year tied to a subsequent milestone in the project schedule.

Council debate and vote: Mayor Pro Tem Judge said he remained dissatisfied with the developer’s timeline and announced he would vote no, but allowed the item to move forward. The motion to adopt the ordinance passed with Mayor Pro Tem Judge voting no.

Why it matters: the amendment adjusts the timeline and payment schedule for the developer’s affordable-housing in-lieu obligations and formalizes when the city can expect funds that may be used for affordable housing. Staff stated they will provide council updates and are meeting regularly with the developer to track milestones.

No additional amendments were recorded in the Oct. 20 discussion; staff said they had been meeting with the developer and would provide periodic updates.