Planning commission approves rebuild of fire‑damaged corner restaurant and a family‑oriented dance studio/cafe at Agora Village

The Agoura Hills Planning Commission unanimously approved multiple applications Thursday to redevelop a long‑vacant, fire‑damaged corner restaurant and to permit a connected dance studio and cafe at the adjacent Agora Village Center.

Assistant Planning Director Robbie Nesovich summarized the redevelopment (ADVP2025007) for the restaurant at 29008 Agora Road and associated facade upgrades at 29020 Agora Road. Nesovich said the two properties are now under common ownership and a 2024 lot‑line adjustment resolved earlier nonconforming ownership issues. Staff described required upgrades including a metal standing‑seam roof, Swiss‑coffee colored siding, stormwater measures and pruning or removal of three oak trees damaged by prior fires. "The project meets all applicable objective standards," Nesovich said, and staff recommended approval with a CEQA categorical exemption for minor additions and restoration of a damaged structure.

Architect Robert Mottola and project lead Miroslav Perek described fire‑hardening measures and the broader strategy to revive an underutilized adjacent center by consolidating property management and securing new tenants. "This site has remained severely damaged and vacant for more than 4 years following the fires," Mottola said, arguing that new tenants and reciprocal parking with the adjacent center will improve viability.

Commissioners asked whether the parking study accounted for differing peak hours and whether future tenant changes could trigger re‑evaluation. Staff pointed to a condition giving the Community Development Director authority to require additional parking or alternative strategies if tenant mix creates circulation problems. Commissioners also pressed the applicant on fire‑resilient materials; the architect said the project uses Class A fire‑rated materials and a full sprinkler system.

The commission also approved a conditional use permit and major outdoor dining permit for Builders of a Better World, a dance studio and connected cafe to occupy 29020 Agora Road. Architect Seppi Malekhi and owner Leah Hanlon described a community‑oriented business model offering classes for all ages, scholarship programs and a cafe meant to give parents a place to wait and gather. "We offer classes that an entire family can participate in," Hanlon said.

Both items passed on separate roll calls, each 4–0. Conditions require implementation of oak tree pruning/permits, monitoring of parking use, and compliance with building and fire department plan‑check reviews.

What happens next: the approvals are final unless appealed to the city council within 15 days; the owner and applicants will proceed to building permit submittal, plan check, and implementation of required landscaping and oak‑tree work.