January 21, 2026 — Planning Commission Regular Meeting

Meeting Summary

Present: Murphy, Reichman · Absent: Graham

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

Public hearing addressed design and conditional use permits for a facility remodel and expansion.
Speakers provided background information and raised concerns regarding visual impact and precedent.
Staff reported that two council members requested the item be heard by City Council.
Commission voted to continue the item to an uncertain date to accommodate the Council schedule.

Commission confirmed Item 3 was removed from the calendar due to a lack of quorum.
The lack of quorum resulted from a commissioner recusal and an absence during the meeting.
Staff indicated the item requires re-notice before being placed on a future meeting agenda.

Staff recommended canceling the February 4th meeting due to a lack of prepared items.
Commission approved a motion to cancel the February 4th session.
Staff noted that at least one item is expected to be ready for the February 18th meeting.

The meeting was called to order, and roll call was taken. One commissioner was absent. Prior to proceeding, staff reported that Item 3 on the agenda was being removed due to a lack of quorum for that specific item, resulting from a commissioner recusal and an absence. The commission approved the agenda as amended.

During the public communications period, a member of the public addressed the commission regarding Chapter 10 of the VMU code. The speaker requested that specific business types currently requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) be changed to permitted uses to facilitate business openings. Per state law, no action was taken on this item during the meeting; matters were generally referred to staff or scheduled for a future agenda.

The minutes from the Planning Commission meeting held on January 7, 2026, were presented. A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.

A public hearing was held regarding Design Review Permit DRP 25-010 and a Conditional Use Permit for the remodel and expansion of an outdoor dining facility at Ojai Mountain Farm. Public comment was received from two speakers. One speaker addressed background information regarding the item and encouraged review of related materials. Another speaker expressed concerns regarding the visual impact of freezers and fences on the arcade area and the potential precedent it may set. Staff indicated that two council members had requested the item be brought before the City Council for a hearing. A motion was made to continue the item to an uncertain date to accommodate the City Council schedule. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed, and the item was continued.

The commission addressed Item 3, confirming its removal from the current calendar due to the lack of quorum previously identified. The item requires re-notice for a future meeting.

Staff discussed the status of upcoming meetings scheduled for February 4th and February 18th. Due to a lack of prepared items for the February 4th meeting and notice deadlines, staff recommended canceling that meeting. A motion was made to cancel the February 4th meeting. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed. Staff noted at least one item is expected to be ready for the February 18th meeting.

Staff provided a report regarding Director's Exemptions, noting that they are published on the commission website along with relevant policies. Staff also noted the anticipated attendance of a City Council member at an upcoming meeting.