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Ojai Planning Commission approves lot line adjustment to merge 928 and 936 East Ojai Avenue
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to approve LLA24-002, merging two adjoining commercial lots into a single larger parcel; staff said the resulting lot will be less nonconforming though some front-yard and depth deficiencies will remain.
The Ojai Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a lot line adjustment, LLA24-002, to merge 928 and 936 East Ojai Avenue into a single larger parcel.
City staff told the commission the merger would reduce the properties' nonconformities even though the resulting parcel would still fall short of the zoning code's depth and front-yard setback requirements. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions and a draft resolution in the packet.
The adjustment was presented by Lucas Seibert, the city's Community Development Director, who said the commission is the decision-making body when an adjustment affects more than 10 percent of a parcel's area. He told the commission the change would “result in a larger parcel that's less nonconforming” while noting the merged lot would remain nonconforming as to depth and the required 20-foot front-yard setback.
Ashwin Mills, speaking for the Mills Family Trust and identified as a part owner, told the commission the family intends no new structures now and plans a garden on the currently vacant 936 parcel; the existing building at 928 would continue to provide retail in front and a back space used by a local tenant.
Commission discussion focused on confirming site constraints and code interpretations. Seibert clarified a side-yard deficiency listed in the staff report was an error: side-yard setbacks are not required where a parcel abuts a nonresidential property. Commissioners asked whether the adjustment would increase residential developable parcels or make any zoning violations worse; staff said it would not.
Vice Chair Murphy moved to accept LLA24-002; the motion passed by roll call with five yes votes and no no votes. The commission's recorded yes votes were Chair Trent, Vice Chair Murphy, Commissioner Chesley, Commissioner Bennett and Commissioner Graham.
The commission's approval is subject to the conditions in the staff packet and the attached resolution. Any future building or discretionary permits for new development on the merged lot would return to planning staff—and potentially the commission—for separate review.
The commission's action was procedural and limited to the lot line adjustment; it did not approve any specific new development plans.
