Planning Commission Approves Calabasas Inn Demolition for Mixed Use Development

The planning commission unanimously approved a request to demolish the existing Calabasas Inn facility at 23500 Park Sorrento to develop the site with a 212,400 square-foot mixed use project at Thursday night's meeting.

The application was submitted by D2 Development, Inc.

Michael Klein, associate planner, presented the project which is to consist of 80 condominium units (72 market-rate two-and three-bedroom units and eight one-and two-bedroom affordable units for rent), on-site amenities (i.e. pool, club house, outdoor recreation, spa), 10,700 square-feet of neighborhood-serving commercial uses and 294 parking spaces to be provided through a combination of on-grade covered and uncovered parking spaces and within a two-level subterranean parking garage.

Among multi-pronged requests needed to move forward were a Site Plan Review for construction, a Conditional Use Permit for 80 multi-family dwelling units, a Vesting Tract Map for the subdivision of the parcel and 80 condominium units and an Oak Tree Permit for the removal of five oak trees and encroachment into the protected zones of 28 oak trees.  

In addition, a request was made for a 10 percent off-street parking reduction. 

Rick Bianchi, a representative for the applicant, referred to the project as a "crown jewel adjacent to the town center." He described the housing element as a low maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle.

At the public hearing portion of the meeting, most residents spoke in support of the development.

"I believe this is the right project at the right time," said Jim Hughes, a Calabasas resident, who cited a need for senior, singles and young family low maintenance housing.

Some residents expressed concern about the increase in construction traffic through the area, particularly down Park Sorrento, which is already experiencing similar issues. 

Planner Glenn Michitsch stated that the haul route would most likely not affect that area as the trucks wouldn't make it through the new roundabouts anyway.

The issue of off-street parking reduction was of concern, particularly for Commissioner Mark Sikand, who felt 10 percent was a bit excessive.

An amendment was made to reduce off-street parking to no more than 7 percent. Another amendment was to include 'no work on Sundays and holidays' to the work schedule, which would be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Documentation for the project can be found here.

What do you think of this mixed use project at this site? Tell us in the comments section below.