Thousand Oaks City Council prioritizes affordable housing developments and project facilitation

Affordable housing took center stage at the Thousand Oaks City Council meeting on March 25, 2025, as officials discussed strategies to expedite development projects aimed at addressing the community's housing needs. City staff revealed they are actively engaging with developers of entitled projects to identify what support they require to move forward, emphasizing a commitment to streamline the approval process.

Council members highlighted the importance of development agreements, which are designed to facilitate housing construction by allowing for fee deferrals and extended timelines. These agreements are crucial for larger projects that require significant site preparation and may take longer to launch. "We're ready and willing to move their projects precisely through the process," stated a city staff member, underscoring the city's proactive approach.

Council member Gutierrez inquired about the status of over 1,900 housing units previously entitled, specifically questioning how many would fall into the low to moderate income categories. Staff confirmed that approximately 300 of these units are designated as affordable, with a majority aimed at low-income residents. This includes projects like the Erbs Hillcrest townhomes and the Latigo Hillcrest development, which are tied to density bonuses that mandate affordable housing construction.

The discussion also touched on the limited impact of recent state housing mandates, such as SB 9 and SB 35, on local applications. Staff noted that only a handful of projects have been processed under these laws, primarily due to new fire risk maps that restrict development in high hazard areas.

As the city continues to prioritize affordable housing, officials expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of these initiatives, aiming to see tangible results in the near future. The council's commitment to addressing housing challenges reflects a broader effort to meet community needs and enhance living conditions in Thousand Oaks.