Hilton Headquarters Q&A: Planning Director Mike Kamino

Mike Kamino has been with the city of Agoura Hills since 1989, and has served as Planning Director since 2001. Agoura Hills Patch had the opportunity to speak with the city's Planning Director about the forthcoming Conrad G. Hilton Foundation Headquarters project, its unique requests, and the general planning and development process in Agoura Hills. 

Agoura Hills Patch: How long have you been Director of Planning and Community Development for Agoura Hills? 

Mike Kamino: Since 1989. I have been Planning Director since 2001. And then I was the city planner in three other cities before Agoura Hills.

AH Patch: When someone first acquires land and wants to develop in Agoura Hills, are you the initial point person? What is the typical timeline for a new project?

Kamino: Developers will contact the Planning Department usually even before they acquire the property about what types of uses are allowed and what the development standards are. Requirements depend on state law and other factors. If there's an environmental review, that impacts the timeframe. It all depends on the complexity of the project, but usually six months to one year is how long it would take if everything is submitted on time and promptly reviewed.

AH Patch: So where does the Planning Commission come in?

Kamino: Planning Commissioners are residents of Agoura Hills...who volunteer their time. Their role is to review projects and decide to approve or not to approve. They are appointed by the city council to a 2-year term. There is an application period that's open. Anyone can apply. Each city council member makes a recommendation and then the entire Planning Commission is appointed by the mayor, ratified by the city council.

AH Patch: When and how did you first become aware of the Hilton Foundation project?

Kamino: About 5 years ago is when we were first approached by the Hilton Foundation about a project at that location. [At that time], I met with Frans Bigelow.

AH Patch: Before the Hilton Foundation project, did you have any experience here or in another city with an applicant requesting the right to bypass certain design/zoning rules for some other benefit (in this case, environmental)?

Kamino: In terms of waiving the process, no. But in terms of the development requirements, that happens quite often. That's called a variance. You can get waivers from a requirement, which is a special process. This is the first time someone has requested a waiver from the process, and they're requesting that through a separate process called a development agreement. This is also the first LEED building I've personally been involved with.

AH Patch: As someone with extensive knowledge of both architecture and design requirements, how can Hilton find a balance between its current modern design and the City Council's preference that it blend into the hillside?

Kamino: I think it's completely possible. Just because it's modern doesn't mean it can't fit in with the environment. I think there's a number of things that can be done to the building and…the surrounding area. 

AH Patch: So far, Hamburger, Kuperberg, Weber, and Edelston are optimistic about the local economic impact and forecast a long-term net benefit. What are your thoughts?

Kamino: I agree with all that, but then, I think there are also other qualitative benefits, as well, of having a LEED building, and having a philanthropic organization in Agoura Hills.

AH Patch: What's next? 

Kamino: The next hearing is the environmental review in September 2010. The project will probably be considered by the Planning Commission in November [of this year]. No public hearings yet.