Ojai City Planning Commission approves lot line adjustment at 612 and 804 Country Club Drive

The Ojai City Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a lot line adjustment that shifts acreage between parcels at 612 and 804 Country Club Drive.

The adjustment reduces Parcel A from 12.12 acres to 8.20 acres and increases Parcel B from 1.11 acres to 5.03 acres — a 3.92-acre transfer representing what staff described as a 453% increase to the smaller parcel. Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director for Ojai City, told commissioners the change is required to be heard by the commission because the alteration exceeds the code—riterion of a 10% change in lot area.

Seibert said the properties are zoned RO-1 with a general plan designation of low-density residential and that the proposed parcel sizes and dimensions meet the minimum RO-1 requirements of a one-acre minimum and roughly 100-by-100-foot lot dimensions. "This will certainly be exceeded, as proposed," Seibert said of the minimums. He advised the commission that the staff recommendation is approval subject to the findings and conditions in the resolution before the body.

During public comment, a nearby resident identified as Carol of 716 Country Club Drive raised concerns about where a future access road might be placed and about drainage and watershed impacts, saying the hollow in the vacant parcel temporarily becomes a lake when the winter rains are heavy and that runoff currently flows across her property. "I'd like to know who's responsible then for putting up any drainage?" Carol asked. Seibert and commissioners responded that questions about access, road location, drainage and construction standards would be addressed if and when a development application is submitted and that the lot line adjustment itself does not authorize construction.

Commissioners also discussed maximum potential residential units under existing zoning. Seibert noted the current acreage could support up to 12 units on the larger parcel plus one unit on the one-acre parcel (a total of 13) based on subdivision rules; with the proposed configuration, the maximum would be eight units on Parcel A and five on Parcel B, leaving total potential units unchanged. "No increase in density at all," a commissioner summarized during the hearing.

The commission made a motion to approve the lot line adjustment (agenda item LLA25-1). The motion passed in a roll-call vote with Chair Trent, Vice Chair Murphy and Commissioner Bennett voting yes. Commissioners Chesley and Graham were absent.

Carol was advised that any future development proposal would trigger additional review and notices, and staff suggested she contact planning staff for updates on any submitted proposals.

The commission's approval applies only to the lot line adjustment shown in the staff report and the findings in the draft resolution; it does not authorize construction, change permitted uses, or alter other regulatory requirements that would apply to future subdivision or building permits.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote.