Planning commission backs 26-unit townhome project at 4868 Cochran Street

The Simi Valley Planning Commission unanimously voted Feb. 5 to recommend City Council approval of a 26-unit townhome development at 4868 Cochran Street, proposed by City Ventures Home Building LLC, and to modify an existing conditional use permit for the adjacent religious facility. The commission also found the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA section 15332 for infill development.

The project would subdivide a 1.2-acre southern portion of the site owned by the Simi Valley Korean Baptist Church to create a new parcel for 26 townhome units arranged in four buildings, with 59 on-site parking spaces (49 garage spaces and 10 uncovered). Staff recommended approval of the planned development permit and tentative tract map and recommended the commission approve modification of the church’s conditional use permit and a tentative parcel map. "Staff recommends that the planning commission approve the modification of the conditional use permit and tentative parcel map for the existing religious facility site and recommend to city council approval of the plan development permit and tentative tract map for the new townhome development," the associate planner told commissioners.

The applicant, Eric Miller, director of development at City Ventures, described the site as a redevelopment opportunity identified in the city's housing element and said the company emphasizes all-electric, solar-ready homes. "This site's a…