How to Choose the Right Medical Office Space in the Conejo Valley
Why the Conejo Valley Is a Smart Move for Medical Professionals
The Conejo Valley — covering Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and Newbury Park — continues to attract doctors and healthcare investors who want long-term stability.
The region combines strong household incomes, proximity to Los Robles Hospital, and excellent freeway access. As larger systems consolidate, private practices are finding new opportunity in modern, mid-size suites between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet.
Location, Access, and Patient Demographics
A visible, convenient, and demographically aligned site is essential.
Visibility: Corners or arterial roads like Thousand Oaks Blvd or Agoura Rd draw steady patient flow.
Access: Freeway proximity and simple in/out circulation reduce patient friction.
Demographics: Westlake Village and Agoura Hills skew higher-income; Simi Valley and Newbury Park serve growing family and senior populations.
When possible, locate near complementary practices or pharmacy-anchored centers for easy referrals.
Confirm Zoning and Permitted Use Early
A space that looks medical may not be zoned for it.
Each city handles this differently:
Thousand Oaks typically allows medical use within C-2, M-1, and select P-L zones.
Agoura Hills generally permits medical in Business Park (BP) and Commercial Retail (CR) zones, though some require conditional use permits.
Before committing, verify the occupancy classification and parking ratio with the city or through your broker.
A quick pre-application meeting can prevent major project delays.
Parking and ADA Compliance
Medical zoning often requires 4–5 spaces per 1,000 SF of suite area.
If your practice sees high patient turnover—such as dental or urgent care—look for dedicated patient parking and ADA access.
Check for:
Ramp and elevator access
ADA-compliant restrooms
Proper hallway widths for mobility devices
Adjusting these after move-in can add $10–$20 per square foot in unforeseen costs.
Infrastructure: Power, Plumbing, and HVAC
These hidden details can make or break a space:
Plumbing: Sinks and wet columns drive build-out cost.
Power: Imaging and lab equipment often need 200–400-amp service.
HVAC: Independent zones reduce utility waste and allow after-hours control.
Connectivity: Fiber internet enables telehealth and secure records management.
Evaluating these upfront avoids costly change orders during construction.
Build-Out and City Timelines
Typical medical tenant improvements in the Conejo Valley range from $90 to $160 per SF.
Expect roughly 6–12 weeks for plan check and another 8–12 weeks for construction.
Negotiate tenant improvement (TI) allowances or free rent before lease signing—especially for capital-heavy uses like imaging, dental, or procedure-based practices.
Lease or Buy? Think Long-Term
Practices planning to stay seven years or more should explore ownership.
Through SBA 504 or 7(a) programs, buyers can purchase with as little as 10% down, building equity instead of paying rent.
Leasing still makes sense for:
New or growing practices
Specialists testing new markets
Groups preferring cash flexibility
For a deeper look, see Lease vs. Own: Building Long-Term Equity.
Work With a Broker Who Understands Medical Use
Partnering with a broker familiar with Conejo Valley zoning, landlords, and city processes can save significant time.
Experienced brokers know:
Which buildings already have medical entitlements
Landlords open to higher TI packages
Off-market suites about to hit the market
At Lee & Associates LA North/Ventura, I help medical professionals secure the right location with the right terms—balancing property, cost, and compliance.
Let’s Find the Right Space for Your Practice
If you’re planning, relocating, or expanding a practice in the Conejo Valley, San Fernando Valley, or nearby Los Angeles areas, I’d be happy to help you evaluate options and secure favorable terms.