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Planning commission approves amendment to historic storefront at 102 N. Signal
Summary
The Planning Commission approved an amended design review permit for 102 North Signal that replaces a previously proposed rock veneer with stucco above a transom and adds historically styled, night-sky-compliant light fixtures; the Historic Preservation Commission had unanimously supported the amendment and the commission added a request that the applicant consult the community on lighting.
The City of Ojai Planning Commission on Feb. 18 approved an amendment to a previously authorized design review permit for a building at 102 North Signal in the Downtown Ojai Historic District, adopting staff’s recommendation with a request that the applicant review exterior lighting with the community.
The project replaces a proposed rock treatment above a storefront transom with stucco and adds hand-worked iron wall sconces above entry doors. Planning staff said the change resulted from an in-field structural discovery: contractors found a substantial concrete beam that would have been damaged by cutting to install rock. Architect Jason explained the team encountered a “gray beam” in the field and opted to preserve structural integrity rather than apply a rock veneer. Contractor Jeff Becker told the commission: “It's completed at present,” adding only minor touch-up painting remained.
The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the amendment on Jan. 8 and unanimously approved it, staff said. Commissioners discussed the lighting style; one commissioner proposed — and the maker accepted — an amendment asking the applicant to “at least look at the lighting” and offer a community courtesy review, not a required change. The commission then voted to adopt the resolution approving the amendment.
Why it matters: the building is a contributor to the California Register-listed Downtown Ojai Historic District, and the change was presented as a preservation-minded response to an unexpected field condition rather than a design substitution for convenience. The lighting and storefront details will be subject to the follow-up courtesy review requested by the commission.
The commission’s motion and roll-call approval concluded the item; staff will return any remaining ministerial permit paperwork to finalize the amendment.
