Ventura County planning commission holds continuation for 328‑unit Ventura Ranch farmworker housing project after safety, traffic and CEQA concerns

The Ventura County Planning Commission on Jan. 22 paused action on a proposed 328‑unit farmworker housing complex at 4884 North Ventura Avenue, voting 3–2 to continue the item for further analysis after hearing more than four hours of staff presentations, consultant testimony and roughly 45 in‑person public speakers.

Staff described the Ventura Ranch proposal — submitted as PL23‑0051 by Ventura Ranch Partners LLC — as a three‑parcel phased development on the western 19.6 acres of an 83‑acre site, with parcels 1–3 to be developed for housing (18 three‑story buildings, just under 35 feet) and parcel 4 (about 63 acres) preserved as permanent open space. Planning staff said the applicant requests a tentative parcel map, a planned development permit and a discretionary tree permit, and is seeking concessions under the state density bonus law to reduce parking ratios.

Case planner Michael Conger told the commission the project was deemed complete in April 2024 and that staff analyzed it under CEQA Guidelines section 15183, which allows streamlined review when a proposal is consistent with an adopted general plan and prior EIR findings. “Based on this information, staff believes that the planning commission has enough substantial evidence in the record to make the required findings to grant a tentative parcel map, PD permit, and discretionary tree permit,” Conger said.

The project would include 328 units, 572 parking spaces, two community centers, and…