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Planning commission continues Ojai Roots permit changes to allow more neighborhood talks
Summary
After hours of testimony, the Ojai City Planning Commission voted to continue a request by Ojai Roots to change conditions of its minor conditional use permit, directing staff and the applicant to work with neighbors and removing a specific ABC-license reference from the conditions. The item will return within 90 days.
The Ojai City Planning Commission on Aug. 5 agreed to continue a contentious application from Ojai Roots seeking to modify conditions tied to its minor conditional use permit for outdoor dining and events at 315 North Montgomery Street.
Principal planner Maura Macaluso told commissioners the application requests removal of a fixed outdoor occupancy limit and deletion of a condition that had specifically identified an ABC license type. "This is a request for modifications to an existing conditional, minor conditional use permit," Macaluso said, summarizing staff's review and recommended changes while noting the site abuts residential "sensitive uses." The record shows staff also reported three currently verified violations involving use of required ADA parking and seating outside approved areas.
Applicant Brianna, who described Ojai Roots' evolution from a backyard project into a community-serving farm shop and restaurant, asked the commission for flexibility. "I started this business with a friend many years ago in the backyard of a family spot in Ojai," she said, arguing the current permit was not tailored to her operation. Commissioners repeatedly pressed the applicant and staff on life-safety occupancy (a fire-department standard), how the city defines "events" and "amplified music," and how verified complaints are handled.
After deliberation the commission voted to continue the application to a date uncertain and directed staff to revise condition of approval No. 2 to remove language that specifies a particular ABC license, opening the path for the applicant to seek ABC approval consistent with city conditions. The motion passed by roll call with commissioners voting in favor. The commission set a target of returning within 90 days to review negotiated terms and any neighborhood agreements.
