City Council — 2021-11-09

SB 1383 Organic Waste Ordinance

• Staff presented an ordinance required by state law to divert organic waste from landfills.
• Implementation includes an education period and a pilot program for reusable kitchen pails.
• The Council voted to introduce the ordinance for a second reading on December 14.

Senate Bills 8, 9, and 10 Housing Laws

• Council discussed new state laws allowing lot splits and up to four units on single-family parcels.
• Members raised concerns about increased density, traffic, and potential impacts on infrastructure.
• Staff was directed to draft an urgency ordinance to implement regulations before January 1.

Other Business and Council Reports

• Members requested a future agenda item to review options for taxing long-term vacant properties.
• A proposal was discussed to streamline Fire Safe Council reporting directly to the full Council.
• Staff will contact funded nonprofits to provide six-month progress reports on June budget allocations.

Meeting Summary: City of Ojai City Council

1. Adoption of Ordinance for SB 1383 (Organic Waste Management)

• Overview: Staff presented an ordinance required by state law (SB 1383) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills. The ordinance must be adopted by January 1, 2022.
• Key Requirements: The city must provide education and outreach to residents and businesses, update web pages, perform contamination monitoring, and purchase renewable fuels, compost, or mulch. Grocery stores will be required to participate in edible food recovery programs.
• Challenges: The mandate is unfunded. Procurement targets (e.g., 345 tons of compost or 600 tons of mulch annually) may be difficult to meet locally. Biomass electricity is currently unavailable in the region.
• Implementation: The first year will be designated as an education period. A pilot program for reusable kitchen pails is being planned with waste hauler EJ Harrison to minimize single-use plastics, though compostable bags remain an option for residents.
• Action: The Council voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance. A second reading is scheduled for December 14 for final adoption.

2. Senate Bills 8, 9, and 10 (Housing Laws)

• Overview: The Council discussed new state laws aimed at addressing housing shortages. SB 8 extends the Housing Crisis Act to 2030. SB 9 allows lot splits and up to four units on single-family parcels (if resulting lots are at least 1,200 sq. ft.) with minimal city oversight. SB 10 offers optional upzoning in transit-rich areas (currently not applicable to Ojai).
• Discussion: Council members expressed concern regarding increased density, traffic, loss of community character, and the lack of affordability mandates attached to the laws. Concerns were raised about potential speculation by "deep pockets" and impacts on infrastructure.
• Options: The city may adopt "objective standards" (e.g., building height, setbacks, parking requirements) to regulate the impact. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) may be able to restrict splits via CCR amendments.
• Action: A motion was made to direct staff to draft an urgency ordinance to study and implement regulations before the state laws take effect on January 1.
• Vote: The motion passed 4-1 (Mayor Stixx, Pro Tem Weyrich, Council Francina, and Council Blatz voted Yes; Council Haney voted No).

3. Other Business and Council Reports

• Enforcement: Council members expressed strong support for strict enforcement of permitting and land use regulations, particularly regarding special events.
• Vacant Homes: Council members requested a future agenda item to review options for taxing long-term vacant properties (e.g., "land speculation" or vacation rentals).
• Fire Safe Council: Discussion regarding the reporting structure of the Fire Safe Council. A request was made to review the code to potentially streamline reporting directly to the full Council to reduce red tape.
• Upcoming Events: The Planning Commission will hold a public concept review meeting on November 17 regarding the Chaparral School District project. The City has also submitted comments regarding Ventura County supervisor redistricting.
• Nonprofit Funding: Staff will contact nonprofits funded in the June budget to provide six-month progress reports.
• Conclusion: The Council moved forward with the SB 1383 waste ordinance and directed staff to urgently address the implications of the new housing laws (SB 8, 9, 10) before their January 1 effective date. The meeting concluded with adjournment.