TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Nader Heydari, Public Works Director
DATE:October 7, 2025
SUBJECT: Consideration of Transfer of Property to Conejo Recreation and Park District (524 West Janss Road)
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate the possible transfer of the City-owned property located at 524 West Janss Road (APN 552-003-412-5) to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) for the development of community park and recreational facilities that are compatible with adjacent land uses and declare that the project site is “exempt surplus land,” contingent upon the transfer of the property to CRPD for their use, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54221(f)(1)(D).
2. Find the project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to Class 25 Section 15325 Transfer of Ownership in Land.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Minimal staff time required to prepare the report and associated documents is included in the Adopted FY 2025-26 Landscape Fund Budget. $100,000 is included in the FY 2025-26 Landscaping Assessment District Fund for Janss Road Open Space Parcel Conversion (CI 5769) for one-time capital infrastructure modifications that are needed to transfer the property. Transferring the property to CRPD for park purposes will reduce future ongoing utility and maintenance costs for the City.
BACKGROUND:
On August 24, 1983, the developer of Tract 3465-1 dedicated the subject 1.1-acre, triangular-shaped property at 524 West Janss Road to the City for open space purposes, as recorded in Book 97 Pages 67-73 in the County of Ventura Records. The property borders two separate residential tracts, on the north and
Consideration of Transfer of Property to CRPD (524 West Janss Road) October 7, 2025
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south sides of West Janss Road (Attachment #1). Since that time, the City's Public Works Landscaping Division has maintained the landscaping and trees on the property, which primarily consist of trees and shrubs.
As a result of the 2022 statewide drought emergency and City Council’s subsequent October 25, 2022, Ordinance No. 1705-NS regarding water conservation that included a citywide prohibition on watering non-functional turf, the City ceased watering the grass turf at the open space parcel. In addition, the State of California passed Assembly Bill 1572 last year, banning the watering of non-functional turf on commercial or institutional properties effective January 1, 2027. Until then, the 2022 City Ordinance remains in effect.
Non-functional turf is defined as grass that is not regularly used for active and ongoing recreational, civic, or community events. This city-owned property, currently a tree-filled open space parcel, is therefore considered non-functional turf. By transferring this parcel to CRPD and converting it to a neighborhood park, portions of the parcel can qualify as functional turf, allowing CRPD to water the turf.
Since 2022, landscaping maintenance at the site has focused on watering and preserving the various trees and shrubs. However, nearby residents have requested that the City resume watering the turf or take other measures to improve the appearance and usability of the open space.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The property represents a fairly large (1.1 acre) open space area that is available to the adjacent residents. However, prolonged lack of irrigation and watering has resulted in the grass turning yellow, raising concerns among the residents. Since the City is unable to water the existing turf, staff has sought alternatives to restore the site’s beauty and increase the use of this open space area. One viable option is transferring the property to CRPD. This would not only enhance/increase the community's overall recreational infrastructure portfolio but also fulfill the City’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.
Given the property’s position among multiple residential cul-de-sacs along Janss Road and the adjacent Lynn Road, the site is within walking or riding distance to many community members’ homes. The open space is street accessible on the north and south sides and already acts as a place for families to gather.
A transfer of the parcel to CRPD could transform the City-owned tree-filled open space parcel to official park status and allow the primary local park agency to operate the space as an ongoing recreational area. This would convert the site to functional status, thereby enabling some restoration of irrigated functional turf since active CRPD park sites are exempt from the City’s turf watering prohibition.
Consideration of Transfer of Property to CRPD (524 West Janss Road) October 7, 2025
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Along the south edge of the park, adjacent to the rear side of homes along Ferndale Place and Darkwood Circle, there is a wooded public right-of-way that is not included in the 1.1-acre lot. A sidewalk traverses this area, connecting foot traffic from Ferndale Place to Janss Road. Negotiations with CRPD could include this area if CRPD would be interested in utilizing and maintaining the right-of-way through the granting of an easement or license agreement.
Transfer of the property to CRPD could also result in long-term savings and benefits for the City as it would reduce the City’s maintenance costs and free up City resources for other properties. Moreover, CRPD has the ability to enhance the site into a vibrant community space, fostering recreational opportunities and promoting public welfare.
Negotiation and Possible Transfer of Land
Staff is requesting authority to discuss the possible transfer of the property with CRPD. Pending City Council approval, staff will work with CRPD to see if an agreement can be reached to transfer the property. Any proposed agreement would return to City Council at a future meeting for its review and possible approval. In the meantime, staff will, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65402, seek review by the Planning Commission to determine whether any potential transfer of property would be consistent with the City’s General Plan.
City Financial Contribution
In addition to the allocation of staff time for document preparation for this transaction, staff anticipates there will be capital costs associated with transferring the property to CRPD. The deactivated irrigation system within the site must be separated from the irrigation water pipelines that supply the landscaped median along Janss Road. There is a similar irrigation configuration to be modified along the south property edge right-of-way. The FY 2025-26 Adopted Capital Improvement Budget, Janss Road Open Space Parcel Conversion Project (CI 5769), includes $100,000 for these one-time capital infrastructure modifications. It is anticipated that CRPD will maintain the water irrigation systems for the entire proposed park area under a separate metered account.
Transfer of Land and the Surplus Land Act
The Surplus Land Act (California Government Code Section 54220 et seq.) is intended to make a local agency’s surplus land available to other public entities or affordable housing sponsors for the creation of affordable housing. To further that goal, the Surplus Land Act requires the City to declare property as “surplus land” or “exempt surplus land” before the City may dispose of the property. California Government Code Section 54221 identifies several categories of property that Consideration of Transfer of Property to CRPD (524 West Janss Road) October 7, 2025
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constitute “exempt surplus land,” which need not be made available to other public entities or affordable housing sponsors. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54221(f)(1)(D), the transfer of surplus land to another local agency for the receiving agency’s use constitutes “exempt surplus property” and is not subject to the provisions of the Surplus Land Act.
As required by the Surplus Land Act, the City will submit the proposed resolution declaring the property as “exempt surplus land” to California Housing and Community Development for their review and confirmation of the City’s determination. Staff will also present the project to the Planning Commission for their concurrence on General Plan consistency later this year.
Environmental Review
The project was analyzed for conformance with CEQA. It has been determined that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to Class 25 Section 15325 - Transfers of Ownership in Land. If ultimately approved by City Council at a future meeting, the project would transfer ownership of the property to CRPD for park purposes. Furthermore, it has been determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a Categorical Exemption applies to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
Public Outreach
Public Works staff have been in direct correspondence with several of the property neighbors, and with the approval of this item, staff will reach out to those contacts to inform the community members of the site status and the timeline for the negotiations with CRPD and possible transition to CRPD. It is anticipated that CRPD will conduct their own public outreach related to the conversion of the parcel from an open space lot to a park. The planned presentation to the Planning Commission will also serve as an opportunity to connect with the public on the potential transfer and new park.
Conclusion
Overall, the proposed project meets the intent of the City’s standards, codes, and policies, and will contribute to overall community amenities. Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, staff recommends approval of the resolution and the declaration of exempt surplus land (Attachment #2).
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Consideration of Transfer of Property to CRPD (524 West Janss Road) October 7, 2025
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Meets the following City Council goals:
C. Operate City government in a fiscally and managerially responsible and prudent manner to ensure that the City of Thousand Oaks remains one of California's most desirable places to live, work, visit, recreate, and raise a family.
F. Provide and enhance essential infrastructure to ensure that the goals and policies of the Thousand Oaks General Plan are carried out and the City retains its role and reputation as a leader in protecting the environment and preserving limited natural resources.
H. Participate in public-private and multi-jurisdictional opportunities to ensure residents have access to high levels of parks, recreation, education and leisure programs and services.
PREPARED BY: Mohammad Fatemi, Engineering Division Manager Attachments:
Attachment #1 – Vicinity and Location Maps
Attachment #2 – Resolution
DPW: 420-59; 421-80\ev\Council\2025\100725\Consideration of Transfer of Property at Janss Road to CRPD staff report. docx