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Planning commission approves 0.45‑mile Ladyface trail loop; mitigation monitoring and MND adopted
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit to construct a 0.45‑mile single‑track loop trail and two overlook connectors on city land adjacent to the Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center; the commission also adopted the project's Mitigated Negative Declaration and mitigation monitoring program.
The Agoura Hills Planning Commission on Thursday approved a conditional use permit to construct the first phase of a city trail south and west of the Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center.
The commission voted 4–0 to approve the permit and to adopt a final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and mitigation monitoring program for the project.
Why it matters: The item implements a segment of the Agoura Hills Trails and Pathways Master Plan and will provide local, short‑loop walking and hiking access adjacent to the event center. Staff said the work is designed to minimize environmental disturbance and to be consistent with the Ladyface Mountain Specific Plan.
Project scope and environmental controls: Robbie Nesovich, senior planner, described the phase‑1 work as a 0.45‑mile loop built as a 2‑foot‑wide single‑track trail using hand tools and following natural contours to limit grading. Phase 2, which will proceed only if funding becomes available, consists of an approximately 0.14‑mile overlook trail and a separate 0.23‑mile overlook trail that could link to a future regional trail network.
Nesovich said no impermeable surfacing, no retaining walls and no heavy equipment are planned for construction; the project includes biological and cultural resource mitigation measures (biological monitoring, preconstruction surveys and tribal cultural monitoring) written into the MND. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife commented on the draft document; staff said the agency—s concerns were addressed in the final MND.
Maintenance and funding: Staff told commissioners the project has grant funding to cover part of construction costs; ongoing maintenance will be folded into the city—s parks and recreation maintenance budget and handled by parks/janitorial staff.
Public comment and commission action: No speakers appeared at the hearing on the trail item. The commission voted to approve the conditional use permit and adopt the MND and mitigation monitoring program. Chair Roth confirmed that the commission—s decision is final unless appealed within 15 days.
Key quote: "The trail alignment as selected was selected so that any significant impact could be mitigated to a less than significant impact," staff said during the presentation.
Ending: With the approval the city can begin phase‑1 construction as soon as necessary preconstruction surveys and monitoring arrangements are in place; staff estimated construction could begin in July pending permits and scheduling.
