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Ojai council approves expanded historic-resources survey and hires HRG
Summary
The council authorized an additional $25,050 for a historic resources inventory update, approved Historic Resources Group (HRG) to perform the work, and agreed the firm will start from prior work while producing a refreshed, accurate inventory through 1985.
The Ojai City Council voted Dec. 2 to increase funding for an update of the city's historic resources inventory and to authorize entering into an agreement with Historic Resources Group (HRG).
Principal Planner Maura Macaluso said the city's existing inventory covered structures up through 1960 and the updated project would expand coverage to structures built through 1985. The council had previously budgeted $63,000 for the update; HRG's selection and scope increased the estimated total cost to $88,050. The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended HRG after a competitive bid and interview process.
Public commenters raised concerns about the accuracy of prior windshield surveys and the potential burden on homeowners if a property is incorrectly flagged as potentially historic. HPC Chair Gina McCatton told the council the new contract will start fresh while using prior work as a baseline and that the project will include clear documentation and local-historian support (Craig Walker will serve as a liaison).
City staff and HPC representatives emphasized that the inventory is intended to be an informational resource (a list of possible resources used for CEQA and earlier review) and not an automatic designation. Any formal historic designation or listing would require additional notice, hearings and council action; staff said the work plan anticipates public engagement and multiple steps before any property is designated.
Council approved the additional appropriation and authorized staff to enter into an agreement with HRG.
