The Thousand Oaks City Council unanimously approved on July 12 an amendment to a 2011 plan that allows the addition of 206 residential units on Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

More than 26 people spoke during about two hours of debate about the amendment and 42 more wrote letters in support.

The proposal will allow the development of more residential units along Thousand Oaks Boulevard in an effort to spur development along the strip.

The amendment also relaxed parking ordinances for restaurants and allowed new projects to count on-street parking toward parking requirements, which was previously not allowed.

Many residents opposed to the motion expressed concerns about excessive traffic being attracted to Thousand Oaks Boulevard by new developments.

Council members said projects would be limited to three stories and also require council approval before being built.

“The reality is, there are maybe four parcels on the entire boulevard that actually lend themselves to the type of projects we’re taking about,” said Councilman Andrew Fox. “This place has been very good at evolving at a rate our community can afford and accept and absorb. And I think that what we’re doing here.”

• Contact Philip Joens at pjoens@pacbiztimes.com.