Calabasas considered possible changes to Old Town business uses and parking requirements, but the documents read do not show what direction the City Council gave on October 28. The item requested direction on developing changes, with no ordinance before the Council.
What the city is deciding
The report asks for direction on aligning allowed commercial uses in the CT, or Old Town, zone with the CR, or Commercial Retail, zone. It also asks about relaxing parking standards for existing Old Town buildings. Staff recommends the commercial use alignment, while the joint commissions did not support reduced parking requirements.
Where and who it affects
The discussion concerns commercial uses and parking for existing buildings in the Old Town zoning district. The documents do not give exact street boundaries or say whether any homes or residential zoning are affected.
The city invited Old Town business and property owners to workshops held in June and July 2026.
What it could mean for your property
Earlier Council discussions explored moving some business uses from a conditional use permit to a Zoning Clearance. The report describes Zoning Clearance as less costly and less time consuming.
The commissions favored making review less costly but did not agree on which uses should receive a different process. They also opposed allowing uses such as live entertainment or alcohol sales without a conditional use permit.
Parking is another unresolved issue. The report gives conversion from retail to a restaurant as an example of a change requiring more parking. Staff says strict application of current parking requirements remains a barrier to establishing new uses. The documents do not establish a new parking allowance.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Is the property within the CT zoning district?
- What approval does the proposed business use require?
- What parking requirements apply to converting the existing building?
What happens next
Staff would draft an ordinance changing Calabasas Municipal Code Title 17 if directed by the Council. As of October 30, the city had not posted minutes or an action record showing the October 28 result. The documents do not give dates for future ordinance hearings.