§ 9545.1. Findings.

In addition to the findings required by Agoura Hills Municipal Code Section 9673.2.E, the planning commission shall make the following findings before granting a conditional use permit:

1.

The project is compatible with the city's semi-rural character and does not overwhelm the city's low-intensity development style.

2.

The project's features and space enhance the site so that the buildings are integral parts of the community fabric. To the maximum extent feasible, taking into consideration more than just economic feasibility, the project is situated on the site to maximize the views of the city's points of natural scenic beauty, such as Medea Creek, Ladyface Mountain or Strawberry Hill.

3.

Parking areas provide safe and convenient access. Parking areas are situated on the site and landscaped to avoid vast expanses of uninterrupted parking spaces. A parking study shall be prepared to determine parking adequacy.

4.

The site design works with the characteristics of the existing terrain and maximizes preservation of open space to the maximum extent feasible, taking into consideration more than just economic feasibility. The existing terrain and natural contours have been incorporated into the site plan design to maximum extent feasible, taking into consideration more than just economic feasibility. Where features of special interest such as hillsides, streams, or oak trees exist on the project site, they have been integrated into the design. The planning commission has the discretion to impose conditions as it may deem to be necessary to minimize and mitigate grading, the use of retaining walls, and the use of large flat pads.

5.

The project design avoids or mitigates significant impacts to sensitive or endangered plants and animals and sensitive plant communities such as oak woodlands or riparian habitat.

6.

The development design conveys the high quality image envisioned in the general plan. Views of the site from the freeway, city gateways, and abutting residential areas compliment and enhance the city's low intensity and semi-rural character. Line of sight studies shall be prepared to determine the visual impacts of the project.

7.

Building facades are articulated on all sides: There are no long, unbroken facades. The building facades are of natural, non-reflective or low-reflective materials such as wood, stone, brick, or textured concrete. The building's predominant colors are subtle, neutral, or earth tone. Variations in roof lines are used to add interest to and reduce the massive scale of large buildings. Roof features compliment the character of adjoining neighborhoods.

8.

Landscaping compliments the natural setting of the region.

9.

Traffic, light, noise, and other environmental impacts shall be mitigated to the maximum extent feasible, taking into consideration more than just economic feasibility. A project shall not be approved if, after implementation of any required traffic mitigation measures, the project's traffic will significantly reduce the existing level of service on any local street in a residential neighborhood. A traffic study shall be prepared to determine impacts and identify mitigation measures.

10.

If any point on any lot line of any parcel on which the development is proposed to be located is within five hundred (500) feet of any point on any lot line of any residentially zoned property (including property in any open space district in which residential uses are permitted or conditionally permitted), the project is compatible with residential uses. This finding is imposed in recognition of the impact of such developments on residential uses, including impacts on local street traffic, noise, light, security, view corridors, and other environmental impacts. The planning commission has the discretion to impose such conditions as it may deem to be necessary to ensure compatibility with residential uses, including but not limited to conditions relating to:

(i)

The size, scale and configuration of the development;

(ii)

Glare on residential properties from outdoor lighting;

(iii)

Noise from loading docks, parking areas, and other outdoor areas of the development;

(iv)

Security in the neighborhood;

(v)

Traffic and circulation in the neighborhood;

(vi)

Landscaping and other design features to buffer the aesthetic impacts on residential properties; and

(vii)

Other environmental impacts.

(Ord. No. 98-278, § 2, 1-14-98)