Disputed Simi Valley mobile home solar project goes before Planning Commission
The Simi Valley Planning Commission will decide Wednesday night whether to grant zoning approval to a large solar energy project at a mobile home park that's opposed by some residents of a neighboring gated community.
With permits from the state Department of Housing and Development, Pacific Coast Civil, Inc. in December 2020 began building carports with 1,153 rooftop solar panels at the Simi Country Mobile Home Estates, 1550 Rory Lane, in east Simi Valley, according to a city staff report.
"Installing solar carports would help reduce carbon emissions and achieve the goal of energy cost savings," the report says.
It was later determined, however, that the permits had been issued without required city zoning approval, the report says.
In April 2021, the state agency, which oversees mobile home parks, issued a stop-work order and required Pacific Coast Civil to obtain the zoning approval in order to proceed. The Agoura Hills-based company applied for it in November, which is what the Planning Commission is scheduled to decide Wednesday night.
"They have to seek formal approval to add this structure to the park within the (mobile home) zone," Sean Gibson, the city's deputy environmental services director, said Monday.
Previous coverage: State halts construction of Simi mobile home solar project
Some residents of the neighboring 64-home gated Briarwood community oppose the project, a portion of which borders the community.
They say they had no advance notice about the project and only learned of it when construction began. Their distress grew as the project's frame rose above their backyard brick walls, blocking their views of the rugged foothills nearby.
Briarwood resident Jerry Ross is leading the opposition and intends to speak at the Planning Commission meeting.
"I plan to really highlight to them my vehement opposition to his gigantic monstrosity," Ross said Monday.
"I'm going to cite specifically the height and proximity to our homes," he said. "And how it's transformed us from a quiet residential setting to lost property values and potential health risks."
Also bordering the project is the neighboring Crest Mobile Home Village for seniors.
Clifford Allen, manager of Simi Country Mobile Home Estates, had no immediate comment.
Pacific Coast Civil could not immediately be reached for comment.
Sun power: Solar carports to offset electrical use at Thousand Oaks municipal services center
The Planning Commission meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council's chambers at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.
In-person attendance is allowed. The meeting can be viewed on Spectrum Channel 10 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and online at simivalley.org/planningcommissionmeetings and youtube.com/CityofSimiValley.
Mike Harris covers the East County cities of Moorpark, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, as well as transportation countywide. You can contact him at mike.harris@vcstar.com or 805-437-0323.
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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Disputed Simi Valley solar project goes before Planning Commission
