Oxnard planning commission approves three-unit Hendrickson triplex in Oxnard Shores

The City of Oxnard Planning Commission on Sept. 18, 2025 approved coastal development and tentative map permits for the Hendrickson Triplex at 5201 Driftwood Street, allowing construction of a three-story residential condominium with three attached units and an associated parcel map waiver. Staff identified the site as one of the few undeveloped parcels remaining in the Oxnard Shores neighborhood and said the proposal closely matches a project previously approved by the commission in February 2019.

Rogelio Solis, assistant planner, told commissioners that the project would occupy a 0.17-acre parcel in the R-3-C (multiple-family coastal medium density) zone and that the design is "very identical" to the 2019 approval with minor updates such as drought-tolerant landscaping and relocation of on-site trash enclosures. Solis said the building height complies with the 35-foot maximum for the zone.

Kenneth Wright of MDA Group, the applicant's agent, said trash receptacles would be stored in enclosed trash enclosures on all non-pickup days and that trash staging at the property boundary would be limited to scheduled pick-up dates. "The trash station area is only for on trash pickup dates. All other days, the trash bins are stored within enclosed trash enclosures and would not be visible from the outside," Wright said.

A neighbor phoned staff minutes before the hearing to express opposition, citing concerns about increased traffic and obstruction of existing views. The applicant acknowledged that any new development can change views and traffic patterns but emphasized that the project is consistent with prior approvals and city standards.

Commissioner Nash reviewed the record and noted that the commission had adopted two resolutions on Feb. 7, 2019 approving a similar coastal development permit and tentative map, and that the current application is consistent with the 2030 General Plan and local coastal program designations. Nash also pointed to proposed conditions intended to improve public infrastructure, including reconstructing the pedestrian ramp on the northwest corner of Driftwood and Harvard to current accessibility standards and replacing broken or uplifted sidewalk sections.

The commission moved to find the project categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines section 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures) and to adopt resolutions approving Planning and Zoning Permit 24-400-03 (coastal development permit) and Planning and Zoning Permit 24-300-04 (tentative map/parcel map waiver) subject to findings and conditions. The motion was moved by Commissioner Nash and seconded by Vice Chair Dr. Stewart. Roll-call votes recorded Commissioner Nash: yes; Vice Chair Dr. Stewart: yes; Commissioner Dr. Lopez: yes; Commissioner Schulke: yes; Commissioner Barcena: yes; Chair Arejo: yes. The motion passed unanimously.

The project record notes that the applicant mailed notices to the Oxnard Shores neighborhood and held a community workshop; staff said one neighbor called in opposition minutes before the hearing. Commissioners described the project as providing additional housing in a desirable neighborhood while noting that impacts on views and local traffic had been raised by neighbors. Conditions of approval include sidewalk and accessibility improvements and other standard measures listed in the adopted resolutions.