THOUSAND OAKS : Zoning Proposal Worries Businesses

Some Thousand Oaks business people are concerned that they might be affected by a zoning ordinance being considered by the Planning Commission.

The ordinance would restrict some types of businesses from operating near the city’s Civic Arts Plaza, planned at the old Jungleland property off Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

Carwashes, gas stations, storage buildings, print shops and medical labs are a few of the types of operations that would be prohibited. The ordinance would also restrict some changes or expansions proposed by existing businesses.

After hearing public comment on the zoning ordinance Monday, commissioners referred the measure back to the city’s Planning Department, which is scheduled to make its recommendation to the commission by Sept. 16.

Bob Kind, owner of Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic, said a 10-year lease with new partners is pending, awaiting assurance that they will be allowed to stay.

Deputy City Atty. Nancy Kierstyn Schreiner said Kind’s clinic, as well as other existing businesses in the area, would be allowed to continue operations under a grandfather clause in the proposed ordinance.

Michael Sangster, deputy director of the Planning Department, said the commission could consider instituting waivers for existing businesses that want to change or expand their operations.