Article 1 — Title, Purpose, and Interpretation

This chapter shall be known as the “Zoning Regulations” of the City. (§ 8110, T.O.O.C.)

The text and zoning maps of this chapter constitute the comprehensive zoning plan and regulations for the City and are adopted to protect and promote the public health, safety, morals, and welfare and to provide the economic and social advantages which result from an orderly, planned use of land resources. Such regulations are designed and intended to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to promote the health and general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate the adequate provision for transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, roads, and other public facilities and improvements, and to establish the most beneficial and convenient relationships among the residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and undeveloped areas, having regard to their suitability for the various uses appropriate to each of them and their potentiality for such uses, as indicated by existing conditions and trends in population, in the direction and manner of the uses of land, in building development, and in economic activity.

(§ 8111, T.O.O.C.)

(a) In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare.

(b) It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easement, covenant, or other agreement between parties.

(c) When the provisions of this chapter impose a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or land or upon the height of buildings, or require larger open spaces than are imposed or required by other laws, rules, and regulations, or by easements, covenants, or agreements, the provisions of this chapter shall govern. (§ 8166.3, T.O.O.C.)

No action or proceeding commenced before the Commission or Council before this chapter takes effect shall be terminated by the enactment of this chapter, but such action or proceeding shall thereafter conform to the provisions of this chapter so far as possible.

No prosecution or action resulting from a violation of zoning regulations heretofore in effect shall be abated or abandoned by reason of the enactment of this chapter, but such prosecution or action shall be prosecuted to its finality under the former law the same as if this chapter had not been adopted, and, to this end, the former law shall remain in effect and be applicable until such prosecution or action has been terminated. Any violation of the provisions of the former law for which prosecution or legal action has not been instituted prior to January 14, 1965, may be hereafter

subject to prosecution or action as if this chapter had not been adopted, and, to this end, the former law shall remain in effect and be applicable until such prosecution or action has been terminated. (§ 8166.2, T.O.O.C.)

The provisions of this chapter, insofar as they are substantially the same as provisions existing on December 7, 1961, relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations thereof and not as new enactments.

(§ 8166.1, T.O.O.C.)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply as specified within the various articles of this chapter to communication lines, electric transmission and distribution lines, and gas pipelines, regulators, and meters used directly or indirectly for service to the public, or any portion thereof, except as preempted by the authority and regulations of the Public Utilities Commission of the State.

(§ 8166.8, T.O.O.C., as amended by § IV, Ord. 506-NS, eff. December 12, 1974)

The City Council finds that the use, size, design, budget, site and construction plans for public buildings, real property, or facilities to be built or owned by the City of Thousand Oaks should have a formal City permit issued for such and have received a Planning Commission decision approving or denying such permit and project. No review by the Planning Commission, administrative officer or other board or commission shall be required by this title for other City facilities or projects such as, but not limited to, structures not open to the general public, water and wastewater lines, water facilities, wastewater treatment plan additions or modifications, installation of signs, street work, or minor public works projects.

(§ 1, Ord. 1219-NS, eff. October 11, 1994, as amended by § 1, Ord. 1243-NS, eff. October 3, 1995, and § 1, Ord. 1419-NS, eff. December 17, 2003)