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Historic commission approves minor work permit for two generators at landmark property on San Antonio
Summary
The Ojai City Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved Minor Work Permit WP25009 to install two propane generators and tanks at the city landmark at 700 San Antonio after applicants and staff described screening landscaping and an operational need to power booster pumps during outages.
The Ojai City Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Feb. 12 to approve Minor Work Permit WP25009, allowing the installation of two propane generators and tanks on concrete pads at the landmark property at 700 San Antonio.
Staff presented the revised minor work permit and said the applicant proposed landscaping — including dwarf olive and toyon — to screen the tanks. Applicants Stefan Allery and Joel Horowitz told the commission they used local arborist Bill Mellett to prioritize native species "as much as possible," and confirmed coffeeberry is native while olive may not be native to the Ojai Valley.
Commissioners questioned siting and visual impact on the landmark’s setting. Commissioner Walker noted the property’s character-defining setting — pastureland with oak trees — and asked whether the generators could be located farther from a visible outbuilding. The applicants said they examined alternatives (nearer the horse barn and other sites) but chose the current site to tuck the equipment near Outbuilding Number 4 where existing trees and the access road limit visibility.
The applicants said the generators primarily serve booster pumps that restore water pressure to the property during outages and therefore support firefighting capability. The applicants reported six outages last year that interrupted water pressure and explained the south generator will primarily serve the horse barn and southern booster while the north generator will support gate access, garage, main house and the north-side booster pump.
After discussion on screening, placement and native landscaping choices, a commissioner moved to allow the permit to go forward; another commissioner seconded. The commission conducted a roll-call vote and approved the permit unanimously.
The commission did not adopt detailed landscaping conditions on the record; staff will process the permit consistent with the submitted plans and applicable Minor Work Permit criteria. Applicants and staff confirmed they will provide the final planting plan included in the packet and consult the local arborist’s recommendations.
The commission’s approval is a formal action that may be appealed to city council within the timelines specified in the Ojai Municipal Code and the city’s appeal rules.
