Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

City Hall Campus Master Plan

• Staff clarified that the Commission will evaluate specific construction projects under historic laws once they move beyond the conceptual phase.
• The coalition aims to retain the pergola and carriage house pending a structural engineer's assessment of the latter's stability.
• A proposed "Garden House" utilizing alternative materials like straw bale and cob was presented for future consideration.
• Public commenters expressed opposition to preserving the pergola and water feature, citing their limited useful life.

Sign Permit S-26004: Ojai Music Festival

• Staff recommended approval for changing pennant and lantern colors to a new shade of green to match a brand refresh.
• Commissioners debated whether the lanterns comply with current policies restricting decorations to pennants unless previously approved.
• The item was continued to the next meeting to allow staff and the City Attorney to review the specific language of the 2011 approval.

Sign Permit S-26003: Ojai World Dance Festival

• The Commission approved the display of 27 one-sided black pennants in arcade arches for 14 days to promote an upcoming event.
• Staff confirmed the application adheres to existing rules regarding size and duration for the third year of the festival.

Concept Review: Libbey Gatehouse

• The proposal includes rehabilitating the Rose Arbor and brick patio while adding an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and landscape lighting.
• Commissioners raised concerns that a proposed four-foot fence on Foothill Road would block historic sightlines and detract from the neighborhood character.
• Suggestions were made to reduce the fence height or utilize hedges and rock features to maintain openness while addressing safety needs.
• No formal vote was taken as this was a conceptual review, though the Commission provided feedback on the fence design.

Election of Secretary

• A motion was made and passed to elect volunteer Kate as the Commission secretary for a one-year term.

Commissioner Timer Policy

• The Commission voted to continue operating without a timer for commissioner comments, relying on self-regulation and mutual respect.

City Beautiful Award Proposal

• The Commission discussed creating a new award to recognize community beautification contributions beyond historic structures.
• A motion passed to prepare a three-minute presentation for the City Council to seek approval for the new award program.

Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail Signage

• Staff confirmed City Council approval of the project budget and identified four initial locations for interpretive signs within city limits.
• The ad hoc committee will finalize designs and coordinate with Public Works, ensuring legal agreements prevent donor control over sign content.

Taormina Roof Re-roofing

• The Commission received an informational report on a permit to replace shingles with fire-rated dimensional shingles in a darker shade.
• Staff noted the proposed material and color are consistent with the predominant style in the Taormina district.

Joint Council Meeting Recap

• The Commission reviewed topics including the Historic Resources Inventory Survey and plans to celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May.
• The City Council supported continuing the budget for two annual historic resources reports.

Administrative and Future Agenda Items

• The Commission decided to keep the Chambers of Commerce renovation item on hold until a future joint council meeting.
• Future agenda items include the election of a chair and vice chair in April and a discussion on arcade paint colors in May.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Summary – March 12, 2026

Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call

• The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners McKinnon, Sims, Moore, Walker, Aikens, and Bassascia were present. Commissioner Neeson was absent.

Approval of Minutes

• A motion was made to approve the minutes from the February 12 meeting, which was seconded. During discussion, a correction was noted regarding the adjournment time on page 404, which was missing a digit; it was agreed to assume the time was 7:30 p.m. or verify via video. A comment was raised regarding the absence of a date for a joint meeting with the City Council in the minutes; staff clarified that the joint meeting was a Council meeting and its minutes would be recorded separately. The motion to approve the minutes was put to a vote and passed.

Public Communications

• City Hall Campus Master Plan: Kathy Nolan, representing the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, provided an update on the City Hall Campus Master Plan. She reported on recent reviews with the City Council and upcoming presentations to the Planning Commission. Key items discussed included the existing pergola and carriage house. Nolan stated the coalition hopes to retain these structures pending a structural engineer's assessment of the carriage house's stability. A proposed new structure, the "Garden House," would utilize alternative materials (e.g., straw bale, cob) designed to complement existing historic structures. Nolan invited the Commission to request a formal agendized presentation in the future. Commissioners discussed the distinction between the current conceptual master plan and future work permit requirements, clarifying that the HPC would need to evaluate specific construction projects under historic preservation laws once they move beyond the conceptual phase. Nolan confirmed the contract for the master plan concludes on May 31, 2026.
• Public Comment on City Hall Property: Renee Roth addressed the Commission regarding the City Hall property. She cited the 1973 trust deed, arguing the property is for public use and the city has the right to demolish structures. Roth expressed opposition to preserving specific items such as a concrete water feature and the pergola, stating they have outlived their useful life. She argued that the carriage house is not listed in Resolution 1744 as a historic object of record and should not be preserved.

Museum Representative Report

• A report was received via text message from Wendy Barker, Executive Director of the Ojai Valley Museum. The report highlighted the current exhibit, "The Power of Family," and an upcoming event, "Roots in Remembrance," scheduled for March 15. The exhibit runs until April 5.

Sign Permit S-26004: Ojai Music Festival

• Staff presented Sign Permit S-26004 for the Ojai Music Festival, requesting approval for design changes to previously approved pennants and Chinese lanterns. The proposal involves changing the color of the pennants and lanterns to a new shade of green to match a brand refresh. The size of the lanterns remains the same as previously approved. Staff noted that while the 2015 policy generally prohibits items other than pennants, an exception was made in 2011 for the festival's 60th anniversary, allowing lanterns to be displayed continuously since then. Staff recommended approval. Commissioners debated the appropriateness of the lanterns under the current "pennant policy," which restricts decorations to pennants unless previously approved. Concerns were raised regarding the precedent of allowing non-pennant items and the visual impact of the lanterns. The applicant clarified that the request is for a color change to an existing approved design, not a new application for the lanterns themselves. A motion was made to continue the item to the next meeting to allow staff and the City Attorney to review the specific language of the 2011 approval to determine the Commission's authority to deny the lanterns versus the color change. The motion was seconded. The vote resulted in the motion passing. The item was continued.

Sign Permit S-26003: Ojai World Dance Festival

• Staff presented Sign Permit S-26003 for the Ojai World Dance Festival, requesting approval to display 27 one-sided black pennants in the arcade arches for 14 days to promote an event on May 9. The pennants are 23 inches wide by 48 inches long. Staff recommended approval. The applicant, Eshell Gladstone, confirmed this is the third year of the event. Commissioners noted the application adheres to existing rules. A motion was made to approve the application. The motion was seconded. The vote resulted in the motion passing.

Concept Review: Libbey Gatehouse (1001 Foothill Road)

• Staff presented a concept review for the proposed rehabilitation of two objects of record at the Libbey Gatehouse (Historic Landmark #18): the Rose Arbor and the brick patio. The proposal includes replacing deteriorating wood lath on the existing metal frame of the Rose Arbor while retaining the frame and duplicating wire attachments; removing, documenting, and relaying existing bricks on the patio to address trip hazards caused by tree roots and water damage, and adding a drain. Other improvements include construction of a 4-foot high fence along the east property line (Foothill Road) to match an existing wood-on-rock wall; installation of an outdoor kitchen; addition of landscape lighting (LED, dark-sky friendly); and a brick fire pit. Commissioners discussed the historic character of the Arbolada neighborhood, emphasizing the original intent of open sightlines. Concerns were raised regarding the proposed 4-foot fence on Foothill Road, with some commissioners suggesting it would block the visual connection between properties and detract from the historic setting. The applicant clarified that the fence is required for safety and privacy due to traffic on Foothill Road and would match existing materials. A clarification was made regarding a feature on the plans labeled "fountain," which was identified as a Chumash grinding stone that will not be altered. Staff clarified that under city code, a front yard fence is limited to a maximum height of four feet, whereas side yards may permit higher structures. Commissioners and staff noted that the road elevation creates a visual impact where a four-foot fence may appear significantly higher. Suggestions included reducing the fence height, utilizing a hedge, or using rock features to mitigate noise and visual barriers while maintaining openness. The Commission also discussed the property's history, including its original layout and the application of the Mills Act. It was noted that the applicant had already submitted a major work permit. As this is a conceptual review, no formal vote or decision was taken. The Commission provided comments and feedback to the applicant, with the primary concern being the fence height and its impact on the historic character.

Election of Secretary

• The Commission addressed the election of a secretary for a one-year term. A volunteer, Kate, was identified as having offered to serve. A motion was made to elect Kate as the secretary. The motion was seconded. The vote was taken, and the motion passed.

Commissioner Timer

• The Commission revisited the use of a timer for commissioner comments, which had been suspended for an experimental period. Discussion focused on whether to reinstate the timer or continue without it. It was noted that the Commission had successfully managed discussion times through self-regulation and mutual respect, ensuring all members had an opportunity to speak. A motion was made to continue without a timer for commissioners, relying on respectful conduct to manage time. The motion was seconded. The vote was taken, and the motion passed.

City Beautiful Award Discussion

• The Commission discussed the potential creation of a new "City Beautiful" award to recognize contributions to community beautification, which could include individuals, organizations, or events, not limited to historic structures. The discussion referenced the historical "City Beautiful" movement and similar programs in Santa Barbara. Various potential recipients and themes were proposed, including educational initiatives, heritage recognition, and community improvements. The Commission distinguished this proposed award from the existing "Living Treasures" award, which focuses on general community contributions. A motion was made to prepare a three-minute presentation to bring the proposal to the City Council for approval. The motion was seconded. The vote was taken, and the motion passed.

Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail Interpretive Signage

• The Commission reviewed the status of the Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail interpretive signage project. Staff and commissioners confirmed that the City Council had approved the project and a budget. An ad hoc committee reported on initial steps, including identifying four initial locations within city limits and coordinating with Public Works regarding encroachment permits. Discussions covered the design process, which will be led by the Museum, and the manufacturing of signs with a ten-year guarantee. The Commission discussed sponsorship models, noting that the City would receive funds and that legal agreements would be required to ensure donors do not control the content of the signs. It was determined that the ad hoc committee would finalize designs and coordinate with Public Works for installation. No formal motion or vote was taken, as the item was informational and action-oriented for the ad hoc committee.

Taormina Roof Re-roofing (Informational)

• The Commission received an informational report regarding a minor work permit for re-roofing a single-family residence in the Taormina district. The proposal involves replacing existing shingles with new, fire-rated dimensional shingles in a slightly darker shade, as the original material is no longer manufactured. Staff and commissioners noted that dimensional shingles are the predominant style in the district and that the proposed color and material are consistent with surrounding structures. The Commission was informed that the permit had been recommended for approval by the Community Development Director and that the appeal period deadline was March 16. No action, motion, or vote was required from the Commission.

Joint Council Meeting Recap

• The Commission provided a recap of a recent joint meeting with the City Council. Topics included the Historic Resources Inventory Survey, the Ojai Railroad Heritage Trail signage, the extension of the ad hoc committee's term to June 30, 2026, and community outreach initiatives. The Commission discussed plans to celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May with pop-up events at local festivals or markets. It was noted that the City Council supported the continuation of the budget for two historic resources reports annually. The Commission also discussed the need to acquire a pop-up display structure for future events. No formal motion or vote was taken.

Education Update

• The Commission discussed an upcoming educational webinar regarding the collaboration between preservation commissions and conservancies. The event was scheduled for March 25. The Commission noted the importance of understanding the distinct roles and powers of city-appointed commissions versus private societies. No formal motion or vote was taken.

Future Agenda Items and Administrative Matters

• The Commission reviewed future agenda items, including the election of a chair and vice chair in April, a discussion on arcade paint colors in May, and the HPC Awards process in June. The Commission discussed the status of the budget planning process, noting that the Finance Committee was expected to meet in May. The Commission decided to remove the completed "State Historic District Celebration/Ojai Day" ad hoc from the agenda. Regarding the Chambers of Commerce renovation, the Commission discussed whether to address interior improvements immediately or wait for the exterior master plan. It was decided to keep the item on hold until a future joint council meeting to determine if the Council wishes the Commission to pursue it. The Commission also corrected the end date for the ad hoc committee to June 30, 2026. No formal motions or votes were taken on these administrative items.

Commissioner Comments

• Commissioners provided brief comments regarding the historical significance of the date (March 12, marking 128 years since the first train arrived in Nordau) and announced an upcoming exhibition event at the Museum titled "Roots and Remembrance."