Belmont/Moorpark Home Acres Buffer Zone
What is the Buffer Zone?
The Buffer Zone is a landscaped transition area with gates between Shadyridge Road in Moorpark and Dalaway Drive in Home Acres, established in the late 1980s that separates Moorpark neighborhoods from the adjacent County of Ventura unincorporated Home Acres community. The Buffer Zone has gated emergency access points designed primarily to provide alternate routes during evacuations or closures of SR-118/Los Angeles Avenue. Today, gate access remains limited to authorized emergency agencies, and the Buffer Zone continues to serve both as a critical emergency connection and a landscaped community feature linking the two neighborhoods.
Buffer Zone History
Late 80’s – Creation of the Buffer Zone
The Buffer Zone between Shadyridge Road in Moorpark and Dalaway Drive in Home Acres was established as part of the development of the Mountain Meadows residential area to provide a transition area between Moorpark neighborhoods and the adjacent County of Ventura unincorporated Home Acres community. In 1989, the County of Ventura and City of Moorpark entered into a Joint Powers Agreement that ultimately provided the City the authority to manage the Buffer Zone, including all maintenance operations and emergency access provisions. The area included a landscaped buffer, emergency access route, and connections intended to support both public safety and neighborhood compatibility.
Emergency Access and Connectivity
Gates were installed between Shadyridge Road in Moorpark and Dalaway Drive in Home Acres to provide emergency access during evacuations, emergencies, or closures of Los Angeles Avenue/State Route 118. The access points were designed primarily for emergency response while also supporting pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between communities.
Mid-1990s – Community Discussions Regarding Gate Access
The buffer zone gates became the subject of discussions among residents of Home Acres and nearby Moorpark neighborhoods. Home Acres residents expressed concerns about limited access for walking and biking, while surrounding neighborhoods raised concerns related to security, traffic, and potential impacts on residential areas.
Ongoing Management and Emergency Use
Over time, the City established procedures governing the operation of the buffer zone gates. Access to open the gates is limited to authorized agencies, including the City of Moorpark, Ventura County Fire Protection District, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, with each maintaining keys for emergency use.
Purpose of the Buffer Zone Today
The buffer zone continues to serve as an important emergency connection between Moorpark and Home Acres, helping provide alternate access during evacuations, major incidents, and emergencies affecting SR-118/Los Angeles Avenue. The area also remains a landscaped community feature that supports neighborhood connectivity.
Buffer Zone Map
Buffer Zone Policy
The Buffer Zone is governed by an administrative policy by the City of Moorpark
Buffer Zone Agreement - Joint Powers Authority
A Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Moorpark and the County of Ventura was created in 1989 to provide for the funding, improvement, and maintenance of the buffer zone.
Buffer Zone Community Meeting Recap – August 13, 2026
On Thursday, August 13, 2026, approximately 75 residents attended the Buffer Zone Community Meeting held at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center. The meeting was jointly hosted by the City of Moorpark and the County of Ventura to address updates to the Buffer Zone policy and share with residents in the Belmont HOA/Shadyridge neighborhood (City side) and Home Acres neighborhood (County side) about increased communication among agencies to better plan for opening the buffer zone gates. County Supervisor Janice Parvin provided background on the history of the buffer zone, while Parks and Recreation Director Jeremy Laurentowski addressed its ongoing maintenance, and City Manager PJ Gagajena outlined changes to the current buffer zone policy. California Highway Patrol Sgt. Noah Watkins and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Public Information Officer Marc Bischoff discussed accidents and closures along Highway 118 while Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Captain and Moorpark Police Chief Nick Odenath covered traffic access and neighborhood safety. Ventura County Fire Chief Tony Occhipinti spoke on evacuation procedures and emergency preparedness and Moorpark Unified School District Superintendent Kelli Hays addressed impacts on schools and student transportation. The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to raise concerns directly with the panel of City, County, state, and public safety officials.