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Ojai preservation panel approves smaller storefront change, two historic‑style lights at 102 N. Signal St.
Summary
The Ojai Historic Preservation Commission approved an amendment to a previously granted major‑work permit to avoid installing a transom at 102 North Signal Street after contractors discovered a structural beam. The commission also approved two turn‑of‑the‑century Troy light fixtures; the motion passed unanimously.
The Ojai Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve an amendment to Major Work Permit 25008 for 102 North Signal Street on Jan. 8, allowing repairs to the existing stucco and forgoing a previously approved transom after contractors found a structural beam during construction.
Jeff, the project applicant, told the commission the crew “ran into a roughly 30 inch by 30 inch gray beam that surrounds the storefront,” and that removing or chiseling into it to install the approved transom could have harmed the structural framing. He said the team installed the approved wood storefront and “plastered it and cleaned up the finish” so the facade showed a transom appearance without cutting into the beam.
The amendment also formalizes two new exterior light fixtures. Jeff said the fixtures are from the Troy Lighting historic series and described them as “turn of the century” oxidized‑iron fixtures; he said they are “pretty low key” and intended to disappear into the facade in daylight.
Commission discussion focused on whether the change preserved historic fabric. One commissioner described the amendment as “less of a change from the existing facade” and praised the applicant’s decision not to damage the structure. Commissioners asked technical questions about the stonework and the electrical boxes; Jeff said crews added about five small stones to level a top course of plaster and that electricians ordered shallower junction boxes to reduce fixture protrusion.
After discussion, Commissioner (speaker 5) moved to approve the amendment; Commissioner (speaker 7) seconded. On roll call the commission recorded affirmative votes from Moore, Sasha, Sims, McCatton, Walker, Neeson and Akins. The motion passed unanimously.
What happens next: the amendment replaces the previously approved transom installation with in‑place repairs to the stucco and the approved Troy‑style fixtures as installed. Staff will verify that the contractor’s planned box adjustments and any repainting or remedial work meet the commission’s conditions and return to the commission if further changes are proposed.
