Simi Valley planning commission unanimously approves YMCA expansion with full-size gym, family locker rooms

The Simi Valley Planning Commission on April 23 unanimously approved a conditional use permit modification, CUP-S2024-0009, to expand the Simi Valley Family YMCA at 3200 Cochran Street and determined the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Staff presented the proposal as an expansion that would add a detached 10,944-square-foot gymnasium, a 4,862-square-foot addition to the existing facility for fitness studios and family-accessible locker rooms, and reconfigure the parking lot and landscaping. "Staff is recommending approval," Associate Planner Neil Morrissette told commissioners during the hearing.

The YMCA's executive director, Chris Turner, described the expansion as a way to create a "multi-generational hub for the community" and said the new gym would allow indoor basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts. Turner said the project would add an inclusive outdoor play yard and individual locker rooms intended to serve older adults, people with special needs and families with young children.

Morrissette told the commission the existing facility is 23,692 square feet. The proposal would demolish roughly 953 square feet of existing space to accommodate the additions. The new gym would stand about 34.5 feet tall, approximately six inches shorter than the existing building. Morrissette said a total of 155 parking spaces are required and 250 spaces are proposed; of those, 112 spaces would be provided on an adjacent city-owned parcel under a license agreement between the YMCA and the city approved by the City Council on Nov. 18, 2024.

No members of the public spoke in opposition; two applicants spoke (Chris Turner, executive director, and Larry Persons, chief volunteer officer), and staff recorded 15 additional written cards in support. Commissioners asked no substantive follow-up questions after the presentation and public testimony.

Commissioner Rice moved to adopt Resolution No. SVPC08-2025 approving the conditional use permit modification; the motion carried unanimously. The commission noted a 14-calendar-day appeal period applies to CUP-S2024-0009.

The resolution approves the construction described above and the commission's finding that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA. The planning commission’s action clears the way for the YMCA and the city to proceed with design and permitting subject to standard building and site approvals and any conditions set out in the resolution.