Topic
Sustainability
The section below identifies goals and policies throughout the General Plan related to Sustainability. Use the buttons below to jump to a specific chapter.
Goal LU-1: Create a land use pattern of development that preserves existing neighborhoods while providing opportunities for targeted infill projects in strategic locations to enhance the quality of life, preserve the natural environment, and ensure the long-term fiscal viability of Thousand Oaks.
LU-1.4 Infill locations.
Focus most new development in areas identified in the “Areas-Specific Guidance.”
LU-1.9 Adaptive reuse.
Promote adaptive reuse of existing buildings, especially those with building designs that reinforce community design and pedestrian orientation.
Goal LU-2: Preserve and enhance existing neighborhoods throughout the City.
LU-2.3 Sustainable residences.
Encourage sustainable building practices during new construction or when buildings are substantially renovated.
LU-2.5 Sustainable residential landscaping.
Encourage property owners to use sustainable and climate-appropriate landscaping by incorporating natural materials and native vegetation and trees to enhance the urban forest and provide shade and habitat for fauna.
Goal LU-3: Promote a diversity of housing types for Thousand Oaks residents through all stages of life.
LU-3.7 Parking requirements.
Allow a reduction in parking requirements on a project-by-project basis to achieve high-quality design, increased housing affordability, and to promote walking, bicycling, and transit use, while working to minimize potential negative impacts on adjacent properties.
Goal LU-11: Power existing and new buildings with clean energy.
LU-11.1 Carbon-free construction.
Promote and encourage new construction that uses carbon-free energy.
LU-11.2 Energy efficient new construction.
Promote and encourage energy-efficient new construction through implementation of CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 measures and use of Passive Solar System design features.
LU-11.3 Onsite solar in new construction.
Promote and encourage the installation to the maximum extent possible of on-site solar (or other distributed renewable energy) in new construction, including rooftop, carports and additional technologies as they evolve.
LU-11.4 Transition existing buildings to carbon-free energy.
Promote and encourage the electrification of existing buildings with clean energy to reduce and eliminate fossil fuel use.
LU-11.5 Existing building energy efficiency.
Encourage an increase in energy efficiency of existing buildings through upgrades including insulation, sealing, improved windows, roofs, water and air heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
LU-11.6 Energy audits and disclosures.
Support and encourage energy audits and energy use disclosure at time of listing, sale, lease, rental or remodel of existing buildings.
LU-11.7 Electrical Vehicle charging stations in new development.
Require EV ready receptacles sufficient to support users in new development.
LU-11.8 Affordable energy efficiency upgrades.
Work with energy utility companies to promote energy efficiency upgrades and discounts to lower-income households in Thousand Oaks.
Goal LU-20: Develop thriving, walkable Village Centers that support the daily needs of residents within the vicinity.
LU-20.2 Multi-family housing.
Encourage the addition of multi-family housing at the Mixed-Use Village Centers at the Moorpark Road and Janss Road intersection, and Erbes Road and Avenida de Los Arboles intersection. The addition of multi-family housing can be facilitated by allowing the redevelopment of portions of the site, adding residential to existing parking lots, or adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
LU-20.4 Bicycle and pedestrian connections.
Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between Village Centers and neighborhoods within approximately one mile of the Village Center. Improved connections could include new pedestrian connections through cul-de-sacs, upgraded pedestrian crossings, the additional of bicycle facilities such as bike paths or separated bike lanes and bicycle parking.
LU-20.5 Subdivision for housing.
Allow the subdividing of commercial or parking areas to create parcels for multifamily housing development proposals.
Goal M-2: Create and maintain a public transit system that is safe, equitable, affordable, efficient, and accessible to all people in Thousand Oaks.
M-2.1 Mobility barriers.
Prioritize investments that reduce first/last-mile barriers to transit stops and encourage alternative transportation options for activities of daily living.
Goal M-5: Create and maintain a transportation system that fosters vibrant commercial centers and economic resiliency.
M-5.3 Bicycle parking.
Expand the availability of secure and convenient bicycle parking at key destinations.
Goal M-6: Create and maintain a transportation system that reduces impacts to the environment while leveraging sustainability innovations.
M-6.1 Decrease vehicle trips.
Prioritize transportation and development investments and strategies that reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips.
M-6.2 Decrease vehicle miles traveled.
Prioritize pedestrian, bicycle and other micro-mobility transportation means, and transit enhancements. Encourage infill, mixed-use, and other land use development that locates resources and services near residents’ homes.
M-6.3 Emissions reduction.
Support and encourage the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles, clean vehicle technologies, charging infrastructure and services to reduce GHG emissions from vehicles.
M-6.4 Transportation Demand Management (TDM).
Promote and incentivize the use of TDM strategies for employers and expand options for emission reductions from commuting through means such as vehicle sharing, alternative fuel vehicle support, and telecommuting.
Goal POS-3: Manage and regulate open spaces to protect the natural environment.
POS-3.7 Groundwater recharge in open space areas.
Allow groundwater recharge areas if they are beneficial to regional water conservation and groundwater replenishment efforts and not detrimental to the function and resources of the open space system.
POS-3.8 Fuel modification zones.
Protect open space vegetation by restricting new development that expands fuel modification zones onto designated open space properties.
Goal C-8: Preserve natural streams.
C-8.3 Regional rehabilitation.
Support regional rehabilitation efforts for the Calleguas and Malibu Creek Watersheds.
C-8.4 Flood control.
Use of concrete for flood control improvements in natural drainage courses should occur only when no other alternatives can be found that would maintain natural hydrological and ecological functions.
C-8.6 Development review.
Review all development projects on properties that include or are adjacent to streams to ensure stream protection.
Goal C-10: Achieve and maintain air quality that protects public health, safety, and welfare for those who live or work in the City and for visitors.
C-10.2 Alternative transportation.
City actions shall seek to reduce dependency on gasoline- or diesel-powered motor vehicles by encouraging the use of alternative transportation modes and energy sources (e.g., transit, walking, bicycling) thereby reducing vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled.
C-10.3 Non-vehicular pollution sources.
Reduce air pollution from non-vehicular sources, such as landscape equipment, manufacturing, power generation, and construction activity by transitioning to the use of electric equipment or low emission alternatives.
Goal CFS-1: Develop citywide infrastructure that supports existing and future development.
CFS-1.3 Sustainable design.
Promote the design of infrastructure projects that use sustainable materials, reduce carbon emissions, and minimize energy, water and waste during construction.
Goal CFS-3: Ensure a sustainable water supply that supports existing and future community needs.
CFS-3.1 Water supply.
Continue to work with water providers to ensure the provision of water in quantities sufficient to satisfy current and projected demands while encouraging water conservation measures for existing and new development.
CFS-3.2 Emergency water supply.
Work with regional and local water providers to ensure that adequate water supplies and pressures are available during a fire, earthquake, or both.
CFS-3.3 Diversified water portfolio.
Utilize local groundwater and reclaimed water resources to reduce reliance on imported water from the State Water Project.
CFS-3.4 Funding.
Ensure that funding is available to maintain existing and future water facilities.
CFS-3.5 Water Master Plan.
Regularly update the City’s Water Master Plan to provide up-to-date projections of water demand and supplies and needed system improvements.
CFS-3.6 Backup water services.
Provide that alternative or emergency backup services for imported water services are earthquake resilient.
CFS-3.7 Local water resources.
Collaborate with local water agencies and distributors to develop infrastructure and mechanisms for expanding local water access and resources through improved connections to other sources, use of local groundwater, stormwater capture, and/or expanded treatment or re-use of wastewater.
Goal CFS-4: Encourage building and landscape design that conserves or recycles water.
CFS-4.1 Water conservation and reuse.
Promote and implement water conservation measures and reuse practices, including water-efficient fixtures, leak detection, water recycling, greywater systems, and rainwater harvesting.
CFS-4.2 Education and outreach.
Support and augment regional conservation programs to encourage reduced water use in homes and businesses. This includes educational, outreach and incentive programs that promote water conservation and water-efficient technologies to the public, homebuilders, business owners, and landscapes.
CFS-4.3 Landscaping standards.
Update the City’s landscape guidelines and standards for landscape and irrigation plans, which require the use of low-maintenance, native and drought-tolerant landscaping and low-flow water efficient irrigation in all public and private developments.
CFS-4.4 Landscaping water efficiency.
Meet or exceed Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) water efficiency standards.
CFS-4.5 Building water efficiency.
Minimize future water use by requiring all new development to meet Green Building Standards identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory entities.
CFS-4.6 Pervious paving.
Minimize the use of impervious materials wherever possible and utilize pervious wherever possible to promote and facilitate groundwater recharge.
CFS-4.7 Recycled water use.
Strive to reduce potable water use and use recycled water for landscaping on City-owned and operated properties, focusing initially on larger, water-intensive properties such as Los Robles Greens Golf Course and the Civic Arts Plaza.
CFS-4.8 Water-efficient landscaping and irrigation.
Utilize water-efficient climate-appropriate landscaping on all City and public properties including medians, parkways, and parks. Implement smart networked irrigation controllers and drip or other low flow irrigation systems.
Goal CFS-6: Provide solid waste services that meet the demands of residents and businesses.
CFS-6.1 Zero-waste municipal operations.
Strive for zero-waste certification for municipal facilities.
CFS-6.2 Solid waste diversion.
Strive to increase the community’s solid waste diversion from the landfill to 75% as measured by CalRecyle, through waste reduction, re-use, and recycling by 2030.
CFS-6.3 Food waste diversion.
Comply with or exceed requirements for organics and food waste diversion from the landfill through organics weekly collection service to all residents and businesses, and the development and support of an edible food recovery program.
CFS-6.4 Composting and recycling.
Increase education and awareness of all residents and businesses about composting and recycling.
CFS-6.5 Hazardous materials.
Provide convenient means for the community to properly dispose of hazardous waste.
CFS-6.6 Regional composting facilities.
Support development of regional organics processing, composting and waste diversion facilities.
Goal CFS-7: Provide stormwater drainage facilities with capacity during storm events.
CFS-7.1 Stormwater retention.
Meet or exceed Low Impact Development (LID) requirements for on-site retention of stormwater through best management practices (i.e., rain gardens, rain barrels, and retention basins).
CFS-7.2 Sustainable stormwater management.
Design new streets and retrofit existing streets to incorporate vegetation, soil, and engineered systems to reduce, slow, cleanse, and infiltrate stormwater runoff.
Goal CFS-8: Achieve and maintain applicable surface water and groundwater quality standards.
CFS-8.3 Stormwater runoff compliance.
Ensure that all new development complies with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements for stormwater and runoff.
CFS-8.5 Pollutant discharge.
Design necessary stormwater detention basins, recharge basins, water quality basins, or similar water capture facilities to protect water quality by capturing and/or treating water before it enters a watercourse.
CFS-8.6 Groundwater quality.
Support regional efforts to improve local groundwater quality.
Goal CFS-11: Ensure effective response to a range of emergencies, including multiple simultaneous emergencies.
CFS-11.2 Disaster preparedness.
Adopt disaster preparedness and resilience strategies such as power backup at critical facilities, communication protocols and emergency evacuation planning and outreach.
Goal G-5: Foster partnerships with other regional and local agencies to ensure residents have access to high quality parks, recreation, education and leisure programs and services.
G-5.10 Environmental leadership.
Demonstrate environmental leadership through continued investment in open space, clean and renewable energy, and sustainability, and seek to minimize environmental impact of actions.
Corresponding Implementation Actions
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Action | Goal | Chapter | Timeframe | Lead Responsibility | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.1 Comprehensive zoning code update. Following the adoption of the General Plan, prepare a comprehensive update to the Citywide zoning code. | LU-1 | Land Use | Short | Community Development | |
| 2 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.2 Create new mixed-use zoning district. Following the adoption of the General Plan, create a new mixed-use zoning district, including performance standards for infill development on parking lots and commercial structures. | LU-5 | Land Use | Short | Community Development | Parking, Mixed-Use and New Development |
| 3 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 16/12/2024 10:39 PM | LU-A.3 Inclusionary Housing Program. Adopt and implement an Inclusionary Housing Program. | LU-3 and LU-4 | Land Use | Short | Community Development | Equity, Mixed-Use and New Development |
| 4 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.4 Campus Master Plan. Implement vision of the Downtown Core Master Plan by redesigning the Civic Arts Plaza. | LU-13 | Land Use | Medium | City Manager’s Office | Civic Arts Plaza and Culture |
| 5 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.5 Creation of a downtown core. Initiate public/private partnerships to redevelop Thousand Oaks Boulevard as a “main street” with public, retail, lodging, entertainment and/or multi-family uses. | LU-13 and LU-14 | Land Use | Long | City Manager’s Office | Jobs and Economic Development, Mixed-Use and New Development |
| 6 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.6 Update specific plans. Update Specific Plans where policy changes are required pursuant to the 2045 General Plan policies, starting with the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan. | LU-1, LU-13, and LU-14 | Land Use | Short | Community Development | |
| 7 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.7 Specific plan or master plan preparation. Coordinate with property owners of key opportunity sites to prepare Specific Plan or Master Plan efforts for the following areas: The Oaks, Moorpark Road/Janss Marketplace, Highway 101 Corridor/Borchard Property | LU-15, LU-16, LU-17, and LU-18 | Land Use | Medium | Community Development | |
| 8 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.8 Mixed-use and adaptive reuse parking requirements study. Conduct a study to investigate modifying parking requirements for new mixed-use development and adaptive reuse projects. Revise the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code accordingly. | LU-5 | Land Use | Short | Community Development | Sustainability, Health, Parking, Mixed-Use and New Development |
| 9 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.9 Municipal code review for healthy housing. Review, revise, and update the municipal code (as well as other relevant plans, procedures, regulations, guidelines, programs, and design manuals) to promote healthy housing quality. | LU-4 | Land Use | Long | Community Development | Residential Neighborhoods, Health |
| 10 | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | christian | 13/12/2024 05:44 PM | LU-A.10 Affordable housing linkage fee. Study and determine nexus to implement a fee program where new commercial and/or industrial developments pay a fee to fund affordable housing units. | LU-3 and LU-4 | Land Use | Short | Community Development | Equity, Mixed-Use and New Development |