THOUSAND OAKS : Panel Urges Permit for Rental of Houses

Thousand Oaks planning commissioners have approved a proposed ordinance that would force landlords who rent houses to four or more adults to seek a city permit, despite stiff protests from landlords and real estate agents.

The five-member commission heard 4 1/2 hours of often heated public testimony Monday before unanimously recommending that the City Council adopt the ordinance when it meets March 17.

“Common sense tells us that over-density causes problems,” Commissioner Andy Fox said before the vote.

Some of the estimated 150 people who attended the hearing questioned the legality of the city’s plan to regulate rental of single-family houses.

Fifteen people, including a real estate agent, said the city failed to prove that strict standards are needed.

“I really don’t believe this ordinance is the proper way to correct things,” said Mary Hall, a spokeswoman for the Conejo Valley Assn. of Realtors. “It seems to me a case of extreme overkill.”

Under the ordinance, landlords who rent houses to four or more adults would need a permit from the city, even if the landlord lives in the home. However, the ordinance excludes families of four or more adults who do not pay rent.

Planning officials said they would consider the size of the home, available parking spaces and bathrooms in deciding whether the residence could accommodate its tenants.

Eighteen speakers who supported stricter controls complained of problems associated with overcrowded homes, including traffic congestion, lack of parking, litter and increased crime.