Planning Commission considers conversion of retail space to apartments

Planning Commission considers conversion of retail space to apartments

By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula News Published:May 30, 2012

Its back to the drawing board, but still closer to approval for 10 long-vacant commercial/retail storefronts on East Harvard Boulevard whose owner wants to convert to six live/work apartments.

At the May 22 meeting the Planning Commission asked that the plan - which includes the construction of a six-unit apartment complex on adjacent land - be fine tuned.

Deputy Planning Director Stratis Perros told commissioners that the owner of the property - located southeast of Isbell Middle School - wants to convert the retail/commercial spaces to live/work units. This is a somewhat complicated project that Perros said has been in the works for more than a decade since the complex, which includes 28 apartments as well as business storefronts, was completed about 14 years ago.

The conversion would create one- and two-bedroom apartments and the new apartment complex would be two and a half stories tall with 5,555 square feet. Perros said the retail/commercial units have been largely vacant, although rents were below market average.

New and converted apartments would have to meet the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and offer some units for lower-income households. The plan ultimately would be decided by the City Council, which must approve the proposed zone change.

Commissioner John Wisda asked if the converted units could be solely residential, and Perros noted that people are already allowed to run certain businesses from their home.

Architect Mark Pettit of Lauterbach & Associates of Oxnard said the project underwent a commission concept review last year that included much input. We tried to be everything to everyone, he said, and although we have absolutely no problem if the wish is all residential, there has been interest from potential tenants who would prefer the live/work space.

Commissioners had several comments, ranging from window upgrades and coverings to offering a consistent view from the street to landscape improvements.

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Planning Commission considers conversion of retail space to apartments