Ojai preservation commission forms ad hoc for district surveys, moves Ojai Day planning to Jan. 9

The Ojai Historic Preservation Commission voted Dec. 12 to form an ad hoc committee to begin periodic visual surveys of designated historic properties, starting with the California historic district, and to keep Ojai Day on the commission’s agenda for additional planning.

Commissioners said they want a practical, early-warning approach to preservation work in the city’s historic districts, rather than relying solely on reactive code-enforcement complaints. Commissioner Gina McCatton (referred to in the meeting as “Gina”) and two colleagues volunteered to begin a windshield/walk-by survey program; the motion passed in a recorded vote. Chair and staff directed that the ad hoc start with a visual survey of the California historic district and produce observations staff can forward to code compliance for follow-up.

The commission also discussed Ojai Day (the annual community event around Libby Park and the jail landmark). Commissioner Craig Walker and others described a desire to bring more historic programming back into Ojai Day — examples cited included historic reenactments, Chumash cultural demonstrations and youth-focused activities at the jail. The commission asked staff to carry the Ojai Day item to the next meeting and to place it on the Jan. 9 agenda, and commissioners voted to review that item quarterly thereafter.

Staff agreed to investigate two administrative steps requested by the commission: (1) whether the city’s business-license packet can include the arcade design guidelines so new downtown tenants receive preservation guidance at the time they apply for a license; and (2) whether staff can establish a clearer process for requesting checks on landmark properties (including any role for building or code inspection staff) and report back at the next meeting. Staff also confirmed it will continue a separate outreach to Mills Act holders to collect progress updates.

The ad hoc committee and the January agenda slot are intended to make the commission’s oversight more proactive. Commissioners emphasized the effort is intended to be visual-only survey work—no interior inspections—so the commission will forward issues that appear to violate code or preservation conditions to staff rather than initiating enforcement itself.

The commission also discussed broader outreach opportunities, including a proposed press note about a state tax-credit program that may be relevant to income-producing historic properties; staff said it would advise commissioners on whether a commission-branded release or a commissioner-sent notice would be appropriate.