Simi Valley · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Simi Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
East Cochrane Street cluster development concerns
Colton Lee Communities won approval for 58 single-family homes on a vacant 19.53-acre hillside at the east end of Cochran Street, with dog parks, pocket parks, and a private trail system but no sidewalks. Adjacent homeowners raised privacy, trail liability, traffic, sewer, and tree-removal concerns.
North Canyon Ranch 207-unit development and annexation
A 160-acre vacant hillside site north of First Street would become 207 homes — 157 single-family and 50 townhomes (possibly senior housing) — with about 68% open space, two parks, and the First Street-to-Falcon Road connection. The Planning Commission recommended approval, but the City Council makes the final call.
58-home hillside development on East Cochran Street
Colton Lee Communities won approval for 58 single-family homes on a vacant 19.53-acre hillside at the east end of Cochran Street, with dog parks, pocket parks, and a private trail system but no sidewalks. Adjacent homeowners raised privacy, trail liability, traffic, sewer, and tree-removal concerns.
Lost Canyons Development Modification & Open Space Expansion
The developer of the 1,770-acre Lost Canyons project wants to remove the closed golf course and shift 178 approved homes from the south side of Lost Canyons Drive to the north side. While this increases open space from 43% to 89% and spares sensitive canyons from grading, neighbors raised heavy concerns about building more luxury homes in a high fire-risk area.
Attainable homeownership and housing affordability
The Oak Road project includes three very low-income units priced around $130,000, aimed at buyers shut out of the market. Supporters called it a rare affordable ownership product; the city is far behind its state housing goals in this category.
Density Bonus and Incentives update
The commission recommended raising the density bonus cap from 35% to 50%, allowing stacked two-tier bonuses under AB 1287, and offering incentives including further parking reductions. Commissioners worried it won't help affordability and parking is already too low.
Popeyes drive-through at 2401 Tapo Street with mobile home park improvements
After months of debate, the Popeyes project got the green light with new protections for the Garden Grove mobile home park next door: a taller wall, limited hours, and better parking. The park's owners say the restaurant revenue is what lets them keep rents affordable for long-time tenants.