Commission sends sports park plans back to drawing board

The city of Camarillos's Planning Commission, unimpressed with the design of three buildings proposed for Village at the Park's sports park, will ask the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District to change the plans.

The three buildings, which will house restrooms, snack bars and meeting rooms, have been designed with flat metal roofs. At the April 1 meeting, commissioners said they want the design changed to the styles required of developments in the Heritage Zone- areas within 500 feet of the freeway or 1,000 feet of a freeway interchange.

The park will be located south of the 101 Freeway, just east of the Dawson Drive exit.

"For that reason, on a personal note, I cannot support the buildings," Commissioner Jim Bradley said.

Camarillo's General Plan outlines Heritage Zone requirements, which include buildings designed in Mission, Monterey, Early California, Spanish or Mediterranean styles.

Commissioner Wayne Boyce said that although he didn't think it was necessary for the park district to adhere to every Heritage Zone feature, he did want to see plans with "a more enthusiastic attempt."

Assistant City Attorney Don Davis said it's unclear if the planning commission can force the park district to comply. The law requires separate government agencies such as the park district to conform to building and zoning laws but doesn't specifically mention the General Plan, he said.

Davis said the planning commission has a good relationship with the park district and anticipates working with the agency in a spirit of cooperation.

- Michelle Knight