Planning Commission deadlocks on finding that 2026–27 CIP conforms with general plan

The Calabasas Planning Commission reviewed the proposed 2026–27 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) at its May 7 meeting but did not adopt staff’s recommendation that the CIP be found consistent with the city’s general plan. After extended discussion about multiple projects the commission voted on the staff recommendation and the motion failed on a 2–2 tie; no resolution was adopted and staff said they will inform City Council.

Staff presented nine projects for the coming fiscal year, focusing the commission’s review on general‑plan consistency (not budget approval). Projects summarized by staff included the Las Virgenes Creek Restoration (Phase 3) — a habitat and streambank stabilization project covering about 1.5 miles/27 acres with estimated ecosystem benefits — a proposed roundabout and roadway widening at Calabasas Road and Mirror Road with bike lanes and sidewalk extensions, Mulholland Highway slope and shoulder improvements, multi‑phase Green Streets stormwater capture and median plantings, and citywide signal and pedestrian safety upgrades.

Commissioners posed technical and policy questions: whether reclaimed (''purple pipe'') water is available for Green Streets, which staff said is being coordinated with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District; whether private development (notably auto dealerships along Parkway/Calabasas Road) remains obligated to participate in frontage improvements; and whether sidewalks and streetscape treatments are appropriate for the corridor’s transition from urban to rural and wildland‑interface areas. Jay Dinkens, Deputy Director of Public Works, confirmed coordination with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District on reclaimed water availability.

Several commissioners raised substantive objections centered on the proposed Calabasas Road roundabout and certain Green Streets/median elements: safety and circulation concerns (including emergency evacuation behavior), potential incompatibility with the community design element, and the segmented nature of some improvements where county and city jurisdictions abut. Commissioners urged that design details, ADA access, and evacuation modeling be considered as projects move beyond CIP‑level review.

After extended debate, a commissioner moved to adopt staff’s recommendation that the CIP be found consistent with the general plan; the motion was seconded. The motion failed on a 2–2 split, meaning the commission did not adopt the finding. Staff said they will notify the City Council that no resolution was adopted and that Council will consider next steps.

Because the commission’s role at this stage is limited to general‑plan consistency, the decision does not itself change funding or construction schedules; it does, however, signal the commission’s unresolved concerns about project design and circulation that the Council will see when the CIP is considered.

Key follow-ups: staff will confirm reclaimed‑water availability with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, continue design‑phase work to address ADA/access and evacuation questions, and report the commission’s split vote to City Council for its consideration.