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Department of Community Development
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2025 General Plan
Annual Progress Report
City of Camarillo
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................1 CAMARILLO URBAN RESTRICTION BOUNDARY (CURB).......................................................................................3 LAND USE ELEMENT.............................................................................................................................................5 CIRCULATION ELEMENT......................................................................................................................................11 HOUSING ELEMENT ............................................................................................................................................16 RECREATION ELEMENT ......................................................................................................................................23 OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT...................................................................................................28 COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT ................................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
SAFETY ELEMENT................................................................................................................................................37 NOISE ELEMENT .................................................................................................................................................42
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1, GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS ............................................................................................................1 TABLE 2, COMMUNITY PLANS....................................................................................................................................2 TABLE 3, LAND AREA BY LAND USE CATEGORY .........................................................................................10 TABLE 4, 2021-2029 RHNA AND 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT LAND INVENTORY..................................17 TABLE 5, 2021-2029 RHNA AND 2021-2029 PERMITTED UNITS ...................................................................17 TABLE 6, 2021-2029 RHNA and 2021-2029 Built Units ..........................................................................18 TABLE 7, VENTURA COUNTY 2025 HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMITS ................................................................18 TABLE 8, HOUSING DEVELOPMENT STATUS................................................................................................19 TABLE 9, NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS ..............................................................................................................26 TABLE 10, COMMUNITY PARKS ....................................................................................................................26 TABLE 11, NOISE ELEMENT MEATURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF GOALS AND POLICIES .......................43
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1, LAND AREA BY LAND USE CATEGORY..........................................................................................9 FIGURE 2, 2025 POPULATION BY JURISDICTION WITHIN VENTURA COUNTY............................................20 FIGURE 3, 2025 DWELLING UNITS BY JURISDICTION WITHIN VENTURA COUNTY .....................................21 FIGURE 4, 2025 HOUSEHOLD SIZE BY JURISDICTION WITHIN VENTURA COUNTY ....................................21
ATTACHMENTS
1 - STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, E-5 POPULATION AND HOUSING ESTIMATES FOR CITIES, COUNTIES AND THE STATE — JANUARY 1, 2021-2025
2 - CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DATA TABLES 3 - CAMARILLO DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTHLY REPORT, DECEMBER 2025 4 - SB 341 ANNUAL REPORT: CAMARILLO HOUSING SUCCESSOR REPORT FOR FY 2023-2025 City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Introduction
Government Code Section 65400 mandates that cities and counties submit an annual report on the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation to their governing bodies, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1 of each year.
In accordance with Government Code Section 65400, the City of Camarillo Community Development Department prepared the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report (“annual report”) to inform the public, the City Planning Commission, and the City Council of the achievements in implementing the General Plan. The City Council received and filed the annual report on March 11, 2026, and directed staff to forward the report to OPR and HCD.
The annual report describes the status of the City’s General Plan and the City’s progress in implementing the plan and associated elements from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. It also describes the City’s development activity and progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) and removing governmental constraints to housing maintenance, improvement, and development.
As shown in Table 1, the General Plan includes nine elements, seven mandatory elements (with the mandatory Conservation and Open Space elements combined into one), and three optional elements.
The City has also adopted ten community plans (Table 2) to help implement the adopted goals and policies of the General Plan.
Table 1 – General Plan Elements
Mandatory Elements Year Adopted Last Comprehensive Update Land Use 1969 October 2003
Open Space and Conservation 1984 July 2006
Housing 19691 October 2022
Circulation 1984 April 2014
Noise 1970 September 2015
Safety 19892 September 2025 Optional Elements
C.U.R.B. 1998 November 2016
Recreation 1984 October 2002
Community Design 1984 June 2012
Source: City of Camarillo, Community Development Department 1 2021-2029 Housing Element Update was adopted by City Council on 10/12/2022 and certified by HCD on April 14, 2023.
2 The safety element was updated as required by SB 379 and approved by Council in September of 2025.
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Table 2 – Community Plans
Community Plans Year Adopted Last Comprehensive Update
Airport North Specific Plan 1986 April 2024
Camarillo Commons Specific Plan 2007 N/A
Civic Center 1976 N/A
Dawson Drive Area Concepts 2010 August 2016
Koll Leonard 1985 March 1991
Pitts Ranch 1989 August 1997
Prado De Las Posas 1995 August 2005
Rancho Calleguas 1988 N/A
Springville Specific Plan 2008 November 2020
Village at the Park Specific Plan 2001 2013
In addition to the progress made on the existing Plan’s goals and policies, the City began its efforts to prepare a comprehensive update to the General Plan. Camarillo’s General Plan was adopted in 1969, shortly after the City was incorporated. Over the years, updates have been made to individual elements, but the Plan has never been comprehensively updated. Demographic and economic changes, the emergence of new technologies and new State laws are now triggering the need for a comprehensive General Plan Update. The time is right for residents to come together and define a shared vision for the future, clearly articulate goals and priorities, and for the City to put in place new policies that will guide growth and development over the next two decades.
To support the efforts to update the plan staff will initiate citywide outreach efforts, including attending various community events, holding the first General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting on February 26, 2026, conduct stakeholder interviews with the City Council, and launch a community photo contest. A General Plan- update core team, comprised of representatives from each City department, will meet monthly to provide input throughout all phases of the update. In early 2026, staff will begin outreach efforts, including launching a teen video project and hosting a community workshop.
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
CAMARILLO URBAN RESTRICTION BOUNDARY (CURB)
Introduction
The unique character of the City and the quality of life of City residents depends on the protection of a substantial amount of open space, natural resources, and agricultural fields. The Camarillo Urban Restriction Boundary (CURB) around the City promotes the formation and continuation of a cohesive community by defining boundaries and helping to prevent urban sprawl. Such a boundary also promotes efficient municipal services and facilities by confining urban development to defined development areas.
The CURB generally restricts the City of Camarillo from allowing any development that would require the expansion or creation of community sewers, result in the creation of residential lots less than 10 acres, or result in the establishment of non-agricultural or mineral production- related commercial or industrial uses outside of the boundary designated by the CURB line. The CURB includes certain exemptions for roadways, water facilities, public schools, public parks, or other governmental facilities, and development projects with a vested right.
On November 3, 1998, Camarillo voters approved an initiative measure establishing the CURB, entitled the Save Open-Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR) measure limiting development outside of the CURB. The measure and its substantive provisions as adopted by the voters in 1998 were inserted as Chapter 3.0 of the General Plan. The CURB Ordinance was set to expire on December 31, 2020.
At the November 8, 2016, General Municipal Election, the City of Camarillo Measure J - Ordinance No. 1134, was passed by the voters of the City of Camarillo. The ordinance, known as Camarillo 2050 Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR) Land Use Voter Participation General Plan Amendment, amended the General Plan, Chapter 3 – CURB, to add development restrictions within an area designated Conejo Creek Voter Participation Area, and to extend the life of development restrictions outside of CURB to December 31, 2050. Conejo Creek Voter Participation Area has been identified as a particularly sensitive area on the southeasterly edge of the City of Camarillo and calls for voter participation in most decisions.
Implementation
The CURB is established coterminous with, and in the same location as, the Sphere of Influence line established by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo), as it existed as of January 1, 1998, except that the CURB line additionally encompasses:
That certain parcel of 135.2 acres immediately outside the western edge of the influence line south of the U.S. Highway101/Ventura Freeway, easterly of, and at the intersection of Central Avenue, and easterly of the Greenbelt line in that general location, currently designated commercial/office/research and development on the General Plan Map.
That certain parcel of approximately 300 acres immediately outside of the City’s Sphere of Influence line that is located south of Pleasant Valley Road, east of Calleguas Creek, north of the westerly extension of Howard Road, and west of Pancho Road.
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Until December 31, 2050, the City will restrict urban services and urbanized uses of land to within the CURB, except for the purpose of completing roadways designated in the Circulation Element of the General Plan, construction of public water or sewer facilities, additions to public schools already in existence or new public schools deemed necessary and appropriate by the state, public parks, or other governmental facilities.
The CURB may not be amended, altered, revoked, or otherwise changed prior to December 31, 2050, except by the vote of the people, or by the City Council, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter III Section V, of the General Plan.
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
LAND USE ELEMENT
Introduction
Land Use Element identifies the classifications of land within the city and includes definitions, principles, and proposals for each land use classification. The purpose of the Land Use Element is to establish a pattern for compatible land uses and to guide future development. The location and generalized boundaries for each land use classification are shown on a General Plan Land Use Map. The City Council originally adopted the element in 1969, and the last comprehensive update was adopted on October 8, 2003.
General Plan Amendment (GPA) Referrals
Each year, at its first meeting in April, the City Council considers requests for amendments to the City’s General Plan Land Use Element. If approved, the requests are referred for study and possible future consideration for a GPA. The City Council has full discretion to either refer the request for further study or decline to refer the request, thus denying the applicant’s request to submit an application for a General Plan Amendment.
The following General Plan Amendments are pending:
Kenner, LLC – 3.4 acres, located at the end of 240 Glenn Drive Claberg Ranch – 135.21 acres, located south of U.S. 101 at Central Avenue Hiji/TFR Properties for 69 acres, located south of U.S. 101, east of the Conejo Creek General Plan Amendments (GPA)
No proposed General Plan Amendments were brought before Council in 2025.
Specific Plan Amendments
In 2025, there were no Change of Zone applications reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Change of Zone (CZ)
In 2025, there were no Change of Zone applications reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
In 2025, the City of Camarillo City Council approved one ordinance amendment to Title 19- Zoning of the Camarillo Municipal Code, as follows:
On February 18, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2030 amending the Camarillo Municipal Code to implement state law regarding housing and ADUs.
Land Use Element Goals and Implementation Residential Land Uses Goal: To continually improve the areas as places for living by ensuring that those portions of the City, which are best suited for residential uses, will be developed and preserved as healthful, safe, pleasant, and attractive neighborhoods, where all citizens are served by a full range of appropriate community facilities.
Implementation: The City of Camarillo reviews all residential projects for consistency with the General Plan, provides conditions of approval, and completes project compliance activities to ensure that project City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
conditions and the goals of the General Plan are met. The City reviews all residential projects of five or more dwelling units through the Residential Development Evaluation process. Typically, allocation awards are granted for 400 units per year to projects that meet the evaluation criteria with exemptions allowed for low-income units. The Housing Crisis Act (SB330) became effective January 1, 2020, and prevents the City from enforcing the allocation ordinance until January 1, 2025. SB 8 extended the temporary prohibition for an additional 5-year period, concluding on January 1, 2030.
On August 5,2025 the Planning Commission approved a land division of one legal lot, located at 143 Mission Drive, into three lots to be used for future potential residential developments. On August 5, 2025 the Planning Commission approved ten new residential units at 2401 Ventura Boulevard and on December 2, 2025 they approved two new units at 2260 Ventura Boulevard.
A detailed list and a location map of current residential projects are included in Attachment 3 – Department of Community Development Monthly Report, December 2025. Further discussion of the projects is discussed in the Housing Element section of this report.
Commercial Land Uses
Goal: The general placement and massing of commercial structures should consider the area and scale of the City and promote quality design in keeping with the community environment. The commercial areas of the City include the business district along Ventura Boulevard, community shopping centers along Carmen Drive, Las Posas Road, Mission Oaks Boulevard, and Arneill Road, several neighborhood convenience centers, the highway-oriented uses along the freeway, and all other commercial and business areas of the City of Camarillo.
Implementation: The City of Camarillo reviews all commercial projects for consistency with the General Plan, provides conditions of approval, and completes project compliance activities to ensure that project conditions and the goals of the General Plan are met. In 2025, four Commercial entitlements were approved by the Planning Commission, as shown below in the table below.
Project Description Approved
CUP-429
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to demolish an existing
commercial building and construct a new 19,814-square-foot three- story mixed-use building, on two parcels totaling 7,194 square feet located at 2401 Ventura Boulevard.
August 5, 2025
CUP-436
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the off-sales of beer and wine (ABC License Type 20) at an existing fuel station and market, located at 255 Arneill Road.
March 18, 2025
CUP-437
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow an indoor golf practice facility inside of an existing industrial suite located at 4023 Camino Ranchero Unit A.
June 17, 2025
CUP-443
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the conversion of an existing industrial suite into a cheerleading gym located at 4023 Camino Ranchero Unit I.
December 2, 2025
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Commercial Projects Under Construction
Project Description Estimated Completion
CUP-384 / CPD-246 Request to construct a hotel and conference center at the Northeast corner of Las Posas Rd and Ventura Blvd Fall 2026 CUP-369
Request for ground floor commercial with 24 Mixed-Use
apartments above (3 low income) on the Northeast corner of Pleasant Valley and Lewis Roads
2028
CPD-248 A request to construct a new America's Tires Building Northwest corner of Ventura Blvd and Overland Rd Fall 2026 CPD-253M(1) / CUP-
424
A request to convert an existing tenant space to a bar with full-service kitchen, outdoor patio, and trash enclosure at 2227 Ventura Bl.
Early 2026
CPD-36M(1) A request to convert existing building into delivery pharmacy & 1,650 sf addition 195 and 197 Arneill Rd Fall 2026 A detailed list and a location map of current commercial projects is included in Attachment 3 – Department of Community Development Monthly Report, December 2025.
Industrial Land Uses
Goal: The goals, which were developed and adopted by the City Council, indicated the desire that all industrial proposals be analyzed and based primarily on existing and projected demand for industrial land and environmental considerations.
Implementation: The City of Camarillo reviews all industrial projects for consistency with the General Plan, provides conditions of approval, and completes project compliance activities to ensure that project conditions and the goals of the General Plan are met. In 2025, no new industrial projects were approved by the Planning Commission; however, the following projects are still underway.
Project Description Expected
Completion
IPD-413
IPD-413M(1)
A request is to allow the development of a new 27,987-square-foot, one story Tesla EV collision center and a parking lot consisting of 92 stalls (proposed project).
Summer 2026
IPD-406 A request for to construct a new mini storage warehouse at 91- 235 Dawson Dr Spring 2026
A detailed list and a location map of current industrial projects are included in Attachment 3 – Department of Community Development Monthly Report, December 2025.
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Public Land Uses
Goal: In order to assist in the implementation of the Land Use Element, the following general principles are established for public uses: locate facilities where they provide maximum service with the greatest efficiency; utilize public funds with care to assure the maximum service for the tax dollar; welcome cooperation from the private sector in all community enterprises; whenever possible and feasible, attempt to secure state and federal assistance in the development of public uses.
Implementation: The City of Camarillo reviews all public-use projects for consistency with the General Plan, provides conditions of approval, and completes project compliance activities to ensure that project conditions and the goals of the General Plan are met. In 2025 there were no public land use projects approved.
Land Area by Land Use Category
The City’s General Plan includes various residential, commercial, industrial, conservation, and public land use categories. As shown below in Figure 1 and Table 3- Land Area by Land Use Category, approximately 56 percent of the City’s land is designated for residential uses, 16 percent for public uses, 14 percent for conservation uses, 9 percent for industrial uses, and 5 percent for commercial uses.
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Figure 1 – Land Area by Land Use Category
Source: City of Camarillo, GIS and Community Development Department (January 2026) 55%
5%
9%
14%
16%
Residential Commercial Industrial Conservation Public
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Table 3 – Land Area by Land Use Category
Category General Plan Areas Acres Percent
Residential 6,434 55.5%
Rural Density 1,952 16.8%
Low Density 2,706 23.4%
Low-Medium Density 1,109 9.6%
Medium Density 207 1.8%
High Density 312 2.7%
Mobile Home 148 1.3%
Commercial 588 5.1%
General Commercial 462 4.0%
Office 67 0.6%
Commercial Mixed-Use 59 0.5%
Industrial 1019 8.8%
Industrial 846 7.3%
Industrial/Commercial 4 0%
Research and Development 169 1.5%
Conservation 1,670 14.4%
Agriculture 1,152 9.9%
Natural Open Space 518 4.5%
Urban Reserve 0 0%
Public 1879 16.2%
Public 740 6.4%
Institutional/Semi-Public 2 0%
Mini Park 3 0%
Neighborhood Park 93 0.8%
Community Park 97 0.8%
City-Wide Park 59 0.5%
Special Use Park 4 0%
Elementary School 91 0.8%
Middle School 52 0.4%
High School 89 0.8%
Quasi-Public/Utility 328 2.8%
Historic Site 11 0.1%
Waterway Linkage 310 2.7%
Subtotal 11,590 100%
Major Streets 1,059
TOTAL 12,649
Source: City of Camarillo, GIS and Community Development Department (January 2025) City of Camarillo
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CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Introduction
The Circulation Element serves as a guide for the planning, design, and implementation of the City’s transportation system. It establishes policies and design criteria for the roadway network, identifies bicycle and pedestrian facilities for commuter and recreational use, and addresses public transportation, goods movement, aviation, rail, parking, and utilities as they relate to circulation and mobility.
The Circulation Element complies with Assembly Bill (AB) 1358: The California Complete Streets Act, which requires the City to plan for the development of a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads, and highways including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and freight movement. The City Council originally adopted the element on June 27, 1984, and the last comprehensive update was adopted on April 23, 2014.
Review of Goals and Objectives
Together, these parts provide a comprehensive framework for the development of the City. The goals of the Circulation Element emphasize providing a balanced, multimodal transportation network that prioritizes the safety and needs of all users, regardless of their mode of travel. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, public transit riders, individuals with disabilities, employees and seniors. The over-arching statements that express community values and the desired outcomes are based on these goals. The objectives and policies provide measurable strategies by which to achieve these goals.
Roadway Network
Goal 1: Correlate the City’s circulation system with the policies of the General Plan Land Use Element.
Goal 2: Promote a well-balanced, connected, economically-feasible and -sustainable, and multimodal transportation system that provides for safe and efficient movement on well- maintained roads, while meeting the needs of Camarillo residents, businesses, employees, visitors, special needs populations, and the elderly.
Goal 3: Provide a transportation system that is coordinated with regional agencies and encompasses a variety of transportation modes.
Goal 4: Provide adequate parking that is attractive, convenient, efficient, with appropriate capacity without overshadowing the uses which the parking supports.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation
Goal 5: Provide a citywide system of safe, efficient, and attractive bicycle and pedestrian routes for commuter, school, and recreational use.
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Public Transportation
Goal 6: Maintain a safe and efficient public transportation network that provides mobility to all City residents and employees as an alternative to automobile travel.
Aviation, Rail, and Goods Movement
Goal 7: Maintain and ensure land use compatibility with the Camarillo Airport.
Goal 8: Provide for the safe and efficient movement of goods.
Goal 9: Promote railroad safety.
Utilities
Goal 10: Provide safe, reliable, and efficient utility service, while minimizing utility impacts and hazards.
Public Transit
Camarillo residents have three public transit services at their disposal, including fixed routes, Dial-a-Ride (DAR), and VCTC Intercity service. The Camarillo Area Transit (CAT) is a low-cost and convenient service that provides two fixed routes and Dial-a-Ride service. VCTC Intercity is a countywide service, which connects Camarillo with Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley, Moorpark, and California State University-Channel Islands.
The City operates two, fixed-route bus services, the Fixed Route, the Camarillo Trolley Service, and a citywide origin-to-destination Dial-a-Ride service. The Dial-a-Ride service is available to all residents. Both services charge a nominal fee for transportation. The City’s Dial-a-Ride service typically requires that trips be scheduled the day before a trip is desired. Same-day service can be requested but cannot be guaranteed as it is dependent on vehicle availability and scheduling. Regional Dial-A-Ride (travel to Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks and a Gold Coast Transit transfer point in Oxnard is available to passengers 65 and older and passengers with an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) card.
Fixed Route
The Fixed Route services Leisure Village, Pleasant Valley Hospital, Camarillo Library, and Community Center Park with convenient stops in between. The fixed route operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and
Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The City utilizes
Syncromatics (provided by VCTC) to track City buses.
Camarillo Trolley Service
The Camarillo Trolley Service services the Old Town
Camarillo area and provides connections to various
shopping centers in town. The Camarillo Trolley
operates Sunday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to
6 p.m.; and on Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9
p.m. The Trolley starts at the Metrolink train station, runs west on Daily Drive, turns south onto Las Posas Road, and turns east on Ventura Boulevard, before returning to the Metrolink station. The buses stop at shopping centers along the route on a 30-minute schedule. Riders can also flag down the buses to board anywhere along the route.
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Freeway
The U.S. Highway 101/Ventura Freeway bisects the City and runs east/west. There are eight freeway interchanges located in Camarillo, from Camarillo Springs Road at the east end to Central Avenue at the west end.
Air Transportation
Adopted in July 2000, the Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Ventura County is intended to protect and promote the safety and welfare of residents near the military and public-use airports in the County, as well as airport users, while promoting the continued operation of those airports. Specifically, the plan seeks to protect the public from the adverse effects of aircraft noise, to ensure that people and facilities are not concentrated in areas susceptible to aircraft accidents, and to ensure that no structures or activities encroach upon or adversely affect the use of navigable airspace. Projects are reviewed for consistency with the Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, prior to review by the Planning Commission and/or City Council.
Rail Transportation
The City of Camarillo has a
Metrolink rail station, located on the
east side of Lewis Road at Ventura
Boulevard, which extends north
beneath the U.S. Highway
101/Ventura Freeway to Daily Drive.
The parking lot and station include
decorative public improvements,
such as landscaping and lighting
that complement the Camarillo Old
Town area. The station also has
murals, which were installed on
freeway-support columns. In
keeping with the City’s General Plan designation of the site as a transit center, the area also serves as a Ventura County Transit bus stop/Park-and-Ride for the California State University – Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus.
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Streets
The Public Works Department routinely maintains the public roadways through regular repairs and overlays. Annual overlays and slurry seals are completed based on the five-year Pavement Management Plan.
Parking
In most areas of the City, new developments must still comply with the on-site parking standards set forth by the Camarillo Municipal Code (CMC). However, recent state laws have altered the enforcement of these standards for certain projects. Specifically, within a half-mile radius of the City’s transit center, developers are no longer required to provide on-site parking.
Additionally, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can now be constructed in existing garages that were originally mandated by the CMC. State law precludes the City from demanding replacement parking for spaces lost due to these garage conversions. Furthermore, ADUs themselves are exempt from any parking requirements.
Pedestrian and Complete Streets
As part of the Circulation Element, a comprehensive system of pedestrian walkways has been established. All new development and redevelopment projects are required to provide pedestrian facilities that serve the needs of the project to ensure convenient connectivity to the City’s existing sidewalk and pathway network.
The Circulation Element emphasizes a balanced, multimodal, transportation network that accommodates users of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians bicyclists, transit users and motorists. Complete streets principals guide roadway design to balance mobility, safety, and access for all modes while enhancing neighborhood character. Circulation policies promote streetscapes that are visually cohesive, accessible, and pedestrian-oriented, while maintaining public safety and operational efficiency.
Bikeways
The City has adopted a Bikeways
Master Plan and continues to
improve and expand its bicycle
network to enhance safety,
connectivity, and access
throughout the community.
Bikeway improvements
implemented since the adoption
of the prior Circulation Element
support the City’s Complete
Streets policies, transportation
equity goals, and safety
objectives, and are consistent
with Senate Bill 743 by providing
alternatives to single-occupant vehicle
travel and supporting vehicle miles traveled reduction.
The Circulation Element identifies new bikeways that have been completed since the last adopted update. These facilities reflect a range of bikeway types, including Class I shared-use paths that are
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physically separated from vehicular traffic, Class II striped bike lanes, Class III shared roadways with signage, shoulder routes that function as shared roadways without signage, and planned future bikeways. The use of these facility types allows the City to respond to corridor-specific conditions while prioritizing safety and accessibility for all users.
A Class I bikeway connecting Springville Drive to Central Avenue was started in 2024 and completed in 2025. The project will be accepted at project closeout of the Lennar Housing Development in Springville (RPD-195). This facility provides a fully separated east-west connection that improves safety and reduces reliance on local roadways.
In addition, Class II on-street bike lane improvements were completed along Lewis Road from Pleasant Valley Road to Mike Loza Drive. These improvements were installed as part of the Williams Homes Palmera/Camarillo Village Homes development projects and improve north-south bicycle connectivity while providing safer access to adjacent residential neighborhoods, employment centers, and commercial areas.
Pedestrian ramp upgrades and bicycle trail improvements at various locations throughout the city were also approved as part of the 2021 to 2026 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. These improvements enhance ADA accessibility, address documented safety concerns, and support implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, the Local Road Safety Plan, and the General Plan Circulation Element.
Collectively, these bikeway investments support the City’s Complete Streets commitment by integrating bicycle facilities into roadway planning and capital projects, advancing SB 743 and climate action objectives through VMT reduction, improving transportation equity, and enhancing safety outcomes consistent with Vision Zero and the Local Road Safety Plan.
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City of Camarillo
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HOUSING ELEMENT
Introduction
The Housing Element addresses housing needs, types, quantity, and distribution in the City. The City Council adopted the current element (2021 to 2029) on October 12, 2022. The City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element was certified by HCD on April 14, 2023.
State law requires the preparation of a Housing Element as part of a jurisdiction’s General Plan (Government Code §65302(c)). The Element is required to consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. It is also required to identify adequate sites for housing and to make adequate provisions for the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community (§65583).
The guidelines adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) are also to be considered in the preparation of the Element (§65585). Periodic review of the Element is required to evaluate: (1) the appropriateness of its goals, objectives, and policies in contributing to the attainment of the state housing goals; (2) its effectiveness in attaining the City’s housing goals and objectives; and (3) the progress of its implementation (§65588).
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a state-mandated process to identify the total number of housing units by affordability level that each jurisdiction must accommodate in its Housing Element.
As part of this process, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) projects the total housing need during a Housing Element cycle by region. The Regional Council of Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) must then develop a methodology to distribute this need to local governments.
On March 4, 2021, SCAG adopted the final allocation for the 6th cycle RHNA allocation plan which covers the planning period October 2021 through October 2029. The plan was amended on July 1, 2021. The final RHNA Allocation Plan identifies the City’s RHNA allocation of 1,376 housing units distributed among very low-, low-, moderate- and above moderate-income categories. These numbers have been integrated into the Housing Element.
To comply with State law, the City’s adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element provides a land inventory of sites within the City that are zoned for and are appropriate for residential development. Based on the allowed density on each site, the land inventory specifies the number of units each site can accommodate by income category. Table 4 shows the number of units that are required in the 6th RHNA cycle by income category.
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Table 4 – 2021-2029 RHNA and 2021-2029 Housing Element Land Inventory Income Category RHNA
(units) Land Inventory (units)
Low/Very Low 597 689
Moderate 271 548
Above Moderate 508 663
Total 1,376 1,900
Source: 2021-2029 Housing Element, City of Camarillo, Community Development Department.
The City is required to demonstrate that it has sufficient sites that are zoned for and are appropriate for residential units to meet its RHNA allocation. The City is not required to achieve construction of these units as the market conditions are the primary factor in product type and the volume of construction.
However, HCD uses RHNA as the housing production goal and reviews the City’s housing production relative to the City’s RHNA. Tables 5 and 6 show the City’s housing production compared to the City’s RHNA allocation for the start of the 6th Cycle.
Housing Production / RHNA Progress
Building Permits Issued
Table 5 demonstrates the number of residential units permitted thus far in the 6 th RHNA cycle.
The sixth cycle Housing Element covers a planning period of October 15, 2021, through October 15, 2029, however, the RHNA planning period for this Housing Element begins June 30, 2021, and runs through October 15, 2029. Housing units constructed or permitted prior to July 1, 2021, are therefore not included.
As discussed in the section above, the City is not required to produce the number of units per RHNA allocation, however, RHNA is used as a housing production goal.
Table 5– 2021-2029 RHNA and 2021-2029 Permitted Units
Income
Category RHNA 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Total % of RHNA
Very Low/
Low 597 0 0 59 31 0 0 0 0 0 90 15.1%
Moderate 271 0 24 30 63 39 0 0 0 0 156 57.6%
Above
Moderate 508 1 20 5 454 137 0 0 0 0 617 121.5%
Total 1,376 1 44 94 548 176 0 0 0 0 863 62.7%
Source: 2021-2029 Housing Element, City of Camarillo, Community Development Department; City of Camarillo, Building and Safety Department.
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Units Built
Table 6 demonstrates the number of residential units built thus far (i.e., finaled permits) in the 6th RHNA cycle. As discussed in the section above, the City is not required to produce the number of units per RHNA allocation, however, RHNA is used as a housing production goal.
Table 6– 2021-2029 RHNA and 2021-2029 Built Units
Income
Category RHNA 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Total % of RHNA
Very
Low/Low 597 0 0 0 0 62 0 0 0 0 62 10.4%
Moderate 271 3 18 29 12 30 0 0 0 0 92 33.9%
Above
Moderate 508 47 131 31 5 183 0 0 0 0 397 78.1%
Total 1,376 50 149 60 17 275 0 0 0 0 551 40.0%
Source: 2021-2029 Housing Element, City of Camarillo, Community Development Department; City of Camarillo, Building and Safety Department.
Affordable Housing Income Categories and Income Limits
For purposes of this annual progress report, affordable housing is divided into four household income categories: very low, low, moderate, and above moderate. The 2025 Ventura County household income limits by income category are shown in Table 7.
Table 7 – Ventura County 2025 Household Income Limits
Income Category 1-Person 2-Person 3-Person 4-Person 5-Person 6-Person Area Median
Income (AMI) $91,900 $105,050 $118,150 $131,300 $141,800 $152,300 Very Low
(50% of AMI) $52,400 $59,900 $67,400 $74,850 $80,850 $86,850 Low
(80% of AMI) $83,850 $95,800 $107,800 $119,750 $129,350 $138,950 Moderate
(120% of AMI) $110,300 $126,050 $141,800 $157,550 $170,150 $182,750 Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, State Income Limits for 2025 Memorandum (April 23, 2025).
Approved Residential Development
In December 2025, five projects were under construction, five projects were approved but no grading or building permits have been issued, and two projects were pending approval of entitlements, as summarized in Table 8 below. Attachment 3 – Department of Community Development Monthly Report, December 2025, provides additional detail and a location map for each of these residential projects.
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Table 8 – Housing Development Status
Development
Applications General Location Status Comments
Lennar Homes - RPD-195
Northwest corner of US
101 and Springville Dr
(Springville)
Under
Construction
Single family detached
housing, 159 units
Camino Ruiz – RPD-201 Southeast corner of Camino Ruiz and Verdugo Way
Under
Construction
385 rental apartments (20
very low and 20 moderate
income)
Palmera – RPD-196 Northeast corner of Pleasant Valley
and Lewis Roads
Under
Construction
285 for sale Townhomes
(29 moderate income
units
Camarillo Village Homes -
CUP-369
Northeast corner of Pleasant Valley
and Lewis Roads
Under
Construction
24 mixed-use rental
apartments (3 low
income)
Area Housing Authority
Barry Street – RPD-205 2800 Barry St Under
Construction
60 rental apartments and
8 for-sale condo units (67
affordable units)
Arneill Mixed Use – CUP-
400 246, 262, 268, 276 Arneill Rd Approved Mixed-use apartments (9 very low-income)
CCE Design - LD-554 260 Mission Dr Approved Lot split of single lot into three separate lots
Moraga – LD-566 111 Mission Dr Pending Lot split of single lot into three separate lots
Moraga – LD-567 143 Mission Dr Approved Lot split of single lot into three separate lots
Wickford – RPD-207 Northwest terminus of
Wickford Place Pending Wickford Homes, 36-units
Plumbing Building - CUP-
429 2401 Ventura Blvd Approved
Demolish existing
commercial
building and erect
new 10 unit mixed-use
building
Hank’s CUP-440 2260 E Ventura
Blvd. Approved
Convert two existing
commercial
suites to two
new residential units
Source: 2025 December Monthly Report, Department of Community Development, City of Camarillo.
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Population, Dwelling Units, and Household Size
Estimates for 2025 have the population decreasing since the prior year by 87 to 68,927. The total number of dwelling units within the City has increased from 28,226 in 2024 to 28,236 dwelling units in 2025, and the average household size has decreased from 2.54 in 2024 to 2.52 persons per dwelling unit in 2025 continuing a trend towards smaller household sizes. Attachment 1 - State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State — January 1, 2021- 2025, (Sacramento, California, May 2025), provides the City’s population, number of dwelling units, and average household size for each year with a baseline of 2020 based on 2020 U.S. Census data.
In comparison to the other nine cities within Ventura County (i.e., Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, San Buenaventura, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks), the City of Camarillo ranks fifth in population size and fifth in the total number of dwelling units, however, the City of Camarillo has the third smallest household size with the average of only 2.52 persons per dwelling unit. The two cities with a smaller household size are the City of Ojai with 2.24 and the City of Ventura with 2.45 persons per household. Figures 2, 3, and 4 show the total population, total dwelling units, and household size by jurisdiction within Ventura County, respectively.
Figure 2 – 2025 Population by Jurisdiction within Ventura County Source: State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State — January 1, 2021-2025. Sacramento, California, May 2025.
Camarillo
68,927
Fillmore
17,035Moorpark
34,754
Ojai
7,559
Oxnard
198,733
Port Hueneme
20,838
San
Buenaventura
108,985
Santa Paula
31,658
Simi Valley
124,815
Thousand Oaks
122,468
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Figure 3 – 2025 Dwelling Units by Jurisdiction within Ventura County Source: State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State — January 1, 2021-2025. Sacramento, California, May 2025.
Figure 4 – 2025 Household Size by Jurisdiction within Ventura County Source: State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State — January 1, 2021-2025. Sacramento, California, May 2025.
Camarillo
28,236
Fillmore
5,161Moorpark
11,872Ojai
3,571
Oxnard
58,252
Port
Hueneme
8,315
San
Buenaventura
46,071
Santa Paula
9,903
Simi Valley
45,272
Thousand
Oaks
48,493
2.52 3.40
2.99 2.24
3.56 2.77
2.45 3.28
2.80 2.57
Camarillo
Fillmore
Moorpark
Ojai
Oxnard
Port Hueneme
San Buenaventura
Santa Paula
Simi Valley
Thousand Oaks
Household Size
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Housing Element Program Implementation Status
Since 1969, California has required that all local governments (cities and counties) adequately plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. California’s local governments meet this requirement by adopting Housing Elements as part of their General Plan to serve as a blueprint for how the city and/or county will grow and develop. The law mandating that housing be included as an element of each jurisdiction’s general plan is known as “housing- element law.” California’s housing-element law acknowledges that, in order for the private market to adequately address the housing needs and demand of Californians, local governments must adopt plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for (and do not unduly constrain), housing development.
As a result, housing policy in California rests largely upon the effective implementation of local General Plans and the local Housing Element. Furthermore, the law requires that the Housing Element be updated on an 8-year cycle.
The currently adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element contains various programs to implement the goals of the Housing Element. Attachment 3 – HCD Data Tables, includes a detailed program-by-program review of implementation status as of December 31, 2025.
Redevelopment Activity
Pursuant to ABx1 26 (the “Dissolution Act”), all California Redevelopment Agencies (RDAs), including the RDA for Camarillo (“Camarillo Community Development Commission”) were eliminated on February 1, 2012. In accordance with ABx1 26, in January 2012, the Camarillo City Council elected to serve as the Successor Agency to the Camarillo Community Development Commission for redevelopment purposes and to have the City retain the housing assets and functions previously performed by the Camarillo Community Development Commission.
Senate Bill 341 (SB 341) amended Health and Safety Code Section 34176 to address particular provisions and functions relating to former redevelopment agencies and new successor agencies. Specifically, SB 341 requires each successor agency to prepare and submit an annual report on the Low- and Moderate- Income Housing Asset Fund to both the State Controller and the State Department of Housing and Community Development. SB 341 also prescribes that certain successor agency financial information be included within the General Plan Annual Progress Report. Attachment 4 – Housing Successor Annual Report addresses the SB 341 reporting requirements.
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RECREATION ELEMENT
Introduction
Recreation Element reviews the need for various types of recreational facilities in the City and their sizes.
The Recreation Element provides a guide for the establishment of parks and the classification of parks to serve the various needs within the City. The City Council originally adopted the element in 1984, and the last comprehensive update was on October 9, 2002.
Review of Goals and Objectives
The Recreation Element sets forth the following principles in order to provide for a system of park and recreation facilities that will best satisfy the recreational and cultural needs of all the people of Camarillo and its Sphere of Influence.
Provide a balanced park and recreation system by locating facilities where they will most adequately serve the needs of residents.
The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District (PVRPD) operates 20 neighborhood parks, six community parks, and one Special Use Park within the City of Camarillo. In addition, the City of Camarillo owns and operates Dizdar Park, Constitution Park, and the Camarillo Public Library. In 2022, the City transferred the former library site to kidSTREAM for reuse as a children’s interactive museum. Just outside City limits, but serving many Camarillo residents, is Camarillo Grove Park, operated by the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District. Provide a full and varying range of recreational and cultural activities for all residents of Camarillo and its environs.
Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District provides a diverse range of recreational facilities and programs serving the residents of Camarillo and surrounding communities. District amenities include a senior center, indoor aquatic center, community center, dog parks, ball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, a running track, roller hockey rink, BMX track, and radio control track. Additional amenities include walking paths, soccer fields, hiking trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds with adaptive equipment, a skate park, barbeque areas, and outdoor exercise equipment, all designed to promote health, accessibility, and quality of life for the community. Wherever possible, coordinate school and park facilities for maximum utilization and efficiency in maintenance and operation. Several schools and parks are located adjacent to one another, enhancing community access and maximizing park utilization. Valle Lindo Park is within walking distance of both CAPE School and Monte Vista Middle School, while Bob Kildee Park is adjacent to the Boys and Girls Club and Pleasant Valley School of Engineering and Arts. The Community Center Park is adjacent to the University Preparation Charter School, Mission Oaks Park borders Las Colinas Middle School, and Woodcreek Park is located next to Tierra Linda School Establish a comprehensive program of sequential land acquisition and development for future park and recreation sites as well as expansion of existing sites. The City of Camarillo General Plan recommends that for each 1,000 persons, a total of 2.5 acres of neighborhood parks and 2.5 acres of community parks should be required for a combined total of 5 acres of parkland per 1,000 persons. New development is required to provide for the City of Camarillo
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dedication of parkland or payment of fees in lieu of land dedication. Currently, the District operates 256 acres of parkland for over 69,014 constituents. Accordingly, the District should have 345 acres of parkland to meet this requirement which means there is currently a deficiency of 89 acres.
The approved Camino Ruiz apartment project consisting of 385 units has paid a contribution of $1,771,314 to PVRPD to mitigate the impacts of the new residents on parkland in the City.
Additionally, the development includes a fitness loop with walking path, exercise stations, and shaded rest areas around the perimeter of the property in a public easement. On November 4, 2020, the City Council approved GPA 2018-1 and TT-5671-2M(3), which includes the relocation of a future 5-acre park site within the Springville Specific Plan area. The developer is required to dedicate the park site to PVRPD and complete all improvements to the park prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the 100th unit within the tract. The subdivision also includes a 0.3-acre private recreation lot and an 8.2- acre open space lot for walking and hiking as well as biking on a new class one bike path. This park is currently under construction. On May 27, 2020, the City Council approved the Concept Plans for the expansion and renovation of Dizdar Park, which will include a renovated playground, bandshell, and the redevelopment of the former Courthouse building for parking and passive park space. This project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2026.
The affordable housing development under construction at 2800 Barry Street paid a $313,508 in- lieu park fee.
The City adopted ordinance No. 1180 establishing park impact fees on new residential development not subject to a subdivision and on new and expanded non-residential development. The park impact fees have been set by resolution of the City Council with an annual CPI increase and are imposed by the City on applicable new development. The fees will be collected by the District to mitigate park impacts in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the District and the City. The purpose of the fees is to address the impacts associated with such new development and pay the costs of public recreation and park facilities pursuant to the authority of Government Code section 66001, Article XIII C, Section 1 of the California Constitution, and Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution. Provide and sustain high standards of design, improvement, and maintenance of all recreation facilities.
Since December 2016, an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of two City Council Members and two PVRPD Board Members have been working on a community-wide Senior and Multi-Generational Recreation Facilities. Both the City Council and the PVRPD Board have agreed to support the Plan 2 concept, and the City Council has agreed to an $8M million capital contribution and the District has agreed to $1M million capital contribution. An estimated cost of the Plan 2 concept was too high, at $30M. This prompted the City Council and Board to enter into a new Cooperative Agreement to hire a new architect and cost estimator to refine the Plan 2 concept and its costs.
PVRPD issued an RFP in late 2018. An architect and cost estimator have been chosen, and both agencies entered into a Cooperative Agreement to further develop Plan 2 and to draft four concept designs to include cost estimations. On September 16, 2019, the City Council and the PVRPD Board jointly approved Option D (Stand Alone) facility with approximately 30,728 square foot addition and directed the Liaison Committee to further refine the next phases of the project and identify funding sources. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was put on hold in 2020. The Liaison Committee held meetings in 2021 to discuss possible financing options and to prepare City of Camarillo
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updated cost estimates.
Since 2017, the District has invested over $10M in extensive park infrastructure improvements.
These investments include playground renovations, restroom upgrades, and modernization of the Aquatic Center, including the pool shell as well as resurfacing of the pool decking. The District has also prioritized accessibility through ADA improvements, such as improved paths of travel, senior center restroom renovations, green room modifications, and Freedom Park restroom upgrades. Additional investments include, resurfacing tennis and pickleball courts, developing and building a new dog park, baseball fields, and enhancing various parks throughout the District with upgraded amenities to better serve the community.
The Freedom Park Pickleball Complex has received project approval. The District has committed $1.4 million toward the project, which will fund site preparation, infrastructure improvements, and Phase I construction. Upon completion of plan review and permitting, the project will proceed to the next phases, with construction anticipated to begin (2026) following final approvals.
General Standards
The Recreation Element recommends a standard of 2.5 acres of neighborhood and 2.5 acres of community parks per 1,000 persons. In 2024, there were approximately 3.71 acres of total parkland per 1,000 persons (256 acres of parkland for 69,014 residents). Accordingly, the District should have 345 acres of parkland to meet this requirement which means there is currently a deficient of 89 acres. The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District (PVRPD) operates 20 neighborhood parks and six community parks within the City of Camarillo and one Special Use Park. (see Table 9 and Table 10).
In addition, the City of Camarillo owns and operates Dizdar Park and Constitution Park, and the Camarillo Public Library (located at 4101 Las Posas Road).
Freedom Park hosts more than 14 tournaments annually and features a BMX track, roller hockey rink, and remote-control car track. The Bob Kildee Aquatic Center and surrounding park attract over 350,000 visitors each year, including more than 120,000 swimmers, and offer additional amenities such as a skate park, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, and handball courts. Mission Oaks Park sees over 300,000 visitors annually, utilizing its softball fields, tennis courts, dog park, and pavilions. Pleasant Valley Fields, a 55-acre sports park that uses reclaimed water, welcomes over 850,000 visitors annually for soccer tournaments, softball, and kickball league play.
The Outdoor Interpretive Nature Center was completed at Camarillo Grove Park in April 2015. Funds for the project were received from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the American Water Charitable Foundation. This interactive, nature-based learning facility is open for use by the public, school, and community groups, as well as available for private rentals.
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Table 9 – Neighborhood Parks
Name Address
Adolfo Park 3601 Adolfo Road
Arneill Ranch Park 1301 Sweetwater Avenue
Birchview Park 5564 Laurel Ridge Lane
Calleguas Creek Park 675 Avenida Valencia
Carmenita Park 1506 Sevilla Street
Charter Oak Park 325 Charter Oak Drive
Dos Caminos Park 2198 N. Ponderosa Road
Encanto Park 5300 Avenida Encanto
Foothill Park 1507 Cranbrook
Heritage Park
Las Posa Equestrian Park
1630 Heritage Trail
2084 Via Veneto
Laurelwood Park 2127 Dexter Street
Valle Lindo Park 889 Aileen Street
Lokker Park 848 Vista Coto Verde
Mel Vincent Park 668 Calistoga Road
Nancy Bush Park 1150 Bradford Avenue
Quito Park 7013 Quito Court
Springville Park 801 Via Zamora
Trailside Park 5462 Cherry Ridge Drive Valle
Woodcreek Park 1200 Woodcreek Road
Woodside Park 247 Japonica Avenue
Source: City of Camarillo, Community Development Department Table 10 – Community Parks
Name Address
Bob Kildee Community Park 1030 Temple Avenue
Community Center Park 1605 E. Burnley Street
Freedom Park 275 E. Pleasant Valley Road
Mission Oaks Park 5501 Mission Oaks Boulevard
Pitts Ranch Park 1400 Flynn Road
Pleasant Valley Fields 152 Westpark Court
Source: City of Camarillo, Community Development Department City of Camarillo
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Bikeway Linkages
Both the Rancho Calleguas and the Pitts Ranch Specific Plans incorporate a system of bicycle trails, including a linear bike trail along Calleguas Creek, which is intended to serve cyclists on a local and regional scale. A trailhead is located at the northeast corner of Upland Road and Somis Road. The trailhead provides a connection to the City’s Calleguas Creek bike path.
Phase I of the Calleguas Creek Bike Trail linear park extends from the terminus of the Pitts Ranch Park pathway to Mission Oaks Boulevard. Phase II runs from Adolfo Road to Mission Oaks Boulevard on the east side of Calleguas Creek, where it connects with Phase I improvements and then crosses under the U.S. Highway 101/Ventura Freeway and joins with Village at the Park bikeway improvements. Phase III of the Calleguas Creek Bike Trail was completed on the west side of the creek from U.S. 101 to Pleasant Valley Road. Additionally, the bike trail across the north side of the Pleasant Valley Fields Sports Park, parallel to U.S. 101 from Westpark Court to Village at the Park is complete.
The bikeway connection along Upland Road connects between Stacy Lane and Paseo Noche. And the Sterling Hills project, in the west portion of the City, provides a pedestrian/equestrian linkage to Beardsley Road.
Park Design and Review
The Recreation Element recommends new or replacement equipment emphasizing sensory- motor integration, design measures to prevent park vandalism, use of professional consultants, and community review. These are ongoing measures of the PVRPD Board.
Programs and Marketing
The Recreation Element encourages expansion and improvement of the various recreational programs and utilization of marketing and/or public relations techniques. The PVRPD continues to expand the number and type of recreational programs offered to the community. The programs are advertised in an activity guide that goes out to over 32,000 homes, three times per year. Additionally, PVRPD offers “Fun Free Events” in July to promote events and/or recreational activities for the community.
Future Park Considerations
At the time of consideration of conversion of any land use designation, attention is given to the recreational needs of the area to be developed, with site selection and size based on the type of activities to be conducted and ease of pedestrian and vehicular access.
Commercial and Industrial Projects
Commercial and industrial areas are encouraged to provide passive and active recreational space to supplement the need for employee recreation.
Multi-Family Residential
Various types of recreational uses are currently incorporated into multi-residential projects as part of the development review, including pools, tennis courts, jogging paths, and open space for active and passive recreation. The inclusion of these recreational elements is part of the open space requirement of the City’s Residential Planned Development (RPD) Zone.
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OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Introduction
Open Space and Conservation Element addresses the need for preserving certain types of open space, which would consist of agriculture, waterways, natural hillsides, and the means by which the areas can be conserved. The purpose of this Element is to define the policies for those parcels or areas of land to be conserved or preserved as open space. The City Council originally adopted the element in 1984, and the last comprehensive update was on July 12, 2006.
Review of Goals/Objectives
Hillside Development Ordinance
The Hillside Ordinance was adopted in May 1988, establishing a means for preserving unique areas and vistas. It also requires the review of geotechnical characteristics that may affect future development and requires grading practices that will maintain the general character and quality of life in the City. No new projects were approved in 2025 that are subject to the Hillside Development Ordinance.
Air Quality
The City continues to follow Air Pollution Control District (APCD) guidelines for the preparation of environmental documents. Various projects were required to provide mitigation measures for short- and long-term impacts, in accordance with the APCD Environmental Guidelines.
Environmental Review
Notice of Exemptions. During 2025, twelve notices of exemption were filed. General Plan Amendment for updates to the Safety Element Zoning Ordinance Amending Certain Sections and Adding Chapters 19.39 and 19.41 to Title 19 of the Camarillo Municipal Code
Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Camarillo Municipal Code Chapters 9.12, 19.26, and 19.58 Pertaining to Retail Off-Sale Alcohol
Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Certain Sections of Title 19, the Removal of Chapter 19.40, and the Addition of Chapters 19.09, 19.59, and 19.67
CUP-429, Charles Allison Mixed Use Building
LD-567, Subdivide single lot on Mission Drive into three separate lots for future residential uses CUP-436, Chevron Alcohol Sales
CUP-440, Convert existing commercial suites into two residential units CUP-458, Indoor golf practice facility
CUP-443, YAC Cheerleading and Tumbling Program
CUP-438, Convert existing church building into small private school CUP-431M(1) Vons Tasting License
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Negative Declarations. A negative declaration is utilized where there is no substantial evidence that a project may have a significant effect on the environment. During 2025, there were no new negative declarations filed in the City of Camarillo.
Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND). MNDs are utilized where a project, which may have a potential impact can be adequately mitigated through the implementation of mitigation measures. During 2025, there were no mitigated negative declarations adopted. Environmental Impact Reports (EIR). EIRS contains an overview of the project, in-depth studies of potential impacts, measures to reduce or avoid those impacts, maps and technical details of the project area and an analysis of alternatives to the project. During 2025, there were no environmental impact reports adopted.
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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT
Introduction
Community Design Element establishes a program to enrich the beauty and character of the community.
The Community Design Element is an optional element that establishes a design framework for community development. It includes policies for promoting quality development while protecting the City’s positive visual character.
The City Council originally adopted the element in 1984. In June 2012, the City adopted a major update to the Community Design Element, which integrated the Scenic Highways Element into the Community Design Element.
Goals Review
The Community Design Element contains policies and guidelines that relate to the development of (1) overall community character; (2) residential areas; (3) commercial areas; (4) industrial areas; (5) public and quasi-public facilities; (6) open space areas; (7) gateways, streets, and corridors; and (8) scenic corridors to ensure development that is consistent with the City of Camarillo’s character. The Community Design Element also contains policies and sustainable design guidelines to encourage the use of low- impact development alternatives. The guidelines address environmental, architectural, and aesthetic components of development.
Overall Community Character
The Camarillo Community Character section provides the setting and context for community design in the City and a description of the City’s primary land uses. The section contains guidelines that should be considered in reviewing development and redevelopment to ensure compatibility with the environment and adjacent development, respect for the natural environment, and provide for connectivity between land uses.
Goal CD-1: Promote a hometown community with a strong sense of identity. Goal CD-2: Protect greenbelts consistent with the Camarillo Urban Restriction Boundary (CURB) Element and the Open Space and Conservation Elements.
Heritage Zone
The Heritage Zone was developed with the idea that a person’s perception of the built environment is shaped by transportation corridors. This Zone encompasses all development within 500 feet of the freeway corridor, or within 1,000 feet of a freeway interchange. The purpose of the Heritage Zone is to give the City a cohesive appearance from the freeway through similar architectural styles. The development that occurs in the Heritage Zone should be of a Mission, Spanish, or Mediterranean style, or any modern interpretation that incorporates elements from these styles. The materials, colors, textures, and scale of architectural elements are seen as the most important aspects of implementing the Heritage Zone.
Residential projects: In 2025, residential projects located within the Heritage Zone include the following: RPD-195, Lennar Homes (under construction); CUP-400, City of Camarillo (Under City of Camarillo
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Construction); RPD- 201, Camino Ruiz (under construction); RPD-205, Area Housing Authority (under construction); CUP-429, Charles Allison Mixed Use (approved); CUP-440 Hank’s Barber Shop Mixed Use (Approved).
Commercial projects: In 2025, commercial projects under construction within the Heritage Zone include the following: CPD-246/CUP-384 Hotels and Conference Center, CPD-248 America’s Tires Building, CPD-251M(3) Chick-Fil-A Restaurant, and CPD-253M(1) House of Bamboo Tiki Lounge.
Industrial projects: In 2025, industrial projects under construction within the Heritage Zone include the following: IPD-53M(11), Rexford Industrial.
Historic Buildings and Features
Several buildings reflect the early character of Camarillo and enrich the present image of the community.
This section identifies St. Mary Magdalene Church, Evangelical Free Church, Adolfo Camarillo House, St.
John’s Seminary, Griffin Residence, and Charles Daily House as buildings that should be preserved.
Adjacent developments should complement these buildings through scale and massing.
Key Redevelopment Areas
This section of the Community Design Element identifies opportunity sites for their potential to further enhance Camarillo through redevelopment efforts. These sites provide opportunities for improved circulation, redevelopment of underutilized lands, transit-oriented development, commercial recreational facility, and a hotel/conference center.
Residential Areas
The residential section contains principles for the design of new residential development, which considers such elements as compatibility with adjoining land uses, environmental context, vehicular access, pedestrian access, noise attenuation, and building materials. The residential component also contains sections dealing with designing for privacy, including relationships to interior and exterior spaces, and designing areas that encourage interaction between residents, while fostering a sense of community.
Standards for hillside development are also discussed.
Goal RA-1: Preserve and enhance neighborhood identity and character for Camarillo’s residential neighborhoods.
Goal RA-2: Promote design excellence for infill and redevelopment sites. Goal RA-3: Integrate transit-oriented development with public transportation.
Commercial Areas
The commercial section contains policies for the development of new commercial projects. These policies address individual businesses on separate parcels, small commercial centers, commercial office complexes, and a variety of other commercial areas. These policies contain recommendations regarding lot coverage, inclusion of areas for pedestrian activities, avoidance of linear development plans, landscaping, provision of adequate parking, and screening of mechanical equipment and transformers.
The City reviews projects to ensure compliance with the Community Design standards and inspects the projects at completion to ensure compliance with conditions of approval. Goal CA-1: Create and maintain attractive and vibrant commercial developments.
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Industrial Areas
The industrial section contains policies intended to ensure that the industrial areas have the same aesthetic appeal as the City’s commercial and residential areas. These policies include the provision of adequate parking and loading areas, enhanced landscape setbacks, appropriate screening of loading areas, transformers and mechanical equipment, common access driveways (when warranted to ease access to parking and loading areas), proper transitioning when industrial areas abut less intensive uses, as well as the incorporation of proper architectural treatments to the buildings. Goal IA-1: Provide well-maintained, compatible, and attractive industrial areas that can maintain their value over time.
Public and Quasi-Public Facilities
Public and quasi-public facilities provide the community with areas for cultural and leisure pursuits. Public buildings and spaces should be placed throughout the City to maximize access for all of the City’s residents.
Goal PQPF-1: Provide community facilities and services that meet the physical, social, and cultural needs of Camarillo’s population.
Goal PQPF-2: Identify and preserve cultural and historic resources.
Open Space
Open space areas include agricultural lands, hillside areas, and waterways. Open spaces help form the perimeter of the City and provide viewscapes that create visual relief and backdrop. The City has made progress toward the preservation of the scenic open spaces that surround it through the adoption of the CURB Element of the General Plan, which protects open space and agricultural lands surrounding the City from urban encroachment. Policies in the Community Design Element seek to preserve open space views along major corridors and incorporate appropriate public open space into site designs. Goal OSA-1: Protect the visual benefits and natural characteristics of Camarillo’s open space areas.
Gateways, Streets, and Corridors
Streets, gateways, and corridors make up a significant portion of the urban environment in Camarillo.
The Community Design Element directs its attention to the development of property that abuts public roads, city entries, and the visual qualities of major driving corridors. Streets should be designed to be attractive through the use of landscaping while remaining functional and accommodating for all users.
Gateways are those points that lead into the Camarillo area and should trigger the perception of a community with a quality environment and strong sense of character. Corridors are those major thoroughfares that bisect the City and give travelers a first impression of the community’s character.
Special attention should be given to projects that interface with these major corridors. Goal GSC-1: Major corridors and gateways within the City should provide for attractive viewscapes from the road to promote a quality environment with a distinct sense of place.
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Scenic Corridors
A scenic corridor consists of land that is visible from, adjacent to, and outside of, the right-of- way that contributes to Camarillo’s scenic character. The following routes have been identified as scenic corridors:
U.S. Highway 101/Ventura Freeway
Lewis Road (Hwy-34)
Las Posas Road/Upland Road
Pleasant Valley Road/Santa Rosa Road
Goal SC-1: Maintain the visual quality and scenic views along designated corridors, where they contribute and become an essential part of the community’s urban fabric.
Sustainable Design
Sustainable design refers to design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impacts of development on the environment and its inhabitants. The policies and guidelines in this section are intended to guide a project from the early site planning stages through building design and construction.
Goal SD-1: Encourage development locations that are connected with goods, services, neighboring uses, and transit.
Goal SD-2: Promote the use of green building practices in neighborhood pattern and design. Goal SD-3: Promote development to use green construction and technology practices. This refers to structures that use environmentally responsible processes and that are resource- efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.
Architectural Review
In 1986, the City adopted the architectural review policy, which details standards for new development and rehabilitation of older development. In conjunction, the City has also adopted landscape guidelines for the review of landscape plans. The City amended its landscape policy to further address state- mandated requirements for water conservation.
Signage
The Sign Ordinance is an important tool in enhancing the appearance of all zones throughout the City.
The Sign Ordinance regulates the location, type, size, design, and number of signs that a particular use may have, thereby reducing the potential for conflicting or confusing signs or visual blight caused by the use of numerous or inappropriate signs.
Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance is the legal tool by which policies contained in the General Plan are implemented.
This includes those policies contained in the Community Design Element. The Zoning Ordinance sets the basic standards such as setbacks, building height and coverage, landscaping, parking, and loading requirements. The Zoning Ordinance is amended, as necessary, to continue to implement those policies contained in the Community Design Element.
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Implementation
The overall implementation of the Community Design Element is an ongoing process. Each project is considered individually, as well as in conjunction with adjoining projects. Policies are incorporated into individual projects, as necessary, to create a unified design theme for the City. The Community Development Department continues to implement the design review process and routinely reviews the design of projects through the planned development review process. Zoning Ordinance standards, General Plan policies, and Specific Plan requirements are used as the basis for the review.
The following list of physical improvements and recommended actions to achieve the goals in the Community Design Element have been identified as follows:
Continue to look for opportunities to provide public art. Individual development applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis for opportunities to provide art such as focal points, fountains, and other landscape features. In 2025, murals were approved for IPD-413, Tesla Collision Center. In 2025, public art installations were approved for CPD-6, Central Plaza, RPD-208,Area Housing Authority (Vista Campanario); RPD-201, Camino Ruiz LLC (Calixa); and IPD-248, Custom Packaging Supply.
Update the Street Median and Parkway Landscape Master Plan. The Street Median and Parkway Landscape Master Plan was adopted on January 9, 1985. The City has not completed a recent update of the plan; however, the City complies with the State requirements regarding the median and parkway landscape.
Select appropriate plant materials, so higher levels of maintenance are not required. Where plants require less pruning, this can reduce maintenance costs, green waste, and allow plants to grow healthier.
Implemented as part of the landscape plan check review of individual development projects. Construct gateway monuments consistent with Figure 10.11 of the Community Design Element of the General Plan.
On October 25, 2023, the City Council approved the plans for the renovation of Dizdar Park, which provides an opportunity for an enhanced gateway monument. The park is currently under construction. Palmera Townhomes located adjacent to the city limits north of Pleasant Valley Road where Lewis Road enters the City is under way and will add gateway monumentation on the east side of Lewis Road to complete the gateway monumentation on the west side of the street. The sign for the development is anticipated to be complete by Fall 2026.
Prepare a study regarding the potential location for enhanced parkway focal points within the community.
Implemented as part of the project processing and review of individual development applications. Update Citywide Wayfinding Signage Program.
The City will continue to look for opportunities for a wayfinding signage as it becomes necessary. As a major corridor through the City, improve Lewis Road to its full right-of-way section as a complete street with landscaping, bike, and pedestrian paths.
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The Community Design Element provides a sketch of what Lewis Road would look like with the full improvements. Palmera Townhomes is under construction and will complete improvements in Lewis Road from the southerly City boundary at Lewis and Pleasant Valley to Mike Loza Drive. Vista Campanario includes new sidewalks and landscaping that will enhance the streetscape along Lewis Road.
There is currently no funding for additional improvements; however, the City will seek opportunities should they become available.
Improve the following scenic corridors: Lewis Road, U.S. Highway 101 interchanges, U.S. Highway 101 median and shoulders.
The City will continue to seek opportunities for improvements as opportunities for funding become available.
Prepare a street furniture program to adopt criteria for selecting street furniture within the City. The Community Design Element provides Street Furniture Design Guidelines that will be used when selecting street furniture within the City.
Develop an incentive program to encourage the renovation of outdated commercial shopping centers.
The Carmen Plaza shopping center submitted a request for façade modifications to accommodate a new tenant. The application included a proposed update to the sign program. The façade modifications were administratively approved and interior work on the tenant space began in 2023. The tenant improvements for the building shell have been completed, but a tenant has yet to take occupancy. Work on the Central Plaza shopping center for a complete renovation of the shopping center to include demolition of the old K-Mart building, construction of new in-line retail space, new stand-alone buildings, and a gas station. The new Vons and associated gas station opened in early 2025. City staff completed a market analysis for the Camarillo Commons Mixed-Use Zone (CCM Zone) to identify new funding sources for improvements and to analyze current market conditions and constraints to evaluate opportunities and strategies for redevelopment and reinvestment. City staff have conducted outreach through phone calls and surveys to all property owners in the CCM Zone to identify any existing potential constraints on redevelopment so that they can be addressed through an update of an applicable Strategic Plan.
The City will continue to explore other opportunities, as they become available. Explore redevelopment opportunities that may be available to further enhance Camarillo. In 2017, the City acquired the 0.36-acre property at 246, 262, 268, and 276 Arneill Road for a mixed-use affordable housing development. The application was approved for a 9-unit multi-family complex with 500 square-feet of commercial space. The 9 units are for very-low income households. The City is currently seeking bids for a contractor and the project is anticipated to be complete by Spring 2028. In 2023, the City purchased property at 2361 Barry St. In 2024, an RFP was issued for a tiny homes development. In April 2025, a contract was awarded to Azure Printed Homes and is now in permitting with completion expected by end of Q2 2026.
The City will continue to explore opportunities as they become available.
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As the City matures, additional events that further the City’s character and agricultural heritage should be promoted.
In 2025, the 4 th Annual, Heritage Days were celebrated in Old Town. The Camarillo Airport hosted the Camarillo Airshow.
The Summer Concert Series was hosted at Constitution Park. The City will continue to explore opportunities as they become available.
City of Camarillo
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City of Camarillo
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SAFETY ELEMENT
Introduction
The Safety Element is a component of the General Plan required by State law to protect the community from unreasonable risks associated with natural and human-induced hazards. It addresses geologic, seismic, flood, fire hazards, hazardous materials, aircraft operations, and emergency preparedness.
Originally adopted in 1989, the City completed a comprehensive update to the Safety Element which was adopted by Council on September 10, 2025.
This update reflects significant changes in State law and planning requirements, incorporating climate adaptation and resiliency strategies in compliance with Senate Bills 379, 1035, and 99, and Assembly Bills 747 and 1409. It also integrates the 2022 Ventura County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) by reference, pursuant to AB 2140, ensuring alignment with regional hazard mitigation efforts.
The update introduces new policies to address climate change impacts, including extreme heat, drought, worsening air quality, and increased wildfire risk, while continuing to address traditional hazards such as seismic activity, flooding, and hazardous materials. The update was informed by a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) and a community survey conducted in 2024, which identified wildfire, drought, earthquakes, and extreme heat as the community’s top concerns. The Safety Element emphasizes community equity and resilience, ensuring that emergency preparedness and evacuation planning account for vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with disabilities.
Included in the Element are evacuation plans and emergency accessibility guidelines. In 2021 the City of Camarillo prepared an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), a comprehensive framework designed to guide the City's response to a variety of emergencies, ensuring coordinated actions, resource management, and operational continuity during crises. The plan outlines clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery, with the goal of safeguarding the community and minimizing the impact of emergencies. Adopted by Council, it aligns with state and national emergency management systems, such as the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The plan emphasizes proactive mitigation measures to reduce disaster-related losses, integrating land use, design, and construction regulations to improve community resilience. It was last updated in 2021 to incorporate the most current information and emergency management practices.
The EOP includes two sections: one describing the general conditions and specific hazards within Camarillo, and another outlining the emergency response actions, including the City's implementation of the Ventura County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to enhance public safety. The HMP was updated in June 2022 through a multi-jurisdictional effort led by the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services in collaboration with 10 cities, including the City of Camarillo, various County departments, and other special districts.
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SAF-1: Citywide Safety and Climate Change
The 2025 Safety Element update placed an emphasis on climate adaptation and resilience, reflecting the growing risks posed by extreme heat, drought, worsening air quality, and other climate-related hazards. The section was updated to comply with State mandates under SB 379 and SB 1035 as well as align with various County-wide plans the City was involved in developing. To address extreme heat, the City partners with Ventura County to maintain cooling centers, including the Camarillo Public Library, and is exploring additional locations such as schools and parks Renewable backup power sources, such as solar and battery systems, are being prioritized for critical facilities, including City Hall, police and fire stations, and water services, to ensure continuity during power outages. In 2025 the City Facilities Division began a project to upgrade City facilities and add backup generators. It is expected that the City Hall generator project will be completed in early 2026. Public education remains a key component of the City’s safety strategy. Residents are encouraged to maintain emergency kits and enroll in VC Alert for timely notifications. Outreach efforts include bilingual materials on heat illness prevention and air quality safety, distributed at parks, schools, and community centers.
SAF-2: Geologic and Seismic Hazards
The 2025 Safety Element update reaffirmed the City’s commitment to addressing geologic and seismic hazards, including fault rupture, ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and subsidence. This section was updated to comply with State mandates and to strengthen policies that reduce risks associated with seismic activity and unstable soils.
Development projects within Earthquake Fault Hazard Zones are reviewed for compliance with the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, and the City encourages less intensive land uses, such as open space or agriculture, in these areas.
New policies emphasize designing infrastructure, including roads and pipelines, to avoid crossing active faults where feasible, and require mitigation measures when avoidance is not possible. The City continues to adopt and enforce the most current California Building Code standards for earthquake-resistant design. The update also calls for exploring seismic retrofitting of older buildings that do not meet current standards, with efforts to pursue funding through state grant programs. Geologic and geotechnical investigations remain a requirement for new development in areas with potential hazards, ensuring that terrain, soils, slope stability, and erosion issues are addressed during project planning.
Liquefaction and landslide risks are managed through site-specific studies and drainage planning to direct runoff away from unstable areas.
Subsidence concerns are addressed through groundwater management measures consistent with the Ventura County Water Conservation Management Plan.
SAF-3: Flooding
The 2025 Safety Element update reaffirmed the City’s commitment to managing flood hazards through City of Camarillo
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land use planning, infrastructure improvements, and emergency preparedness measures. This section was updated to strengthen policies that reduce risks associated with flooding and dam inundation events, while promoting sustainable stormwater management practices. The City continues to discourage incompatible development within the 100-year and 500-year floodplains and prohibits residential development within regulatory floodways. Where feasible, land in flood-prone areas is designated for open space or agricultural uses to reduce risk and maintain natural drainage functions.
The update emphasizes the use of low-impact development techniques, such as pervious paving, rainwater harvesting, and on-site groundwater recharge, to improve stormwater management and reduce runoff.
The City enforces its Flood Damage Protection Ordinance (Chapter 16.34), which requires siting and design measures to protect buildings, water, and sewer systems from flood hazards. Prior to submittal, projects are reviewed for projected flood limits and encouraged to incorporate flood mitigation measures. Dam inundation planning has been strengthened through coordination with the Ventura County Watershed Protection District and other agencies. Updated mapping of dam failure inundation areas and evacuation plans are incorporated into the City’s Emergency Operations Plan to ensure readiness in the event of a breach.
The City continues to monitor and maintain drainage systems and flood control infrastructure to reduce localized flooding risks during major storm events.
SAF-4: Fire Hazards
Wildfire risk remains one of the most significant safety concerns for Camarillo, and the 2025 Safety Element update strengthens the City’s approach to fire prevention, preparedness, and response. This section was updated to comply with State mandates and to address the increasing frequency and severity of wildfire events driven by climate change.
The City continues to coordinate closely with the Ventura County Fire Protection District (VCFD) to enforce defensible space requirements and fuel management programs. Ordinance 4907, which mandates vegetation clearance and spacing standards around structures, remains a cornerstone of wildfire prevention.
New measures introduced in 2025 include enhanced requirements for fire-resistant building materials, cleared fuel modification zones, and comprehensive fuel management programs for developments located in or adjacent to Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). The City discourages new development in VHFHSZ areas; where development cannot be avoided, strict mitigation measures and on-site safety evaluations are required. In compliance with AB 747 and SB 99, the City conducted an evacuation capacity analysis and identified 37 single-access neighborhoods and seven subdivisions within VHFHSZ. These findings have been incorporated into the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to improve evacuation routes and reduce congestion during emergencies.
The City continues to promote public education through programs such as Ready, Set, Go!, which provide residents with guidance on home hardening, defensible space, and evacuation preparedness.
SAF-5: Hazardous Materials and Waste
The 2025 Safety Element update reaffirmed the City’s commitment to protecting public health and the City of Camarillo
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environment through the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. This section strengthens policies to minimize risks associated with hazardous substances and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
The City coordinates closely with the Ventura County Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) and the Ventura County Fire Protection District to enforce regulations governing hazardous materials, including oversight of hazardous waste generators, underground storage tanks, and spill prevention measures. New development that uses hazardous materials must identify storage and reduction strategies during the planning process to minimize potential risks.
Public education remains a key component of the City’s approach. Residents are encouraged to participate in household hazardous waste collection events and utilize designated disposal facilities. The update promotes integrated pest management practices to reduce reliance on herbicides and pesticides on City properties and encourages residents and businesses to adopt similar practices. New policies strengthen requirements for contamination assessments on sites with potential soil or groundwater hazards, such as former industrial or gas station properties. Where contamination is identified, remediation must occur under the supervision of appropriate regulatory agencies before development proceeds.
Transportation safety is addressed through coordination with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations for hazardous materials transport. Emergency response capabilities have been enhanced through training programs for first responders and the maintenance of specialized hazardous materials units within the Ventura County Fire Department.
SAF-6: Aircraft Hazards
The 2025 Safety Element update reaffirmed the City’s commitment to maintaining safe development near the Camarillo Airport and other aviation facilities through careful land use planning and coordination with regional agencies. This section strengthens policies to ensure compatibility between airport operations and surrounding land uses to protect public safety. Development projects within Airport Hazard Zones are reviewed for consistency with the Ventura County Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (ACLUP) and must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 77 regulations regarding objects affecting navigable airspace. The City works closely with the Ventura County Department of Airports and the Airport Land Use Commission to evaluate proposed projects and ensure that height restrictions, noise compatibility standards, and safety zone requirements are met.
The update emphasizes continued compliance with the City’s Airport Protection Overlay Zone, which incorporates ACLUP standards into local zoning regulations. These measures help prevent incompatible land uses near the airport, such as high-density residential development or public assembly facilities, and ensure that structures do not pose hazards to air navigation. Recent development projects near the airport, including commercial and hospitality uses, have been conditioned to comply with ACLUP requirements and FAA safety standards.
SAF-7: Emergency Response
The 2025 Safety Element update strengthened the City’s commitment to emergency preparedness and City of Camarillo
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response, ensuring effective measures for major emergencies and disasters. This section focuses on maintaining operational readiness, improving evacuation planning, and promoting community resilience.
The City maintains its Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which provides a comprehensive framework for responding to hazards such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and hazardous materials incidents. The EOP aligns with SEMS and NIMS, ensuring coordination with Ventura County agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, and state and federal partners.
An Evacuation Capacity Analysis was completed in compliance with AB 747, which evaluated roadway capacity during large-scale evacuations.
The City identified 37 single-access neighborhoods and seven subdivisions located in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) under SB 99, and these findings have been integrated into evacuation planning to improve route safety and reduce congestion.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of emergency preparedness. The City continues to support the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and partners with organizations such as Camarillo Disaster Assistance Response Team (D.A.R.T.) to provide additional support during emergencies.
Public education campaigns encourage residents to maintain emergency kits, enroll in VC Alert, and familiarize themselves with evacuation routes.
The update emphasizes equity and accessibility in emergency planning, including strategies to improve communication for residents with limited English proficiency, ensure transportation options for individuals without personal vehicles, and coordinate with schools, medical facilities, and community organizations to protect vulnerable populations during evacuations.
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City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress
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NOISE ELEMENT
Introduction
The Noise Element provides a comprehensive program for including noise control in the City of Camarillo planning area. The fundamental goals of the Element are to provide noise information in the form of Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) contours, to develop noise standards and implementation measures to avoid incompatible land uses due to noise, and to protect existing and future noise sensitive regions within the City. The City Council originally adopted the element in 1970, and the last comprehensive update was on September 9, 2015.
Goals Review
Noise and Land Use Planning Integration
GOAL 1: Camarillo’s Land Use Pattern Is compatible with current and future noise levels. The City has adopted appropriate noise limits for various land use classifications throughout the community. The City requires developers to submit noise assessment reports with mitigation measures during the project planning process to identify and address potential noise impacts to their own developments and on nearby residential and noise-sensitive land uses.
The City, through the Department of Building and Safety, requires that new, single-family, and multifamily structures comply with the State’s noise insulation standards for exterior-to-interior party walls, and that floor/ceiling noise control be applied.
Transportation Noise Control
GOAL 2: Noise impacts affecting noise-sensitive land uses from transportation sources are minimized. The City has required the use of sound walls, berms, or other noise barriers to mitigate roadway and rail line noise emissions in order to mitigate transportation-related noise to adjacent residential developments. RPD-195, Tract 5671-2, was approved in 2021 and will include the construction of a berm west of Springville Drive to shield the residential uses from freeway noise. Construction of the project is currently ongoing. The City requires contractors to incorporate appropriate noise mitigation measures, such as limiting the hours of construction for new and upgraded roadway projects, when adjacent to nearby noise-sensitive land uses.
Examples include the restriction of construction hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday (holidays excluded).
The City works closely with the Ventura County Department of Airports, which operates Camarillo Airport, to keep pilots informed of the guidelines for noise reduction, including identification of “noise-sensitive areas” where over-flight should be avoided, as well as the avoidance of flights between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The City also coordinates the review of all development projects with the Ventura County Department of Airports to ensure proper and effective mitigation of airport-related noises relevant to development projects.
City of Camarillo
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City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress
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Community Noise Control
GOAL 3: Construction, maintenance, and nuisance noise in residential and noise-sensitive land uses is reduced.
The City has reviewed and adopted a Noise Ordinance that controls unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise in the City, including the hours of use for powered yard and gardening equipment, machinery, and other noise disturbances.
City Operations
GOAL 4: The quality of life in the community is improved through efforts on the part of the city to reduce noise impacts.
The City coordinates among the appropriate agencies involved in noise abatement, including the Camarillo Airport.
The City observes all state and federal occupational safety and health noise standards.
Recommended Noise Element Implementation Measures
Table 11 lists the measures contained in the Noise Element for implementation of the goals and policies, and the status of implementation.
Table 11 – Noise Element Measures for Implementation of Goals and Policies Program Status
Measure 1. The City should regularly review and, when necessary, update the Noise Ordinance, and enforce the provisions of its Noise Ordinance that set appropriate noise limits for non-transportation system related noise sources within various land use classifications.
Ongoing
Measure 2. The City should require developers of commercial and industrial projects with noise-producing activities that seek to locate near residential or noise-sensitive land uses to submit to the City noise study reports prepared by experienced persons with demonstrated expertise in noise control engineering. The noise study report shall include appropriate noise- mitigating measures, as necessary, to be incorporated into the proposed development that would reduce noise levels at noise-sensitive receptors to acceptable levels as defined in the City’s Noise Element and Municipal Code.
Ongoing, as
needed
Measure 3. The City should require developers of new noise-sensitive land uses in areas that would be exposed to noise exceeding the “normally acceptable” level for the proposed use(s) to submit to the City noise study reports prepared by experienced persons with demonstrated expertise in noise control engineering. The noise study report shall include appropriate noise-mitigating measures, as necessary, to be incorporated into the proposed development that would reduce noise levels at noise-sensitive receptors to acceptable levels, as defined in the City’s Noise Element and Municipal Code.
Ongoing, as
needed
Measure 4. The City should investigate non-transportation source noise complaints received from the public, and notify and/or cite violators, consistent with its authority. Complaints regarding non- transportation noise sources received by the City during normal Ongoing, as needed work hours should be referred to the City’s Department of Community Development, and the Police Department after normal work hours.
Ongoing, as
needed
Source: City of Camarillo, Community Development Department.
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Review of Acoustical Reports
The City conditions various projects that may expose receptors to excessive noise levels with the requirement to submit acoustical reports, in accordance with these guidelines. The subdivisions and residential projects outlined in the Housing Element are required to submit the reports as part of their plans for the issuance of permits where projects are located near highways, airports, railroads, or other uses that may generate excessive noise levels. The development plans are then required to incorporate the necessary attenuation measures.
City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress
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City of Camarillo
2025 General Plan Annual Progress
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ATTACHMENT 1
Population, Dwelling Units, and Average Household Size 1995-2025 Date Population
Dwelling
Units
Persons/
Dwelling Unit
January 1, 1995 58,027 20,146 2.90
January 1, 1996 58,215 20,375 2.90
January 1, 1997 59,501 20,633 2.88
January 1, 1998 60,339 20,974 2.93
January 1, 1999 61,533 21,344 2.94
January 1, 2000 57,079 21,439 2.62
January 1, 2001 58,800 22,213 2.64
January 1, 2002 60,266 22,696 2.65
January 1, 2003 60,546 22,696 2.65
January 1, 2004 61,907 23,397 2.66
January 1, 2005 62,739 23,617 2.66
January 1, 2006 64,034 24,259 2.64
January 1, 2007 65,872 24,905 2.64
January 1, 2008 65,453 24,975 2.63
January 1, 2009 66,149 25,109 2.62
January 1, 2010 65,201 25,702 2.64
January 1, 2011 66,368 25,985 2.66
January 1, 2012 66,609 25,987 2.67
January 1, 2013 66,968 25,987 2.69
January 1, 2014 67,194 25,987 2.70
January 1, 2015 67,496 26,135 2.69
January 1, 2016 68,134 26,461 2.69
January 1, 2017 68,370 26,628 2.68
January 1, 2018 68,741 26,723 2.69
January 1, 2019 69,880 27,439 2.66
January 1, 2020 70,773 27,828 2.63
January 1, 2021 70,550 27,890 2.61
January 1, 2022
January 1, 2023
69,851
69,256
28,025
28,166
2.57 2.54
January 1, 2024
January 1, 2025
69,014
68,927
28,226
28,236
2.52 2.52
Source: State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State — January 1, 2021-2025. Sacramento, California, May 2025. 1 1This data has been adjusted for a new 2020 baseline per the 2020 Census.