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Planning commission prioritizes design guidelines for June joint meeting; staff previews workshops and housing updates
Summary
Commissioners signaled that objective design standards should be the primary focus for a planned joint meeting with the City Council, and staff previewed a May 28 tree workshop, a May 20 safety element presentation, soil remediation at 611 South McGomery, and multiple affordable‑housing projects in preconstruction.
The Ojai City Planning Commission on May 6 agreed to prioritize objective design standards as the principal item for a future joint meeting with the City Council and received a director’s report that outlined several near‑term programs and housing developments.
During a broad discussion of potential joint‑meeting topics, commissioners and staff reviewed a menu of issues that included design guidelines, parking and the allowed‑use chart, noise rules, utility undergrounding, and fire hardening. Commissioners repeatedly returned to the objective design standards as the most urgent item to present to council, citing state housing law timing and the need for clear, measurable criteria that staff can apply consistently.
Staff previewed several upcoming dates and projects: a tree workshop scheduled for May 28 at Kent Hall (6–8 p.m.), and a safety element presentation with consultant Ramy and Associates scheduled for the May 20 meeting. Planning staff also reported that contaminated soil removal had begun at the 611 South McGomery site (the permanent supportive housing location) and that a 15‑unit, 100% affordable project at 304 South McGomery is in preconstruction and expected to break ground in the coming weeks. A separate five‑unit Habitat for Humanity project on North McGomery was reported to be in plan check following city council action.
Commissioners asked staff to provide additional materials ahead of the joint meeting, including a parcel map of sites where objective standards could apply, concise examples comparing form‑based codes, and a short work plan for the ad hoc committee the commission formed earlier in the meeting. Staff requested commissioners share known availability so the June 9 tentative date can be adjusted to maximize attendance.
No formal council action was taken at the meeting; the planning commission’s direction was advisory and procedural: to focus the joint meeting on design standards and to return with targeted materials that will support a focused two‑hour discussion with council and outside experts.
