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Ojai council approves broader proactive code compliance, including inoperable vehicles and arcade signage education
Summary
Council unanimously (with one abstention) directed staff to expand proactive code enforcement to inoperable vehicles, unpermitted construction and Arcade Plaza/Arcade signage and to run an educational forum before a 90‑day compliance period.
The council voted Oct. 8 to direct staff to implement broader proactive code compliance activities covering inoperable vehicles, unpermitted construction activity and Arcade/Arcade Plaza signage, outdoor displays and outdoor dining. Staff said the city’s code program has historically been complaint‑driven and that proactive enforcement (already in place for short‑term rentals and gas‑powered lawn equipment) reduced violations.
Principal planner Maura Macaluso and code compliance staff recommended a three‑step approach: (1) an educational public forum targeted to business and property owners for Arcade/Arcade Plaza rules; (2) a 90‑day voluntary compliance period after the forum; and (3) resumption of enforcement after the 90 days if compliance is not achieved. Staff said proactive enforcement in some areas has previously achieved compliance without immediate citations and that the city has authority to cite property owners when contractors leave violations.
Council members asked how proactive enforcement would operate in practice (for example, staff driving routes to identify long‑stationary vehicles) and whether enforcement would run seven days. Staff said the city is hiring a full‑time additional code compliance officer, and the program would be managed to emphasize education first, then citations for repeat or egregious violations. Several council members asked for one‑page guidance materials that could be distributed to businesses and new residents; staff agreed to provide printed and online information and suggested integration with business licensing processes.
The council approved the proposal and added direction that staff prepare short informational one‑pagers for businesses and for new residents summarizing frequently violated codes (including gas‑powered equipment, construction hours, sandwich boards and inoperable vehicles) and that staff consider outreach through the Chamber and other partners. Staff said they would publicize the Arcade forum, offer a 90‑day voluntary compliance window, and return with updates.
Ending: Staff will begin education and outreach, finalize the 90‑day timeline for enforcement and provide one‑page guidance for businesses and residents; council emphasized education before citation.
