So you want to build in Old Agoura?
Building or Remodeling in Old Agoura: Our Basic Philosophy
Old Agoura is a rural equestrian community that wishes to retain its traditional atmosphere while allowing for eclectic architectural diversity. Our goal is to not micro-manage or dictate architectural design. Rather, we encourage tasteful subtlety derived from a palette of design features. The result should be a home and environment that is rural, rustic, and country.We ask that residents and newcomers consider this existing visual ambiance and general feel of the neighborhood for their design plans.Remember the first time you experienced Old Agoura? If it was love at first sight, you are our kind of people. The streets in Old Agoura meander around the natural terrain. There’s a reason it’s called OLD Agoura. In modern tract developments, roads slash through the land in straight lines and the low places are often filled in with what were once the hills. Another aspect of the roads helps create the soft, flowing impression one gets on a first visit. There are no abrupt, white cement, city style gutters on our roadsides. The edges seem to meld into the yards, trails, and fields as one passes by. The roads and driveways and creeks are our storm drain system. A few of our older homes are in their seventieth years and the water has learned its way around them in that time.
If your first visit was in the evening, you may have noticed that our lovely old neighborhood seemed rather dark. That’s because there are no public streetlights and most residents choose to use outside lighting only when necessary. And then the light fixtures should be thoughtfully shielded so that one never sees a naked bulb.
Structures are largely composed of straight lines, horizontals connected to verticals. It is very visually pleasing to soften these necessary straight lines with curves created in the walks, driveways, yard sculpture, and landscaping. A home isn’t just a house, it’s part of an environment that is an extension of one’s personality. A lot of Old Agoura flows with the easy, natural designs of mother nature. Old Agoura has grown slowly over the decades: when you decide to add to her, try not to disturb the evolved delicate balance.
Colors and materials should be chosen with a design goal of blending into the landscape. Resist any temptation to attract attention to your home or business by making it clash with the feel of the surrounding homes. The Old Agoura Homeowners Association is dedicated to preserving the ambiance and visual tranquility of the neighborhood. Membership in the Association is encouraged, but strictly voluntary. Part of our preservation goal is to encourage subtlety in new home and remodel design. Some recent newcomers have tended to build homes which make little attempt to blend into adjoining community. When considering the design of a project, the following thoughts should be kept in mind.
- Simple is better than complicated
- Plain is better than ornate
- Subtle is better than ostentatious
- Muted is better than garish
Who Is The Architectural Planning & Zoning Committee?
This a sub-committee comprised of board members from the Old Agoura Homeowners Association. They look forward to meeting with you at the beginning design stages or even before to answer any questions. They review any current building plans or designs you may have already, and can be more helpful if you meet with them prior to submittal to the local planning and building authorities. The Planning & Zoning Committee is a good source of information and and can help with tips on the City's Planning approval process. They have professional backgrounds in the construction and design industries. For plan review and appointments, email: PZ@oldagoura.org
What Is The Old Agoura Overlay?
When beginning plans to build or remodel in Old Agoura, we Ask that residents and newcomers consider the existing visual ambiance in order to avoid making inappropriate and unwelcome changes to the appearance and feel of the neighborhood. Old Agoura is a rural equestrian community that wishes to retain its traditional atmosphere while allowing for eclectic architectural diversity. Our goal is not to micro-manage or dictate architectural design. Rather, we encourage tasteful subtlety derived from a palette of design features. The result should be a home and environment that is rural, rustic, and country.
Please also see: PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE AGOURA HILLS ZONING CODE (Current form may also be viewed at the City of Agoura Hills Planning Department)
Other places to go for information are:
- City of Agoura Hills Planning Department
- http://ci.agoura-hills.ca.us
- 30101 Agoura Court, Suite 102, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.597.7310
City of Agoura Hills Department of Building and Safety: (Same location as Planning) 818.597.7334