The Simi Valley City Council voted unanimously Monday to give preliminary approval to a developer who wants to build an infill residential community on the southwest corner of Royal Avenue and Corto Street.

Santa Monica-based developer Community Dynamics Inc. has proposed building 43 single-family units- 12 of which would be designated as affordable housing- on the 5.03-acre site.

During Monday's public hearing, Steve Roberts, project manager with Community Dynamics, said the Spanish revival architecture and Mediterranean landscaping planned for the development will keep it harmonious with the neighboring communities.

"This is an opportunity to provide new and needed housing in the community without infringing on the surrounding hillsides," Roberts said.

As part of the preliminary approval, Community Dynamics requested a change in the land use designation of the site from medium residential to moderate residential, which would allow them to build at a higher density.

After the City Council's vote, the developer now has until April 2009 to submit an official application to amend the General Plan.

According to a city staff report, the site- which is part of the Royal Corto Specific Plan- was designated medium residential in 1984 due to the possibility of flooding from the Arroyo Simi.

In January 2005, the site was removed from the flood plain because of channelization of the Arroyo and improvements to the Royal Avenue Bridge.

Roberts said the initial design of the project allows for the construction of a 5,000-square-foot recreational area that will include a children's playground and meandering sidewalks to promote a "sense of community" among residents.

Despite giving their approval to moving forward with the proposal, council members expressed concern over the "zero lot line" design that gives each home a side yard instead of a backyard.

Councilmember Michelle Foster asked the developer if they would consider using a different layout.

"We certainly can't dictate to the city the design; we can only suggest," replied Loren Bloch, president of Community Dynamics. "We look forward to dialogues with the city, and we have our listening ears on."

Councilmember Steve Sojka said he thinks the design could create some problems for neighbors with regard to noise and possible damage to the houses because of their positioning right up to one another's yards.

"I think you need to explain to us your thought process of why you think this is a good design," Sojka said.

"You need to convince me that this is going to work," he said.

Councilmember Barbra Williamson said she would like to see less housing altogether.

Representatives of Community Dynamics assured the council they would get in touch with neighboring communities to hear their concerns, and they would come back to the council when they're ready with full details of the project.