Agoura Hills keeps new homes and remodels under check

Following a series of public hearings, study sessions and workshops, the city of Agoura Hills has adopted new ordinances and guidelines that address the issue of "residential neighborhood compatibility."

In other words, how to deal with homes that are over the top.

Recession nothwithstanding, the new laws discuss what's permissable in new home design and residential remodels.

The question of "neighborhood compatibility" especially became a concern in Old Agoura where homes often undergo big changes inside and out.

The new laws offer developers and homeowners rules to follow when applying to the city for permits to build a new house or remodel an existing one.

According to a report by Mike Kamino, director of planning and community development, most people who voiced concern about the new laws were interested in how the changes would impact Old Agoura.

Mike Kamino, Agoura Hills director af planning and community development, said that while the number of vacant lots has dwindled, "the trend toward building substantial additions, as well as tear downs and rebuilds, continues in Old Agoura."

New and existing homeowners have tended to encroach into areas that previously were for equestrian use.

A new "Equestrian Overlay District" was created to protect existing horse property and the rural atmosphere of the neighborhood. A minimum of 1,500 square feet for horse keeping must now be included in the design plans presented to the city. The plans must also have areas for corrals, stalls, feed and storage and exercise areas for horses.

Designated equestrian areas are necessary to protect "the integrity of the lot for future horse keeping," Kamino said

The list of improvements allowed for homeowners who don't have horses includes detached trellises, patio covers and gazebos, above-ground spas, fire pits, barbecues and accessory structures no larger than 120 square feet. .

The Old Agoura guidelines were developed to maintain the "semi-rural" character of the area. No home—new or remodeled— should ever exceed 8,000 square feet.

The city created an "Elements of Style" handbook for Old Agoura residents who are considering rebuilding or remodeling a home.

The book includes a history of the equestrian area, which is noted as being "one of the original ranching communities in the Conejo Valley."

The guidelines promote the city's philosophical stance on Old Agoura: "Simple is better than complicated, plain is better than ornate, subtle is better than ostentatious, and muted is better than garish."

Photographs provide examples of the kind of homes and building materials that are preferred. City officials did not mandate any particular home styles. Planning consultant Joyce Parker said the guidelines were meant to address the "bulk and scale" of new and remodeled homes rather than architectural style.

The guidelines are incorporated in the existing architectural design standards, Parker said, adding that the planning commission has flexibility in determining what is appropriate for individual lots.

Old Agoura resident Nevin Bavdai opposed some portions of the new guidelines. He wants the planning commission to review all building requests on a caseby case basis.

"Instead of guidelines, put it to the voters," Bavdai said.

Former planning commissioner Phil Ramuno, speaking for the Old Agoura Homeowners Association, said he favored the guidelines.

"You can't please everybody, but the most troublesome items were addressed," Ramuno said.

But according to Councilmember Bill Koehler, "This takes a lot of the subjectivity out of it."