Thousand Oaks planning commission finds proposed open-space purchase consistent with general plan

The Thousand Oaks Planning Commission on Jan. 27 adopted a resolution finding that the city's proposed acquisition of an open-space parcel on North Moorpark Road west of Calle Contento (APN 592-0-110-45) and the subsequent transfer of the property to the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (CASCA) is consistent with the city's general plan.

The finding was approved 5-0, with Commissioners McMahon, Farris, Tyler Kettlehut, Vice Chair Link and Chair Lansen voting yes. The resolution also states the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines sections 15313 and 15325.

Deputy Community Development Director Fabiola McAtee told commissioners the commission's action is a consistency finding and that any future redesignation or rezoning and related general-plan amendments would be considered after council authorization. Commissioner Farris had asked to confirm that rezoning or general-plan updates would occur later if the council approves the purchase; McAtee replied that was correct.

Brian Stark, identified at the meeting as a CASCA administrator, clarified for the record that when the City Council takes up the matter it would consider approval of the purchase-and-sale agreement and funding appropriations; the acquisition itself would not automatically change zoning and council typically does not update zoning at the time of acquisition.

The commission's finding will be forwarded to the City Council, which will consider whether to execute the purchase agreement and related appropriations. The Planning Commission record states the matter is subject to the conditions and findings included in the staff report.

The Planning Commission also split the consent calendar earlier in the meeting to allow a separate vote on minutes from the prior meeting; that vote was handled separately and is not part of this consistency finding.