Meeting Summary
Present: McKinnon, Sims
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Sign Permit (Ojai Music Festival)
- Staff recommended approval for pennants and lanterns for the festival.
- Commissioners questioned compliance regarding lanterns under the 2015 sign policy.
- The item was continued to the next meeting for City Attorney verification.
Sign Permit (Ojai World Dance Festival)
- Staff recommended approval for pennants displayed in the downtown arcade.
- Commissioners accepted the staff recommendation without further conditions.
- The motion to approve the permit passed.
Concept Review (Libbey Gatehouse)
- Applicants proposed restoring a Rose Arbor and installing a fence.
- Commissioners expressed concern regarding the fence height and historic character.
- Feedback was documented to be relayed to the applicant without formal action.
Commissioner Timer Policy
- Members discussed implementing a timer for limiting individual comments.
- A consensus was reached to rely on self-regulation instead.
- A motion passed to continue operating without a formal timer.
City Beautiful Award Proposal
- The commission discussed creating a new award for beautification efforts.
- Members drew inspiration from similar programs in Santa Barbara.
- A motion passed to prepare a presentation for the City Council.
Railroad Heritage Trail Signage
- Staff and commissioners identified initial locations for interpretive signs.
- Discussion included the need for encroachment permits and funding.
- Staff and an ad hoc committee will proceed with planning without a vote.
Joint Council Meeting Recap
- Staff recapped discussions on the Historic Resources Inventory Survey contract.
- The commission agreed to delay chambers renovation discussion pending the master plan.
- Future meetings will address budget and Arcade paint colors.
Full summary
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Summary
- Date: March 12, 2026
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the February 12 meeting. The motion passed.
Public Comments
- City Hall Campus Master Plan: A public speaker provided an update regarding the City Hall Campus Master Plan, specifically concerning the Carriage House and Pergola. The speaker requested a future presentation to the commission. Staff noted that the project is in a conceptual phase and that specific work permits would be brought to the commission for action later.
- Trust Deed and Resolution 1744: A public speaker commented on the Ojai Heritage Trust deed, demolition rights, and Resolution 1744, suggesting potential conflicts. The speaker requested the commission consider the demolition rights language in future agreements. No formal action was taken on this matter.
Museum Representative Report
- The museum representative provided an informational report regarding upcoming events, including a "Roots and Remembrance" event and the "Power of Family" exhibition. No action was taken.
Sign Permit (Ojai Music Festival - S26004)
- Staff recommended approval for a sign permit design for the Ojai Music Festival, involving pennants and lanterns. During discussion, commissioners questioned whether the inclusion of lanterns complied with the 2015 sign policy, noting a 2011 exception language that required further review. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to the next meeting to verify the language with the City Attorney. The motion passed.
Sign Permit (Ojai World Dance Festival - S-26003)
- Staff recommended approval for a sign permit for the Ojai World Dance Festival, consisting of pennants to be displayed in the downtown arcade during the event. A motion was made and seconded to approve the sign permit as recommended by staff. The motion passed.
Concept Review (1001 Foothill Road / Libbey Gatehouse)
- The commission reviewed a conceptual proposal for the Libbey Gatehouse property, which includes restoring a Rose Arbor, leveling a brick patio, installing an outdoor kitchen, and adding a four-foot fence. Commissioners provided feedback, primarily concerning the height of the proposed fence and its impact on the open, historic character of the Arbolada. As a conceptual review, no formal approval or denial was taken; feedback was to be relayed to the applicant.
Election of Secretary
- A member was nominated for the position of Secretary. A motion was made and seconded to elect the nominee to a one-year term. The motion passed.
Commissioner Timer Discussion
- The commission discussed the use of a timer for commissioner comments. A consensus was reached to rely on self-regulation and courtesy rather than a formal timer. A motion was made and seconded to continue operating without a timer for commissioners. The motion passed.
City Beautiful Award Discussion
- The commission discussed the creation of a new "City Beautiful Award" to recognize beautification efforts, individuals, or organizations, distinct from historic structures. The idea drew inspiration from similar programs in Santa Barbara and Libbey Ward’s history. A motion was made and seconded to prepare a three-minute presentation to bring the proposal before the City Council. The motion passed.
Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail Interpretive Signage
- The commission discussed the placement and design of interpretive signs for the Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail. Staff and commissioners identified initial locations and discussed the need for encroachment permits from Public Works and funding sponsorships. No formal vote was taken; staff and an ad hoc committee will proceed with planning.
Informational Item (Taormina Roof)
- Staff notified the commission of a recommended minor work permit for a re-roof at 30 Taormina Lane. The new roof shingles will be slightly darker than the existing ones but consistent with the neighborhood style. The commission acknowledged the information. No action or vote was required.
Joint Council Meeting Recap and Future Agenda
- Staff provided a recap of a joint meeting with the City Council, covering the Historic Resources Inventory Survey contract, the status of the ad hoc committee, and outreach plans. The commission discussed scheduling future meetings regarding budget, the Arcade paint colors, and the City Beautiful award implementation. Regarding the chambers renovation, the commission agreed to hold discussion on that item until the outside master plan progresses further. No formal votes were taken on these agenda items.
Education Update
- The commission noted an upcoming webinar regarding preservation organizations and commissions. No action was taken.