THOUSAND OAKS : City Weighs Limits on Rental of Houses

The Thousand Oaks City Council has decided to move forward with a plan to limit crowding in single-family neighborhoods by forcing some landlords to obtain permits for renting homes.

The council voted 5 to 0 Tuesday night to refer a draft of the ordinance to the Planning Commission, despite strong reservations from three council members.

“I just don’t want government to get involved in people’s lives who are not causing the problems,” Mayor Frank Schillo said. “I have some grave doubts about the efficacy of it as it stands right now.”

Under the proposed ordinance, renting out houses would be considered a business activity that could be regulated by the city.

Landlords who want to rent houses to four or more adults would have to obtain a permit from the city at a cost of about $100. The city would have the right to revoke a permit if the landlord violates the terms of the agreement.

The Planning Commission is expected to review the ordinance in January and decide whether it should be altered, rejected or brought to the council for final approval.

Councilwoman Elois Zeanah and other homeowners have repeatedly complained that homes occupied by numerous residents cause parking, noise and traffic problems for neighbors.

Last year, a group of neighbors went to City Hall to demand that the council crack down on landlords who rent single-family homes to as many as 20 people. City officials say they will consider parking and the size of the residence in deciding whether to issue a permit. For example, at least 300 square feet of space would have to be set aside for each occupant.

A 10-member citizens committee, headed by Zeanah, came up with the plan to prevent landlords from using their properties as boardinghouses.

Four landlords criticized the plan, calling it illegal and discriminatory against renters. They urged the council not to send the plan to the commission, saying it would create a bureaucratic nightmare for landlords.