Thousand Oaks planning commission approves Chabad project with parking reduction and tree protections

On March 23, 2026, the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission unanimously approved a Special Use Permit and a protected tree permit allowing Chabad of Westlake Village to convert a vacant commercial building at 530 Hampshire Road into a religious assembly, including a 10% parking reduction and encroachment into protected oak and sycamore trees.

Senior Planner Carlos Contreras told the commission the proposal seeks approval for SUP2024-70016 and TP2024-70075 to allow a religious assembly within an existing 4,300-square-foot building plus a 3,872-square-foot addition, perimeter security fencing, new hardscape and landscaping. Contreras said staff recommended the project be found categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Sections 15303(c) (small structures) and 15332 (infill development) and that the commission approve the applications subject to conditions.

"The site provides 28 on-site parking spaces and the 875-square-foot worship area requires 31 spaces under…