Planning Commission Regular Meeting

Design Review and Conditional Use Permit – 242 East Ojai Avenue

• Staff presented Ojai Mountain Farm's request to modify outdoor dining and install a walk-in freezer.
• Discussion addressed historic district consistency, public space privatization, and equipment visual impact.
• The Commission voted to deny the application due to concerns over design and public space.
• Chair Murphy noted the project could be reconsidered with modified design elements.

General Plan Update – Safety Element (Second Administrative Draft)

• Staff and consultants presented the draft covering hazard areas, evacuation planning, and climate adaptation.
• Commissioners discussed evacuation adequacy, state mandates, and the lack of economic resilience components.
• No formal vote was taken as the item was designated for discussion only.
• Staff was directed to gather information on state laws and engage the Public Safety Commission.

Closed Session

• The Commission convened to discuss anticipated litigation matters.
• No reportable action was taken during this segment.

Meeting Summary: Planning Commission Meeting [Date Not Specified in Transcript]

Opening and Roll Call

• The meeting was called to order by Chair Murphy. Commissioner Bruce Hansen was welcomed. The agenda was approved without changes. Public comments were heard from the floor and closed by Chair Murphy.

Closed Session

• The Commission convened in closed session to discuss anticipated litigation. No reportable action was taken during this segment.

Agenda Item 1: Design Review Permit (DRP) 26-003 and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 26-003 – 242 East Ojai Avenue

• Staff presented a request for the applicant, Ojai Mountain Farm, to modify an existing outdoor dining area and install a walk-in freezer at 242 East Ojai Avenue. The proposal involved expanding the patio area to 600 square feet, adding a 5-foot equipment screen, and utilizing a large umbrella. Staff noted the project is in a historic district and three categorical exemptions applied for CEQA. Commissioner Stewart recused himself from this item due to a potential financial conflict of interest.
• Discussion focused on design consistency with the Arcade Plaza guidelines, the privatization of public space, the visual impact of the freezer and fencing, and the necessity of the equipment. Public commenters expressed concerns regarding the preservation of public space, the historic character of the area, and the specific design elements proposed. Applicant representatives explained the operational necessity of the freezer for farm-to-table service due to a lack of interior space.
• A motion was made to deny the application for the Design Review Permit and Conditional Use Permit. The motion was seconded. After a vote was taken by the Commission, the motion to deny the application passed. Chair Murphy stated the project would need to be reconsidered if the design was modified.

Consent Calendar: Approval of Minutes

• The Commission reviewed the minutes from the meeting held on May 6, 2026. No additions or corrections were requested. A motion was made to accept the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded. The Commission voted to accept the minutes.

Agenda Item 3: General Plan Update – Safety Element (Second Administrative Draft)

• Director Seibert and consultants presented the Second Administrative Draft of the Safety Element. The presentation covered hazard areas (seismic, flood, wildfire, heat, drought), evacuation planning, climate adaptation, and environmental justice. The document outlines policies intended to guide land use decisions and emergency preparedness.
• Commissioners and public members discussed the adequacy of evacuation planning, the necessity of specific language regarding state mandates (including CAL FIRE requirements), and the role of the newly forming Public Safety Commission. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of an economic resilience component, the clarity of communication strategies for the public, and the accuracy of fire hazard maps included in the draft. Staff clarified that the Safety Element serves as a policy document consistent with state law and that implementation details would follow through zoning updates and specific ordinances.
• As a discussion item, no formal vote was taken. The Commission directed staff to gather further information regarding applicable state laws and to consider engaging the Public Safety Commission for review prior to Council adoption.

Informational Items and Future Agenda

• Staff provided an overview of upcoming agenda items:
• June 3: Public hearing on a zone change for 1124 Maricopa Highway.
• June 17: Discussion regarding the relocation of the Farmers Market to Libbey Park.

Director's Report

• Director Seibert provided updates on recent City Council actions, including a TOT tax appeal decision upheld against a local hotel and progress on the Habitat for Humanity project property sale. He announced the upcoming Tree Workshop 2.0 scheduled for the following week.

Commission Member Reports

• Commissioners reported on the Mayor's Advisory Council (MAC) meeting. Topics included infrastructure requests, traffic enforcement, and the proposed Camp Gilga project. Commissioner Stewart noted the attendance of new officers and discussed community feedback regarding road safety.

City Council Liaison

• The Mayor reported on upcoming City Council meetings and workshops, including a presentation on the OUSD project and potential facility upgrades for the pool and recreation department. The Mayor discussed the city's financial reserves and the need for economic resilience planning for local businesses in the event of disasters.

Adjournment

• With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 PM.