Planning Commission approves remodel and addition at 28245 Driver Avenue in Old Agoura

The Agoura Hills Planning Commission on Sept. 17 approved a site-plan and architectural review permit (PZ-20226-321-SPR) to remodel and add to a single-family residence at 28245 Driver Avenue in the Old Agoura neighborhood.

Senior planner Angela Jura presented the application, noting the original residence dates to 1940 and that a prior addition received a certificate of occupancy on Feb. 19, 1988. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions and determined the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines §15301 because the proposed addition is just over 1,500 square feet and does not exceed the 2,500-square-foot exemption threshold or 50% increase rule. "The addition is just over 1500 square feet, which meets the criteria for the exemption," Angela Jura said during the presentation.

Homeowner Kathy Vitansza described the proposal as a multigenerational remodel intended to unify two previously separate volumes of the house by adding a loft, improving internal connectivity and adding a porch where the side of the house faces the street. Architect Corey said the design incorporates ARP suggestions on rooflines, windows and stone facade treatments and that a structural engineer will refine load-bearing details during the plan-check stage.

Commissioner Roth moved to adopt the staff recommendation and Commissioner Stein seconded. In a roll-call vote Commissioners Platzer, Ross, Stein and Vice Chair Chiron voted to approve the resolution, 4-0. Community Development Director Robbie Nessovic said the commission’s decision is final for 15 days unless an appeal is filed with the city council.