Meeting Summary
Present: Stix, Francina, Rule, Lang, Whitman
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At a glance
Valet Parking Regulation Ordinance
- Staff proposed an ordinance establishing on-site valet parking zones following lawsuit negotiations.
- Council amendments removed specific findings and excluded non-motorized devices from vehicle definitions.
- Regulations prohibit moving valet vehicles through public rights-of-way to other storage locations.
- The ordinance was introduced with amendments deleting language regarding future regulation authority.
Mobility Challenges Assessment
- Council directed staff to conduct a feasibility and needs assessment on parking management strategies.
- The study scope was expanded to include persons with temporary mobility challenges.
- The motion to conduct the assessment with expanded parameters passed during the meeting.
Full summary
Meeting of the Ojai City Council
- Date: October 3, 2023 Type: Special Meeting
1. Approval of the Agenda
- The Mayor moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member Whitman. The motion passed.
2. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance Amending Ojai Municipal Code Section 10-2.1411.5 (Valet Parking Regulation)
- Discussion: Staff presented a proposed ordinance regarding valet parking regulations. The staff report indicated the ordinance was developed through negotiations with plaintiffs in a valet parking lawsuit, the Ojai Valley Inn, and the City. The proposed ordinance establishes an "on-site valet parking zone" within the central portion of the city. Within this zone, valet parking activities must begin and end on the same premises, prohibiting the movement of vehicles through public rights-of-way to other storage locations. Outside this zone, valet parking is permitted provided vehicles are not stored in public right-of-ways or public parking lots. The ordinance includes exceptions for up to six special events per property per year with a city permit and applies prospectively only.
- Staff proposed a minor adjustment to the southwestern boundary of the zone and clarified that the regulations apply to motor vehicles but not bicycles or non-motorized devices. Staff also recommended a feasibility and needs assessment regarding parking management strategies for persons with mobility challenges.
- Council discussion focused on the "Findings and Purpose" section of the ordinance text. Council members questioned whether certain findings regarding small-town character and traffic impacts constituted facts or opinions. There was further discussion regarding whether the language restricted the authority of future Councils to amend the ordinance. Staff confirmed that the Council retains the authority to amend ordinances at will. Amendments were proposed to the vehicle definitions to explicitly exclude electric personal mobility devices and other human-powered devices. Public comment was heard on various aspects of the ordinance, including concerns regarding community character, commercial impacts, the legislative process, and accessibility.
- Action: Council Member Lange moved to introduce the ordinance with the following amendments:
- Retain Finding Number One; delete Finding Number Two.
- Retain only the second sentence of Finding Number Three; delete Finding Number Four.
- Adjust the map text regarding the western boundary.
- Modify Subsection G1 to explicitly exclude electric personal mobility devices and human-powered mobility devices from the definition of "vehicle."
- Delete Subsection H regarding future regulation of valet parking.
- The motion was seconded by Council Member Ruhl. The motion passed.
3. Feasibility and Needs Assessment for Mobility Challenges
- Discussion: Following the ordinance discussion, the Council considered a recommendation to direct staff to conduct an assessment regarding parking management strategies for persons with mobility challenges. Council members discussed expanding the scope of the assessment to include temporary mobility issues beyond those with permanent disability placards.
- Action: Council Member Lange moved to direct staff to conduct a feasibility and needs assessment concerning public and private parking management strategies for persons with mobility challenges, with a consideration of expanded mobility challenges and temporary issues. The motion was seconded by the Mayor. The motion passed.