Ojai City Council
July 14, 2026

DISTRICT 1 - LESLIE RULE
DISTRICT 2 - RACHEL LANG
DISTRICT 3 - ANDREW WHITMAN
DISTRICT 4 - KIM MANG

BEN HARVEY

CITY MANAGER

BETHANY BURGESS

CITY ATTORNEY

WESTON MONTGOMERY

CHIEF DEPUTY CITY CLERK

1. Members of the Ventura County Fair's Junior Fair Board to Present the 2026 Ventura County Fair Announcement and Poster

2. Proclamation Honoring July as Parks and Recreation Month and the Parks and AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026, 6:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST, OJAI, CA

OJAI CITY COUNCIL

ANDY GILMAN, MAYOR

VIEWING & ACCESS
Public participation is encouraged! The Ojai City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 p.m. The meetings are conducted in a hybrid model, providing both in-person attendance and virtual public comment via the Zoom link below.

Virtual attendance via Zoom is the only way to remotely provide public comment. Preregistration is not required for public comment via Zoom. Instead, Zoom participants will utilize the “hand-raise” function to indicate their desire to speak on an item. The meeting is also livestreamed on the City's website at ojai.ca.gov/525/2968/Public-Meetings, on YouTube at youtube.com/@ojaicity, and on Spectrum Channel 10. See “Public Comment Options” below for further instruction.

ZOOM LINK - July 14, 2026 - Regular Meeting

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

PRESENTATIONS
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
1 Recreation Commission

3. City Council Minutes

4. Planning Commission Minutes

5. City of Ojai Warrants for June 08 - June 21, 2026

6. Revision of Ojai Trolley Advertising Program Rates, Contract Terms, and Inclusion in the Master Fee Schedule

COMMISSION REPORTS
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Public Communications is the time set aside during the meeting for members of the public to address the City Council on items of City business other than scheduled agenda items.

Matters raised at this time may be briefly discussed by the Council, and will generally be referred to staff and/or placed on a subsequent agenda. Under State law, other than for emergency items, no action can be taken.

CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be considered routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. There will be no discussion of these items unless, before the vote on the motion to adopt, specific items are removed from the Consent Calendar for separate motions.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
05 28 26 Special Meeting
06 02 26 Special Meeting
06 09 26 Regular Meeting
06 11 26 Special Meeting
06 16 26 Special Meeting
06 23 26 Special Meeting
06 23 26 Regular Meeting
06 30 26 Special Meeting
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
06-03-26 Regular Meeting
06-17-26 Regular Meeting
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.

Administrative Report - Warrant Report
Attachment A - Warrant Register Report
Attachment B - Disbursement by Category
Warrant Cover Letter
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Review and approve revisions to the Ojai Trolley advertising program, including updated advertising rates and contract structure.

2. Approve limiting advertisers to one ad space per trolley.

3. Approve establishing a one year contract term for all ad placements, with an exception for rear placements limited to three consecutive terms per advertiser.

4. Approve a unified rate for driver side and pedestrian side panels and a higher rate for the rear (back) panel due to increased visibility.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
2 7. On-Call Trade and Professional Services – Award of Agreements

8. Introduce Ordinance No. 973 Suspending Certain Requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code ("Well Construction, Modification, and Demolition Standards"), Subject to Biennial Review by City Council, and Creating a New Section 224 of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code

9. Approval of Resolution Adopting the 2026 City of Ojai City Hall Campus Landscape Master Plan (City Council Direction)

10. County of Ventura Civil Grand Jury Report Regarding Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project (Legal Requirement)

5. Direct staff to add all trolley advertising rates to the City’s Master Fee Schedule.

Administrative Report - Trolley Advertising and Terms
Attachment A - Advertising Brochure Modified for 2024
Attachment B - Advertising Rates and Term Comparison
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute amendments for one (1) additional twoyear term to the current On-Call Professional Services Agreements that have expired on June 30, 2026 extending them to June 30, 2028 and increase the not-to-exceed amount of each On-Call Professional Services Agreement as provided in this report; and,

2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an On-Call Trade Agreement with Ventura Pest Control and authorize future amendments for an additional one (1) one-year term with compensation not-to-exceed $75,000; and

3. Receive and file the task orders issued during Fiscal Year 25/26.

Administrative Report - On Call Award of Agreements
Attachment A - Sample Trade Agreement
Attachment B - Task Order Summary for Fiscal Year 25-26 RECOMMENDATION:

1. Introduce, for first reading by title only with further reading waived, Ordinance No. 973, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ojai, Suspending Certain Requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code ("Well Construction, Modification, and Demolition Standards"), Subject to Biennial Review by City Council, and Creating a New Section 224 of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code; and

2. Direct staff to return to the City Council for second reading and adoption of the Ordinance at the August 11, 2026, City Council meeting.

Administrative Report - Suspend Well Permit Ordinance
Attachment A - Ordinance No. 973

DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Resolution adopting the 2026 City of Ojai City Hall Campus Landscape Master Plan as presented, thereby establishing a comprehensive vision for the revitalization, stewardship, and long-term management of the City Hall campus.

Administrative Report - City Hall Campus Master Plan
Attachment A - Resolution No. 2026-29
Attachment B - OVGC Master Plan
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
3 11. Municipal Code Revisions (Legal Requirement)

12. Concept Review of Contracted Services (City Council Direction)

13. Affordable Housing Agreement Located at 312 West Aliso Street And ThirdParty Income Qualify Household for Deed-Restricted Affordable Housing Units (City Council Direction)
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Discuss report issued by County of Ventura Civil Grand Jury regarding the Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project on June 25, 2026.

2. Direct the City Attorney to prepare a draft response to the report for further consideration by the City Council at a regular or special meeting of City Council in August, 2026.

Administrative Report - Grand Jury Report
Attachment A - Grand Jury Report, OPSH
RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction to the City Attorney’s Office to work with staff to prepare recommended Code revisions to various ordinances as further described in this report.

Administrative Report - OMC Updates
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Review the attached list of contracted services and identify those contracts for which the City Council would like additional analysis; and

2. Direct staff to return at a future meeting with a detailed evaluation of the selected contracts, including operational, staffing, financial, legal, and service level considerations associated with potentially bringing those services inhouse.

Administrative Report - Concept Review - Contracted Services Attachment A - Log of Contracts
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Receive the staff report and presentation and ask clarifying questions related to the Affordable Housing Agreement associated with Cottages Among the Flowers.

2. Direct the City Manager and City Attorney to finalize and execute the Declaration of Land Use Restrictive Covenants (Affordable Housing Agreement) with Ojai Bungalows LP, associated with the two deed-restricted units within the Cottages Among the Flowers site and cause it to be recorded in the Official Records of Ventura County (Attachment A).

3. Direct the City Manager to negotiate and execute a formal Professional Services Agreement with Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura. The proposal from Area Housing Authority includes performing third party services to income qualify households for deed-restricted affordable housing units. The Area Housing Authority proposal for third-party services is Attachment B.

4. Direct the Community Development Director to establish a reporting schedule and compliance format associated with those households which are income qualified to reside within the deed-restricted units.

Administrative Report - Cottages, AHA
Attachment A - Affordable Housing Covenant
Attachment B - AHA Proposal
Attachment C - Application, Deed Restricted Units
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
4 14. Ad Hoc Committee Formation for Community Land Trust (City Council Direction)

15. Concept Review - Building Code Options Return (City Council Direction) RECOMMENDATION: Select two (2) City Council Members to form an ad hoc committee for a six-month term.

Administrative Report - Ad Hoc Community Land Trust
RECOMMENDATION: Receive the information and presentation by Staff, ask clarifying questions and consider providing additional direction on alternative building code options for local amendments to the building code.

Administrative Report - Building Code Options

COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

ADJOURNMENT
Posted July 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk

WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS
Written public comments will be published here for public access. Please see PUBLIC COMMENT OPTIONS below for instructions on how to submit.

COMMENTS
Written Public Comments 07 14 26

ACCOMMODATIONS
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please call (805) 646-5581. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

If you feel that a language interpreter is necessary for you to participate in this meeting, notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements for an interpreter to assure your participation/understanding of this meeting.

Si considera que un intérprete de idiomas es necesario para participar en esta reunión, la notificación 48 horas antes de la reunión le permitirá a la Ciudad hacer arreglos razonables para que un intérprete asegure su participación/comprensión de esta reunión del Concejo Municipal.

Para Español por favor llame al (805) 646-5581 ext. 100 o por correo electronico a [email protected].

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
5 Agenda reports and other disclosable public records related to agenda items are available on the City's website at ojai.ca.gov/525/2968/Public-Meetings and at City Hall located at 401 S.

Ventura St., Ojai, Ca., during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT OPTIONS
Written Comments: In order for staff to provide the City Council with written public comments timely, written/emailed public comments must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting.

You may always submit written comments to the City Clerk via mail, in person at City Hall, or via email to [email protected]. If your written comment is received by 3:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting date, the City Clerk will distribute copies of your comments to all Council Members and recorded on the City website. Written comments received after 3:00 p.m. may not be distributed to the Council Members and recorded on the City website until after the meeting.

Verbal Comments: Verbal Comments will be received on any item on the agenda at the time the agenda item is heard. Comments may be made in person at the meeting or through Zoom, via the link at the top of the Agenda. Pre-registration is not required for public comment via Zoom. Instead, Zoom participants will utilize the hand-raise function to indicate their desire to speak on an item.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

All materials related to an item on this agenda, including written public comments, will be available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, and following the meeting, will be accessible on the City of Ojai's website at ojai.ca.gov.

As a government agency, the City of Ojai is subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.). Please be advised that all communications submitted to City officials and staff are subject to public disclosure under the California Public Records Act.

There are limited exceptions that allow the City to redact personal information under the California Public Records Act. If you have concerns regarding privacy, please do not include your personal identifying information, such as your name, e-mail, phone number, and home address in your correspondence to the City, including, but not limited to, public comment.

If you challenge the actions of the City Council in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in the public notices, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing (California Government Code Section 65009).

Any legal action by an applicant seeking to obtain a judicial review of the City Council's decision on a Hearing listed on this Agenda may be subject to the 90-day filing period of and governed by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.

LEVINE ACT WARNING
Applicants and their agents before the City Council are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308. No City Council Member may accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party or agent for 12 months Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
6 subsequent to the date a final decision is rendered by the City. This prohibition commences when your application has been filed, or the proceeding is otherwise initiated.

A party to a City proceeding - which includes both applicants and agents - shall disclose on the record of the proceeding any contribution of more than $500 made to any Council Member by the applicant or agent, during the preceding 12 months. No party to a City proceeding, or agent, shall make a contribution to a Council Member during the proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is rendered by the City.

Prior to rendering a decision on a City proceeding, any Council Member who received a contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from any party, or agent, to a proceeding shall disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding and shall be disqualified from participating in the proceeding. However, if any Council Member receives a contribution that otherwise would require disqualification and returns the contribution within 30 days of knowing about the contribution and the relevant proceeding, the Council Member shall be permitted to participate in the proceeding.

If you believe that these provisions apply to you or a Council Member, please inform the City Clerk at the earliest possible opportunity. Failure to do so may affect the City's ability to process your application.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Ojai City Council Agenda
7 MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026, 6:00 PM
Mayor Gilman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
The following members were present: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Rule, and Whitman. Council Member Lang was absent.

Also present: City Manager Harvey, City Attorney Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager Cervantes, Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery, and Community Development Director Seibert.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Rule, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve the agenda.

The motion carried unanimously.

WORKSHOP

1. Second Community Workshop on Expansion of the Tree Ordinance (City Council Direction)
RECOMMENDATION: Gather public input for potential update and expansion of the Tree Ordinance.

Staff received input from the public and City Council.
8 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gilman adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Approved:
9 MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026, 6:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST,

OJAI, CA
Mayor Gilman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
The following members were present: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Rule, Lang, and Whitman.

Also present: City Manager Harvey, City Attorney Burgess, Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery, and Recreation Manager Rivera.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve the agenda.

The motion carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION

1. Community Aquatics Program Implementation and Adoption of Resolution Amending the Salary Schedule to Update the Salary for the Lifeguard Classification, Effective June 3, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt a resolution amending the Salary Schedule to update the salary for the Lifeguard classification, effective May 20, 2026; and

2. Approve a $5.00 per person entry fee for open and lap swim Program Hours and authorize a $5,000 allocation to fund reduced-fee waivers for income qualified participants; and

3. Approve program hours as presented for daily open swim operations; and 10 4. Receive and file the completed Agreement with Ojai Unified School District.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Rule, to approve Item 1 as recommended, and return with a concept for a family membership program.

The motion carried unanimously.

2. Request for Proposal for Sarzotti Park Playground Reconstruction RECOMMENDATION:

1. Review and provide input for a draft request for proposals for the planning and design of the Sarzotti Park playground reconstruction project.

2. Direct staff to proceed with issuing a request for proposals for the planning and design of the playground reconstruction project.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Rule, to approve Item 2 as recommended, and directing the Parks and Recreation Commission to review without a return to Council needed.

The motion carried unanimously.

CLOSED SESSION 6:58

3. Conference with Labor Negotiators - Government Code Section 54957.6 City/Agency Designated Representatives: Ben Harvey, City Manager; Kathy Holman, Human Resources/Risk Manager
Unrepresented Employee(s): All Unrepresented Employees

CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burgess reported out of Closed Session that City Council directed a 3.5% cost of living increase for staff with the annual budget adoption, except for the City Manager position, and that City Council provided direction to update the employee handbook.

ADJOURNMENT 7:30
Mayor Gilman adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Approved:
11 MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026, 6:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST,

OJAI, CA
Mayor Gilman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
The following members were present: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Rule, Lang, and Whitman.

Also present: City Manager Harvey, City Attorney Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager Cervantes, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: Unanimous consent reached through the Mayor for the approval of the agenda, with Item 2 continued to a future meeting.

PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation Honoring Pride Month 2026 and Helen Allen

2. Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council to Provide a Quarterly Update Item 2 was continued to a future agenda.

COMMISSION REPORTS
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Public Works Director Palmer provided an oral report on behalf of the City Manager regarding accessible sidewalk ramps.
12 PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Public Communications is the time set aside during the meeting for members of the public to address the City Council on items of City business other than scheduled agenda items.

Matters raised at this time may be briefly discussed by the Council, and will generally be referred to staff and/or placed on a subsequent agenda. Under State law, other than for emergency items, no action can be taken.

CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be considered routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. There will be no discussion of these items unless, before the vote on the motion to adopt, specific items are removed from the Consent Calendar for separate motions.

3. City of Ojai Warrants for May 11, 2026 - May 24, 2026 RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.

4. City Council Minutes
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.

5. Appointment of Area Housing Authority Commissioner
RECOMMENDATION: Consider appointment of applicant on file to serve a fouryear term as the City of Ojai’s representative on the Ventura County Area Housing Authority Board.

6. Confirm Appointment to Fill Inaugural Vacancy on the Public Safety Commission
RECOMMENDATION: Confirm nomination of applicant Randy Coggan as Public Safety Commissioner to fill an inaugural vacancy (four-year term ending May 2030).

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mang, to approve Consent Item 3.

The motion carried unanimously.

Item 4 was pulled for corrections and to return on a future agenda. No action taken.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Lang, to approve Consent Item 5.

The motion carried unanimously.
13 MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve Consent Item 6.

The motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

7. Report and Public Hearing on City of Ojai Job Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts in Compliance with Government Code §3502.3 (Legal Requirement)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive a report and conduct a public hearing regarding the City of Ojai job vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts in compliance with Government Code §3502.3.

Mayor Gilman opened the Public Hearing, accepted public comment, and closed the Public Hearing. City Council received the report.

8. City of Ojai's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (Operational Need) RECOMMENDATION: Review the City of Ojai's Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and provide feedback. This item will be coming back to City Council at the June 23rd
meeting for adoption.

Mayor Gilman opened the Public Hearing, accepted public comment, and closed the Public Hearing. City Council received the report and provided feedback to staff to return for Budget Adoption.

9. Levy and Collection of Assessments for Landscaping and Lighting District No. 1, Plaza Maintenance Assessment District No. 2, and Landscaping and Lighting District No. 3 for FY 2026/2027 (City Council Direction) RECOMMENDATION:

1. Conduct a Public Hearing to receive public testimony relative to the established assessments for Landscaping and Lighting District No. 1, Plaza Maintenance Assessment District No. 2, and Landscaping and Lighting District No. 3 for Fiscal Year 2026/2027; and,

2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-17, approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report, confirming the diagrams and assessments for Landscaping and Lighting District No. 1, Plaza Maintenance Assessment District No. 2, and Landscaping and Lighting District No. 3, and ordering the work and the levy of assessments for Fiscal Year 2026/2027; and,

3. Direct staff to transmit the necessary documents to the County of Ventura for the levying and collection of property assessments for said Districts. 14 Mayor Gilman opened the Public Hearing, accepted public comment, and closed the Public Hearing.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Rule, to approve Item 9, as recommended.

The motion carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION

10. Adoption of Resolutions Calling for and Giving Notice of the City of Ojai’s General Municipal Election on November 3, 2026; Requesting County of Ventura Consolidation with the Statewide General Election; and Adopting Regulations for Candidates Statements (Operational Need) RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt the following resolutions:
a. A resolution calling and giving notice of the City of Ojai’s General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of certain officers as required by the State of California relating to General Law Cities; and
b. A resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Ventura to consolidate the General Municipal Election with the Statewide Gubernatorial General Election and to render specified services in relation to the conduct of the Ojai General Municipal Election; and
c. A resolution adopting regulation for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements.

2. Direct the City Clerk to prepare all appropriate documents for election consolidation and submit to the County of Ventura by the required date of Monday, June 29, 2026.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Rule, to approve Item 10, as recommended.

The motion carried unanimously.

11. Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Denial | The outdoor storage and use of an existing walk-in freezer and proposed modifications to the existing outdoor dining area located to the rear of Ojai Mountain Farm restaurant, addressed 242 East Ojai Avenue (Design Review Permit [DRP 26-003] and Conditional Use Permit [CUP 26-003]). Assessor’s Parcel Number 021-0-140- 370. Representative: Patrick Housh, Paul Poirier + Associates Architects.

Property Owner: Verna Joy Adams; Applicant: Tony Yanow, Ojai Mountain Farm. (Requested by Mayor Gilman)
15 RECOMMENDATION: That City Council determine whether to appeal the Planning Commission’s May 20, 2026, decision to deny a design review permit and conditional use permit for the use of an outdoor walk-in freezer and proposed modifications to the existing outdoor dining area associated with Ojai Mountain Farms restaurant
located at 242 East Ojai Avenue.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Rule, to approve Item 11, proceeding with the appeal.

The motion carried 3-1-1 (Mayor Pro Tem Mang dissenting. Council Member Whitman abstaining.).

12. Authorization to Purchase One (1) 2026 BMW Police Motorcycle (Operational Need)
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the purchase of one (1) new 2026 BMW police motorcycle for the Ojai Police Department’s Motor Officer Program, in an amount not to exceed $50,000, including an 84-month/unlimited-mileage full-service warranty, from authorized BMW dealer Long Beach BMW Motorcycles.

MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Rule, seconded by Council Member Whitman, to approve Item 12, as recommended.

The motion carried unanimously.

13. Award Maintenance Agreement for Janitorial Services (Operational Need) RECOMMENDATION:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute Maintenance Agreement No. 2026- 31 with Kelly’s Cleaning & Supplies for janitorial services in the amount of $115,263.96 annually for a three-year period commencing July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, and;

2. Authorize the City Manager to execute, in their sole discretion, future amendments for up to two (2) additional one-year terms for a maximum agreement term not to exceed five (5) years.

OR

3. Direct staff to appropriate funding for two full-time Maintenance I employees. If option one, two, or three are not selected then:

4. Provide alternative direction to the City Manager
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 13, with a three-year agreement modification, additional language added for cancellation, and to return to Council with options.

The motion carried 4-1 (Mayor Pro Tem Mang dissenting.). 16 14. Award of Contract – State of the City Video Production, Scriptwriting, and Event Presentation Support (Council Direction)
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year contract with Tripepi Smith & Associates in the amount of $35,802, for the State of the City Video Production, and Event Presentation Support.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Lang, to approve Item 14, and to direct staff to return with an item to establish a communications adhoc committee.

The motion carried 3-2 (Mayor Pro Tem Mang and Council Member Whitman dissenting.).

15. Award of Contract for Communications and Social Media Services Contract for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (Operational Need)
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Tripepi Smith & Associates for Communications and Social Media Services for Fiscal Year (FY)26-27, based on their proven experience with the City, competitive pricing, and compliance with the City’s purchasing policy.

MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 15, for a one-year agreement term, and establishing Mayor Pro Tem Mang and Council Member Mang to a Communications Ad-Hoc committee, to be involved in agreement discussions.

The motion carried 3-2 (Mayor Pro Tem Mang and Council Member Whitman dissenting.).

COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Gilman and Council Member Rule requested future items for a Soule Park acquisition and a Goals and Tactics workshop scheduling.

Mayor Pro Tem Mang, with consensus, requested a special meeting to discuss a Fourth of July chair placement policy.
17 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gilman adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Approved:
18 MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026, 3:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST, OJAI, CA AGENDA UPDATED - 6/10/26, 1:00 PM - UPDATED TO INCLUDE DISCUSSION ITEM #1 Mayor Gilman called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
The following members were present: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Rule, Lang, and Whitman.

Also present: City Manager Harvey, City Attorney Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager Cervantes, Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ACTION: Unanimous Consent reached through the Mayor to approve the agenda.

DISCUSSION

1. Concept Review: Placement of Chairs and Other Personal Property within Right-of-Way Along Ojai Ave For the Fourth of July Parade (Mang/Whitman) RECOMMENDATION: Receive and discuss a concept regarding the placement of chairs and other personal property within the public right-of-way along Ojai Avenue in advance of the annual Fourth of July Parade and provide direction to staff, if desired.

ACTION: Unanimous Consent reached through the Mayor, to direct staff to work with the City Attorney and return with the item at a June 16 Special Meeting, and to provide public outreach regarding chair placement.
19 CLOSED SESSION

2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: Leslie Rule v. City of Ojai, Ventura County Superior Court Case No. 2025CUPT055697

3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation in one matter.

CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burgess reported out of Closed Session that there was no reportable action for Item 2, and reported that for Item 3 that City Council authorized the City’s intervention in the Byrne v. Rule case.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gilman adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.
____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Approved:
20 MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026, 6:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST, OJAI, CA
ADDITIONAL MEETING LOCATION - 901 PORTAL AVE, OAKLAND, CA 94610 - TO ACCOMMODATE COUNCIL MEMBER RULE WHO IS

ATTENDING THE MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE
Mayor Gilman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
The following members were present: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Lang, and Whitman. Council Member Rule was present remotely.

Also present: City Manager Harvey, City Attorney Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager Cervantes, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve the agenda.

The motion carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION

1. Options for Regulating Placement of Chairs for the Fourth of July Parade (Council Direction)
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Establish a policy prohibiting placement of chairs no earlier than one week prior to the parade; or

2. Direct staff to coordinate with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to investigate public encroachment permitting requirements and potential implementation along state-controlled segments of the parade route; or
21 3. Take no action regarding the early placement of chairs along the parade route,
except where chair impedes sidewalk accessibility.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Lang, to direct staff to return with a policy for review, including a two-week placement period, restricted furniture types (no sofas or oversized armchairs), ADA access requirements, and implementation starting next year.

The motion carried unanimously.

2. Introduce Ordinance No. 973 Repealing Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code Pertaining to Well Construction, Modification, and Demolition Standards (Operational Need)
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Introduce, for first reading by title only with further reading waived, Ordinance No. 973, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ojai, California, Repealing Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code (“Well Construction, Modification, And Demolition Standards”), and;

2. Direct staff to return to the City Council for second reading and adoption of the Ordinance at the July 14, 2026, City Council meeting.

Council provided direction to staff for a return on first reading.

3. Consider Change in Council Protocols from Quarterly Rotation to Annual Rotation for Representation by Council Members at City Commission Meetings (City Council Direction)
RECOMMENDATION: Provide assignments or direction, including amendment in Council Protocols, from quarterly rotation to annual rotation for representation by Council Members at City Commission Meetings.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Lang, to approve the resolution adopting revisions to the City Council protocols as modified to provide for six-month assignments, thus revising the time period for City Council commission assignments from a quarterly to a six-month rotation.

The motion carried unanimously (5-0).

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gilman adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Approved:
22 23

MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026, 5:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST,

OJAI, CA
Mayor Gilman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
The following members were present: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Rule, Lang, and Whitman.

Also present: City Attorney Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager Cervantes, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve the agenda.

The motion carried unanimously.

CLOSED SESSION

1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation in one matter, based on the following existing facts and circumstances known to a potential plaintiff: approval of Zoning Clearance No. 2CL 24-107 for a project located at 242 E. Ojai Avenue

2. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957(b))
Position Title: City Manager
24 CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Burgess reported that the City Council directed a “360 performance evaluation” of the City Manager. No reportable action was taken on Item 2.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gilman adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Approved:
25 MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026, 6:00 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST,

OJAI, CA
Mayor Gilman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL
The following members were present: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Rule, Lang, and Whitman.

Also present: City Manager Harvey, City Attorney Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager Cervantes, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve the agenda.

The motion carried unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS

1. Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council to Provide a Quarterly Update

COMMISSION REPORTS
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Harvey provided an oral report

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

CONSENT CALENDAR
26 2. City of Ojai Warrants for May 25, 2026 - June 07, 2026 RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.

3. Treasurer's Monthly Report of Cash and Investments for the City of Ojai as of May 31, 2026
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.

4. Minutes - Planning Commission
RECOMMENDATION: Received and file.

5. Annual Request for Services – Ventura County Animal Services RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to execute the second amendment to the Animal Services Agreement with Ventura County to exercise the second, one-year renewal period and extend the Agreement through June 30, 2027, and submit the annual Service Level Request to Ventura County Animal Services for Fiscal Year 2026/2027, at the existing service level and for the updated service costs
identified in Attachment A.

6. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Statement of Investment Policy
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving the City of Ojai’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 Statement of Investment Policy and replace prior resolutions and policies relating to the City’s Statement of Investment Policy, including but not limited to, the provisions contained within Investment Policy Resolution 25-25 adopted June 24, 2025.

7. Award Amendment No. 1 to Ventura Regional Sanitary District (VRSD) for Storm Drain Cleaning and Video Inspections for the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project (ST-3007) (Operational Need)
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 (PW Agreement No. 2025-31A) to the existing agreement with Ventura Regional Sanitary District (VRSD, a special district) for continued storm drain cleaning and video inspection services in support of the 2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project (ST-3007), increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $51,781 for a total authorized expenditure of $109,629, and extending the term through December 30, 2026.

8. Resolution Expressing Support for Conservation of Local Biodiversity and Stewardship of Natural, Coastal, and Public Lands
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Resolution expressing support for the conservation of local biodiversity and the stewardship of natural, coastal, and public lands within
the City of Ojai.

9. City Council Minutes
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
27 10. Commission Appointments
RECOMMENDATION: Confirm nomination of applicant Raymond Sims as Public Safety Commissioner to fill an inaugural vacancy (two-year term ending May 2028), Brenna Furness as Public Safety Commissioner to fill an inaugural vacancy (two-year term ending May 2028), and confirm reappointment of Suzi Taylor as Parks and
Recreation Commissioner (four-year term ending May 2030).

Council Member Rule pulled Items 5 and 8.

Mayor Gilman pulled Item 10.

MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, Item 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 The motion carried unanimously.

MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Rule, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 5.

The motion carried unanimously.

MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Rule, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 8.

The motion carried unanimously.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Whitman, to approve Item 10.

The motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

11. City Council Appeal of Planning Commission Denial | Outdoor Storage and Use of an Existing Walk-in Freezer and Proposed Modifications to the Existing Outdoor Dining Area Located to the Rear of Ojai Mountain Farm Restaurant; Addressed 242 East Ojai Avenue (Design Review Permit [DRP 26-003] and Conditional Use Permit [CUP 26-003]). Assessor’s Parcel Number 021-0-140-370. Representative: Patrick Housh, Paul Poirier + Associates Architects. Property Owner: Verna Joy Adams; Applicant: Tony Yanow, Ojai Mountain Farm. (Requested by Mayor Gilman and Council Member Rule)
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Receive the Administrative Report and Presentation from Staff and the Applicant;

2. Take Public Comment on this matter; and
28 3. Consider a resolution (Attachment A) approving the outdoor storage and use of an existing walk-in freezer and proposed modifications to the existing outdoor dining area located at 242 East Ojai Avenue, consistent with the findings associated with the Design Review Permit and Conditional Use Permit and subject to the conditions of approval, and finding that the project is categorically
exempt from CEQA.

Council members made ex parte disclosures. Mayor Gilman opened the public hearing, accepted public comment, and closed the public hearing.

MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve the recommended Resolution with revisions to reflect a conditional and temporary, six-month approval of the freezer and the expanded outdoor dining area, and to return to City Council with an update regarding efforts to use a different freezer at the first regular meeting in August.

Motion carried 4-1 (Mayor Pro Tem Mang dissenting.).

Council Member Whitman exited the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

12. Recommended Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget, Annual GANN Appropriations Limit, and Salary Schedules and Adoption of Related Resolutions (Operational Need)
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Hold a public hearing to receive comments on the recommended FY 2026- 27 Budget and complete the budget review;

2. Review and approve the GANN Appropriations Limit computation;

3. Adopt a Resolution establishing the GANN Appropriations Limit for FY 2026-27;

4. Adopt a Resolution adopting the FY 2026-27 Budget; and

5. Adopt a Resolution amending the Salary Schedule for City Employees, effective July 6, 2026.

Mayor Gilman opened the public hearing, accepted public comment, and closed the public hearing.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Member Lang, to approve Item 12, as recommended.

The motion carried 3-1-1 (Mayor Pro Tem Mang dissenting. Council Member Whitman absent.).
29 13. Zone Change (ZC 25-001) | Request for a zone change from Business Professional (BP) to Commercial (C-1) to allow for the sale of alcohol and bring an existing gas station “Ojai Gas” associated convenience store use into conformance regarding zone designation, located at 1124 Maricopa Highway, Assessor’s Parcel Number 019-0-180-070. The subject site has a General Plan Designation of General Commercial (GC), and the Zoning Classification of the site is Business Professional (BP). Property Owner: Ojai Gas Inc. Applicant: Ojai Gas Inc. Raad Abasi. Representative: Alan Nelsen, Marquette Consulting, Inc. (Operational Need)
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Conduct a public hearing, accept public testimony, and close the public hearing; and

2. Adopt City Council Resolution (Attachment A) approving Zone Change (ZC 25-001) from Business Professional (BP) to General Commercial (C-1) to allow for the sale of alcohol and bring existing gas station “Ojai Gas” associated convenience store use into conformance regarding zone designation, based on
the findings and conditions in Attachment A as the proposal is consistent with the Ojai Municipal Code, and finding the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA.

Mayor Gilman opened the public hearing, accepted public comment, and closed the public hearing.

MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Rule, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 13, as recommended.

The motion carried 4-0-1 (Council Member Whitman absent.).

DISCUSSION

14. First Amendment to Agreement with Ventura County Behavioral Health for Intensive Services Coordinator for FY 2026-2027 (Operational Need) RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with Ventura County Behavioral Health for continuation of Intensive Service Coordinator services for non-emergency mental health and case management for unhoused individuals citywide, to extend the term of the Agreement by one year and increase the Agreement's Not-to-Exceed Limit by $177,647, funded equally by General Fund (OTT) and ERF Grant Funds, for a new total Not-to-Exceed
Limit of $371,955, in a form approved by the City Attorney.

Item 14 was continued to a future meeting.

15. Concept Review for City of Ojai Speed Hump Policy (City Council Direction) 30 RECOMMENDATION:

1. Review the recommendations for a City of Ojai Speed Hump Policy and provide feedback to staff; and,

2. Decide whether to adopt the policy at a future meeting or have it reviewed by
the Public Safety Commission.

Item 15 was continued to a future meeting.

16. Council Member Town Hall and Panel Policy (City Council Direction) RECOMMENDATION: Review and adopt the Town Hall and Panel Policy establishing guidelines for City sponsored and Council member hosted town community meetings, including the use of City resources and compliance.

Item 16 was continued to a future meeting.

17. Adoption of Updated Social Media Policy and Community Calendar Use Policy (Operational Need)
RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt the updated City of Ojai Social Media Policy, including Appendices A through E; and

2. Adopt the BeWith Community Calendar Use & Posting Policy, to ensure consistent governance, public transparency, accessibility, and legally defensible content moderation practices.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Council Lang, to approve Item 17, with minor modifications to content guidelines sections and direction to have Communications ad hoc committee review.

The motion carried 4-0-1 (Council Member Whitman absent.).

COUNCIL MEMBER'S REPORTS

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gilman adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Approved:
31 MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026, 5:30 PM
KENT HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL CAMPUS - 111 W SANTA ANA ST,

OJAI, CA
Mayor Gilman called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL
The following members were present: Mayor Gilman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and Council Members Rule, Lang, and Whitman.

Also present: City Manager Harvey, City Attorney Burgess, Assistant to the City Manager Cervantes, Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chief Deputy City Clerk Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve the agenda.

Unanimous Consent reached through the Mayor.

DISCUSSION

1. First Amendment to Agreement with Ventura County Behavioral Health for Intensive Services Coordinator for FY 2026-2027 (Operational Need) RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with Ventura County Behavioral Health for continuation of Intensive Service Coordinator services for non-emergency mental health and case management for unhoused individuals citywide, to extend the term of the Agreement by one year and increase the Agreement's Not- to-Exceed Limit by $177,647, funded equally by General Fund (OTT) and ERF Grant Funds, for a new total Not-to-Exceed Limit of $371,955, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
32 MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Mayor Gilman, to approve Item 1, with modified conditions authorizing a shorter term of three months at prorated amount, allowing time to discuss with County Officials the Council’s provided direction, and return with updated contract with the City Attorney’s Office
The motion carried unanimously.

2. Concept Review for City of Ojai Speed Hump Policy (City Council Direction) RECOMMENDATION:

1. Review the recommendations for a City of Ojai Speed Hump Policy and provide feedback to staff; and,

2. Decide whether to adopt the policy at a future meeting or have it reviewed by
the Public Safety Commission.

Agenda Report - Concept Review for Speed
Hump Policy Attachment A - County of
Ventura Modified Policy for Ojai
Attachment B - Comparison and Listing of Speed Hump Policies from Various Municipalities
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Rule, seconded by Council Member Whitman, to request the advisory role the Public Safety Commission for review and recommendation of the item, as priority item and issue for the newly established commission.

The motion carried unanimously.

3. Council Member Town Hall and Panel Policy (City Council Direction) RECOMMENDATION: Review and adopt the Town Hall and Panel Policy establishing guidelines for City sponsored and Council member hosted town community meetings, including the use of City resources and compliance.

Administrative Report - Council Member Town Hall
and Panel Policy Attachment A - Town Hall and
Panel Policy
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Lang, seconded by Council Member Whitman, approve the policy, allowing approval through Consent Calendar, and with minor language modification.

The motion carried unanimously.
33 ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gilman adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.
____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Approved:
34 APRIL

MINUTES

OJAI PLANNING COMMISSION
June 3, 2026
Call to Order
Chair Murphy called the regular meeting of the Ojai Planning Commission to order on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (In-person and via teleconference).

Roll Call
On a call of the roll, the following Planning Commissioners were present in person: Chair Murphy, and Commissioners Hanson and Steward.

Absent: Vice Chair Chesley, Commissioner Rice Schmidt
City staff present: Maura Macaluso, Principal Planner, Darren Ziegler, Senior Counsel, Shari Herbruck, Principal Planning and Building Technician, PC Commission secretary.

Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Bruce Hanson
Approval of the Agenda The Commission approved the agenda as submitted.

Public Communication None
Consent Item(s)

1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Planning Commission May 20, 2026 Motion: Commissioner Hanson moved and Commissioner Steward seconded the motion to approve May 20, 2026, regular PC meeting minutes as submitted.

The motion passed as follows:

AYES: Hanson, Murphy, Steward
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chesley, Rice Schmidt
Disclaimer of Site Visits and Ex-parte Contacts
All Commissioners present at the meeting had no site visit site or any ex-parte contacts for Item 2.

Public Hearing Item(s)

2. Zone Change (ZC 25-001) | Re Noticing for previously considered request for a zone change from Business Professional (BP) to Commercial (C-1) to allow for the sale of alcohol and bring an existing gas station “Ojai Gas” associated convenience store use into conformance regarding zone designation, located at 1124 Maricopa Highway, Assessor’s Parcel Number 019-0-180-070. The subject site has a General Plan Designation of General Commercial (GC), and the Zoning Classification of the site is Business Professional (BP).

Property Owner: Ojai Gas Inc. Applicant: Ojai Gas Inc. Raad Abasi. Representative: Evelyn Abasi, Esq.
35 36
APRIL

MINUTES

OJAI PLANNING COMMISSION
June 17, 2026
Call to Order
Chair Murphy called the regular meeting of the Ojai Planning Commission to order on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (In-person and via teleconference).

Roll Call
On a call of the roll, the following Planning Commissioners were present in person: Chair Murphy, and Commissioners Hanson, Rice Schmidt and Steward.

Absent: Vice Chair Chesley.

City staff present: Maura Macaluso, Principal Planner, Darren Ziegler, Senior Counsel, Shari Herbruck, Principal Planning and Building Technician.

Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Rice Schmidt
Approval of the Agenda The Commission approved the agenda as submitted.

Public Communication Andrew Whitman
Consent Item(s)

1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Planning Commission June 3, 2026 Motion: Commissioner Hanson moved and Commissioner Steward seconded the motion to approve June 3, 2026, regular PC meeting minutes as submitted.

The motion passed as follows:

AYES: Hanson, Murphy, Steward
ABSTAIN: Rice Schmidt,
ABSENT: Chesley
Disclaimer of Site Visits and Ex-parte Contacts
Chair Murphy, Commissioners Rice Schmidt and Hanson visited the site and had no ex-parte contacts for Item 2. Commissioner Steward visited the site and had a conversation with the property owner.
37 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes June 17, 2026

Commissioner Steward recused himself from this item as he has a business in the area.

Discussion Item(s)

2. Concept Review (CR 26-003) | to provide comments regarding a request to amend the General Plan Designation from Commercial Manufacturing (CM) to General Commercial (GC) to be consistent with the existing General Commercial (C-1) zone designation, merge three existing legal vacant lots into one parcel through a Tentative Parcel Map, and consider a Design Review Permit, for the construction of a new hotel development "Wildflower" including 6 two-story and 2 one-story hotel units with parking area, private patios, and shared open space located at 923 E. Ojai Avenue, Assessor’s Parcel Number 023-0-160- 095. The site is located in Bryant Industrial Area Plan area, Thoroughfare Corridor Overlay (T-C-O) District, and East Ojai Avenue Design Guidelines area. Property Owner/Applicant:

Nathaniel Mitchell, Flow Street Holdings, Inc.

Chair Murphy opened the item and turned the time over to staff Staff –Principal Planner Macaluso reviewed the project described in the staff report and presented a PowerPoint.

Chair Murphy turned the time over to the property owner/applicant Nathaniel Mitchell Chair Murphy opened the discussion item for public comments. :

In person Speakers - Anita Cramm, Tara Jeffery, Vickie Carlton-Byrne, Bill Miley, Heidi Whitman, Karol Avalon, Doug LaBarre.

Virtual Speakers – Chelsey Suttula, Larry Steingold.

Chair Murphy closed the public comment period.

The Commission asked questions about the proposal. Mr. Mitchell and staff responded.

The Commission deliberated and provided comments to the property owner/applicant.

Chair Murphy closed the item.

Commissioner Steward returned to the dais.

Informational Item(s)

3. Future Agenda Items
The Commission received a report from Planner Macaluso and asked questions.

Director’s Report - None
Commission Member Report - None
38 39

Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Brenda Cho, Finance Director
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
SUBJECT: City of Ojai Warrants for June 08, 2026 – June 21, 2026

RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file.

DISCUSSION
Disbursement Warrant Check Numbers: 80793-80860
Payroll Warrant Check Numbers: 38400-38401
Number of Direct Deposits: 58
City of Ojai Disbursement Warrants for General Fund
and Special Revenue Funds $ 327,437.29
Payroll – June 11 & June 15, 2026 117,983.33
*Includes One Final Payout
Total $ 445,420.62
The purchase of a single-family residential property located at 503 S Ventura Street was approved at the March 10, 2026 City Council Meeting. Per the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Joint Escrow Instructions, a deposit of $25,000 was wired to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company on April 14, 2026. The remaining balance due of $817,722.06 was wired to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company on May 11, 2026.

The transactions are included in this Administrative Report as these were unintentionally omitted from prior warrant reports.

CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 8 - Financial Stability

OPTIONS

1. Take no action.

2. Provide alternative direction to staff.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. The list of warrants is presented for 40

informational purposes only and reflects payments previously authorized and budgeted.

Prepared by: Scott Avila, Senior Accounting Specialist

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Check Register
B. Disbursement by Category
41 Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
80793 Aqua-Flo Supply 06/11/2026 1,689.05
Supplies for Citywide Maintenance
80794 AT&T 06/11/2026 32.19
May 2026 Telephone
80795 CA Dept of Justice 06/11/2026 113.00
April 2026 Fingerprinting Fees
80796 CoStar Realty Information Inc 06/11/2026 1,032.00 June 2026 CDD Software Program
80797 Delta Liquid Energy 06/11/2026 1,663.67
May 2026 Trolley Fuel
80798 EideBailly LLP 06/11/2026 169.50
May 2026 Accounting Services
80799 Emmanuel A Mendez 06/11/2026 2,250.00
June 2026 City Transit Wash
80800 Fillmore Area Transit Corporation 06/11/2026 1,352.00 April 2026 Trolley Driver Services
80801 Julie Gerard 06/11/2026 450.00
Building Permit Reimbursement
80802 Greg Rents 06/11/2026 451.41
May 2026 PW Equipment Rental
80803 Jordan Kear 06/11/2026 14,120.00
May 2026 Ventura Watershed Litigation Support
80804 Meiners Oaks Hardware 06/11/2026 2,380.98
Supplies for Citywide Maintenance
80805 Ojai Auto Supply 06/11/2026 906.37
May 2026 Supplies for Trolley Maintenance
80806 Ojai Lumber Company Inc 06/11/2026 2,988.40
Supplies for Citywide Maintenance
Check Summary By Check Number
42 Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
80807 Ojai Valley Sanitary District 06/11/2026 1,635.62 June 2026 Sewer Services
80808 Prudential Overall Supply 06/11/2026 130.39
Public Works Cleaning Supplies & Clothing Allowance
80809 Puretec Industrial Water 06/11/2026 435.57
May 2026 Industrial Water for Trolley
80810 Secural Security Corporation 06/11/2026 7,785.44
May 2026 City Unhoused Security
80811 So Cal Gas 06/11/2026 223.89
May 2026 Gas
80812 United Site Services Inc 06/11/2026 1,356.71
May 2026 OTT Porta Potty Rental
80813 County of Ventura 06/11/2026 7,951.28
April 2026 PW Truck Repair
80814 Ventura Council of Governments 06/11/2026 2,305.00 2026 - 2027 Annual Member Assessment Dues
80815 AllGood Driving School, Inc. 06/18/2026 84.00
Recreation Class - Online Driver Education
80816 Eilam Byle 06/18/2026 1,020.00
June 2026 City Street Sign
80817 California State Disbursement Unit 06/18/2026 82.15 June 2026 Payroll Expense
80818 Capco Analytical Services 06/18/2026 115.00
April 2026 Storm Water Testing
80819 Casitas Municipal Water District 06/18/2026 599.42 April 2026 Water
80820 Catalina Industries Inc 06/18/2026 540.06
Supplies for General & Libbey Bowl Maintenance
43 Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
80821 County of Ventura 06/18/2026 515.00
May 2026 Monthly Rent for Soule Park Pickleball Courts
80822 County of Ventura Public Works Agency 06/18/2026 1,676.50 June 2026 Hazardous Waste Program
80823 DATCO 06/18/2026 60.00
Trolley Pre-Employment Drug Test
80824 David Hauptman CO.; INC 06/18/2026 2,003.43
June 2026 Soccer Goal & Net for Sarzotti Park
80825 DFM Associates 06/18/2026 150.85
2026 California Elections Code Book
80826 Max Dickenson 06/18/2026 991.50
Recreation Class - Weight Room
80827 DocuProducts 06/18/2026 3,687.34
February - May 2026 Copy Machine Color Printing Fees
80828 Emmanuel A Mendez 06/18/2026 1,250.00
June 2026 City Transit Wash
80829 Franchise Tax Board 06/18/2026 100.00
June 2026 Payroll Expense
80830 Darrell Gooden 06/18/2026 520.00
Recreation Class - Kung Fu
80831 Green Thumb Int'l 06/18/2026 1,183.89
May 2026 Supplies for Street Maintenance
80832 Greg Rents 06/18/2026 3,233.65
June 2026 PW Equipment Rental
80833 E.J. Harrison & Sons 06/18/2026 440.60
May 2026 Rolloff Dumpster for OTT
80834 Help of Ojai Inc. 06/18/2026 4,900.00
January - March 2026 Rental Assistance
44 Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
80835 JMG Security Systems, Inc. 06/18/2026 420.00
July - September 2026 Sarzotti Burglar & Fire Alarm
80836 Kelly Cleaning & Supplies, Inc. 06/18/2026 8,378.08 June 2026 Janitorial Services
80837 Koolco Mechanical Inc 06/18/2026 1,505.01
Final Payment for Recreation Ice Machine
80838 Jess D Leedy 06/18/2026 1,000.00
Libbey Bowl Band Performance
80839 Living Aikido 06/18/2026 172.25
Recreation Class - Aikido
80840 MV Cheng & Associates Inc. 06/18/2026 5,560.00
May 2026 Finance Consulting Services
80841 National Graphics, LLC 06/18/2026 516.40
Business Cards for City Departments & Council
80842 Norma Cervantes 06/18/2026 185.10
Employee Reimbursement
80843 Ojai Auto Supply 06/18/2026 303.39
May 2026 Supplies for Trolley Maintenance
80844 Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council, Inc. 06/18/2026 28,951.88 Fire Safe Grant Installment Payment
80845 Ojai Valley Green Coalition 06/18/2026 36,000.00
September - March 2026 City Hall Campus Master Plan
80846 Poway Gymnastics 06/18/2026 3,844.44
Gymnastics Equipment for Recreation Dept
80847 Prudential Overall Supply 06/18/2026 130.39
Public Works Cleaning Supplies & Clothing Allowance
80848 SAFECHECKS 06/18/2026 697.69
June 2026 Finance Accounts Payable Check Stock
45 Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
80849 Sinclair Sanitary Supply, Inc. 06/18/2026 857.88
Supplies for Citywide Maintenance
80850 So Cal Gas 06/18/2026 81.36
May 2026 Gas
80851 Solid Waste Solutions Inc. 06/18/2026 597.00
June 2026 Cal Recycle Program
80852 Southern CA Edison 06/18/2026 22,836.46
May 2026 Electricity
80853 SSD Systems 06/18/2026 236.42
June 2026 Libbey Bowl Fire/ Burglar Alarm Services
80854 Stewart Title of California, Inc. 06/18/2026 3,570.00 Preliminary Report
80855 Timothy Kresge Debra Kresge 06/18/2026 2,972.03
Flooring Project at Recreation Dept
80856 Total Barricade Service, Inc. 06/18/2026 25.00
May 2026 Signs for Recreation Open House Event
80857 Trail Rides of Ojai DBA Infinite Horsemanship 06/18/2026 665.00 Recreation Class - Western Horsemanship Lessons
80858 Uline, Inc. 06/18/2026 569.86
June 2026 Sarzotti Snack Bar Prep Table Replacement
80859 Ventura Signs & Screen Printing 06/18/2026 230.05 May 2026 PW City Logo Apparel
80860 Westridge Market Inc 06/18/2026 414.44
May 2026 Supplies for City Council Meetings
ACH Ameriflex: Claims ACH 06/08/2026 255.49
June 2026 Payroll Expense
ACH Mission Square 457 ACH 06/11/2026 10,843.81
June 2026 Payroll Expense
46 Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
ACH IRS ACH 06/12/2026 43,268.15
June 2026 Payroll Expense
ACH Puget Sound System, Inc 06/12/2026 6,633.64
IT Computer
ACH EDD ACH 06/12/2026 6,950.69
June 2026 Payroll Expense
ACH Willdan Engineering 06/12/2026 6,681.00
April 2026 Plan Checking Services
Project 1011.001 304 Montgomery St 938.00
Project 1018.001 923 E Ojai Ave 681.00
Project 1019.001 611 S Montgomery St 1,518.00
Project 1021.001 107 N Ventura 57.00
Project 1024.001 509 Grand Ave 1,727.50
Project 1025.001 402 Bryant St 1,050.00
Project 1026.001 209 & 215 S Montgomery St 709.50
ACH Amazon.com/Sales, Inc 06/12/2026 2,295.38
June 2026 Miscellaneous Supplies
ACH Executive Wood Products, Inc 06/12/2026 6,047.10
Council Chamber Wood Podium & Microphone
ACH Ameriflex: Admin Fee ACH 06/12/2026 120.00
June 2026 Payroll Expense
ACH Christopher Reno 06/12/2026 5,300.00
June 2026 Trolley Repairs
ACH CalPERS Retirement ACH 06/15/2026 26,797.76
June 2026 Payroll Expense
ACH Ameriflex: Claims ACH 06/15/2026 2,364.91
June 2026 Payroll Expense
ACH U.S Bank National Association 06/18/2026 8,444.62
May 2026 Miscellaneous Supplies
47 Check Register
Check No Vendor Name Check Date Check Amount
Check Summary By Check Number
ACH EDD ACH 06/18/2026 19.47
June 2026 Payroll Expense
ACH IRS ACH 06/18/2026 319.28
June 2026 Payroll Expense
ACH Christopher Reno 06/18/2026 5,800.00
June 2026 Trolley Repairs
327,437.29
ACH Payroll
Pay Period 5/26/2026-6/14/2026 6/11/2026 & 6/15/2026 117,983.33 Wire & Paper Check Total 117,983.33
Grand Total 445,420.62 $
48 Category Amount
Lease and Rentals 5,997.37
County of Ventura 515.00
E.J. Harrison & Sons 440.60
Greg Rents 3,685.06
United Site Services Inc 1,356.71
Payroll and Benefits 209,105.04
Ameriflex: Admin Fee ACH 120.00
Ameriflex: Claims ACH 2,620.40
California State Disbursement Unit 82.15
CalPERS Retirement ACH 26,797.76
EDD ACH 6,970.16
Franchise Tax Board 100.00
IRS ACH 43,587.43
Mission Square 457 ACH 10,843.81
Pay Period 5/26/2026-6/14/2026 117,983.33
Professional/Contract Services 150,534.13
CA Dept of Justice 113.00
Capco Analytical Services 115.00
Christopher Reno 11,100.00
County of Ventura 7,951.28
County of Ventura Public Works Agency 1,676.50
DATCO 60.00
EideBailly LLP 169.50
Eilam Byle 1,020.00
Emmanuel A Mendez 3,500.00
Fillmore Area Transit Corporation 1,352.00
Help of Ojai Inc. 4,900.00
Jess D Leedy 1,000.00
JMG Security Systems, Inc. 420.00
Jordan Kear 14,120.00
Kelly Cleaning & Supplies, Inc. 8,378.08
MV Cheng & Associates Inc. 5,560.00
Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council, Inc. 28,951.88
Ojai Valley Green Coalition 36,000.00
Secural Security Corporation 7,785.44
Solid Waste Solutions Inc. 597.00
SSD Systems 236.42
Stewart Title of California, Inc. 3,570.00
Timothy Kresge Debra Kresge 2,972.03
Ventura Council of Governments 2,305.00
Willdan Engineering 6,681.00
Recreation Classes 2,432.75
AllGood Driving School, Inc. 84.00
Darrell Gooden 520.00
Living Aikido 172.25
Max Dickenson 991.50
Trail Rides of Ojai DBA Infinite Horsemanship 665.00
Reimbursement and Refunds 635.10
Julie Gerard 450.00
Norma Cervantes 185.10
Subscription and Software 1,032.00
CoStar Realty Information Inc 1,032.00
City of Ojai
Disbursement by Category
49 City of Ojai
Disbursement by Category
Supplies 50,275.29
Amazon.com/Sales, Inc 2,295.38
Aqua-Flo Supply 1,689.05
Catalina Industries Inc 540.06
David Hauptman CO.; INC 2,003.43
Delta Liquid Energy 1,663.67
DFM Associates 150.85
DocuProducts 3,687.34
Executive Wood Products, Inc 6,047.10
Green Thumb Int'l 1,183.89
Koolco Mechanical Inc 1,505.01
Meiners Oaks Hardware 2,380.98
National Graphics, LLC 516.40
Ojai Auto Supply 1,209.76
Ojai Lumber Company Inc 2,988.40
Poway Gymnastics 3,844.44
Prudential Overall Supply 260.78
Puget Sound System, Inc 6,633.64
Puretec Industrial Water 435.57
SAFECHECKS 697.69
Sinclair Sanitary Supply, Inc. 857.88
Total Barricade Service, Inc. 25.00
U.S Bank National Association 8,444.62
Uline, Inc. 569.86
Ventura Signs & Screen Printing 230.05
Westridge Market Inc 414.44
Utilities 25,408.94
AT&T 32.19
Casitas Municipal Water District 599.42
Ojai Valley Sanitary District 1,635.62
So Cal Gas 305.25
Southern CA Edison 22,836.46
Grand Total 445,420.62
50 51

Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager and
Bridget Mara, Admin Analyst I
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
SUBJECT: Revision of Ojai Trolley Advertising Program Rates, Contract Terms, and Inclusion in the Master Fee Schedule

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Review and approve revisions to the Ojai Trolley advertising program, including updated advertising rates and contract structure.

2. Approve limiting advertisers to one ad space per trolley.

3. Approve establishing a one-year contract term for all ad placements, with an exception for rear placements limited to three consecutive terms per advertiser.

4. Approve a unified rate for driver-side and pedestrian-side panels and a higher rate for the rear (back) panel due to increased visibility.

5. Direct staff to add all trolley advertising rates to the City’s Master Fee Schedule.

DISCUSSION
With the introduction of two new (smaller) trolleys, staff would like Council to review the current rates and terms of Trolley advertising and move to update both the rates and terms while also updating the rates into the Master Fee schedule. The Ojai Trolley advertising program has historically offered annual advertising contracts in which participating businesses receive their advertisement on every trolley in the fleet (3 Trolleys), providing maximum visibility but limiting availability for other businesses seeking access.

Additionally, all payments under the current system are due up front and in advance. The 12-month contract term began and ended in the same month, making it so that staff were required to review contracts every month for renewal.

The existing program includes rate categories for side panels and two rear panel sizes— Back-Small and one rear panel Back-Large. However, the current system does not limit how many premium locations a single advertiser may occupy or for how long they may 52

keep priority locations.

To improve fairness, create more rotation opportunities, and provide transparency to the public, staff recommends several key updates:

1. Limitation to One Ad Space per Trolley
Current materials indicate that each advertiser receives placement on every trolley, eliminating flexibility for new advertisers. There is potential for advertisers to place ads on all five Trolleys in rotation.

Rear placement would be limited to one space only and not allow for advertisement on all trolleys. This will open these coveted spaces to more advertisers.

The proposed update provides that each advertiser may hold one ad space per trolley only, opening inventory for broader business participation.

2. Updated Contract Terms
The current contract is already structured as a 12-month annual agreement from start date.

Staff recommends formalizing:
 A standard one-year contract by calendar year with prorated rates after January 31st, and
 A limit of two consecutive annual terms for rear (back) placements, which are the most sought-after spaces. This will ensure that high-demand spots rotate among interested businesses.

3. Updated Advertising Rates
Under the existing program, side panels share a rate structure, while back panels are priced higher due to their visibility.

Staff recommends continuing this pricing logic but updating the amounts for current market conditions:
 All rates will go up by 10% from previous rates
 Rear panel set at a higher rate due to premium visibility  15% discount for verified Chamber members and Non-Profit Organizations

4. Inclusion in the Master Fee Schedule
Trolley advertising rates have not historically been listed in the City’s Master Fee Schedule.

Adding these fees will:
 Improve transparency
 Provide a single public document where all City fees are located  Support consistent application and billing practices
These updates align with the City's goals of transparency, fairness, and efficient program administration.
53

COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 6 - Diversifying Ecomony/Tourism Management

OPTIONS

1. Take no action;

2. Provide alternative direction to staff.

FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed revisions are expected to increase program clarity and may increase advertising revenue by improving inventory rotation and aligning rates with demand.

Precise revenue impacts depend on updated fee amounts adopted by Council and subsequent advertiser participation.

Prepared by: Bridget Mara, Admin Analyst I

ATTACHMENT(S)
 A - Advertising Brochure and Contract (2024)
 B – Advertising Rates and Term Comparison Sheet
54 Trolley Advertising 2024

ABOUT THE OJAI VALLEY TROLLEY
Established in 1989, the Ojai Trolley Service is owned and operated by the City of Ojai with the support from the County of Ventura. Having provided over 100,000 rides each year, the trolley offers a unique take on transportation with its daily, fixed routes throughout the City of Ojai and neighboring communities, Meiners Oaks and Mira Monte. These beloved classic red-green Victorian style trolleys are a staple to the community of Ojai Valley and are a part of what makes Ojai so special.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
After costs, 100% of the funds raised from the trolley advertising are used to support the operations of the Ojai Trolley Service. The revenue collected from advertising allows the City of Ojai to leverage additional State and Federal grants to keep the trolley service rolling.

WHY ADVERTISE?
Our Trolleys are hard to miss! With operating 7 days a week from morning until night, and two trolleys on route Monday through Friday, your ad is guaranteed to receive a high volume of exposure. To ensure this, we place your ad on every trolley in the fleet, so regardless of which trolleys are running that day your ad will be visible to all residents and visitors alike in the Ojai Valley.

Plus, the Ojai Trolley is an iconic feature in our city leaving it to be a part of many local community events, community service, and educational functions which can help further the exposure your ad receives! WHO GETS TO ADVERTISE?
Although all businesses are welcome to apply, the Ojai Trolley Service encourages local businesses to take advantage of this unique promotional opportunity. We want our local businesses to receive the recognition they deserve from potential customers.

PLEASE NOTE
Spots available will change. We highly encourage that you inquire directly for availability questions. All spots are on a first-come, first serve basis.

Our service is an integral part of our community providing access to schools, jobs, healthcare, and anything else that can be found in our little valley.

Advertise with us, support our service, and support your community.

Want More Information? Email: [email protected] | Phone: (805)272-3883 | Website: www.ojaitrolley.com Attachment A
1 of 4
55 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG WILL MY AD RUN?
Ad contracts are available for annual 12 month contracts.

WHEN WILL MY SIGN BE UP ON THE TROLLEY?
Your signs will be up approximately 3 days after they are received.

HOW MUCH DOES THE ADVERTISING COST?
Below you will find the costs for advertising. All payments are due up front and in advance for the sign space. When making a payment be sure that all checks are payable to the City of Ojai – Trolley.
1 Year Chamber Members Standard
Back – Small $1,800 $2,125
Side $2,800 $3,300
Back – Large $3,800 $4,475
MAY I KEEP MY SIGNS AFTER MY CONTRACT EXPIRES?
Yes. You own the signs and, when your contract is finished, you may keep your signs. Be sure to give us a call, and we will have your signs ready for pickup. However, please be aware that we are not responsible for cleaning off the dust and dirt after having removed them from the trolley.

WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTED ARTWORK SIZES FOR SUBMISSION?
SIDES: full size 16.25”H x 37.25”W includes bleed – (actual visible LIVE size 15.5”H x 36.5”W) BACK CENTER: full size 16.25”H x 38.25”W – (actual visible LIVE size 15.5”H x 37.5”W) BACK SIDES: full size 22”H x 22”W – (actual visible LIVE size 20.75”H x 20.75”W) WHERE CAN I GET MY SIGNS DONE?
You can have them done anywhere! If you don’t know where to start, we recommend using FASTSIGNS Ventura. We have used them in the past and they are familiar with our size requirements, dimensions, and restrictions. Below is their contact information and website.

FASTSIGNS
Phone Number: (805) 600-5003
Website: www.fastsigns.com/ventura-ca/
Questions? Email: [email protected]
Attachment A
2 of 4
56 APPLICATION & CONTRACT 2024 DATE: _______________
Company Name:_______________________ ________ ___________________ _____ _____________ ____ Contact Person: _____________ _____ _____________ __________ ______________ _____________ ___ Address: ______________________________ ______________ _____________ __________ ________ ___ City: ______________ _____________________________ State: ________________ Zip: _________________ Telephone: ______________________ ____________ Email: ____ ________________ _____________ ____ All payments are due up front, in full, and in advance for the selected term *You may change signs every 30 days. 90 days, or 6 months for the price of the sign cost itself* Looking for a discount? We take 5% off for 2 year contracts! 1 AD Placement $____________
TOTAL
2 (Make checks payable to the City of Ojai-Trolley)
$_______________________
I agree to the terms set forth in this contract (Refer to page 4 for terms) Signature ___________________________ Date _________________ 1 Year Chamber Members Standard
Back – Small $1,800 $2,125
Side $2,800 $3,300
Back – Large $3,800 $4,475
Please remove this page and mail (or scan and email), and submit check as payable to City of Ojai – Trolley and mail to:

Ojai Trolley Service
408 S. Signal Street, Ojai, Ca 93023
*Only completed signed applications, pages 3 and 4, with payment will be accepted* Attachment A
3 of 4
57 CITY OF OJAI TROLLEY SERVICE ADVERTISING POLICY
The City of Ojai’s Ojai Trolley Service will
vehicles as it deems appropriate in
accordance with the following guidelines:

I. PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose and intent of this policy is to
create definite, uniform standards for the
display of advertising and
announcements (collectively referred to
herein as “advertising”) on Ojai Trolley
Service vehicles and all other forums
owned, controlled or operated by the City
of Ojai related to operation of the Ojai
Trolley Service.

It is the City’s purpose and intent that any
and all forums for advertising under this
policy are not public forums for political
discourse or expressive activity. These areas
are not intended to provide a forum for all
types of advertisements but only the limited
advertisements accepted under this policy.

All advertising shall be subject to this
uniform, viewpoint-neutral policy. The City’s
intent and purpose is to take into account
interests which are of importance to the
operation of the Ojai Trolley Service. These
interests include the following:

A. Maintain a professional
advertising environment that
maximizes advertising
revenues and minimizes
interference with or disruption
of the City’s transit system.

B. Maintain an image of neutrality
on political, religious or other
issues that are not the subject of
commercial advertising and are
the subject of public debate and
concern.

C. Continue to build and retain
transit ridership.

II. ADVERTISING STANDARDS

AND RESTRICTIONS PERMITTED

ADVERTISING
The City’s intent is to permit commercial
advertising for products and services. All
commercial and promotional advertising
must meet or exceed high quality
standards of art and design as exemplified
in the industry and as determined by the
City of Ojai or its authorized Advertising
Contractor as defined herein.

1. Commercial and Promotional
Advertising. Commercial and promotional
advertising solely promotes or solicits the
sale, rental, distribution or availability of
goods, services, food, entertainment, events,
programs, transactions, donations, products
or property for commercial purposes or more
generally promotes an entity that engages in
such activity. Commercial and promotional
advertising does not include advertising that
both promotes a business or offers to sell
products, goods or services, and also conveys
a political or religious message, or issue
advocacy, and/or expresses or advocates
opinions or positions related to any of the
foregoing.

2. Disclaimer. The City of Ojai reserves
the right, in all circumstances, to require
an advertisement to include a disclaimer
indicating that it is not sponsored by and
does not necessarily reflect the views of
the City of Ojai.

3. Additional Requirement. Any advertising
must readily and unambiguously include the
identity of the sponsor. Website addresses
or phone numbers without more information
are deemed ambiguous.

4. Government Use. The City reserves the
right to utilize any areas it has deemed
appropriate for advertising pursuant to this
policy for its own promotional purposes,
including, but not limited to, the promotion
or announcement of City sponsored
events, or to permit use by other
governmental agencies for the promotion
or announcement of local governmental
services.

B. Viewpoint Neutral Limitations
on Advertising Content
The following viewpoint neutral content
based on limitations permitted for placement
or display on Ojai Trolley Service vehicles
owned or operated by the City of Ojai are
established. No advertising is permitted on or
in Ojai Trolley Service vehicles and any and
all other forums owned, controlled or
operated by the City of Ojai, if it or the
information contained therein falls into one or
more of the following categories:

1. False, Misleading, or Deceptive
Commercial Speech. This advertisement
proposes a commercial transaction, and
the advertisement, any material contained
in it, is false, misleading, or deceptive.

2. Unlawful Goods or Services. This
advertisement, or any material contained in
it, promotes or encourages, or appears to
promote or encourage, the use or
possession of unlawful or illegal goods or
services under local, state, or federal laws.

3. Unlawful Conduct. The advertisement,
or any material contained in it, promotes
or encourages, or appears to promote or
encourage, unlawful or illegal behavior or
activities under local, state or federal laws.

4. Unauthorized Endorsement. The
advertisement, or any material contained
in it, implies or declares an endorsement
by the City of Ojai or Ojai Transit of any
service, product or point of view, without
prior written authorization of the City of
Ojai through its City Manager.

5. Obscenity or Nudity. The advertising
contains any nudity, obscenity, sexual
content, sexual excitement, or
sadomasochistic abuse as those terms
defined by California Penal Code section
311, et. seq., and as such laws may
from time to time be amended or
supplemented.

6. Community Standards. The
advertisement contains material that
describes, depicts, or represents sexual
activities or aspects of the human anatomy
in a way that the average adult, applying
contemporary or community standards,
would find offensive or inappropriate for
viewing by minors.

7. Prurient Interests. The advertising, or
any material contained in it, contains harmful
matter or any other matter that is prohibited
under the provisions of California Penal Code
section 313, et. seq., and as such laws may
from time to time be amended or
supplemented.

8. Tobacco. The advertisement promotes
the sale or use of tobacco or tobacco
related products.

9. Alcohol, Marijuana, and Regulated
Substances. Advertising that promotes the
sale or use of beer, wine, distilled spirits,
alcoholic beverages, marijuana, or any
substance licensed and regulated under
California law; however, this prohibition
shall not prohibit advertising that includes
the name of a restaurant that serves
alcoholic beverages that is open to minors.

10. Firearms. Advertisement that
promotes or solicits the sale, rental,
distribution, availability, or use of
firearms or firearms-related products.

11. Demeaning or Disparaging. Advertising
that includes language, pictures, or other
graphic representations that are derogatory
or defamatory of any person or group
because of race, color, national origin, ethnic
background, age, disability, ancestry, marital
or parental status, military discharge status,
source of income, religion, gender or sexual
orientation.

12. Profanity, Riot. The advertisement
contains profane language or presents a
clear and present danger of causing a riot,
disorder, or other imminent threat to
public peace, safety and order.

13. Violence. The advertisement contains an
image or description of graphic violence or
the depiction of weapons or other
implements or devices associated in the
advertisement with an act or acts of violence
or harm on a person or animal.

14. Adult – Oriented Goods or Services.

The advertisement promotes or
encourages, or appears to promote or
encourage, adult book stores, nude dance
clubs, and other adult entertainment
establishments, adult telephone services,
adult Internet sites, and escort services.

15. Political. Advertisement promoting or
opposing (i) a political party; (ii) the
election of any candidate or group of
candidates for federal, state or local
government offices; (iii) any legislation,
initiative, referendum or ballot measure; or
(iv) a political action committee, political
campaign or political philosophy.

16. Religious. Advertisement that
contains any direct or indirect reference
to religion, deity or includes the existence
or nonexistence of any deity, religious
creed, denomination, belief, tenet, cause or
issue relating to religion.

17. Public Issue. Advertising expressing or
advocating an opinion, position, or
viewpoint on matters of public debate about
economic, political, religious or social issues,
that causes City owned property to become
a public forum.

18. Harmful or Disruptive to Transit
System. Any material in the advertisement
that is so objectionable under contemporary
community standards as to be reasonably
foreseeable that it will result in harm to,
disruption of or interference with the City’s
transportation system. The advertising, or
any material contained in it, incorporates
any rotating, revolving, or flashing devices,
or other moveable parts.

19. Traffic Interference. The advertising,
or any material contained in it, displays any
word, phrase, symbol or character likely to
interfere with, mislead, or distract traffic, or
conflict with any traffic control device.

III. ADVERTISING PROGRAM AND
ADMINISTRATION The City shall
incorporate this Policy into its
advertising contracts.

Review by Advertising Contractor
The City’s Advertising Contractor shall
review each advertisement submitted for
display on or in Ojai Trolley service vehicles
to determine whether the advertisement
complies with this policy. If it appears the
advertisement may be questionable, the
Advertising Contractor shall notify the City
Manager, or designee, and obtain approval
before the advertisement is installed.

Review by the City Staff
The City Manager or designee shall review
the advertisement and supporting
information to determine whether or not the
advertisement complies with this policy. If
the City Manager, or designee, determines
the advertisement does not comply with this
policy, a written document will be prepared
and forwarded to the Advertising Contractor
specifying the standard(s) with which the
advertisement does not comply.

Notification to Advertiser
The Advertising Contractor will send the
advertiser a prompt, written notification
indicating advertisement rejection with
specific standard(s) the advertisement failed
to comply with and a copy of this policy. A
copy of the rejection notification will be
forwarded to the City Manager or designee
for retention.

Appeal to City Manager
Rejection of an advertisement may be
appealed to the City Manager, or designee,
by written notification to the City Manager.

The City Manager will review all pertinent
documents and issue a written decision. The
City Manager’s decision shall be final and is
not subject to appeal.

Unilateral Amendment
The City of Ojai reserves the right to
unilaterally amend this policy at any time
upon providing written notice to any
advertiser then under contract with the City.

Moratorium
The City of Ojai, through the City Manager,
reserves the right to at any time, subject to
any contractual obligations, declare a
complete ban or moratorium on all
advertising on any real or personal
property under the City’s control and direct
that no advertising of any kind, other than
City advertisements or announcements, be
accepted for display and posting.

INITIAL HERE
By initialing, I agree to the terms set forth
in this contract
Questions? Email: [email protected]
accept limited advertising on and in its
Attachment A
4 of 4
58 Advertising Rates and Term Comparisons
(Original Fees from 2024 Brochure)
The rates below include three ad spaces on all (3) separate Trolleys for one 12-month time frame.

Ad Panel Type Ad Space
Dimensions
Standard
Rate
(Non-Chamb
er)
Discount for
Chamber Member
and Not for Profits
Rate
Number of
Ad Spaces
Available
Side Panel 16.25” H x 37.25” W $3,300 $2,800 30
Back – Small Panel 22” W x 22” H $2,125 $1,800 6
Back – Large Panel 16.25” H x 38.25” W $4,475 $3,800 3
(Proposed Fees to add to Master Fee)
The rates below are for one each ad space per Trolley (5) for a calendar year time frame.

Ad Panel Type Ad Space
Dimensions
Standard Rate
(Non-Chamber)
15% Discount for
Chamber Member
and Not for Profits
Rate
Number of
Ad Spaces
Available
Side Panel 16.25” H x 37.25” W $1210 $1028.50 48
Back – Small Panel 22” W x 22” H $779.18 $662.29 10
Back – Large Panel 16.25” H x 38.25” W $1641 1395.02 6
Side-by-Side Comparison of Trolley Advertising Program Rules (Current vs. Proposed)
Topic Current Program Rules
(2024 Brochure) Proposed Updated Rules
Ad Space
Allocation
Advertisers receive their ad
on every trolley in the fleet.
1 (3 ads on 3 Trolleys)
Advertisers may hold one ad space per trolley
(driver-side, pedestrian-side, or back).
59 Topic Current Program Rules
(2024 Brochure) Proposed Updated Rules
Access to
Premium
Back Spaces
No rotation or limitation
specified. Same advertiser
may retain back panels
indefinitely.

Back panel contracts are limited to two
consecutive annual terms per advertiser to
ensure fairness and rotation.

Contract
Length
12-month annual contracts
that expire 12 months from
contract start date.
12-month Calendar Year - Contract start date is
January 1st with fees to be prorated when
purchased after January 31st .

Contract
Renewal
Rules
No restrictions on renewals
for Driver/Pedestrian side ad
space
Rear placements have a maximum of two
consecutive annual terms, after which the
space must open to new advertisers.

Rate
Structure
(Sides)
Driver/Pedestrian sides priced
at $3,300 standard / $2,800
chamber/NP. (rates are for up
to 3 ad spots)
Driver/Pedestrian sides price suggested at
$1210 standard/ $1028.50 chamber/NP.
updated rates will be placed in Master Fee
Schedule.

Rate
Structure
(Back)
Back-Small: $2,125 standard
/ $1,800 chamber.

Back-Large: $4,475 standard
/ $3,800 chamber. (rates are
for up to 3 ad spots)
Back Small: $779.18 standard / $662.29
chamber/NP. Back Large: $1641 standard /
$1395.02 chamber/NP. Back Large panel
continues to be priced higher than side panels
due to premium visibility; updated rates will be
placed in Master Fee Schedule.

Payment
Terms
Payment due up front, in full,
in advance of term.

Same requirement; no change other than
prorated mid-year contracts
Placement
Timing
Signs installed within 3 days
of receipt.

Same operational timeline (unchanged).

Master Fee
Schedule
Trolley advertising is not
included in the Master Fee
Schedule.

All trolley ad rates will be added to the Master
Fee Schedule for clarity, transparency, and
consistency.

Inventory
Availability
No restrictions on number of
spaces one advertiser may
occupy (since ads appear on
every trolley).

Availability becomes more equitable due to
one-space-per-trolley rule and limits on back
placements.

Other City/County bus advertisements rates and terms
Most cities that operate trolley systems similar in scale to the City of Ojai do not offer exterior advertising at all. In cases where cities and counties do sell advertising on buses, the available ad spaces are typically much larger than the Ojai Trolley panels and therefore command significantly higher rates.
60 As the City updates its own program, staff is proposing a structure that mirrors standard industry practice.

Advertising rates set on a “per space, per vehicle” basis. This ensures our pricing model is consistent with regional transit agencies, reflects the true value of each placement, and supports a fair and sustainable advertising program for local businesses.

Transit Agency Product Ad Size (W
× L)
Summer Months
only
How many buses
will ad be placed
Avila Beach and Morro
Bay (RTA)
Passenger
Side 20” x 11’ $1000.00 Per ad per Trolley
Avila Beach and Morro
Bay (RTA) Driver Side 27” x 12’ $1000.00 Per ad per Trolley Transit Agency Product Ad Size (W
× L) 12 Mo How many buses will ad be placed
Santa Barbara (MTD) 29’ Gillig
Queen Ad 18” x 55” $2196 Per ad Per bus
Santa Barbara (MTD) 29’ Gillig
Tail Ad 22” x 58” $3600 Per ad per bus
Transit Agency Product Ad Size (W
× L) 12 Mo How many buses will ad be placed
Ventura County
(GCTD)
Special
Queen
30" × 80" $1788 Per ad per bus
Ventura County
(GCTD) Tail 16" × 72" $3240 Per ad per bus
Ventura County
(GCTD) Special Tail 11" × 58" $2184 Per ad per bus
Transit Agency Product Ad Size (W
× L) 12 Months How many buses will ad be placed
Monterey-Salinas
Transit (MST) Queen éÓé $2448 Per ad per bus
Monterey-Salinas
Transit (MST) Tail éÓé $2244 Per ad per bus
Transit Agency Product Ad Size (W
× L) 12 Months How many buses will ad be placed
Bakersfield (GETD) King éÓ¥ $7500 Per ad per bus Bakersfield (GETD) Super Tail 36” x 80” $6300 Per ad per bus 61

Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Lindy Palmer, Public Works Director
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
SUBJECT: On-Call Trade and Professional Services – Award of Agreements (Operational Need)

RECOMMENDATION

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute amendments for one (1) additional two-year term to the current On-Call Professional Services Agreements that have expired on June 30, 2026 extending them to June 30, 2028 and increase the not-to-exceed amount of each On-Call Professional Services Agreement as provided in this report; and,

2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an On-Call Trade Agreement with Ventura Pest Control and authorize future amendments for an additional one (1) one-year term with compensation not-to-exceed $75,000; and

3. Receive and file the task orders issued during Fiscal Year 25/26.

DISCUSSION
The Public Works Department routinely utilizes numerous contractors to perform a variety of services. To improve the efficiency and timeliness of completing necessary repairs and small projects, staff recommends entering into On-Call Trade Agreements and On-Call Professional Services with various contractors and consultants for those services most frequently used by the Public Works Department. When On-Call services are required, City staff will issue a task order to the appropriate contractor or consultant under the On-Call agreement which serves as the authorization to proceed with work and obligates the City to pay the Task Order amount. Until a task order is issued, these contractors and consultants are not guaranteed the opportunity to perform any work or receive any payment of any amounts under these contracts.

Recommendation #1
On October 24, 2023, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute On-Call Professional Services Agreements for as-needed services. These agreements expired June 30, 2026. The chart below shows the current agreements recommended for the City Council to authorize the City Manager to extend their expiration to add one (1) additional two-year extension to expire June 30, 2028 and to increase the not-to-exceed amount of each agreement as set forth below:
62

On-Call Consultant Discipline FY 26/27 $ Exp.

Architerra Design Group Architecture $30,000 6/30/28
Benner & Carpenter, Inc. Land Surveying $30,000 6/30/28 Flowers & Associates Civil Engineering $100,000 6/30/28 General Technologies & Solutions Transportation Engineering $25,000 6/30/28 GPA Consulting Environmental & Permitting $40,000 6/30/28 Hamner Jewell Associates Right-of-Way $30,000 6/30/28
Jan C. Scow Arborist $10,000 6/30/28
Minagar & Associates Transportation Engineering $25,000 6/30/28 PAX Environmental Arborist $10,000 6/30/28
Phoenix Civil Engineering Civil Engineering $200,000 6/30/28 Willdan Engineering Civil Engineering $40,000 6/30/28
WM Surveys, Inc. Land Surveying $30,000 6/30/28
Recommendation #2
Staff has invited interested contractors and consultants to submit Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) for different trades and disciplines for FY 26/27. Staff reviewed all SOQs received and recommend awarding an on-call trade agreement (Sample Agreement, Attachment A) to one (1) contractor with the trade listed below:

On-Call Contractor Trade FY 26/27 $ Exp.

Ventura Pest Control Pest Control $75,000 6/30/27
The scope of services and total fee for each specific project or task will be negotiated on an as-needed basis and will be in accordance with the fee schedule established in the quote provided by the contractor. New On-Call Trade Agreements may be extended to up to one (1) one-year term. This contract is separate from and supplements the recently awarded contract with Ventura Pest Control in April 2026 for routine pest control services at City facilities and would only be used for additional services not covered by the City’s routine contract.

Recommendation #3
Staff have prepared a summary report of task orders issued to contractors and consultants for Fiscal Year 25/26. The Public Works Department issued seventeen (17) trade-related task orders totaling approximately $124,000, and thirty (30) consultant service orders totaling approximately $150,000. Trades focused mainly on tree maintenance and HVAC repairs for city buildings. Consultant services were primarily for arborist reports, traffic studies, structural assessments for city facilities and infrastructure. The recommendation is for Council to receive and file this report.

CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 4 - Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvement 63

OPTIONS

1. Take no action;

2. Provide alternative direction to staff.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact on the award of On-Call Professional Services Agreements or On-Call Trade Agreements, which do not guarantee assignment of any work to the firms.

The contractor or consultant will be used on an as-needed basis and costs associated with capital improvement projects will be charged directly to those projects. The fiscal impact only occurs at the time a task order is issued to a particular contractor or consultant.

The costs for on-call professional or trade services will not exceed the adopted budget for each project.

Prepared by: Lindy Palmer, Public Works Director

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Sample On-Call Trades Agreement
B. Task Order Summary for Fiscal Year 25/26
64

ON-CALL AGREEMENT FOR TRADE WORK
This Agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of ___________(“Effective Date”), and is by and among the City of Ojai, a California General Law city and municipal corporation, (City), and _________________a _________________________corporation/partnership/limited liability company (“Contractor”), collectively referred to as the “Parties.” City and Contractor agree as follows:

1. Scope and Performance of Work:

1.1 Contractor represents and warrants that it has the qualifications, experience, equipment and facilities necessary to properly perform the type work described in the attached Exhibit A.

1.2 The Contractor has been selected by City following a review of the qualifications submitted by the Contractor. The Contractor has been added to a list of contractors who are available to perform this type of work for City.

1.3 Contractor understands and agrees that there is no guarantee that City will assign any work to the Contractor.

1.4 Contractor agrees to perform the work in a thorough, competent and professional manner consistent with generally accepted standards and practices utilized by persons engaged in providing work similar to those required of Contractor under this Agreement.

1.5 Contractor will furnish all of the labor, technical, administrative, professional and other personnel, all supplies and materials, equipment, and all other means whatsoever, except as otherwise expressly specified in this Agreement, necessary or proper to perform and complete the Work required of Contractor under this Agreement.

2. Procedure for Assignment of Work

2.1 Any work assigned to the Contractor during the term of this Contract will be by a task order which identifies the work (“Work”) and timing for completion of the work. If the work proposed is a public works project and is the price is estimated to be over $25,000, then the task order will require performance and payment bonds pursuant to Section 6.2 of this Agreement.

2.2 City may ask the Contractor to submit a price quote for Work proposed by City and a time estimate for completion of the proposed Work.

2.3 City may request the Contractor to perform the proposed Work without a price quote in which event compensation for the Work will be paid on a time and material basis and in accordance with Section 4 of this Agreement.

2.4 Contractor must obtain City’s prior written approval before utilizing any subcontractors to perform any Work under this Agreement. This written approval must include the identity of the subcontractor and the terms of compensation.

2.5 Contractor will not be compensated for any Work rendered in connection with this Agreement that is in addition to or outside of the work set forth in the task order unless such additional Work is authorized in advance and in writing by City.

2.6 City may request changes to the Work identified in the task order, consisting of additions, deletions, or other revisions, and the compensation to be paid Contractor will be adjusted accordingly. All such changes must be authorized in writing, and executed by

ATTACHMENT A
65

Contractor and City. The cost or credit to City resulting from changes in the Work will be determined by the written agreement between the Parties.

3. Term and Termination of Agreement:

3.1 The term (“Term”) of this Agreement will be from the Effective Date to __________, unless terminated sooner by City as provided in this section or otherwise extended by the mutual written agreement of the Parties. This Agreement may be extended for up to three (3) one-year terms by the City Manager.

3.2 City may terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, at any time by written notice of termination to Contractor. In the event such notice is given, Contractor must cease immediately all Work in progress.

4. Payment for Work:

4.1 Total City payments to Contractor for all Work performed during the Term may not exceed the sum of $_________.

4.2 The task order shall specify the not-to-exceed amount Contractor will be compensated for the Work.

4.3 Contractor must furnish City with an invoice for all Work performed not more than once per month for the prior month’s Work. Except as to any charges for Work performed or expenses incurred by Contractor that are disputed by City, City will cause Contractor to be paid within 30 days of receipt of Contractor’s invoice.

4.4 Any payment to Contractor for Work performed under this Agreement will not be deemed to waive any defects in the Work performed by Contractor.

5. Labor Code and Prevailing Wage Requirements:

5.1 Contractor agrees to comply with the requirements of California Labor Code sections 1810 through 1815. Eight hours of labor constitutes a legal day’s work per Labor Code section 1810. Contractor will forfeit the statutory penalty to City for each worker employed in the execution of this Agreement by Contractor or any subcontractor for each calendar day during which such worker is required or permitted to work more than eight hours in any one calendar day and 40 hours in any one calendar week in violation of the provisions of Labor Code sections 1810 through 1815.

5.2 Copies of the determination of the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations of the prevailing rate of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute this Agreement are available for download from the State website:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/dprewagedetermination.htm.

5.3 Contractor must post at the work site, or if there is no regular work site then at its principal office, for the duration of the Contract, a copy of the determination by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations of the specified prevailing rate of per diem wages. (Labor Code § 1773.2.) When applicable, copies of the prevailing rate of per diem wages will be on file at City’s Department of Public Works and available to Contractor and any other interested party upon request.

5.4 Contractor, and any subcontractor engaged by Contractor, may pay not less than the specified prevailing rate of per diem wages to all workers employed in the execution of the contract. (Labor Code § 1774.) Contractor is responsible for compliance with Labor Code section 1776 relative to the retention and inspection of payroll records. 66

5.5 Contractor must comply with all provisions of Labor Code section 1775. Under Section 1775, Contractor will forfeit the statutory penalty to City for each worker employed in the execution of the Agreement by Contractor or any subcontractor for each calendar day, or portion thereof, in which the worker is paid less than the prevailing rates. Contractor may also be liable to pay the difference between the prevailing wage rates and the amount paid to each worker for each calendar day, or portion thereof, for which each worker was paid less than the prevailing wage rate.

5.6 Nothing in this Agreement prevents Contractor or any subcontractor from employing properly registered apprentices in the execution of the Contract. Contractor is responsible for compliance with Labor Code section 1777.5 for all apprenticeable occupations.

This statute requires that contractors and subcontractors must submit contract award information to the applicable joint apprenticeship committee, must employ apprentices in apprenticeable occupations in a ratio of not less than one hour of apprentice’s work for every five hours of labor performed by a journeyman (unless an exception is granted under § 1777.5), must contribute to the fund or funds in each craft or trade or a like amount to the California Apprenticeship Council, and that contractors and subcontractors must not discriminate among otherwise qualified employees as apprentices solely on the ground of sex, race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry or color. Only apprentices defined in Labor Code section 3077, who are in training under apprenticeship standards and who have written apprentice contracts, may be employed on public works in apprenticeable occupations.

5.7 Contractor has reviewed and agrees to comply with any applicable provisions for any public work subject to Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Monitoring and Enforcement of prevailing wages, including the registration requirements of Labor Code Section 1771.1(a).

City hereby notifies Contractor that Contractor is responsible for submitting certified payroll records directly to the State Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU). For further information concerning compliance monitoring please visit the website location at:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/cmu/cmu.html.

5.8 Contractor must comply with Labor Code section 1771.1(a), which provides that Contractor may award any contracts and subcontracts for work that qualifies as a “public work” only to subcontractors which are at that time registered with the DIR and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. Contractor must obtain proof of such registration from all such subcontractors.”

6. Bonds

6.1 Payment Bond. For task orders of more than $25,000 on a public works project as defined by Public Contract Code Section 22002, the Task Order will require the Contractor to post a payment bond pursuant to Civil Code Section 9550.

6.2 Performance and Payment Bonds. For Work that will cost more than $25,000 on a public works project as defined by Public Contract Code Section 22002, City will request in the task order that the Contractor post performance and payment bonds. The cost for the performance and payment bonds must be included as a separate line item in any quote submitted by the Contractor.

7. General Legal Compliance:

7.1 In performing the Work, Contractor must comply with all applicable statutes, laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, OSHA requirements and the Ojai Municipal Code.

7.2 Contractor must, at Contractor’s sole expense, obtain all necessary permits and licenses required for the Work, and give all necessary notices and pay all fees and taxes required by law, including, without limitation, any business license tax imposed by City. 67

Contractor is exempt from any City encroachment permit fee pursuant to Ojai Municipal Code Section 13.04.020.

7.3 Contractor must maintain a valid California Contractor’s License throughout the term of this Contract.

8. Indemnification:

Contractor agrees to indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless City from and against, any and all liabilities, claims, actions, causes of action, proceedings, suits, damages, judgments, liens, levies, costs and expenses of whatever nature, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements (collectively, “Claims”), which City may suffer or incur or to which City may become subject by reason of or arising out the negligent or willfully wrongful acts or omissions of Contractor, its officers, employees, or agents committed in performing any Work under this Agreement. For the purposes of this section, “City” includes City’s officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers. The provisions of this section do not apply to Claims occurring as a result of City’s sole negligence or willful acts or omissions. The provisions of this section will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

9. Insurance:

Contractor agrees to have and maintain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement the insurance coverages listed in Exhibit C (“Insurance”), which is made part of this Agreement.

10. General Provisions:

10.1 In performing the Work under this Agreement, Contractor is an independent contractor and has control over the manner in which the Work is performed provided that it is consistent with this Agreement. Contractor may not at any time or in any manner represent that it or any of its officers, employees, agents, or subcontractors are in any manner officers, employees, agents or subcontractors of City.

10.2 There are no understandings or agreements between Contractor and City other than those set forth in this Agreement.

10.3 This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by written agreement of the Parties.

10.4 Contractor may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any portion of this Agreement or the performance of any of Contractor’s duties or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of City.

10.5 This Agreement is binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Parties.

10.6 This Agreement will be interpreted, construed, and governed according to the laws of the State of California.

10.7 In the event of litigation between the Parties, venue in state trial courts will be in the County of Ventura and venue in federal court will be in the Central District of California, in Los Angeles.

10.8 This Agreement may be executed and transmitted by email and shall have the same legal force and effect as an executed original.
68

The Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their undersigned authorized agents as follows:

CITY OF OJAI
Ben Harvey, City Manager
ATTEST:

Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
CONTRACTOR, a California corporation (or a partnership, LLC or LLP, or individual) (If not an individual, two signatures are required)
Name, Title
Name, Title
Ojai Business Tax Certificate Number Expiration Date
69

EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF WORK
The following are general descriptions of the scope of work that may be required of the contractor. The scope of work is not exhaustive and could include other work related to or in support of work required. Maintenance work as described in Public Contract Code Section 22002 is not applicable to this contract.

LIST ALL TRADES HERE
70

EXHIBIT B

COMPENSATION
Contractor agrees that any work performed under the Agreement will be charged according to the terms of the task order which will specify either a fixed price for the work based upon the quote submitted by the Contractor or payment based on time and materials. 71

EXHIBIT C

INSURANCE

1. General Requirements. Contractor must procure and maintain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement the following types of insurance with coverage limits complying, at a minimum, with the limits set forth below:

Type of Insurance Limits (combined single)
Commercial General Liability $1,000,000
Business Automobile Liability $1,000,000
Workers’ Compensation Statutory Requirements

2. Commercial General Liability Insurance. This policy must meet or exceed the requirements of Insurance Services Office (ISO) CGL Form No. CG 00 01. The amount of insurance set forth above will be a combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage for the policy coverage. The insurance must be on an “occurrence” not a “claims-made” basis. Defense costs must be paid in addition to limits. There must be no cross-liability exclusion for claims or suits by one insured against another. Limits may be no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for all covered losses, and no less than $2,000,000 general aggregate.

Liability policies must be endorsed to name City, its officials, employees and agents as “additional insureds” under the insurance coverage.

The policy must state that such insurance will be deemed “primary” such that any other insurance that may be carried by City will be deemed “excess” to that of Contractor.

This endorsement must be reflected on ISO Form No. CG 20 01, or equivalent form as determined by City.

Coverage must be applicable to City for injury to employees of Contractor, subcontractors, agents or others performing any part of the Work required under this Contract. Each policy must be endorsed to provide a separate limit applicable to this Project.

The Commercial General Liability policy must not contain any endorsements limiting coverage beyond the basic policy coverage for any of the following:

1. Explosion, collapse or underground hazard (XCU);

2. Products and completed operation;

3. Pollution liability; or

4. Contractual liability.

3. Business Auto Coverage. This policy must be on ISO Business Auto Coverage Form CA 00 01 including symbol 1 (Any Auto) and Endorsement CA 0025, or equivalent forms approved in writing by City. Limits must not be less than $1,000,000 per accident, combined single limit, or if Contractor neither leases nor owns vehicles, this requirement may be satisfied by a non-owned auto endorsement to the general liability policy described above. If Contractor or Contractor’s employees will use personal autos in any way on this Project, Contractor must provide evidence of personal auto liability coverage for each such person.

4. Workers Compensation. Contractor must have a State of California approved policy form providing the statutory benefits required by law with employer’s liability limits of no 72

less than $1,000,000 per accident for all covered losses, or Contractor must provide evidence of an approved self-insurance program.

5. Other Insurance; Revisions to Insurance. Contractor may be required to obtain such other insurance coverage as may be required by applicable law or by City. City reserves the right at any time during the term of the Agreement to change the amounts and types of insurance required by giving Contractor 60 days advance written notice of such change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to Contractor, City and Contractor may renegotiate Contractor’s compensation.

6. Acceptable Insurers. All required insurance policies must be issued by an insurance company currently authorized by the California Insurance Commissioner to transact the business of insurance in the State of California, with an assigned policyholders’ Rating of A- (or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VII (or larger) in accordance with the latest edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the City’s Risk Manager.
7, Excess or Umbrella Liability Insurance (Over Primary). If an excess or umbrella liability policy is used to meet limit requirements, the insurance must provide coverage at least as broad as specified for the underlying coverages. Any such coverage provided under an excess or umbrella liability policy must include a “drop-down provision” providing primary coverage above a maximum $25,000 self-insured retention for liability not covered by primary but covered by the umbrella. Coverage must be provided on a “pay-on-behalf” basis, with defense costs payable in addition to policy limits. There may be no cross-liability exclusion precluding coverage for claims or suits by one insured against another. Coverage must be applicable to City for injury to employees of Contractor, its subcontractors or others performing work to satisfy Contractor’s obligations under this Contract. The scope of coverage provided is subject to approval of City following receipt of proof of insurance as required herein. Limits are subject to review, but in no event may be less than $2,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate.

8. Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements. Prior to commencing any Work under this Contract, Contractor must file with the City Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements evidencing the existence of all insurance required by this Contract, along with such other evidence of insurance or copies of policies as may reasonably be required by City. Such Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements must be in a form approved by City’s Attorney/Legal Counsel. Contractor must maintain current certificates and endorsements on file with City during the term of this Agreement reflecting the existence of all required insurance. Each of the certificates must expressly provide that no material change in the policy, or termination thereof, will be effective except upon 30 days’ prior written notice to City.

9. Failure to Maintain Required Insurance. If Contractor, for any reason, fails to have in place at all times during the term of this Agreement all of the required insurance coverage, City may, in addition to any other available remedies, (a) obtain such coverage at Contractor’s expense and deduct the cost from the sums due Contractor, (b) make a claim against the Contractor’s surety, or (c) terminate the Contract.

10. Effect of Coverage. The existence of the required insurance coverage under this Agreement will not be deemed to satisfy or limit Contractor’s indemnity obligations under this Contract.

11. Higher Limits of Insurance. If Contractor maintains higher limits of insurance than the required amounts shown in Section 1 above, then such amounts will be the minimum required under this Agreement.
73

VERIFICATION OF CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that I have a valid California Contractor’s license issued pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 7000 and following, and was so licensed at the time that the bid was awarded:

California Contractor’s License:

License Number Class Expiration Date

CONTRACTOR (PRINT OR TYPE)
Date Signature
(Public Contract Code § 6100)
74

CERTIFICATE REGARDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
I am aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code, and I will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the work of this contract.

Name (print or type)
Date Signature
75

CERTIFICATE REGARDING DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL

RELATIONS CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that Contractor is registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5.

Contractor’s Department of Industrial Relations registration number is _____________________.

Name & Title (print or type)
Date Signature
(Labor Code section 1725.5)
76 Number Vendor Amount Total/vendor Description Date
Prepared
2025-TO-6 Falcon Roofing $ 3,643.00 Police station parking structure 10/3/2025 2025-TO-9 Falcon Roofing $ 4,625.00 $ 8,268.00 Oak Tree House repairs 11/4/2025 2025-TO-10 Green Globe HVAC $ 1,477.00 Police Department 11/18/2025 2025-TO-11 Green Globe HVAC $ 4,050.00 Kent Hall 11/19/2025 2026-TO-14 Green Globe HVAC $ 16,223.00 Ojai Police Station 1/15/2026 2026-TO-19 Green Globe HVAC $ 20,504.70 $ 42,254.70 Multi Purpose Room 4/2/2026 2025-TO-7 Mark Crane's $ 24,999.57 Street tree planting 10/3/2025 2025-TO-8 Mark Crane's $ 5,950.00 Sarzotti Park - White Oak retrenchment prune 10/13/2025 2025-TO-12 Mark Crane's $ 1,800.00 Kent Hall parking lot 12/4/2025 2025-TO-13 Mark Crane's $ 10,500.00 White Oak Pruned at Pickleball Court 12/15/2025 2026-TO-15 Mark Crane's $ 8,475.00 Storm event - Rotary park 1/21/2026 2026-TO-16 Mark Crane's $ 2,000.00 Oak Prune at City hall 1/22/2026 2026-TO-17 Mark Crane's $ 8,600.00 Sarzotti Park stump 3/24/2026 2026-TO-18 Mark Crane's $ 4,500.00 Andrew Dr. Oak pruning 3/24/2026 2026-TO-20 Mark Crane's $ 4,000.00 708 Cuyama Rd 6/25/2026 2026-TO-21 Mark Crane's $ 675.00 206 Fox St 6/25/2026
2026-TO-22 Mark Crane's $ 2,000.00 $ 73,499.57 414 Drown St 6/25/2026 $ 124,022.27
Number Vendor Amount Total/Vendor Description Date
Prepared
2025-CTO-13 WM Surveys $ 3,250.00 $ 3,250.00 Cuyama Rd property line boundary 9/25/2025 2025-CTO-7 PAX Environmental $ 841.50 1206 Ayers Rd Aborist Consultation 7/16/2025 2025-CTO-8 PAX Environmental $ 565.20 City Hall Pickle Ball Court 7/24/2025 2025-CTO-12 PAX Environmental $ 489.50 Arborist Monitoring - City Hall Pickleball Court 8/29/2025 2025-CTO-16 PAX Environmental $ 3,849.25 Sarzotti White Oak 10/14/2025 2026-CTO-27 PAX Environmental $ 869.00 610 Shady Lane Arborist report 1/16/2026 2026-CTO-36 PAX Environmental $ 919.50 206 Fox St 5/21/2026 2026-CTO-37 PAX Environmental $ 567.00 708 Cuyama Rd 5/21/2026 2026-CTO-38 PAX Environmental $ 946.00 510 Shady Lane 6/18/2026 2026-CTO-39 PAX Environmental $ 946.00 $ 9,992.95 905 Park Rd 6/17/2026 2025-CTO-9 Jan Scow $ 175.00 522 Pleasant Ave 8/7/2025
2025-CTO-11 Jan Scow $ 1,000.00 2025 Street Tree Planting Project 8/26/2025 2025-CTO-15 Jan Scow $ 425.25 Matilija Parking Lot / Plaza Parking Lot 10/9/2025 2025-CTO-18 Jan Scow $ 127.75 Libbey Park Site evaluation 11/4/2025 2025-CTO-19 Jan Scow $ 175.00 426 Descanso 11/4/2025
2025-CTO-20 Jan Scow $ 332.50 City Hall Oak Trees 11/4/2025 2025-CTO-23 Jan Scow $ 131.25 Cuyama x Del Norte 12/8/2025 2025-CTO-24 Jan Scow $ 1,034.25 Arcade Parking Lot ST-3031 12/8/2025 2025-CTO-26 Jan Scow $ 5,000.00 Monitor Tree Impact for 2025 street paving 12/19/2025 2026-CTO-30 Jan Scow $ 1,200.00 Planting Assistance Quote 1/29/2026 2026-CTO-31 Jan Scow $ 175.00 1409 Drown Ave 2/5/2026
2026-CTO-33 Jan Scow $ 350.00 $ 10,126.00 420 Andrew Dr 3/3/2026 2025-CTO-10 Phoenix Civil Engineering $ 10,000.00 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey 8/11/2025 2025-CTO-14 Phoenix Civil Engineering $ 4,960.00 Gym Building Structural Review 10/1/2025 2025-CTO-17 Phoenix Civil Engineering $ 41,419.50 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey 10/31/2025 2025-CTO-21 Phoenix Civil Engineering $ 12,388.00 Ramp Modification Project 10/24/2025 2025-CTO-22 Phoenix Civil Engineering $ 15,000.00 Cottage Among the Flowers 11/14/2025 2026-CTO-28 Phoenix Civil Engineering $ 10,646.00 Gym Building Structural Retrofit Design 1/6/2026 2026-CTO-29 Phoenix Civil Engineering $ 15,700.00 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Design 1/27/2026 2026-CTO-35 Phoenix Civil Engineering $ 16,522.00 $ 126,635.50 Trapezoidal Channel Preliminary Design Report 2/19/2026 $ 150,004.45
Consultant Task Orders
Contractor Task Orders
Fiscal Year 25/26

ATTACHMENT B
77

Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Lindy Palmer, Director of Public Works
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
SUBJECT: Introduce Ordinance No. 973 Suspending Certain Requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code (“Well Construction, Modification, and
Demolition Standards”), Subject to Biennial Review by City Council, and Creating a New Section 224 of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code (Operational Need)

RECOMMENDATION

1. Introduce, for first reading by title only with further reading waived, Ordinance No. 973, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ojai, Suspending Certain Requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code (“Well Construction, Modification, and Demolition Standards”), Subject to Biennial Review by City Council, and Creating a New Section 224 of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code; and

2. Direct staff to return to the City Council for second reading and adoption of the Ordinance at the August 11, 2026, City Council meeting.

DISCUSSION
Background
In March 1990, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 671, establishing standards for well construction, modification, and demolition. The primary objective of this ordinance is to prevent contamination or pollution of the groundwater underlying the City and ensure that water drawn from wells within municipal boundaries is suitable for public use, thereby protecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents. The ordinance also aligns with the standards established by Ventura County in 1965. Under this ordinance, applicants seeking to construct, repair, modify, demolish, or destroy wells are required to obtain a permit. This process includes a public hearing before the Council, at which time the permit may be approved or denied.

In 1991, the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency (OBGMA) was established. The OBGMA is listed as one of the exclusive local agencies under California Water Code 78

Section 10723 with statutory authority to manage groundwater within its boundaries.

OBGMA is authorized to monitor and track groundwater well use and requires an application procedure when anyone wants to construct a new well.

Since these procedures are redundant for well applicants, staff is asking Council to consider whether to repeal Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7, of the Ojai Municipal Code establishing “Well Construction, Modification, and Demolition Standards” for the City of Ojai.

Recommendation No. 1 and 2
The City currently requires a separate permitting process for well construction, modification, and demolition, in addition to the review and approval required by the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency (OBGMA). While OBGMA is the authority responsible for overseeing groundwater management for the Ojai Basin, including well permits, the City has maintained an additional permitting and public hearing requirement for wells within City limits. Though the City currently has the authority to regulate and permit wells, this duplicative process results in redundancy in regulatory oversight, unnecessary delays for applicants, and potential conflicting regulatory requirements.

To eliminate this duplicative process, Public Works staff recommends that the Council suspend the City’s role in permitting activities related to groundwater wells. The proposed ordinance will also include language, allowing the Council to lift the suspension at any time that body chooses and also expressly requires review of the suspension every two years based on information provided by staff. If the propsed ordinance is adopted, the City would defer to the OBGMA for permitting, monitoring, and inspecting all well-related activities.

Furthermore, the City staff may provide a report to Council on OBGMA approved well permits periodically. The proposed ordinance also expressly retains the right of the City to take enforcement action in the event an existing permit-holder fails to comply with the terms of a permit issued under the City’s well permit standards.

By removing the City’s additional permitting requirements, applicants would be subject only to OBGMA oversight, simplifying the process for applicants. Public Works staff would no longer be required to process well permit applications, freeing up resources for other priority work. Since the OBGMA is already tasked with managing groundwater resources, this option ensures that well permitting is managed under a uniform framework without overlapping jurisdictional requirements.

Therefore, staff recommend introducing, for first reading by title only with further reading waived, Ordinance No. 973, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Ojai, California, Suspending Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code (“Well Construction, Modification, And Demolition Standards”), and; direct staff to return to the City Council for second reading and adoption of the Ordinance at the August 11, 2026, City Council meeting.

CEQA Determination
Staff recommends that Council determine that the proposed amendment to the Ojai Municipal Code is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) for the 79

following reasons. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, CEQA review is not required if an activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines. In accordance with Section 15378(b)(5), a “project” for purposes of CEQA does not include organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. This ordinance is administrative in nature, and will not result in any direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The adoption of this ordinance is therefore exempt from CEQA review pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15060 and 15378, subdivision (b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines.

CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 9 - Communication and Relationships

OPTIONS

1. Take no action, which would result in the City maintaining a permit program for construction, demolition, or modification of wells in the City; or

2. Provide direction to return with alternate recommendations.

FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the proposed ordinance is expected to reduce the City’s administrative burden and associated costs of processing well permits, resulting in savings related to permit processing, staff time, and hearings. Though these costs are offset by the permit fees collected by the City, elimination of these requirements will allow staff to handle other, higher priority responsibilities.

Prepared by: Lindy Palmer, Public Works Director

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Ordinance No. 973 Suspending Certain Requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code (“Well Construction, Modification, and Demolition Standards”), Subject to Biennial Review by City Council, and Creating a New Section 224 of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code
80 ATTACHMENT A
1 CITY OF OJAI
ORDINANCE NO. 973

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

OJAI, CALIFORNIA, SUSPENDING CERTAIN
REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE 2 OF CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE
7 OF THE OJAI MUNICIPAL CODE (“WELL

CONSTRUCTION, MODIFICATION, AND DEMOLITION
STANDARDS”), SUBJECT TO BIENNIAL REVIEW BY
CITY COUNCIL, AND CREATING A NEW SECTION 224 OF
ARTICLE 2 OF CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 7 OF THE OJAI
MUNICIPAL CODE.

WHEREAS, the City currently regulates well construction, modification, and demolition activities pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code (the “Well Permit Ordinance”); and
WHEREAS, the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency (“OBGMA”) was designated by the California legislature as the agency responsible for overseeing groundwater management within the Ojai Basin, including the review and permitting of wells; and
WHEREAS, the City’s existing permitting requirements for wells included in the Well Permit Ordinance overlap the groundwater well permitting and review processes administered by OBGMA; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that maintaining a separate City permitting and public hearing process for wells results in duplicative regulatory oversight, unnecessary administrative burdens, and delays for applicants; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that OBGMA possesses the technical expertise and regulatory authority necessary to oversee the permitting, monitoring, and inspection of wells within the Ojai Valley; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also finds that suspension of the Well Permit Ordinance will allow the City to avoid duplicative regulation while preserving its authority to reinstate local permitting requirements if warranted by future circumstances; and WHEREAS, the suspension of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code will allow the City to redirect administrative resources toward other municipal priorities while continuing to rely on the expertise and oversight of OBGMA and Ventura County for groundwater and well regulation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that suspending the City’s well permitting requirements is in the interest of efficient governance and regulatory consistency; and 81 ATTACHMENT A
2 WHEREAS, the City Council desires to periodically evaluate whether the suspension remains in the public interest.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI,
CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN, AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The above set forth recitals and findings are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference, as if set forth in full.

SECTION 2. Suspension of Well Permit Ordinance. Commencing on the effective date of this Ordinance, and except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, the City’s administration and enforcement of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code is hereby suspended. During the suspension period, no new permit shall be required pursuant solely to Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the Ojai Municipal Code.

Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to alter, limit, waive, or impair any requirement imposed by state law, federal law, the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency, or any other governmental agency having jurisdiction.

SECTION 3. Duration of Suspension. The suspension established by this Ordinance shall remain in effect unless and until such time as this ordinance and the Ojai Municipal Code amendments contemplated herein are rescinded or repealed by subsequent ordinance adopted by the City Council.

SECTION 4. Biennial Review. At least once every two years following the effective date of this Ordinance, City staff shall prepare a report to the City Council regarding:

1. The regulatory activities of the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency and other agencies exercising jurisdiction over wells within the City;

2. Whether duplication of regulatory oversight continues to exist;

3. Whether reinstatement, amendment, or permanent repeal of the Well Permit Ordinance should be considered; and

4. Any public health, safety, environmental, or administrative concerns associated with continuation of the suspension.

Following receipt of the report, the City Council shall consider whether continuation of the suspension remains in the public interest. Failure to conduct a review by any particular date shall not automatically terminate the suspension established by this Ordinance.

SECTION 5. Reservation of Municipal Authority. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed as relinquishing the City’s police powers or authority to regulate wells, 82 ATTACHMENT A
3 groundwater-related activities, or land uses to the extent authorized by law. The City Council expressly reserves the right to amend, resume application of, replace, or repeal the Well Permit Ordinance at any time. Furthermore, notwithstanding anything in this Ordinance, the City Council reserves the right to take enforcement action regarding any violation of any requirement under a permit issued by the City prior to the effective date of this Ordinance.

SECTION 6. Code Amendment. The Ojai Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a new Section 224 to Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 to read as follows:
§ 7-3.224 Suspension of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, the permitting and other administrative requirements established in this Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 7 (“Well Construction, Modification and Demolition Standards”) are suspended until such time as the City Council repeals such suspension by ordinance. Furthermore, notwithstanding the suspension contemplated by this Section 7-3.224, the City retains all of its authority to enforce the requirements and conditions of any permit issued under this Article in its sole and absolute discretion.

SECTION 7. Environmental Determination. The City Council determines that based on the entire administrative record, the foregoing amendment to the Ojai Municipal Code is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) for the following reasons. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, CEQA review is not required if an activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines. In accordance with Section 15378(b)(5), a “project” for purposes of CEQA does not include organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. This ordinance is administrative in nature, and will not result in any direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The adoption of this ordinance is therefore exempt from CEQA review pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15060 and 15378, subdivision (b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 8. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the final decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, phrases or portions might be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 9. Certification. The City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance to be published as required by law and shall cause a copy of this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of publication, to be entered in the Book of Ordinances of the City. 83 ATTACHMENT A
4 SECTION 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its passage.
84 ATTACHMENT A
5 PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this ____ day of ___, 2026.

CITY OF OJAI, CALIFORNIA
__________________________________
Andy Gilman, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Steve Quilici, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________________
Bethany A. Burgess, City Attorney
I, Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk of the City of Ojai, certify that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Ojai held on ___, 2026, and adopted at a regular meeting held on _________________, 2026 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Ojai on this ___ day of _______________ 2026.
___________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City
Clerk
85

Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
SUBJECT: Approval of Resolution Adopting the 2026 City of Ojai City Hall Campus Landscape Master Plan (City Council Direction)

RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Resolution adopting the 2026 City of Ojai City Hall Campus Landscape Master Plan (“Master Plan”) as presented, thereby establishing a comprehensive vision for the revitalization, stewardship, and long-term management of the City Hall campus.

DISCUSSION
The proposed Master Plan, developed through extensive community engagement and collaboration with the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, outlines a transformative vision for the City Hall campus. The plan advances seven of the City’s nine 2025–2026 policy goals and aligns with eight of the Green Coalition’s twelve ecological focus areas. It emphasizes ecological restoration, nature-based education, passive recreation, and preservation of historic and cultural resources.

Key features include:
 Restoration of native oak woodlands and riparian corridors  Revitalization of demonstration gardens and historic estate gardens  Creation of new educational and gathering spaces, including a workshop building and children’s nature center
 Improved accessibility, circulation, and connectivity, including ADA-accessible paths and a pedestrian bridge
 Integration of sustainable landscape practices, stormwater management, and firewise design  Preservation and adaptive reuse of historic structures and landscape elements The Master Plan was shaped by robust community input, including workshops, surveys, site tours, and stakeholder meetings. It provides a flexible framework for phased implementation, allowing adaptation to evolving community needs and funding opportunities. The plan also supports ongoing partnerships with local organizations and encourages community stewardship.

CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 2 - Wildfire Safety and Risk Mitigation
86

OPTIONS

1. Take no action;

2. Provide alternative direction to staff.

FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the Master Plan does not commit the City to immediate expenditures but provides a strategic framework for future improvements. Implementation will occur in phases as funding becomes available, utilizing a mix of City funds, grants, private donations, and partnerships. Preliminary cost analysis is included in the plan, and future projects will be brought to Council for approval with detailed budgets and funding sources.

The plan’s emphasis on sustainable practices and community involvement is expected to support cost-effective operations and maintenance over time.

Prepared by: Norma Cervantes, Assistant to the City Manager

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution – Adoption of the City of Ojai City Hall Campus Landscape Master Plan B. Exhibit A to Resolution – 2026 Ojai City Hall Campus Landscape Master Plan 87 CITY OF OJAI
RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OJAI, ADOPTING THE 2026 CITY OF OJAI CITY HALL

CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Ojai recognizes the importance of preserving and enhancing its civic campus as a vital ecological, cultural, and community resource; and WHEREAS, the 2026 Ojai City Hall Campus Landscape Master Plan (“Master Plan”) attached hereto as Exhibit “A” was developed through extensive community engagement and collaboration with local partners, reflecting the values and aspirations of the Ojai community; and
WHEREAS, the Master Plan advances City policy goals, supports ecological restoration, nature-based education, passive recreation, and the preservation of historic resources, and provides a flexible framework for phased implementation; and WHEREAS, adoption of the Master Plan is in the best interests of the City of Ojai and its residents inasmuch as it will ensure the orderly and efficient improvement of the City Hall campus.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OJAI,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The recitals set forth above are true and correct and are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if restated herein.

SECTION 2. The City Council hereby adopts the 2026 Ojai City Hall Campus Landscape Master Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference, as the guiding document for the revitalization, stewardship, and long-term management of the City Hall campus.

SECTION 3. City staff are directed to utilize the Master Plan in planning, funding, and implementing future improvements to the campus, and to pursue partnerships and funding opportunities consistent with the Master Plan’s vision.

SECTION 4. Future projects and expenditures related to the implementation of the Master Plan shall be brought to Council for approval in accordance with the City’s purchasing ordinance.

SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.

SECTION 6. This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption. 88 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this ___ day of __________, 2026.

CITY OF OJAI, CALIFORNIA
___________________________________
Andy Gilman, Mayor
Date: ______________________________
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________________
Bethany A. Burgess, City Attorney
I, Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk of the City of Ojai, certify that Resolution No. 2026-___ was adopted at a regular meeting held June 23, 2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_____________________________________
Weston Montgomery, Chief Deputy City Clerk
89 AN ECOLOGICAL HUB IN THE HEART OF OJAI
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS

LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
90 In Ojai, we believe anything is possible.

We believe in the future.

We believe in community.

We believe in the healing power of nature.

We believe that we can restore a neglected green space in the heart of our City.

Where people from all walks of life can come to learn, relax, educate, play and create.

We believe we can preserve an important piece of our city’s heritage, and continue to restore and protect native plant communities and a natural creek.

We believe we can create a center where nonprofit partners from around our valley can offer world-class environmental programming to all residents.

IMAGINE...

Paths and trails to access nature
Children’s nature-based play areas and programs with local educators.

Nature-inspired offerings including talks, workshops, classes, and more.

Revitalized estate and demonstration gardens, creekside habitat, and other open spaces.

Preservation of a vital urban-wildland threshold.

Rehabilitation of a historic landmark building.
91 CONTENTS
01 06
02 07 03
08 04
05 09

INTRODUCTION THE MASTER PLAN

PLANNING BACKGROUND

OPERATIONS

EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS

PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS

OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS

APPENDICES DESIGN BASIS
05 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
06 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
08 GOALS & OBJECTIVES
10 THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS
12 OUTREACH SUMMARY
50 THE MASTER PLAN
54 1993 LIBBEY PARK MASTER PLAN: AREA G
55 HISTORIC GARDENS
60 THE WORKSHOP HUB
61 THE DISCOVERY CORNER
62 RESTORATION AREA
63 PASSIVE USE & CIRCULATION
65 PARK ENTRANCES & PARKING
68 RAIN GARDENS & BIOSWALES
69 SIGNAGE PLAN
19 SITE OVERVIEW
20 PREVIOUS PLANS
22 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
71 MAINTENANCE
73 FIRE PREVENTION
74 PROGRAMMING
75 FUNDING
76 NEXT STEPS
25 SITE HISTORY & ADJACENT USES
30 SITE ANALYSIS
78 PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS
36 CONSIDERATIONS
38 CONSTRAINTS
40 OPPORTUNITIES
82 APPENDIX A: OPEN HOUSE PRESENTATION
95 APPENDIX B: CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION
101 APPENDIX C: REFERENCES, SOURCE MATERIALS & DOCUMENTS REVIEWED 43 OVERVIEW
44 REGENERATIVE DESIGN
46 PUBLIC USE
47 HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS
92 01
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 4

INTRODUCTION
93 01
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 5 Project Team
Project Manager: Studio Landscape, Kathy Nolan
Design Team: Aiko Strasser and Kathy Nolan
Program Strategists/Technical Reports: Betsy Van Leit, Janet Sager Knott, Chris Anacker Ray Powers, Caryn Bosson, Sophie McLean, Mark Silbernagel Ojai Valley Green Coalition Staff: Marketing, coordination, administration: Lauren Nilsson, Dass Richardson Ojai Valley Green Coalition: Administration, contract assistance, project sound board: Betsy van Leit, Caryn Bosson, Richard Wegman It’s been an honor and privilege to work with the City of Ojai City Council, staff and commissions, associated non-profits, the community at large, the board and staff of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and the land that constitutes the City Hall Campus. From the historic buildings, structures and gardens, to the Middle Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration area and the return of water to the creek, to the Demonstration Garden tired around the edges but so loved by the community, and the natural oak woodland, Thank you.

Community Leadership
City Manger, Ben Harvey - for seeing the value of the oak woodland and the property as a whole, for your guidance through the process.

City of Ojai staff - for your willingness to meet, support and provide data.

Aiko Strasser - for being more than an equal creative partner in the Master Plan process. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Historic Preservation Commission and liaison Brian Aikens - for sharing your enthusiasm, historical data and opening up the Hobson Barn for tours and possibilities.

Ojai Valley Green Coalition Board of Directors and Staff- for believing in the project, creating bonds with partners and the community and supporting our vision and mission through this project.

Community of Ojai - for showing up, caring, and sharing what could be possible and why.

Betsy Vanleit- to you, your buy in and understanding, and sticking through the process through thick and thin.

PAX Environmental, Inc., Scott, Andy and Brian - from site tour and workshop sharings to your overall knowledge and dedication to the restoration area ecology.

The C.R.E.W., Derek Poultney and staff - for your consistent support and willingness to partner.

David White, Once Upon a Watershed - for continuing to compost, the original intent of the Demonstration Garden, for being there for many of the site tours to share why compost and soil matter.

Julie Tumamait Stenslie - for being our favorite story teller, by sharing your love and knowledge of the ancestors and the sacred land of the Ojai Valley.

Wendy Barker, Executive Director Ojai Valley Museum: for historic site photos.

Craig Walker, Historic Preservation Commission: historic process guidance and historic site photos.

Gina McHatton - Historic Preservation Commission Chair: process guidance and sharing, The California Historical Building Code.

City Council Members
City of Ojai City Council - for your leadership and commitment to the community and the environment.

Randy Haney - for reaching out and getting this whole thing started with City Manager James Vega, and your trust in us to create and see the project though.

Suza Francina - for your positivity and always being on the side of the environment.

Bill Weirick - for acknowledging the value of the project and your vote of confidence.

Rachel Lang - for your enthusiasm, caring and compassion.

Mayor Betsy Stix - for your insight into what programming could occur and benefit the community.

Mayor Andy Gilman - for your steady and sound commitment.

Leslie Rule - for being our advocate, standing up for us and the project.

Andrew Whitman - your dedication to the restoration of Middle Stewart Canyon Creek and its future.

Kim Mang - for asking the important questions

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION // ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
94 01
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 6

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION // EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
VISION
Since 2022, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, along with the City of Ojai and the Ojai Valley community, has led planning efforts to reimagine the City Hall campus and update the 1993 Libbey Park Master Plan: Area G in a manner that
reflects current needs and allows for flexibility to adapt to future changes. The Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan evolves from the 1993 Master Plan for Libbey Park and will replace the Area G: City Hall section of the plan.

Starting in July 2020, PAX Environmental, the C.R.E.W., and the City of Ojai began a comprehensive restoration of
Middle Stewart Canyon Creek—the four acres of riparian
wildlands adjoining city hall. The Ojai Valley Green Coalition and members of the community were inspired by this work.

Supported by a City grant, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition led community sessions beginning in 2022 to develop the Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan. It became clear that Ojai lacks community spaces suited for ecology-based events
or recreation and passive places to gather, as most of the existing public parks are reserved for sports or active uses.

Additional sessions identified a need for shared naturebased education, native gardens, and a strategy for longterm stewardship and ongoing maintenance. It is our vision that together these objectives will put forth the idea of “conditions of care”—an ongoing relationship between people and place, where intentional support will ensure a thriving, healthy, evolving landscape for years to come.

THE MISSION OF THE OVGC
The Ojai Valley Green Coalition (OVGC) partners with
Ojai community members and organizations to build
and strengthen life-sustaining and regenerative ways of being. We believe in the power and importance of working together to strengthen and sustain our community as we
move intentionally into the future.
95 01
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 7

INTRODUCTION // EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

KEY GOALS
This master plan update advances 7 of the 9 stated 2025– 2026 policy goals for the City of Ojai and aligns with 8 of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s 12 ecological areas of focus:

City 2025–2026 Policy Goals (7 of 9)

1. Wildfire Safety and Risk Mitigation

2. Arts, Culture and Recreation Funding

3. Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvement

4. Public Safety

5. Diversifying Economy/Tourism Management

6. Climate Resiliency

7. Communication and Relationships
Green Coalition Ecological Areas of Focus (8 of 12)

1. Food and agriculture (awareness of the environmental impact)

2. Zero waste (refuse, reduce, repair, reuse, recycle, rot)

3. Gardens and parks (creating healthy, vibrant spaces)

4. Factors associated with ecological health

5. Biodiversity coupled with regenerative habitats

6. Water (healthy sustainable watershed and land use
planning)

7. Mutual relationships, partnerships, and connections

8. Healthy soil
The vision described in this Master Plan Update is to
transform the city hall campus into a vibrant, nature-based educational resource that supports workshops, events,
and community gatherings rooted in the demonstration
gardens, while celebrating the unique riparian landscape of Middle Stewart Canyon Creek and remnants of the historic Smith Hobson estate. Through expanded programming—
such as talks, classes and creative events—the campus
will foster communication, relationships, and shared
stewardship, while supporting nature-based education,
relaxation and recreation opportunities for visitors.

The plan also contributes to diversifying the local
economy and tourism experience by creating a distinctive destination centered on ecology, learning and community engagement. There will be opportunities to enhance
and protect the existing Smith-Hobson estate gardens.

The Master Plan also introduces design strategies that
enhance infrastructure, improve public safety, and increase accessibility, including new trails and a pedestrian bridge that will, for the first time, provide a path across the creek.

Ecological improvements—such as pollinator gardens,
rain gardens, orchards, and restored landscapes—
support climate resiliency, water quality, healthy soil, and biodiversity through regenerative habitat design. Fire-wise and drought-tolerant planting strategies contribute to
wildfire safety and long-term sustainability, while garden spaces promote food systems and community-based
agriculture.

Together, these elements reinforce a zero-waste, resourceconscious approach and strengthen partnerships between the city, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, and the broader community, ensuring the campus evolves as a resilient,
inclusive and ecologically rich public space.

PATH FORWARD
The OVGC seeks to continue to provide project leadership so that the momentum generated by recent programming
and restoration initiatives will continue to grow and evolve, engaging community members and organizations in a
shared and unified effort—one that sows together the
seeds of ideas, aspirations, and collective vision into a rich mosaic of inspired possibilities. The City Hall Master Plan Update serves as both a roadmap and a catalyst
for thoughtful decision-making, guiding the long-term
preservation, enhancement, and enjoyment of the campus
while supporting its continued transformation into a
vibrant, resilient, and deeply valued community resource for the Ojai community.
96 01
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 8 The Ojai City Hall campus is located on an 8.79 acre, historic site of mostly undeveloped land. In 2022, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition (OVGC) began to engage the community for input as part of the Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan Update process. The intention of this Master Plan Update is to set forth a clear vision for a vibrant, ecologically centered community hub and renewed civic campus which provides new opportunities for the community to connect with and be inspired by the natural surroundings of the site characterized by beautiful, large native oak trees and a wild creekside habitat. The campus has the potential to serve as an essential ecological hub and vital community asset for Ojai.

A Layered History
The objectives of this master plan include honoring the Chumash heritage by acknowledging their historical connection to this land and ensuring that future developments are sensitive to this legacy. Educational elements or design features should reflect the Chumash’s respect for the natural environment. In doing so, the plan will celebrate both the indigenous and more recent histories, fostering a holistic appreciation of the site’s layered past.

The site is also home to the original, historic Smith-Hobson Estate which includes two locally registered historic buildings, a historic garden, and other historic features and remnants in the landscape. It is situated within a native oak woodland and is adjacent to a creek restoration area and riparian corridor. The site currently includes an untended demonstration garden, open areas for walking, wandering and playing, and some larger, long neglected open spaces that many envision as having the potential to become a beautiful and valuable community resource.

Future Generations
Over the past four years, members of the community have envisioned that this renewed, civic nature park could be restored and enhanced as a natural sanctuary, a nature-based playscape and an educational resource to benefit people of all ages and future generations. There is a general lack of open space within the city that are primarily nature-based and ecologically oriented, with most open space designated or built for sports, concerts, large active events or conventional children’s playgrounds. A welcoming opportunity exists to renew and expand the existing historic Smith-Hobson estate garden, the natural Middle Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration area and demonstration garden, revitalize the existing landscape and provide vibrant spaces for outdoor gatherings. In addition to renewed gardens and gathering areas, a part of this vision also includes the desire for a new demonstration “workshop building” which emerged out of a lack of suitable meeting venues in the city to host community workshops, classes, talks, events, etc. which are centered around ecological awareness and appreciation. The new building would showcase sustainable methods and materials that could serve to educate the community about the local ecology and sustainability and inspire visitors to bring this knowledge and inspiration home. The result could be a more resilient, connected and healthy Ojai Valley for all.

INTRODUCTION // GOALS & OBJECTIVES

GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Master Plan Goals & Objectives
• Valuable Resources: Protect, enhance and steward the unique natural and cultural resources of the site • Community Activity: Provide opportunities for passive recreation, biophilic connection, education, community activity and exploration • Park Management: Manage the park as a viable ecological resource for the city • Stewardship: Provide opportunities for both stakeholder and stewardship engagement for on-going, long term park maintenance 97 01
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 9 Identity
An Ecological Hub
A unique opportunity exists for the collaborative
development of the Ojai community to co-create a
community-based nature park that can serve as an “ecology center in the heart of the city”.

The “Ojai Ecology Center” emerged out of a vision to
rebuild a collection of native and climate appropriate
demonstration gardens along with a new workshop/
meeting building, multi-use outdoor spaces for learning & gathering, a small-scale amphitheatre, intentional spaces, wilderness areas, paths and trails.

The city hall campus has a long and rich history with a story that can be expressed through the revitalization of the historic gardens and the potential repurposing of the existing historic barn for new educational uses. Interpretive signage, educational displays, and interactive elements integrated throughout the site will further support
environmental learning, offering opportunities for visitors to engage with the site’s history, ecology, and cultural significance in meaningful and inspiring ways.

Interaction
Inviting Community
The native oak woodland welcomes visitors to the campus and becomes a wellspring of inspiration for the community.

The campus is an inclusionary place for social engagement and celebration all within a beautiful, outdoor setting.

A new “Garden House” is envisioned as a demonstration
workshop building which can showcase sustainable
construction practices and serve as a place for creative events, workshops, classes & talks.

The natural surroundings serve as a sacred framework
for thoughtfully managed events such as weddings and
garden events which can take place throughout the site
in various backdrops and settings, all of which invite the users to connect with nature.

Outdoor Experience
Education and Wellness
Central to this Master Plan are the ecologically-focused experiences which await the visitor from nature walks to native gardening to childrens’ nature play. Educational gardens inspire the user to apply learned principles in local ecology to their own home.

Peace and relaxation can be found throughout the site
whether pausing beneath an oak tree canopy, exploring
the riparian corridor or bird watching, all of which offer an opportunity for renewal from daily life.

The site has the potential to support wellness and help heal our physical, mental and spiritual health by embracing the concept of biophilia and fostering a deep sense of
wholeness as we sync in with the natural world around us.

INTRODUCTION // GOALS & OBJECTIVES
98 01
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 10

INTRODUCTION // THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS

THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS
The Master Plan Process
Master planning in landscape architecture is the process of creating a comprehensive plan for the development of outdoor spaces. It involves analyzing the site, understanding the needs of the client and the community, and designing a strategic framework that addresses these requirements.

Master planning considers various elements such as
land use, circulation, infrastructure, and environmental considerations. It provides a roadmap for the development of a site, ensuring that it is well-designed, functional and sustainable.

Efficient Land Use: Carefully considering the layout and organization of outdoor spaces enables efficient land use ensuring that each area is utilized for its optimal potential and functionality.

Improved Connectivity: Master planning takes into account the circulation and connectivity of outdoor spaces. It aims to create a seamless flow between different areas, promoting ease of movement and accessibility for all users.

Enhanced Aesthetics: A well-designed master plan creates visually appealing spaces. It considers elements such as landscaping, materials, and architectural features to ensure that the site is aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with its surroundings.

Sustainability: Sustainability is a key consideration to creating environmentally friendly designs that minimize the impact on the natural environment by incorporating
green infrastructure, using sustainable materials, and
promoting biodiversity.

Long-Term Vision: Master planning provides a long-term
vision for the development of a site. It considers the future needs of the community and ensures that the design is
flexible and adaptable to changes over time resulting in durable and resilient outdoor spaces.

Key Stages
Site Analysis: The first step is to conduct a thorough analysis of the site including studying the physical characteristics, such as topography and existing vegetation, as well as
assessing any constraints or opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement: Emphasis is placed on
collaboration and stakeholder engagement throughout
the process which involves the client, community
members, and other relevant parties to gather insights and to incorporate their feedback into the design.

Concept Development: Based on the site analysis and
stakeholder input, a concept design is developed for the master plan. This concept outlines the overall vision and key features of the outdoor space.

Master Plan: Once the concept is finalized a detailed design stage follows to produce the master plan.

Planning Considerations
Contextual Analysis: Understanding the context is crucial by carefully assessing the natural and built environment, as well as the social and cultural context of the site. The analysis helps create designs that are responsive to the sites unique characteristics.

User Needs: Address the needs of the users by conducting extensive research to understand the requirements and
preferences of the client and the community ensuring that the design is tailored to meet their specific needs.

Environmental Sustainability: Sustainability is a core
principle. Integrating sustainable practices into the design, such as rainwater harvesting, and native plantings help reduce the environmental impact and promote ecological
resilience.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Master plans should be flexible and adaptable to changes over time by designing outdoor spaces that can accommodate future development and
evolving needs. This approach ensures that the master
plan remains relevant and functional into the future.
99 01
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 11 DRAFT INTRODUCTION // THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS Future Benefits
Following the master plan methodology, a holistic allencompassing approach, is essential because it provides a strategic, long-term roadmap that aligns development
with community needs, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures sustainable growth. It transforms fragmented
projects into cohesive environments by integrating land use, infrastructure and public services into a unified vision that guides decision-making for the next 15–25 years.

Risk Mitigation and Cost Efficiency: By outlining goals and constraints early, master planning reduces expensive mid-project changes and helps secure funding by
demonstrating clear feasibility and stakeholder alignment.

Community Cohesion and Sustainability: It fosters inclusive development by incorporating diverse stakeholder input, ensuring that new construction respects environmental
limits, preserves heritage and enhances quality of life.

Regulatory Clarity and Consistency: A master plan legally guides zoning, permitting, and infrastructure investment, ensuring that individual projects adhere to a broader
strategic framework rather than developing haphazardly. 100
01 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 12 Since 2022, OVGC has led a series of workshops, surveys, site tours and presentations as part of the initial phase of brainstorming and gathering community input for the
future vision of the City Hall Campus. OVGC facilitated the public process through data collection, community input, input from city staff, city council, the historic preservation commission, planning commission and various stakeholder meetings.

Matthew Vestuto the tribal chairman of the Barbareño/
Ventureño Band of Mission Indians (Chumash), a
150-member tribe whose ancestors are from the Santa
Barbara and San Buenaventura missions, was contacted to inform him about the project and invite his input.

There were two initial stages in the community outreach and data collection process:

Stage 1: In September 2022, OVGC was awarded a
community service grant (CSG) by the City of Ojai for
the initial stage of community engagement. Under
this separate funding source, during October through
December 2022, OVGC began by offering pilot training
in Effective Collaboration Training (ECT) for individuals and organizations which is based on best practices in
communication, group discussion and decision-making,
and inclusive methods of group facilitation. Data collection began in September 2022 and concluded on October 30,
2023. The outreach process included (1) online survey,
(3) workshops, (2) official site tours and (4) City Council presentations. News blogs were posted on the OVGC
website, OVGC Facebook page, Ojai city website and on
Next Door. Advertisements were ran in the Ojai Valley News.

A Spanish interpreter was hired to translate announcement flyers and was available for interpretation at workshops.

Additionally, childcare was offered at workshops as well.

Stage 2: The second stage was awarded a contract by the City for the completion of the Master Plan Update. This stage began in December 2025 and concluded on May 31,
2026. The outreach process included (2) online surveys, (1) in-person survey (1) workshop, (1) open house day, (6) guided site tours, and a future celebration/kick-off party.

There were also (3) City Council presentations, (2) historic preservation commission site tours and concept review
and (1) planning commission concept review. In addition 3 volunteer site work days were conducted outside of the contract. Several news blogs were posted on the OVGC
website, monthly alerts in the OVGC newsletter, email
blasts and two articles in the Ojai Valley News.

Data Collection
Our approach to working with community members was
informed by the ECT training. A community survey
combined with site tours, workshops, and meetings with
individual City Council members were used to provide a
window into perceptions, excitement, concerns, and ideas for the site.

We worked in close collaboration with city staff, meeting regularly with the assistant city manager and/or city
manager, and completing quarterly reports of our work
throughout the year. In addition, we interviewed Johnny Johnston as he was in Ojai city government when the SmithHobson property was deeded to the city several decades ago. He stated that the overall intent for the grounds was generally to keep them beautiful with natural areas as well as cultivated gardens around the buildings. We also met with Brian Aiken from the historic preservation commission to tour the old Hobson Barn on the property.

OUTREACH SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION // OUTREACH SUMMARY
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01 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 13 Emergent Themes
Consensus was generally formed around the intent of
the campus to serve as an exciting, educational resource with restored historic gardens, demonstration gardens,
a nature park including maintenance and expansion of
the Middle Stewart Canyon Creek restoration project, a
natural sanctuary and a place for workshops, events and gatherings for all ages. Three main themes emerged during the community input phase:
• Nature-based education is the overwhelming priority,
with 77% of respondents indicating they would like to
participate in educational activities on the site.
• Water resilience and ecological gardening are nearly as strong (70%+). Fire-safe landscaping (58%) is a secondary interest—which reflects Ojai’s heightened historic risk and our real-world needs.
• Children’s programming and nature-based play spaces
were in favor by nearly 2 out of 3 respondents. Families are a key part of our community and our future depends
on raising children with a strong connection to our
planet.

Stage 1 Community Outreach
Site Tours
Sixty five individuals participated in two official site tours in January 2023. Several informal site tours were also offered to individuals who were unable to attend the scheduled
site tour dates. The site tours ran approximately an hour and a half and the intent was to discuss the history of the site and to show people the existing buildings and amenities, site conditions, site features, trees, grounds and general boundaries.

INTRODUCTION // OUTREACH SUMMARY
Julie Tumamait-Stenslie shared local Chumash history
of the area. Scott Tomkinson (senior botanist, GIS analyst & arborist) and Andy Fredell (senior project manager,
senior biologist and safety officer representing PAX
Environmental, Inc.) along with Derek Poultney, executive director of The C.R.E.W. (Conservation, Restoration,
Education, and Work), an Ojai-based nonprofit organization that provides environmental work opportunities for teens and young adults, shared about the Middle Stewart
Canyon Creek Restoration area. David White president
of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and founder
of Once Upon a Watershed discussed the compost area
in the demonstration garden. Maps and the 1993 Libbey
Park Master Plan drawing were on display to add context to the project. There was genuine interest and engaged
discussion, questions and answers as participants toured through the property and met in Kent Hall.

Community Survey
An online survey was conducted in both English and
Spanish. The survey was hosted on the OVGC website
along with uploaded maps and relevant documents to
help survey-takers better understand the city property.

The survey included questions about respondents (age,
location, and any association to the site), followed by questions about activities and amenities that respondents wanted to see occurring at the campus. Comments were
encouraged to obtain more detailed thoughts.

There were a range of comments from survey respondents.

We received 42 requests to increase the number of
pickleball courts on the site. Other survey comments were very similar to, and consistent with a wide variety of topics that emerged during the workshops.

Community Workshops
As part of the community outreach strategy, three
community workshops were conducted. These workshops
were led in a world cafe style where round-table discussions were used to encourage active conversation that helped
participants listen, discuss and dream together in
collaborative, reflective ways.

Workshop 1: March 22, 2023
Workshop 2: April 08, 2023
Workshop 3: June 03, 2023
A combined total of 72 individuals participated in these three workshops. Food and childcare was provided to
create a relaxed environment and make it easy for people to attend. In addition, 10 youth from the Green Valley Project participated in an abbreviated world cafe discussion in March 2023 to offer their own perspective on the site.

During the March and April world cafe workshops, we used the following questions to stimulate dialogue:
• What interests or excites you about the campus site?
• How can we create a community place that feels
comfortable and inviting to everyone?
• How do we co-create a healthy ecosystem that includes our human and more-than-human kin?
• How shall we care for and steward this place?
In addition to multiple small group discussions, participants were also encouraged to write, doodle and draw on large pieces of paper to accompany discussion and capture
topics and ideas. We collected all of the sheets of paper, photographed them, and transcribed all of the hundreds
of comments onto a summary list of notes.
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01 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 14 DRAFT
in harmonious ways. Some respondents commented on
perhaps finding a way to serve those in our community
who need an extra hand.

One major theme expressed support of and connection to
the natural world with many comments about protecting
and maintaining the native ecosystem including plants,
birds, pollinators and animals, appreciation for natural beauty, letting nature take care of itself, and protecting the site as a place for serenity and inspiration. One
repeated comment was to keep at least 50% of the campus natural, unbuilt space, and maintain a balance between
undeveloped and developed parts of the site. Several
individuals and groups emphasized that the land offered opportunities to become more attuned to the
natural world.

Since the 1990’s, the City Hall Campus included an active demonstration garden developed to offer education
about composting and water conservation. This history is discussed in more detail in Section 03 Existing Site of this document. Many community members talked about the
importance of renovating and using the demonstration
garden for education and community building. They
expressed ideas that gardens reflect shared labor, beauty, culture, food, and an opportunity to bring people of all ages together in ways that feel real and nourishing.

The existing historic carriage house or barn stable
generated excitement amongst the community with a tour
by an Ojai arts commissioner (overseeing education for the commission). The commissioner became enthusiastic about opportunities for children to learn about and develop an appreciation for nature through activities and interactive experiences. She wrote and shared with us a Proposal for a Children’s Nature Gallery and Classroom: Fostering Nature Appreciation and Community Engagement.

INTRODUCTION // OUTREACH SUMMARY
At the final world cafe workshop on June 3, 2023,
participants sat at tables covered with large maps of the site, and were reminded of the themes that had emerged
during the first two workshops. Three of the participants were men living in the tent encampment on the property.

Groups were given the following instructions:
• Describe the story of this place a couple of years from now: Use pictures and words, and play with ideas!
• What do you see? What do you hear? What do you
imagine doing?
• How can the themes work together in a coherent way?
After working together for 30 minutes, each group posted their completed map on the wall and gave summaries
of their discussions. Main ideas that emerged from each group were harvested and discussed briefly. Findings
were consistent with the categories that had emerged in the earlier World Cafe Style workshops, and no additional themes were identified.

After compiling all of the ideas and notes from the three workshops, we categorized them into emergent themes
and topics. The data fell naturally into a number of
categories although there is some overlap.

Emergent Themes
General consensus gathered from the survey and workshops centered around the idea that the campus has the potential to serve as an essential ecological hub for Ojai. The site has the potential to provide a place for children and adults to gain appreciation for the ecosystem, and to learn how to steward and tend the site in a sustainable and regenerative manner. Users can walk the trails, garden together, gather and meet, recreate with friends and family, and then take the experience and knowledge gained back to our own
homes and communities. This site can serve as an inviting place for local residents and out-of-town visitors to join us The online survey included 42 comments in favor of
expanding pickleball courts while there was rarely any
mention at all during the workshops except for concerns that the sound would be at odds with many nature-focused suggestions for the property.

The existing situation with the tent encampment is a critical issue that is being addressed by the city. The city of Ojai received state funding to address the unhoused. The Ojai Permanent Supportive Housing Project is funded by a $12.7 million state grant from California’s Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF), awarded in April 2024. This grant supports the development of 30 permanent supportive housing units
to replace the existing tent encampment at the Kent Hall parking lot, now relocated to 611 S. Montgomery Street, adjacent to the city’s public works yard.
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INTRODUCTION // OUTREACH SUMMARY
involving the local Chumash community and including
land acknowledgment and dedicated cultural space.

Overall, feedback reflects appreciation for the planning effort but urges the city to prioritize habitat protection, quiet, passive recreational use, educational gardens, and thoughtful improvements rather than extensive design or development.

Although several comments requested more pickle ball courts on the site, the existing pickle ball courts area was excluded from the project contract and scope. The City of Ojai along with the County of Ventura opened a new pickle ball facility at Soule Park in September 2024 and simultaneously closed the existing four courts on site. In November of 2024 Ojai voters voted in favor of Measure O, which required the city to reopen the four courts at city hall year-round.

Survey 2: Eco Center Park Public Survey- Open House inPerson version This survey was available for in-person participation during the October 25, 2025 Open House & Site Tour. Approximately 55 community members attended with 30 participating in
the survey.

The community survey identified nature-based activities and environmental education as the highest priorities
for the Eco-Center Park. Respondents overwhelmingly
valued bird watching, walking, and quietly enjoying
gardens and natural landscapes, with 87% rating these
activities as very important. Educational workshops and classes on ecological gardening, water conservation, firesafe landscaping, and wildlife care were also highly rated, reflecting strong interest in hands-on, sustainabilityfocused learning opportunities. Infrastructure such as trails, signage, play areas, and restrooms was seen as supportive but not the primary focus, emphasizing that the park’s
core mission is immersive nature experiences and learning. up the Hobson Barn for inside site tours. Scott Tompkinson of PAX Environmental, Inc. shared information about the restoration project including its success, and David White with Once Upon a Watershed, a project of the C.R.E.W. , was often actively working in the Demonstration Compost area and shared information on past and existing compost programs and the benefits of compost and soil biology.

Tour attendees were allowed to ask questions during and after the tours in addition to be offered opportunities to stay informed though our website, newsletter and future volunteer workdays.

Community Surveys
Three community surveys were conducted from August
2025 thru March 2026.

Survey 1: City Hall Campus Master Plan Public Comment
There were 39 respondents and community feedback
emphasized preserving the site as a quiet, nature-focused space that respects Ojai’s historic character, native
landscape, and wildlife habitat. Many respondents support accessible community uses such as demonstration
gardens, educational programs (gardening, composting,
water-wise planting, and irrigation), contemplation
gardens, and spaces for learning, healing, and creativity.

There is strong interest in maintaining a peaceful environment for activities like meditation, nature immersion, and birding, with concerns about noise from pickleball and large events.

Some suggest limiting the campus to public community
events only and avoiding loud activities, competitive games, bicycles, or wheeled vehicles except for accessibility needs.

Residents also raised specific concerns, including relocating the compost area farther from homes due to odor, replacing lost native oak trees, and protecting existing native habitat.

Several commenters emphasized the importance of
Stage 2 Community Outreach
Site Tours
A total of six site tours were led between October 2025 and March 2026. The site tours offered the community a
brief local history about the landmark status of the site and buildings which include the city hall building, the Hobson Barn, and the tennis courts, re-purposed as the present pickle ball courts. Historic site elements on the tour included the picnic pergola or arbor, the remaining miniature golf course section, the perimeter walls and pedestrian entry, the tennis court pavilion, the pond, the wedding arbor, and plant material such as the oak woodland, Canary island date palm, Cecile Brunner roses, boxwood hedging, and
remnants of the rose garden.

Buildings and structures excluded from the master plan
project were pointed out, such as the city hall building, the tennis/pickle ball courts, Kent Hall, Little House and Oak Tree House.

A walk down the mulched path to the Middle Stewart
Canyon Creek restoration area included siting and listening to the creek flow, identifying restoration plant material and invasive weeds, and pointing out the upper slope on the west side of the creek which includes an endemic grass
species. Partners in the restoration project were noted as well as acknowledging the existing signage.

Next on the tour was the Demonstration Garden area which included a history of that project and past uses including the present compost area.

We were fortunate on most of the tours to have one or more community members present who had or were actively
working on the site in some capacity. Brian Aikens, the project liaison from the Historic Preservation Commission provided historic landmark information along with opening 104
01 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 16 DRAFT

INTRODUCTION // OUTREACH SUMMARY
programming and long-term stewardship. Participants
engaged in discussions on demonstration gardens, outdoor classrooms, and cultural storytelling, especially centered on indigenous perspectives, all with a shared passion for the site’s future as a thriving community and nature hub. as well as art and citizen science (around 50%), which
could serve as complementary or seasonal programming.

Interest in green building and construction (42%) is more specialized but could still support targeted workshops or partner-led educational events.

Community Workshops
Workshop 1: On March 20, 2025 a workshop was conducted
to re-introduce the community to the Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan Update visioning process. OVGC began
with a recap of the recent history including past OVGC
surveys, community engagement, stakeholder interviews,
the Pickleball Ordinance and an update on Tent Town.

OVGC also reviewed the overall vision, mission, goals and objectives of project. The intention of the workshop was to facilitate community engagement and participation in discussing five key categories:
• gardens
• overall feel of site
• programming
• partnerships
• stewardship
Approximately 40 community members were in attendance.

Site analysis maps were displayed around the room for the community to review and comment in a lively and vibrant discussion that generated passion for the project and the site.

Emergent Themes
Community feedback centered around nature-based
education, community-led gardening spaces, cultural
storytelling, sustainability and intentionality. Participants emphasized using the garden spaces as both a learning
tool and a gathering place. There was focus on fostering a vibrant community space to host wellness activities, art Respondents highlighted children, families, bird
watchers, and seniors as the community sectors that
would benefit most, while volunteers indicated a strong willingness to participate in activities such as program planning, community involvement, planting, and site
stewardship. Preferred park visitation is weekly, with
community members also favoring weekly or monthly
educational programming, suggesting a need for
regular but manageable engagement opportunities.

Survey results further indicate that the park should support both active and contemplative experiences. Nature
appreciation, local ecology, and children’s exploration are top priorities, while secondary programming can include art, citizen science, and meditation or peace spaces. Overall, the findings support a park that blends environmental
education, family-friendly exploration, and immersive,
quiet engagement with nature, underpinned by strong
community involvement and volunteer support.

Survey 3: Eco Center Park Public Survey
This survey ran from October 28, 2025 to March 15, 2026.

There were 67 respondents. Most showed a strong interest in nature-based education and environmental programming.

The highest priorities are learning about local ecology, plants, and wildlife, as well as nature appreciation (77%), followed by water conservation and rainwater harvesting (73%) and ecological gardening and landscaping (69%).

These topics suggest strong support for programming
focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability,
and hands-on learning that could align well with school partnerships, grant opportunities, and adult education.

There is also significant interest in children-focused
programming, with about two-thirds of respondents
supporting both children’s programs and natural play
spaces. Secondary areas of interest include fire-safe
landscaping (58%), reflecting local wildfire awareness, 105
01 INTRODUCTION // EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 15,13
2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 17 DRAFT up the Hobson barn for inside site tours. Scott Tompkinson of PAX Environmental, Inc. shared information about the restoration project including its success, and David White with Once Upon a Watershed a project of the C.R.E.W. was often actively working in the Demonstration Compost
area and shared information on past and existing compost programs and the benefits of compost and soil biology.

Tour attendees were allowed to ask questions during and after the tours in addition to be offered opportunities to stay informed though our website, newsletter and future volunteer workdays.
invasive weeds, and pointing out the upper slope on the west side of the creek which includes an endemic grass
species. Partners in the restoration project were noted as well as acknowledging the existing signage.

Next on the tour was the Demonstration Garden area which included a history of that project and past uses including the present compost area.

We were fortunate on most of the tours to have one or more community members present who had or were actively
working on the site in some capacity. Brian Aikens, the project liaison from the Historic Preservation Commission provided historic landmark information along with opening Stakeholder Meetings
Stakeholder meetings and site visits were held consistently outside of organized workshops and site tours and
agendized city meetings. Meetings were held with
individual city council members, excluding one, the
City Manager, Community Development Department
staff, the Public Works Department Director, Historic
Preservation Commission Chair and Commissioners, Jan
Scow, consulting arborist, Mathew Vestuto chairman of the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians (Chumash),
PAX Environmental Inc. CEO and staff, The C.R.E.W. executive director, (Derek Poultney), Once Upon a Watershed staff (David White), various community members with a history of past involvement or interest in the site, and a local alternative builder.

Site Tours
Attendance varied between 5 and 35 participants. A
total of six site tours offered the community a brief local history about the landmark status of the site and buildings which include the City Hall building, the Hobson barn,
and the tennis courts, re-purposed as the present pickle ball courts. Historic site elements on the tour included the picnic pergola or arbor, the remaining miniature golf course section, the perimeter walls and pedestrian entry, the tennis court pavilion, the pond, the wedding arbor, and plant material such as the oak woodland, Canary island date palm, Cecile Brunner roses, boxwood hedging, and
remnants of the rose garden.

Buildings and structures excluded from the master plan
project were pointed out, such as the City Hall building, the tennis/pickle ball courts, Kent Hall, Little House and Oak Tree House.

A walk down the mulched path to the Middle Stewart
Canyon Creek restoration area included siting and listening to the creek flow, identifying restoration plant material and 106
02 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 18

PLANNING BACKGROUND
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02 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 19

PLANNING BACKGROUND // SITE OVERVIEW
A Civic Campus
The Ojai City Hall campus is located within a landscape shaped by the long-standing environmental and cultural
history of the Ojai Valley, where natural systems have
historically guided patterns of settlement and land use.

The presence of oak woodlands, barranca landforms, and
seasonal drainage corridors reflects the valley’s ecological framework, which has remained a defining feature of
the area over time. Early development in Ojai generally occurred in a manner that responded to these natural
conditions, resulting in a community pattern that retained significant portions of native landscape and emphasized a close relationship between the built environment and
surrounding open space.

Long before European settlement, the Ojai Valley was home to the Chumash people, who lived in close relationship with these same natural systems. The oak woodlands, waterways, and native plant communities provided food, materials,
and cultural significance, shaping patterns of movement, gathering, and stewardship across the landscape.

Chumash land management practices, including the
careful use of fire and seasonal harvesting, helped sustain ecological balance and biodiversity. Acknowledging
this history offers an opportunity to recognize the deep cultural roots of the site and to incorporate interpretive and design elements that honor Indigenous knowledge,
presence, and enduring connections to the land.

As the City of Ojai evolved, civic uses were established within this context, with the city hall site remaining
relatively low in intensity and partially undeveloped,
allowing many of its natural features to persist. Unlike more urbanized civic centers, the campus has retained
a landscape-dominant character, where mature oaks
and drainage features continue to influence the spatial organization of the site. This continuity reflects a broader community value placed on environmental preservation
and the maintenance of Ojai’s distinctive natural setting.

Today, the site represents an opportunity to build upon this legacy by reinforcing its role as a civic space embedded within a natural landscape. The preservation of existing oak woodlands and barranca, combined with thoughtful
integration of public uses, can continue the historical pattern of development that respects and responds to
the valley’s environmental systems, ensuring that the
site remains both culturally meaningful and ecologically functional over time.

SITE OVERVIEW
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02 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 20 PLANNING BACKGROUND // PREVIOUS PLANS The City of Ojai General Plan serves as the city’s primary policy document guiding long-term growth, land use, and development. It establishes goals, policies, and programs to balance community needs with the preservation of
natural, cultural, and scenic character. Together, its elements provide a comprehensive framework for decision-making
to ensure orderly development and protection of the city’s quality of life.

The city formally adopted its comprehensive General Plan in 1997 which includes nine elements, three of which are relevant to this Master Plan: conservation, recreation and open space. The city began its General Plan Master Plan update in 2020 and it is currently underway.

The city hall campus is officially a part of Libbey Park and the 1993 Libbey Park Master Plan. The 2026 Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan evolves from the 1993 Libbey Park
Master Plan Update and will replace the Area G: City Hall section of the plan.
1973 Libbey Park Master Plan
1987 The Open Space, Conservation & Recreation Elements 1993 Libbey Park Master Plan Update
1997 General Plan - City of Ojai
2020 General Plan Master Plan Update - City of Ojai
(in progress)

PREVIOUS PLANS
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PLANNING BACKGROUND // PREVIOUS PLANS
The Open Space Element establishes a comprehensive
framework for the long-term preservation, integration,
and management of open space resources throughout
the city, emphasizing the protection of natural, scenic, and environmentally sensitive areas as essential components of community identity and environmental quality. Within this framework, the city hall campus can be understood as part of a broader open space network, where biologically significant lands, creek corridors, and native landscapes are retained and incorporated into a coordinated system of open space designations. The Element supports the
use of planning tools such as buffer zones, clustering
of development, and open space easements to protect
sensitive areas while allowing for compatible public use, and encourages the integration of open space into project design to maintain ecological function, scenic character, and public benefit. This approach reinforces the role of the campus as a naturalized civic landscape, contributing to the preservation of Ojai’s environmental setting while accommodating low-impact public access and enjoyment.

The Conservation Element establishes a comprehensive
framework to guide the long-term preservation and
enhancement of the City’s biological resources, with
particular emphasis on riparian corridors and oak woodland ecosystems. The Plan promotes a resource management
approach that prioritizes the protection of existing habitat value, limiting development within and adjacent to sensitive areas while requiring site-specific biological evaluation for proposed projects. Key strategies include the designation of significant habitats as permanent open space, the
preparation of habitat preservation and management
plans, and the implementation of measures such as
setbacks, buffer zones, and hydrological protection to
maintain ecological function. Restoration and stewardship of degraded habitats are encouraged through coordinated planning and regulatory tools, ensuring that future land use decisions support the continued health, diversity, and resilience of the Ojai Valley’s natural systems.

The Recreation Element generally describes a framework
for providing a balanced system of parks, open space, and recreational opportunities that support both active and passive use while preserving the natural character of the Ojai Valley. Within this framework, the city all campus can be envisioned as a passive recreational open space with preserve-like qualities, maintaining significant portions of the site in an undisturbed condition while allowing
for limited, low-impact improvements. The Element
supports opportunities for walking, informal use, and quiet enjoyment, facilitated by sensitively designed pathways and seating areas that enable public access without
intensifying development. Additionally, the incorporation of interpretive features may promote public awareness
and appreciation of natural systems, reinforcing the role of open space as both a recreational and educational resource within the community.

The 1993 Libbey Park Master Plan Update has been a
continuing guide for the city for developments within 28.7 acres of land which includes the city hall campus, Libbey Park, Libbey Bowl and other areas. The plan emphasizes
the preservation of existing historic and natural landscape features as fundamental to the identity of the site. Mature oak woodlands and barranca landforms are recognized as
primary structuring elements, to be retained and protected as integral components of the landscape character. Future improvements are intended to be carefully integrated to respect and reinforce these features, ensuring the longterm continuity of the site’s natural systems and historic setting.
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PLANNING BACKGROUND // REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The California Environmental Quality Act
The proposed Master Plan does not involve or cause any
substantial new construction or directly impose other
changes that would create significant environmental
impacts. When individual recommended improvements
are defined in detail and implemented in the future when funding becomes available, each improvement will be
evaluated for significant impacts under CEQA as part of the City’s routine project review and permitting process.

Preliminary Archaeological Assessment
The Ojai Valley has significant cultural importance to the Chumash people, with evidence of human activity dating
back thousands of years. While specific sites are not listed in available documents, the city’s cultural resource policies aim to protect such heritage, especially within 300 feet of mapped archaeological locations.

The City of Ojai’s Preliminary Archaeological Assessment, which was adopted in December 2015 through Resolution
15-48, established a framework for identifying and
protecting cultural resources, particularly in areas near known archaeological sites. The resolution emphasizes
consultation with the Chumash Tribe and requires
a Preliminary Archaeological Assessment (PAA) for
development projects involving earth-disturbing activities.

The Restoration Area
The Middle Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration Project
transformed a 10.8 acre riparian corridor from its past state of near-total coverage by non-native, highly flammable
plant species and water-intensive trees and vegetation, to a robust native southern California live oak riparian habitat.

It was funded through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Proposition 1 Watershed Grant Program. The project date started in July 2020 and was completed in
January 2024.

The project focused on removal of invasive, non-native
species including river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta), and Canary
Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) followed by the
planting of California native species. The goal was to
enhance critical habitat for special-status species including the southern California steelhead trout (Oncorhychus
mykiss irideus DPS 10), the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) and the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys
pallida), while providing workforce development for young adults ages 18-24 years at the C.R.E.W. and the California Conservation Corps (CCC).

In collaboration with the C.R.E.W. as project lead and the City of Ojai, was PAX Environmental, Inc. which provided environmental permitting and regulatory compliance
services, inter-agency coordination, stakeholder outreach, biological surveying and monitoring, and long-term
maintenance/analysis.

All plants and seeds were sourced from within the Ventura River Watershed and grown by Growing Works and Ojai
Valley Land Conservancy.

Key financial and project details include:
• Primary Funding Source: California Department of
Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Proposition 1 Watershed Grant. $864,000 grant received in 2019. Matching funds made it a $1million project.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
• Project Scope: The grant covered tasks such as
removing 650+ invasive plants, planting over 4,700 native seeds, containers, and cuttings, and providing workforce development for local youth.
• Status: The project is described as completed with
annual reports available for the periods 2021-2022, 2022- 2023, and a final report for 2023-2024.
• Future Funding Strategy: The project team aims
to develop outreach and networking strategies to secure continued funding from various community-based sources
for ongoing stewardship.
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2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 23 The Ojai Valley News Article
A project to restore natural habitat, while lessening the risk of wildfire, is well underway in an oak woodland just south of Ojai City Hall. Work on the Middle Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration Project began in mid-November, but the idea for the project began in December of 2017, when a warming fire, unrelated to the Thomas Fire, spread to palm trees in Stewart Canyon and burned about threequarters of an acre. With wildfire mitigation a top priority, city officials began to look at trees such as eucalyptus and fan palm growing in the canyon that are not only non-native, but pose a high fire risk and harm the natural environment by taking over the water supply. “We realized the risk that was developing down here,” Ojai Public Works Director Greg Grant told the Ojai Valley News at the project site. Over the next few years, city officials focused on obtaining grants, and with Ojai Valley News photo by Perry Van Houten. Two crews from the California Conservation Corps worked to remove invasive trees and brush in Stewart Canyon, in the southwest part of the city of Ojai.
the help of Ojai-based PAX Environmental, Inc.
and The C.R.E.W., the city obtained a $864,000
grant last year from the California Department
of Fish and Wildlife. Matching funds made it a $1
million project, Grant said, “to take this whole
reach of Stewart Canyon Creek, to remove the
invasive vegetation and restore it with native
vegetation.” On Nov. 24, the whir of chainsaws
could be heard coming from the canyon as
two crews from the California Conservation
Corps worked to remove some of the smaller
invasive trees. The larger trees will be taken out
by certified arborist Mark Crane starting Dec.

7. It can be a tricky operation, since you don’t
want to damage existing, native trees by felling
the invasive ones. “Telescopic booms will go up
120 feet, grasp the limb with a remote chainsaw
and take it down,” Grant said. In total, the city
plans to remove several hundred non-native
trees, the largest 3 to 4 feet in diameter and over
100 feet tall. The southern half of the project
currently underway covers approximately 10
acres along a less than 1-mile stretch of Stewart
Creek. Much of the work so far has been done
by The C.R.E.W., with PAX Environmental doing
the state-mandated environmental monitoring.

Removing the invasive trees, which compete
with the natives for water and sunlight, will help
restore the habitat for native coast live oak and
valley oak, according to Andy Fredell, terrestrial
and marine biologist with PAX Environmental.
“Once these trees are removed, the smaller
oaks that are already established will be able
to grow a lot faster,” Fredell said. Restoration
work after removal will involve planting not
only new oaks where there are none now, but
planting other riparian trees such as arroyo
willow, elderberry and black walnut. As part of
the grant, the work area will be monitored for five
years afterward to keep invasive vegetation from
re-sprouting and to make sure the new plantings
are successful. Other project partners include
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and Once Upon a
Watershed. A healthier watershed is another goal
of the project, and water quality monitoring is
already being done, according to Fredell. “It’s not
a good, functioning, flowing stream, even though
it probably isn’t year-round anyway. But it would
probably be running later in the year if you didn’t
have all these trees sucking water,” Fredell said.

Bringing back some of the flow in the creek will
also benefit fish and animals. “You’d have more
of our aquatic wildlife living up in this area,” said
Fredell, an area that’s considered habitat for the
endangered Southern California steelhead trout.

The first phase of tree removal should be complete
before the end of the year, with the planting
of approximately 3,000 new plants to follow
this winter and spring. The northern half of the
project is slated to begin next winter, November
2021 through April 2022, according to Ojai City
Manager James Vega.
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EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
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03 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 25 together define the site as a civic landscape of enduring public value, providing a foundation for future planning efforts that balance historic preservation with ecological stewardship.

The Smith-Hobson House
The Smith-Hobson House, also known as the “Old SmithHobson Ranch,” is a recognized historical landmark in Ojai.

In 2017 it was listed on the City of Ojai Historic Landmark properties for its significant example of early California ranch architecture. The property reflects the history of ranching and settlement in the Ojai Valley and is closely associated with the influential Smith and Hobson families.

Built in 1907 in the small town of Nordhoff, California, the Craftsman-style residence of Abram and Helen Hobson
featured finely crafted interior elements, including a
handmade ceramic tile fireplace and built-in woodwork,
which remain visible today within the Council Chambers.

In 1917, under the influence of Edward Drummond Libbey, the town of Nordhoff was transformed and renamed Ojai,
accompanied by a broader shift toward Spanish Colonial
Revival architecture. In keeping with this vision, the Hobson residence was redesigned in 1925 by designer-builder
Robert Winfield who had constructed many buildings in
Ojai including the downtown redevelopment designed
by architects Mead and Requa into the Spanish style,
with the addition of a guest house, pergola, gardens, and recreational amenities that expanded the property into a prominent estate.

SITE HISTORY AND ADJACENT USES

EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS // SITE HISTORY AND ADJACENT USES Chumash History
Anthropologists do not know precisely when the ancestors of the Chumash first arrived in the region, though theories suggest they may have settled here between 12,000 and
27,000 years ago. The area now known as Ojai is derived from the Ventureño Chumash word ’awha’y, meaning
“Moon,” and refers to a historic Chumash village located in the Upper Ojai Valley. For thousands of years, the
Chumash people considered the valley sacred — a fertile and sheltered landscape that provided food, safety, and spiritual grounding.

A leap to present time bring the stories and sharing of local Chumash elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie who has
walked this sacred ground with us. She has shared stories about creation and life, traditions, and growing up in the Ojai Valley and experiencing the natural wonders and
beauty. With honor and respect for the land and all of its inhabitants so sacred to the Chumash culture this is what resonates and we intend to carry through into the future for this project and valley.

The Smith-Hobson Site
The Ojai city hall campus, formerly known as the SmithHobson site, is rooted in the early development of the Ojai Valley and the establishment of civic uses on lands that were originally part of a larger rural and residential landscape.

Central to this history is the Smith-Hobson property, which was conveyed to the city through the Smith-Hobson Deed
in the early 20th century (commonly cited as 1917). The deed transferred ownership of the property for public
purposes, establishing the site as a permanent civic asset and setting expectations that it would remain accessible and beneficial to the community. This foundational act
shaped the long-term use and stewardship of the campus, distinguishing it from surrounding privately developed
lands.

The city hall building was originally built as the SmithHobson House, one of the earliest residential structures on the site along with the Hobson Barn or sometimes
referred to as the Carriage House, the Stable or the Barn.

The building has been retained as a historic resource
and remains a defining feature of the campus. Over
time, additional buildings were constructed to support
municipal functions, including the Oak Tree House, the
Little House and Kent Hall. These structures reflect different phases of Ojai’s growth, illustrating the transition from a small rural community to an incorporated city with
an established civic presence. Despite these additions, development occurred incrementally and with a relatively light footprint, allowing the site’s natural features to persist.

Throughout its evolution, the campus has maintained
a strong connection to its oak woodland setting and
barranca systems, which continue to influence site
organization and character. The historic buildings are
dispersed within this landscape, reinforcing a pattern of development that responds to natural conditions rather
than overriding them. This integration of cultural and
environmental resources reflects both the intent of the original deed and the broader values of the Ojai community.

Today, the City Hall campus represents a convergence of its legal, cultural, and environmental history. The legacy of the Smith-Hobson Deed, the preservation of historic
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EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS // SITE HISTORY & ADJACENT USES The Estate Gardens
During the Smith–Hobson era, the grounds reflected a
blend of early California ranch character and emerging
estate-style garden design. The property retained its native oak woodland, with mature coast live oaks providing
shade, structure, and a strong connection to the valley’s natural landscape. These trees likely predated the house and were intentionally preserved, creating a canopy that framed views and anchored the site in its regional ecology.

New oaks were also planted throughout the gardens.

Layered within this natural setting were more formal
garden elements, including open lawns, rose borders,
and clipped boxwood hedges. These features introduced
a sense of order and refinement typical of early 20thcentury California estates, where owners balanced picturesque, pastoral surroundings with Europeaninspired garden structure. The contrast between the informal oak landscape and the geometric planting
beds created a transitional landscape reflecting both the lifestyle and aesthetic aspirations of the property’s owners.

The City Hall Building
Following Abram Hobson’s passing, the estate remained
in the family until the early 1970s, when it was donated to the City of Ojai by Fred Smith. The property was
subsequently adapted for civic use, with architect
Zelma Wilson integrating the main house and guest
house into a unified municipal facility. In 1976, the site officially became the city hall campus and the SmithHobson house became the City Hall building, marking its transition from a private estate to a public campus. Today, the property retains its historic architectural character and estate-like setting, reflecting both its residential origins and its continued role as a civic landmark.

Demonstration Gardens
The demonstration garden has a long history and has had a number of different chapters of attention and neglect over several decades. In the 1990s the garden was developed
by the Ventura County Integrated Waste Management and
the City of Ojai to offer education about composting and water conservation, and there is still an old fading kiosk that describes how to make compost. That focus has continued, and until recently the Center for Regenerative Agriculture had a contract with the city to offer composting services onsite. The composting endeavor continues today through Once Upon A Watershed, a project of the C.R.E.W., various grant funding and the efforts of volunteers.

In addition, over the decades, different volunteers
(individuals and groups) have created various garden
beds and paths; dug ponds, planted perennial and annual flowers, vegetables, and shrubs; and sometimes offered
classes to the public. More recently, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition had a contract with the city from 2017-2019 to offer gardening education and volunteer opportunities.

But since then, the garden area has become increasingly neglected.

Middle Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration
The Middle Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration Project
Design Plan outlines a comprehensive effort to restore
a degraded riparian corridor within the Ojai Valley by
removing invasive plant species and reestablishing native habitat conditions. The project builds upon a series of earlier restoration efforts initiated between 2012 and
2019, including multiple barranca and creek restoration projects throughout the Ventura River watershed, and was formalized in this design plan prepared in Fall 2019. These prior and ongoing efforts establish a coordinated, phased approach to watershed restoration, positioning the Middle Stewart Canyon Creek segment as a critical remaining
reach.

The plan focused on improving ecological function
through targeted removal of non-native vegetation—
particularly eucalyptus and palm trees—followed by
phased replanting with native species to support wildlife habitat, hydrological function, and long-term ecosystem resilience. Implementation included collaboration
between the City of Ojai, environmental consultants,
and community partners, with a multi-year schedule for
removal, planting, and maintenance extending several
years beyond initial implementation. Overall, this successful project has enhanced habitat connectivity, improved water flow conditions, and contributed to broader watershed
restoration goals within the Ventura River Watershed
system.
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The Ojai City Hall campus is situated within a mixed
civic and residential context, characterized by a
blend of public-serving facilities, neighborhood-scale
development, and natural open space. Surrounding
uses include established residential neighborhoods
that contribute to the small-town character of the area, along with the police department, the city public works yard and multi-family housing. These adjacent uses are
generally low in intensity and scale, reinforcing a setting that is compatible with the preservation of the site’s
natural features and informal open space character.

In addition, the campus is influenced by its proximity to natural drainage corridors and vegetated open space areas, including barrancas and native woodland landscapes
that extend beyond the site boundaries. These features
contribute to a broader network of ecological and visual continuity within the Ojai Valley, creating a transition between built and natural environments. The relationship between the campus and its surroundings presents an
opportunity to strengthen connections between civic
uses, neighborhood context, and natural systems, while
maintaining compatibility with the area’s environmental character.
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Overview
The Ojai city hall campus, comprises 8.79 acres of land characterized as a naturalized civic landscape and defined mostly by its existing oak woodland canopy, native
understory, and adjacent barranca and creek features
that traverse the site. The campus is largely undeveloped, with gently varied topography and drainage corridors
that contribute to its ecological function. These natural systems establish a framework of biological, hydrological, and visual continuity, shaping both the character and
potential use of the site. Existing civic facilities are situated within this landscape context, creating an opportunity to integrate public use with the preservation of environmental resources, and to reinforce the campus as a setting that reflects the broader natural character of the Ojai Valley.

The site is bordered by Santa Ana Street to the north and Ventura Street to the east with single family residential zoning to the north, west and south, and multi-family
residential zoning to the east. The campus is bisected
by the Middle Stewart Canyon Creek watershed and is
largely undeveloped with approximately 6 acres of hillside meadows, the creek and large, mature oak trees which
provide canopy shade.

There are four buildings on site - the historic Ojai City Hall, the historic Hobson Barn, the Oak Tree House and Little House/Kent Hall. The existing Kent Hall was previously an available space for public meetings, however it has now become home to the City Council chamber and no longer
open for public use. A large easement (2.11 acres) owned by the Ventura County Flood Control District exists over the creek. The site includes walkable trails, demonstration gardens, a pickleball court, a habitat restoration area and a small parking lot. The pickleball courts and the parking lot currently occupied by Ojai Tent Town are separate from, and will coexist with, the Eco Center.

Cultural, Tribal, Paleontological & Archaeological Resources The City Hall campus is located within a region historically occupied by the Chumash people whose presence in the
Ojai Valley extends back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence indicates that the valley supported long-standing indigenous settlements due to its access to water, oak
woodland resources, and diverse ecological systems. The name “Ojai” itself is derived from the Ventureño Chumash word awha’y, meaning “moon,” reflecting the deep cultural connection of the indigenous population to this landscape.

Given the presence of Middle Stewart Canyon Creek, a
barranca and the native oak habitat on and adjacent to
the site, the campus is situated within a landform type commonly associated with prehistoric resource use, travel corridors, and potential archaeological deposits.

Although no formally recorded archaeological sites have been identified within the campus based on currently
available information, the environmental characteristics of the property suggest a moderate to high sensitivity for subsurface cultural resources, particularly in undisturbed areas near drainage corridors. Similar creek-adjacent
locations throughout Ventura County have yielded
evidence of Chumash habitation, including tools, food
processing areas, and burial sites. As such, future grounddisturbing activities on the site should consider the potential for unanticipated discovery of archaeological or tribal cultural resources, warranting appropriate monitoring and consultation with Native American representatives.

In addition to archaeological considerations, the site’s natural systems may also support paleontological sensitivity, particularly within alluvial soils associated with creek and barranca formations. While no known paleontological
resources have been documented specifically on the
property, similar geologic contexts in the region have the potential to contain fossil-bearing deposits. Overall, the City Hall campus should be understood as a landscape
with cultural and environmental significance, where
preservation of existing natural features not only supports ecological function but also helps protect potential
subsurface cultural and scientific resources.

SITE ANALYSIS

EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS // SITE ANALYSIS
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03 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 31 Historic Landscape Elements
Site analysis of historic landscape elements included exploring city documents regarding the deed and landmark status of specific buildings including city hall, the property proper including various site structures.

Existing historical site structures are not referenced consistently nor in detail in the Smith-Hobson Deed of 1973, Resolution no. 17-44 which dedicated the site as Landmark 23 described as City Hall structure and grounds

EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS // SITE ANALYSIS
known as the Smith-Hobson House, Structures and Estate, and the Addendum to Phase 1 Historic Resource Inventory Report by Provenience Group.

Site structures referenced in the above documents and
items known or presumed historic due to site context, period photos and the appearance of period materials and finishes were included in the analysis. Site walks with the Historic Preservation Commissioners further provided and confirmed information.

Shed
Wood Ramp
Wood Ramp
Oak Tree
House
Parking
Open area
Enclosed
garden
Deck
Little
House
&
Kent
Hall
1 Hobson Barn

EXISTING HISTORIC

LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS
2 Wedding Arbor
1 2
0 40'
SCALE: 1" = 40'
20' 80'
Site structures were located and addressed preliminarily for safety, material wear, rehabilitation possibilities including potential functionality and for adaptive reuse.

Historic site structures identified were the Hobson Barn once used as a stable for horses, a wood picnic pergola, a concrete badminton court, a portion of a concrete miniature golf course with moat, a concrete and wood wedding arbor with climbing roses, the property perimeter wall
and pedestrian access, the tennis pavilion, an active pond, stone site walls and steps, plinths with planters, remnant gardens and plant material.

City Hall and the current pickle ball courts. previously the tennis court were excluded from the project. City Hall and the tennis court are landmarked along with the Hobson
Barn. Generally, analysis concluded that site structures identified have been neglected and not maintained.
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EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS // SITE ANALYSIS
1 City Hall landmark building

EXISTING HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS
2 Gravel driveway
3 Porte cochere
4 Ornamental urn
5 Canary Island Palm Phoenix canariensis, double trunk
6 Shrubs (Viburnum, Spirea, Cotoneaster, Pyracantha)
7 Event lawn
8 Ponytail Palm Beucarnea recurvata
9 Rose varieties & remnants of rose garden (8)
10 Forest Lily Veltheimia bracteata
11 True Myrtle Myrtus communis, hedge
12 Boxwood Buxus microphylla
13 Ornamental plinths with vases (4)
14 Concrete steps
15 Recent plaque for Children's Garden
16 Stacked stone walls, steps and rock borders
17 Wood structure picnic area w/ Cecile Brunner climbing roses 18 Small pond
19 Tennis pavillion
20 Badminton court
21 Landmark tennis courts & current pickle ball courts
22 North end of perimeter wall
23 Remnant of concrete walk
24 Remnant of concrete miniature golf course
25 Pedestrian arch and seating
26 South end of perimeter wall
Santa Ana Street
Ventura Street
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8 9
10 11
12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 25
26 Little
House
&
Kent
Hall
City
Hall
0 40'
SCALE: 1" = 40'
20' 80'
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EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS // SITE ANALYSIS
Site Drainage & Hydrology
The City Hall campus is organized around an existing
barranca and the Middle Stewart Canyon Creek, which
together function as the primary drainage network for the site. Stormwater runoff generally flows from surrounding higher ground and adjacent developed areas toward these natural low points, where it is conveyed through incised channels that traverse the property. The Middle Stewart Canyon Creek serves as the dominant hydrological feature, collecting flows from smaller tributary barrancas and
establishing a clear drainage hierarchy across the site. This system strongly influences site organization, circulation, and the placement of existing and future improvements.

Site Features
In addition to the historic buildings and structures, a variety of site elements have been introduced to the campus over time to support changing needs and uses. As part of the Master Plan process, these features were inventoried and evaluated for their condition, safety, functionality, and continued relevance. Where appropriate, opportunities to preserve, restore, relocate, or repurpose existing elements were considered. While some features remain functional
and continue to serve the campus well, others have reached the end of their useful life or no longer support the longterm vision for the site, making repair, replacement, or removal appropriate. The history and original purpose of several site elements remain uncertain; these features may warrant additional research and evaluation by the City as future improvements are undertaken.

Existing Site Elements Identified:

1. Metal shed on the south side of Kent Hall recommend
removal

2. Wood deck is in good shape. Recommend retaining.

3. Oak Tree House/staff and commissions did not respond, recommend to address in the future. walkway/uneven
pavers, fencing/private patio for Oak Tree House,
memorial garden and signage/staff not aware of any
documentation, memorial wooden sign/staff not aware of
any documentation

4. Existing foot paths to remain/recommend widening
and re-surfacing where needed for safety and accessible requirements

5. Planter on west side of city hall at parking lot ingress/ egress: to remain or redesign?/ staff and commissions did not respond, recommend to address in the future.

6. Demonstration Garden including operating compost
area: wood benches/rotted, compost information posts/
missing information, compost kiosk/peeling paint, bulletin board/ in use/consider relocation, tool shed/rot at base/ relocate, random raised wood beds/replace, stone edged
planters/reuse stone, bench, pond/remove. Due to neglect, age or non functionality, re-purpose or remove and replace per new master plan.

Integral to community use, whether solitary or through
programming opportunities, future planning for site
features and elements should prioritize thoughtful
selection, placement, functionality, and on going
maintenance to ensure continuous use and cost effective management.

Biological Resources
The City Hall campus supports a range of native biological resources associated with its oak woodland canopy, riparian corridor, and understory vegetation. Mature coast live oaks provide critical habitat structure, supporting bird species, small mammals, and invertebrates, while also contributing to soil stability and microclimate regulation. The presence of Middle Stewart Canyon Creek and associated barrancas enhances habitat diversity, creating riparian conditions that support increased species richness relative to upland areas and function as wildlife movement corridors within the broader Ojai Valley.

The site’s relatively undeveloped condition allows these systems to function with a high degree of ecological integrity; however, some areas may be affected by invasive plant
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EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS // SITE ANALYSIS
species, habitat fragmentation, and localized disturbance.

The interface between developed and natural areas
presents both constraints and opportunities, particularly in maintaining habitat continuity and minimizing edge
effects. Sensitive areas are generally concentrated along the creek corridor and within dense oak stands, where root zones and understory vegetation are critical to long-term ecosystem health.

Future planning should prioritize the protection and
enhancement of existing biological resources, including preservation of mature trees, restoration of native
understory, and removal of invasive species. Establishing buffer zones adjacent to the creek and barrancas, along with limiting disturbance within sensitive habitat areas, will support long-term ecological function. Through
careful integration of low-impact design and habitat
restoration strategies, the campus can continue to serve as a biologically functional landscape within a civic setting, reinforcing both environmental resilience and the natural character of the site.

Utilities and Easements
The City of Ojai Public Works Department presently does not have a utility plan for the City Hall Campus. Utilities identified on the site survey include one sewer access on the east side and two on the west side of Kent Hall, electric to the existing irrigation controller at the demonstration garden, irrigation boxes, three water meters located
separately on Santa Ana Street and one located on the
corner of Ventura Street and Santa Ana Street and site
hose bibbs throughout. On the south eastern corner of
the property are an electric meter, a backflow device and a communication box. Fire hydrants include one at the
southeast corner of Ventura Street and Santa Ana and one at the southern boundary of the city owned multi -family residential zoned vacant lot on Ventura Street.

Utilities for the proposed project would most likely be accessed from Kent Hall, the closest and most centrally located existing building to the proposed restroom/s
and garden house. Kent Hall has sewer access on the east side, potable water, and electrical. An electric meter and communication box are located on the south eastern
portion of the property that could be assessed for use as well.

Known easements include Ventura County’s Watershed
Protection District which maintains flood control facilities and debris basins within the Middle Stewart Canyon area of Ojai as part of the Ventura River Watershed management.

Watershed management includes routine maintenance by
sediment removal to restore flow capacity and is conducted by the Ventura County Watershed Protection District to
protect downstream residential and commercial areas.

OVGC requested further information about any other
easements or encroachments on the property. The results of the request were still in process during the completion of the master plan.
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04 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 35

OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS
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04 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 36 Master Plan Goals and Objectives
The Ojai City Hall Campus is an important cultural and
natural resource for the community of Ojai. It is also a culturally and ecologically valuable asset for the city. It is home to a historic landmarked site, structures and two
buildings as well as an existing demonstration garden
and is situated within a native oak woodland and riparian corridor which serve as a natural resource for visitors. This Master Plan presents an opportunity to play an important part in telling the greater story of this eight acre campus and habitat area.

Revitalizing and improving the campus as an ecological
resource for study, interpretation, and education as well as passive recreation is a meaningful goal in alignment with the project goals and objectives outlined in Chapter 01 Goals and Objectives:

Valuable Resources: Protect, revitalize and enhance the unique natural and cultural resources of the site.

Community Activity: Provide opportunities for passive
recreation, biophilic connection, education, community
activity and exploration.

Park Management: Manage the park as a viable ecological resource for the city.

Stewardship: Provide opportunities for both stakeholder and stewardship engagement for on-going, long term park maintenance.

Balancing Culture and Nature -
First Principles in Landscape Architecture
Balancing culture and nature begins with a deep
understanding of place. Each landscape carries its own
ecological rhythms—soil, water, biodiversity—and its
cultural heritage—traditions, uses, memories. The first principle is to design in harmony with both. Contextual design respects the “genius loci,” weaving local materials, landforms, and native species into the design. Nature isn’t just scenery; it’s the foundation. Ecological function—like managing
stormwater, supporting habitat, and regenerating soil—
should be the bedrock upon which cultural layers rest.

Cultural meaning arises when spaces foster human
connection. Design must create places for gathering,
contemplation, and shared rituals. By embedding cultural references—whether through art, symbolism, or honoring
historical traces—landscapes resonate with identity. Equally important is designing for comfort and accessibility—
offering shade, seating, and walkability—so people feel at home. These cultural layers thrive when they emerge
from an underlying healthy ecosystem, not at its expense.

Finally, achieving balance means thinking over time. Nature changes—plants mature, seasons shift—and cultural
life evolves, too. Good design allows for this unfolding:
materials gain patina, landscapes invite stewardship, and places reveal new layers over generations. Integration is key: architecture and landscape should merge, and the
boundary between built and natural should blur. A balanced landscape is a living, evolving collaboration between the cultural and natural worlds, cared for by the community it serves.

A Historic Site
The Ojai City Hall campus is steeped in a rich history that extends far beyond its time as the Smith-Hobson estate.

Long before the ranch era, this land was part of the ancestral territory of the Chumash people, who cherished the Ojai Valley’s natural resources, creeks, and oak woodlands. Their presence, culture, and respect for the land form an essential layer of the site’s heritage. Any future planning honors this deeper history—recognizing that the land’s story began
long before European settlement, and that the Chumash
heritage is an integral part of the land’s identity.

In parallel, the Smith-Hobson era brought its own historical significance, with the estate reflecting early 20th-century ranch life and evolving into today’s civic hub. The master plan must respect both these historical layers—ensuring that any landscape or structural interventions reflect the site’s past, from the enduring oak woodlands valued by
the Chumash, to the historic gardens and structures of the estate era.

Historic Landscape Elements
The site contains several historic landscape features that deserve careful consideration in the master plan. Among them are existing plantings such as boxwoods and roses, which reflect a formal garden tradition that may be adapted to suit contemporary needs. Stone steps, borders, and
pottery offer a tangible connection to the site’s past, while a deteriorated pergola stands as a structural relic that could be rehabilitated or reimagined. Additionally, an unused badminton court offers the potential for revitalization into a functional community space, while a mini-golf area, less aligned with the site’s vision, may be considered for removal.

OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS // CONSIDERATIONS

CONSIDERATIONS
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04 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 37 The Restoration Area
The Ojai City Hall Campus is also home to a significant native habitat area, highlighted by the Middle Stewart
Canyon Creek and a native southern California live oak
riparian habitat. This area has been carefully monitored and restored under the City of Ojai and The Middle
Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration Project with C.R.E.W.
and PAX Environmental, Inc. which secured grant funding to manage invasive species and support the native
ecosystem. Their efforts have been pivotal in restoring the watershed’s natural balance and enhancing biodiversity.

The Master Plan Update will build on this partnership by improving access and appreciation. A new pedestrian
bridge will span the creek, offering a long awaited and meaningful connection across the water. Connecting from the bridge, a clear trail will lead visitors through the native habitat up to a proposed meadow and hillside overlook,
offering expansive views. By enhancing access, the Master Plan ensures the community can fully experience and
appreciate the richness of this native public landscape.

The Demonstration Gardens
Over the years, the Ojai City Hall Campus has featured
the beloved demonstration gardens—spaces where the
community has come together to learn, steward, and
celebrate local plants and sustainable practices. These gardens have long reflected a collaborative spirit, with residents and local groups contributing to the educational and aesthetic value of the site. However, over time, these cherished spaces have faced neglect, with plantings
aging and the vibrancy of the original vision fading.

The new Master Plan Update for the campus seeks to
breathe fresh life into the demonstration garden, restoring it as a vibrant educational and community resource. Further developed plans will introduce updated plant material,
focusing on native species, climate-appropriate selections, pollinator-friendly plantings, Chumash cultural inspiration, and fire-wise landscaping specific to Ojai’s climate. The revitalization will ensure the gardens are not only more resilient but once again serve as a living testament to both the natural beauty of the region and the cooperative spirit of the community.

OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS // CONSIDERATIONS
Our approach will begin with a detailed assessment of
each feature. Elements that hold historic or aesthetic value and can be adapted to meet community needs—like the
badminton court—may be rehabilitated. Features that no
longer serve the site’s long-term vision, such as the minigolf area, may be respectfully removed and archived.

Ultimately, each feature will be thoughtfully evaluated for preservation, relocation, or reimagining, ensuring that the landscape’s historical character is respected while serving the future needs of the community. Final determination of the historic landscape elements will be made by the City of Ojai.

A New Workshop Building
When considering the addition of a new workshop building on the Ojai City Hall campus, the design must honor both the community’s needs and the site’s natural and historic character. The building will serve as a flexible space for public meetings, creative workshops, and community
classes - it needs to be welcoming, adaptable and
accessible. The placement and design of the structure must harmonize with the existing oak trees and topography. The building footprint will be carefully located on a previously identified, gently sloped area outside the protected oak zones, ensuring no disturbance to root systems or canopy.

In terms of design, the building should take cues from
the natural surroundings and the historic architecture
of the city hall building, using materials that reflect the local environment and keeping a low visual profile. Large windows or open-air features can enhance the connection between indoor activities and the surrounding oak
woodland, fostering a sense of place. Additionally, we’ll ensure that the building’s orientation and access points follow the natural grade and solar orientation, allowing for easy, accessible paths from other parts of the campus, seamlessly blending function with nature.
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04 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 38 Analysis of the overall natural setting and civic context reveals many opportunities and constraints upon the future planning of the campus and proposed uses. Many features considered are constraints to one form of improvement
and opportunities for another and therefore are listed as both opportunities and constraints.

Protecting Native Trees and Shrubs
A primary constraint on the site is the presence of mature native oak trees, which form a significant and sensitive oak woodland resource. These trees require careful
protection, as their root systems extend well beyond the visible canopy and are highly susceptible to disturbance.

Development must avoid encroachment within the drip
line, with no grading, trenching, compaction, or structural improvements permitted in these areas. Even minor
changes to soil conditions or drainage can adversely affect tree health, making it essential to maintain existing grade and permeability.

Protect existing native shrub species, such as Heteromeles arbutifolia, wherever feasible. Site planning should respond to these established trees and shrubs by carefully shaping circulation, gathering spaces, and infrastructure to fit within natural clearings rather than displacing vegetation. Clearly define and enforce tree protection zones throughout
both design and construction, incorporating appropriate fencing, monitoring, and best management practices.

While these constraints may limit the available buildable area, they also present a valuable opportunity to preserve the site’s ecological integrity and strengthen its identity within the native Ojai landscape.

In addition to protecting the existing oak woodland, a
recent concern has emerged regarding the loss of several oak trees due to an undetermined disease. At present,
the specific cause has not been fully identified, and
further investigation is required to guide next steps. It is recommended that tissue and soil sampling be conducted
to test for pathogens and assess the potential for disease spread. These findings will inform whether replanting native oaks is appropriate or if alternative native species should be considered to ensure long-term ecological health. In the interim, the remaining oaks should be carefully monitored, and the master plan will remain adaptable - allowing for either restoration of the oak woodland or the introduction of compatible species based on future findings. In all cases, the approach will prioritize a healthy, resilient landscape aligned with the ecological and community vision for the site.

Existing Topography
The natural topography of the northeastern portion of
the campus is characterized by gentle slopes, offering
both a constraint and a design opportunity. We prioritize working with these existing contours to minimize grading and earthwork. Pathways, gardens and outdoor spaces
will follow the natural flow of the land, ensuring minimal disruption and a harmonious connection to the site. This approach helps preserve soil stability, supports natural drainage patterns, and reduces the need for retaining
structures. By thoughtfully integrating built elements with the land’s natural slope, we aim to foster a seamless, organic relationship between the architecture, gardens, and the natural environment.

The Restoration Area
The site’s Middle Stewart Canyon Creek restoration area and riparian corridor represents a sensitive ecological habitat that must be respected in all future planning. This area is critical for habitat, water quality, and erosion control.

Any development or landscape modification needs to
comply with jurisdictional regulations and permitting
requirements, ensuring no negative impact on the riparian habitat or hydrology.

OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS // CONSTRAINTS

CONSTRAINTS
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04 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 39 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS // CONSTRAINTS The Smith-Hobson Estate Garden
Historical site elements we have identified that may need addressing due to lack of maintenance, safety issues,
or functionality requiring city approval to preserve,
rehabilitate, restore, reconstruct or demolish:

Hobson Barn/Carriage House (rehabilitate)
wood picnic pergola
concrete miniature golf section
wedding arbor
badminton court - concrete deck and poles
(rehabilitate)
perimeter wall (rehabilitate)
concrete walk segment (south of tennis/pickleball
courts
Plant material identified in period photos, on site,
considering availability in the nursery trade and popularity during the late 1800’s through 1950’s:

Quercus agrifolia/Coast Live Oak (native)
Phoenix canariensis/Canary Island Date Palm
Heteromeles arbutifolia/Toyon (native shrub)
Buxus microphylla/Boxwood (trimmed hedging)
Myrtus communis/ Myrtle (tall hedging)
Spirea species
Cotoneaster species
Pyracantha/Firethorn
Rosa species/Roses (rose garden)
Iris germanica/German Iris
Beaucarnea recurvata/Ponytail Palm
CL. Rosa Cecile Brunner/Cecile Brunner Climbing Rose
Veltheimia capensis/Sand Lily
Assorted Bulbs/Rhizomes
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04 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 40 Renewed Demonstration Gardens
The revitalization and stewardship of the long-neglected demonstration garden is a primary objective of the future of the campus. By removing non-native, invasive plants
and replanting with regionally appropriate native species, soil health can be restored and the garden habitat can
attract new wildlife and pollinators. The new plantings will emphasize pollinators, wildlife, drought tolerance and firewise landscaping, all showcasing resiliency. The Master Plan also envisions Chumash inspiration, showcasing
native plants that were traditionally used and valued by the Chumash people.

Accessible paths will guide visitors through the garden, inviting the community to explore. Along these paths,
interpretive signage will offer insight into the significance of the plants, both ecologically and culturally. This garden will not only be a place of beauty but also of learning, fostering a deeper connection between visitors, native flora and
fauna, and the cultural heritage that shaped the valley. By restoring these gardens, we create a living, evolving space where history, ecology, and community engagement
flourish together.

Restored Historic Gardens
Although site uses and conditions have evolved—
resulting in shifts in sun and shade patterns, plant loss, and the introduction of new material—there remains a
meaningful opportunity to restore portions of the historic Smith-Hobson Estate gardens. By referencing archival
photographs and evaluating existing plant material, the gardens can be thoughtfully adapted to reflect their historic character while accommodating present needs and future
use.

Suitable Buildable Areas
To identify potential suitable building areas for a workshop structure, we carefully overlaid two key layers: the protected native oak trees and the gentle, natural topography. First, we mapped out the drip lines of each mature oak, establishing protective zones that are entirely off-limits for construction.

These zones not only safeguard the root systems but also define where open spaces—such as shaded gathering
areas, outdoor rooms or pathways—can thrive under the
oak canopy.

Next, we assessed the topography, focusing on flatter
portions of the site or areas with gentle slopes that require minimal grading. By overlaying these contours alongside the oak protection zones, we pinpointed areas that are
both clear of tree constraints and gently sloped. In these chosen spots, the workshop structure can be nestled into the landscape, preserving the natural character while
minimizing site disturbance.

Sustainable Food Production
The removal of some large, invasive Eucalyptus trees will provide the space needed for a desired fruit tree orchard and community food garden that can serve as opportunities for engagement and education. The orchard will feature
climate-appropriate fruit trees and the food garden will add a connection to the land’s agricultural roots, inviting the community to participate in cultivating their own
food, fostering a sense of ownership, healthy living, and sustainability.

Both the orchard and the food garden will be thoughtfully integrated into the overall landscape, with access
paths, picnic tables and opportunities for workshops or community gatherings. The principles of hügelkultur can be implemented and highlighted as a demonstration
feature for the orchard. Applying this sustainable method of building raised beds with decaying wood and organic
matter will enhance soil fertility and water retention. The orchard will be a place for community members to learn
about sustainable practices and experience the joys of
tending to the land, while the vegetable garden will foster community involvement and sustainable food cultivation.

These spaces will support intergenerational learning,
inviting people to come together, share knowledge about sustainable growing, and enjoy the fruits—both literal and metaphorical—of their collective efforts.

OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS // OPPORTUNITIES

OPPORTUNITIES
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OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS // OPPORTUNITIES
Repurposing Site Materials
Salvage and repurpose on-site materials to support
sustainable design and reinforce the site’s character.

Utilize soil for cob plastering, eucalyptus for structural or architectural elements, and oak branches for hügelkultur and other regenerative landscape strategies. Incorporate reclaimed materials into primitive or site-responsive
furnishings, and reuse organic matter as mulch where
appropriate. Evaluate existing estate gardens for
opportunities to transplant viable plant material as
conditions evolve. Retain and repurpose rock borders and salvageable lumber from existing structures, particularly where modifications or removals occur, to extend the life and story of site materials.

A Creekside Habitat
An important opportunity in the Master Plan is to continue the restoration of the Middle Stewart Canyon Creek
riparian corridor and adjacent areas. The recent removal of invasive species and the reintroduction of native plants has directly improved the creek’s ecological balance and water flow in the creek has since returned. Native hillside grasses currently exist on the southwestern portion of the site adjacent to the creek and the potential to enhance these species should be considered.

A Pedestrian Bridge
By building a pedestrian bridge and designating clearly marked trails, the entire campus will be united, bridging the natural divide that the creek currently creates. The creek has long been a defining feature, bisecting the site, but with the bridge, visitors can experience both areas seamlessly.

The new trail will invite people to wander across the creek and up the adjacent hillside to an overlook, connecting previously isolated spaces, and providing a continuous
loop that allows the community to fully appreciate and
engage with the entire site.

Pedestrian Connectivity
An important opportunity in the master plan is to
significantly improve pedestrian connectivity across the site, creating a more unified and accessible campus. By enhancing and formalizing pathways, the design will
establish clear, intuitive routes that link key destinations— such as gardens, gathering spaces, and civic buildings— into a cohesive network. These improvements will reduce fragmentation and make it easier for visitors to navigate and experience the site as a whole.

The Master Plan also seeks to establish ADA-accessible
pathways that respond to site topography, enabling
users to navigate a significant portion of the main
campus comfortably and safely. Routes will be designed
to follow gentle grades, minimize barriers, and integrate seamlessly with the existing topography. Through these
enhancements, the site will become more inclusive,
legible, and connected—supporting both everyday use
and community events while reinforcing a strong sense of place.

Improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to the site from downtown Ojai, Libbey Park and the Ojai Valley Trail include a 4-way cross walk at the intersection of Santa Ana and Ventura Streets, maintaining the mulched path along Ventura Street to the existing historic pedestrian entry at the eastern wall, and strategic locations at points of entry to accommodate bicycle parking, contributing to safer
routes and functionality.

Stormwater Capture
A key opportunity in the master plan is to implement a
robust stormwater capture system, specifically targeting roof runoff from the existing buildings, the new workshop building and street runoff from Ventura Street. By
channeling rainwater into newly designed rain gardens,
runoff is slowed allowing water to infiltrate the soil. The rain gardens will be thoughtfully planted with native species that not only beautify the site but also help filter pollutants and support habitat.

In addition to improving water quality, the rain gardens will help mitigate erosion during heavy rain events by
capturing and slowing the water before it reaches the
creek or surrounding areas. This approach also aligns with the site’s broader sustainability goals, enhancing soil health by increasing infiltration. As a result, the rain gardens will be a visible and functional testament to the campus’s
commitment to water stewardship and environmental
resilience.
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DESIGN OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES
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05 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 43 Basis of Design: Key Concepts
• Regenerative Design
• Public Use
• Historic Landscape Elements
Regenerative Design
Regenerative Design is a systems-based approach that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and improving the ecological and cultural health of a site. It emphasizes working with natural processes—such as hydrology, soil
systems, and plant communities—to increase biodiversity, strengthen resilience, and create landscapes that evolve positively over time while supporting human use and
connection.

This Master Plan is grounded in regenerative design
principles that aim not only to sustain but to actively restore and enhance the ecological health of the site. The design works with the existing landform by minimizing grading
and responding to natural contours, reducing disturbance and preserving the integrity of the landscape. Key
ecological resources, including the native oak woodland, are protected and reinforced as vital habitat systems.

Site planning also considers solar orientation and shade to optimize microclimates, improve user comfort, and
support appropriate plant selection. Existing materials are repurposed where feasible to reduce waste and maintain
continuity with the site’s character.

In addition, the plan prioritizes water-sensitive design strategies, including stormwater capture and infiltration, to support groundwater recharge and reduce runoff.

Native and climate-appropriate plant palettes, along
with drought-tolerant and fire-wise landscaping, further enhance resilience. By integrating these strategies, the design supports soil health, biodiversity, and long-term ecological function, creating a landscape that is both
adaptive and regenerative over time.

Public Use
The campus is envisioned as an accessible and welcoming civic landscape that encourages community engagement,
education, and passive recreation. The master plan
introduces improved circulation, including accessible
pathways, defined trails, and a pedestrian bridge that
connects the hillside meadow to the rest of the site. A new workshop building is carefully sited to respond
to existing oak tree canopy and slope conditions,
minimizing grading while preserving the natural
character of the landscape. Nature-based play areas are incorporated to provide informal, exploratory spaces
that foster interaction with the environment, particularly for younger users. Gathering spaces, demonstration
gardens, and interpretive opportunities support learning and community connection, while strategically placed
viewpoints and trails are designed to capture and
highlight scenic vistas across the site.

OVERVIEW

DESIGN BASIS // OVERVIEW
Enhancing usability and accessibility ensures the campus can serve a broad range of users while maintaining a
strong connection to the natural environment. The design promotes a balance between active and passive use,
encouraging stewardship and daily engagement while
respecting the ecological systems that define the site.

Historic Landscape Elements
This Master Plan acknowledges the historical context
of the Chumash heritage and the Smith-Hobson Estate
and responds in a manner that is consistent with
applicable preservation guidelines, while allowing the
site to evolve to meet current and future needs. Existing historic elements within the landscape are evaluated
and selectively retained or adapted where appropriate.

The approach is not to fully restore the site to a single historical period, but rather to respect its legacy while supporting a more functional and resilient landscape.

Design interventions are intentionally subtle, with an
emphasis on compatibility rather than replication.

Materials, spatial organization, and landscape elements are considered in relation to the site’s history without allowing them to constrain the overall vision. This balanced approach ensures that historic character is acknowledged and preserved where necessary, while enabling a forwardlooking design that prioritizes usability, ecological performance, and community benefit.
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1. Design site features and landscape areas to be
compatible with existing native habitat and restoration areas, while protecting and preserving the integrity of the native oak woodland and tree canopy.
• Establish a balanced approach that supports community use and civic programming while prioritizing habitat
protection and ecological health across the campus.
• Protect existing native oak woodland and tree canopy by siting improvements outside of tree protection zones and sensitive root areas, and by implementing appropriate
tree protection measure.
• Site the new workshop building and restroom to avoid
impacts to existing oak trees and sensitive root zones. • Build upon existing restoration efforts by coordinating with established restoration areas, removing invasive
species, and reestablishing native plant communities.
• Repurpose existing eucalyptus trees and removed
materials for sustainable on-site uses such as nature
play elements, hügelkultur, site furnishings, mulch, and building materials.

2. Minimize site grading by working with existing
landforms and contours when designing pathways,
gathering areas and site structures.
• Minimize site grading by utilizing existing contours in the design of pathways, gathering areas, play spaces and gardens.
• Site the new workshop building and restroom in areas
with gentle slopes to reduce grading and site disturbance. • Utilize and enhance existing pathways and open spaces wherever feasible to minimize disruption to established habitats.

3. Design site features and landscape areas to
complement and enhance the natural landscape, while
responding appropriately to the surrounding context
and ecological conditions.
• Organize site zoning and program areas based on
compatibility with existing site geography, natural
features, and surrounding landscape—locating more
active uses in already developed areas and preserving
quieter, more natural zones for passive use.
• Locate restroom facilities in strategic, centralized
locations that maximize accessibility, meet ADA
requirements, and connect efficiently to existing sewer infrastructure.
• Improve on-site water quality and ecological
performance by incorporating rain gardens and bioswales in key locations to capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater from existing site and roof runoff.
• Respond to existing sun and shade patterns when siting site features and outdoor use areas to enhance user
comfort, support plant health, and optimize seasonal use. • Preserve and frame existing views as opportunities
for quiet respite, reflection, and connection to the
surrounding landscape.

REGENERATIVE DESIGN

DESIGN BASIS // REGENERATIVE DESIGN
• Respect and integrate existing site features where
appropriate, allowing the design to build upon the site’s established character and ecological function.
• Provide bicycle parking and clear wayfinding signage
in key locations to support accessibility, orientation, and ease of movement throughout the campus.

4. Methods and Materials: Design and material
selection should prioritize sustainability, resource
efficiency, and responsiveness to the site’s ecological and climatic conditions.
• Repurpose site elements typically slated for demolition for reuse on-site, including wood and trimmings
from removed trees, stone borders, and other natural
materials, incorporating them into landscape features, site furnishings, and garden elements.
• Utilize thoughtful plant selection strategies that respond to the local climate, site conditions, and specific program areas across the campus.
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05 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 45 DESIGN BASIS // REGENERATIVE DESIGN • In the Historic Estate Gardens, draw from the existing garden palette and incorporate era-appropriate or
compatible plant species that reflect the character of
the original landscape while supporting long-term
sustainability.
• Within the Restoration Area, prioritize the use of
indigenous and endemic plant species that align with
existing native plant communities and support habitat
restoration goals.
• In the Discovery Corner, incorporate child-friendly and pollinator-supportive plant selections that encourage
interaction, learning, and habitat awareness.
• Within the Workshop Hub, utilize plant species that reflect Chumash uses while also being climate-appropriate and
fire-wise, serving as an educational model for sustainable residential and community landscapes.
• Implement smart irrigation systems, including weatherbased controllers and low volume emitters to optimize water use efficiency and respond to seasonal and climatic conditions.
• Support soil health through on-site composting of green waste and the reapplication of organic material to build soil structure, increase water retention, and enhance soil biology, while reducing overall waste streams.
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1. Provide opportunities for visitors to experience
solitude, respite, and meaningful connection within the natural landscape.
• Ensure that all site improvements reinforce and enhance the natural character of the landscape, strengthening
visitors’ connection to the surrounding environment.
• Provide opportunities for walking, resting, and informal gathering—such as quiet seating and picnicking—
throughout the gardens and natural open areas.
• Design site features and structures to be subtle, lowimpact, and thoughtfully integrated, so as not to detract from the natural setting.
• Preserve and highlight scenic viewpoints and trail
experiences that encourage reflection, contemplation,
and appreciation of the surrounding habitat.

2. Provide opportunities for passive use and lowimpact activities that are compatible with the site’s natural character.
•Design harmonious spaces and pathways that support
passive recreation, such as walking, birdwatching, and
quiet reflection, while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
• Provide low-impact gathering spaces that accommodate
small groups and informal use, carefully balanced with
the surrounding habitat and respectful of the site’s natural ecological rhythms.
• Incorporate multi-use areas designed for all ages,
including an orchard, community edible gardens,
nature-based play areas, and a new small-scale stone
amphitheater, to support flexible and inclusive
programming.
• Enhance existing picnic areas and introduce additional picnic seating in key locations to support informal
gathering and day-to-day use.
• Support increased public use by improving the
functionality and character of existing amenities,
including the event lawn and the historic badminton
court.
• Maintain and support the continuation of existing uses that have historically occurred on the site, including the demonstration gardens, while acknowledging that the
existing pickleball courts are excluded from this Master Plan and will remain in operation.

3. Educate and inspire through interactive, placebased learning and demonstration of sustainable landscape practices.
•Design educational gardens that showcase resilient
landscape strategies, including native and droughttolerant planting, as well as fire-wise design, to demonstrate best practices for the region.
• Increase public awareness of stormwater management
and water quality by integrating visible and functional features such as native rain gardens and bioswales.
• Provide opportunities for children and families to
engage directly with nature through pollinator gardens

PUBLIC USE

DESIGN BASIS // PUBLIC USE
and nature-based play elements, including features
constructed from repurposed tree materials.
• Enhance and rehabilitate existing estate gardens while creating opportunities to interpret and share the rich
cultural and historical context of the site.
• Promote understanding of local ecology through
the integration of interpretive and interactive signage throughout the demonstration gardens, restoration
areas, and at key destinations such as the new workshop building.

4. Promote public safety through accessible, wellconnected, and thoughtfully designed circulation and site amenities.
• Improve ADA accessibility by providing continuous,
universally accessible pathways along primary circulation routes, ensuring equitable access across the site.
• Provide clearly defined paths and trails that are
sensitively integrated into the natural landscape, guiding movement while minimizing environmental impact.
• Strengthen connectivity within the circulation network by linking existing paths and trails, eliminating gaps, and improving overall site navigation and flow.
• Provide accessible parking, bicycle parking, restrooms, and wayfinding signage in key locations to support safe, convenient, and intuitive use of the site.
• Ensure site design maintains appropriate visibility, clear sightlines, and access for emergency and maintenance
vehicles where needed.
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05 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 47

1. Respect and thoughtfully integrate historic
landscape features, ensuring their preservation,
adaptation, or reimagining in a manner that honors
the site’s heritage while supporting future community
needs.
• Enhance and rehabilitate existing estate garden
elements, including boxwood hedges and rose plantings,
to maintain their historic character while improving
overall health and appearance.
• Preserve existing stone features—such as steps,
borders, and garden walls—in place where feasible, or
carefully relocate and reconstruct them if necessary to accommodate site improvements.
• Evaluate the future of the existing pergola in
coordination with the City of Ojai. Due to its deteriorated condition, the structure may require rehabilitation or
replacement while the existing site may be reimagined to better align with the long-term vision for the campus.
• Rehabilitate the unused historic badminton court by
resurfacing for adaptive reuse for alternative uses to
improve functionality, safety, and user comfort.
• Consider rehabilitation or removal of the existing minigolf installation, as it no longer aligns with the overall vision and future use of the site in it’s existing condition.

2. Respect and integrate existing historic site elements by incorporating compatible materials and designing
new landscape features and structures in a way that
reflects, reinforces, or enhances the character and
integrity of those historic resources.

HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS

DESIGN BASIS // HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS
• Select materials, colors and textures for new elements that are sympathetic to the historic context and do not visually compete with or diminish existing features.
• Design new landscape and built interventions to
complement established spatial patterns, circulation
systems, and the historic organization of the site,
enhancing the site’s character through a balanced
integration of contemporary design and the overarching
site vision.
• Use contemporary design approaches that interpret
and highlight historic features rather than replicate them, ensuring clarity between old and new.
• Enhance the visibility and understanding of historic
elements through thoughtful placement, framing views,
and subtle integration of site improvements.

3. Create meaningful opportunities to educate and
inspire visitors by highlighting the rich cultural and
historical layers of the site, including its origins as part of the ancestral lands of the Chumash people and its
legacy as the Smith-Hobson Estate.
• Integrate interpretive elements—such as signage,
exhibits, and storytelling features—that communicate the cultural, historical and ecological significance of the site. • Collaborate with local partners and cultural
representatives to ensure that the history of the Chumash people is respectfully and accurately represented.
• Incorporate historic landscape elements, materials, and spatial patterns that reflect the character and legacy of the Smith-Hobson Estate.
• Provide opportunities for educational programming,
guided tours, and community events that deepen public
understanding of the site’s history and its ongoing
evolution.
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05 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 48

DESIGN BASIS // HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
One of California’s most valuable tools for the preservation of historic resources is the California Historical Building Code (CHBC), which is defined in Sections 18950 to 18961 of Division 13, Part 2.7 of Health and Safety Code (H&SC). The CHBC is intended to save California’s architectural heritage by recognizing the unique construction issues inherent
in maintaining and adaptively reusing historic buildings.

The CHBC provides alternative building regulations for
permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, rehabilitation, relocation, related construction, change of use, or continued use of a “qualified historical building or structure.”
The California Historical Building Code (CHBC) plays a critical role in balancing two important objectives: preserving the historical integrity of California’s treasured buildings and structures while ensuring that they are safe and accessible for all, including individuals with disabilities. Unlike standard building codes, which may require substantial
alterations that compromise a building’s historical value, the CHBC offers flexibility to ensure that these buildings meet modern safety and accessibility requirements
without losing their unique character making them usable for current and future generations.

Section 18955 of the Health and Safety Code defines a
“qualified historical building or structure” as “any structure or property, collection of structures, and their associated sites deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state
governmental jurisdiction. This shall include structures on existing or future national, state or local historical registers or official inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, State Historical Landmarks, State Points of Historical Interest, and city or county registers or inventories of historical or architecturally significant sites, places, historic districts, or landmarks. This shall also include places, locations, or sites identified on these historical registers or official inventories and deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction.”
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 49

THE MASTER PLAN
138
06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 50 The Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan presents a vision for a civic landscape that supports a range of passive recreational uses while enhancing the site’s unique ecological and cultural features. The campus is designed to provide opportunities for community gathering, nature-based education, and
everyday enjoyment, while preserving and restoring
its native habitat, including the oak woodland and the
riparian corridor of Middle Stewart Canyon Creek. A variety of landscape spaces are integrated throughout the site, including demonstration gardens, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, orchards, and open gathering areas that support informal recreation, picnicking, and community events.

The Master Plan includes a network of circulation routes that provide access throughout the campus and connect
key destinations, including a pedestrian bridge that
extends access across the creek for the first time. A primary circulation path is designed to be ADA accessible, ensuring inclusive access to key areas of the site. Secondary
paths take the form of more naturalistic trails, offering opportunities for exploration and a closer connection to the landscape, while remaining intentionally low-impact and responsive to existing site conditions. Educational and interpretive opportunities are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the site—within gardens, along paths, and at key nodes such as the proposed workshop building and
children’s nature center—to promote awareness of local
ecology, water systems, and the cultural history of the site.

THE MASTER PLAN

THE MASTER PLAN // THE MASTER PLAN
The plan identifies areas for low-impact community
use, including an outdoor amphitheater, nature-based
play areas, and enhanced picnic and gathering spaces.

Existing features, such as estate gardens and the historic badminton court, are rehabilitated and integrated into
the overall design, while underutilized elements are
reimagined to better align with the long-term vision. Site improvements are guided by principles of regenerative
design, emphasizing minimal grading, stormwater capture, native planting, and long-term stewardship.

Implementation of the Master Plan is anticipated to
occur in phases and will provide a flexible framework
that can adapt to evolving community needs over time.

While specific uses may continue to evolve, the overall direction of the plan prioritizes ecological restoration, passive recreation, and meaningful public engagement.

The Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan establishes a
cohesive and forward-looking approach to creating a
resilient, accessible, and inspiring civic landscape that will serve the Ojai community for generations to come.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 51

THE MASTER PLAN // THE MASTER PLAN
Shed

ORCHARD

MIDDLE STEWART

CANYON CREEK

DISCOVERY

CORNER OAK
TREE
HOUSE
HOBSON
BARN
LITTLE
HOUSE
&
KENT
HALL
CITY
HALL
GARDEN
HOUSE

COMPOST
AREA
EVENT
LAWN

PICKLEBALL
COURT

VENTURA STREET

SANTA ANA STREET

OVERLOOK

HISTORIC

GARDENS

WORKSHOP
HUB

RESTORATION
AREA
Four Program Areas
The campus is organized around four primary program
areas that structure the overall experience of the site. •The Historic Gardens: centered around the existing
City Hall building and include the legacy Smith-Hobson
Estate gardens, which are preserved and enhanced to
reflect the site’s historic character.
•The Workshop Hub: focuses on renewed
demonstration gardens, a new orchard, community
garden beds, and the proposed workshop building,
creating a central area for learning, gathering, and handson engagement. •The Discovery Corner: located around the existing
Hobson Barn which will be restored and adapted as a
discovery library or children’s nature gallery, and will include nature-based play areas and pollinator gardens. •The Restoration Area : encompasses the riparian
corridor and habitat restoration zones, featuring a new pedestrian bridge and trail system that leads to a hillside overlook, offering expanded access and views into the
natural landscape.

The following pages provide details to the Master Plan
organized by these four program areas of the campus.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 52

THE MASTER PLAN // THE MASTER PLAN

OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS

LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
Shed
Wood Ramp Wood Ramp

RESTORATION
AREA

ORCHARD &

COMMUNITY
PLOTS

MIDDLE STEWART

CANYON CREEK
NATURE
PLAY
OAK
TREE
HOUSE
HOBSON
BARN
LITTLE
HOUSE
&
KENT
HALL
CITY
HALL
GARDEN
HOUSE

COMPOST
AREA
EVENT
LAWN

PICKLEBALL
COURT

DEMONSTRATION
GARDEN
1 1
2 3
3 4
5 typ
6 6
7 7 typ
typ
8 9
10 10
10 11
12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19
DECK
POLICE

STATION

VENTURA STREET

SANTA ANA STREET

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL
20 21
22 1 Play Area
Amphitheatre
Pollinator Gardens
Restroom
View Point
Shed
Raingarden
Pergola
Formal Garden
Picnic Area
Multi-Use Area
Oak Tree Seating
View Terrace
Bioswale
Parking
Shaded Area
Bridge Crossing
Restoration Trail
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19 Meadow Overlook
Planted Landscape Area
Mulched Area
20 Badminton Court
21 Mini Golf Remnants
22 Wedding Arbor
0 15' 30' 60' 90' 120'
NORTH
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 53

THE MASTER PLAN // THE MASTER PLAN
Public Art
The City of Ojai is widely recognized as a vibrant and
thriving arts enclave. The City’s commitment to the arts is institutionalized through the City of Ojai Arts Commission which exists to nurture both arts and artists. The Arts Commission encourages the flow of art into the valley and stimulates art and cultural activities. The Arts Commission also makes recommendations for art acquisitions and
proposals for public artworks to the City Council and acts as an adviser on all matters pertaining to the arts for the community.

The campus offers an opportunity for expanded public
access through art tours, art events and the possibility of expanding the City’s art collections to the outdoors with sculptures and other relevant art.

Excluded Areas
Note the following buildings and site elements and
landscaped areas north of City Hall are not included within the scope of this Master Plan:

City Hall building (landmarked)
Little House
Kent Hall
Oak Tree House
Pickle ball courts/Estate tennis courts (landmarked)
landscape on north side of City Hall buildings
Material Reuse and Regenerative Design:

From Removal to Renewal
As part of the site’s regenerative strategy, select invasive and fire-prone trees will be removed and repurposed for on-site use. Reclaimed wood will be incorporated into
nature-based play elements, rustic site furnishings, and interior finishes within the new workshop building—
reducing waste while reinforcing a strong connection to the site’s natural character.

Landscape Design and Fire Prevention
The Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan proposes an
educational and site-specific approach to fire prevention and risk reduction across the 8.79-acre site. Due to the nature of the site including historic and landmarked buildings and structures, historic estate gardens, the restoration area, and the educational demonstration garden, site design
emphasizes rather than follows specifics for the defensible space, fuel management, and the use of fire-wise landscape strategies to reduce wildfire risk while maintaining the ecological integrity of the campus through a specified
maintenance program and informational signage.

Circulation routes, including the primary accessible vehicle rated entrance pathway on Ventura Street and designated service access points, are designed to provide appropriate access for emergency response where required.
142
06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 54 THE MASTER PLAN // 1993 LIBBEY PARK MASTER PLAN - AREA G 1993 Libbey Park Master Plan Area G Recommendations
The proposed master plan for the city hall campus is consistent or partially consistent with the 1993 Libbey Park Master Plan Area G recommendations in seven out of ten areas. Non consistency in three areas was mainly due to changes in existing site uses or wants in the community making the recommendations no longer relevant. The particular not consistent areas included the tennis court now functioning as pickle ball courts, senior services provided by Help of Ojai have generally moved off site and parking although an ongoing discussion item asking is there enough, minor parking is proposed in the master plan to the primary entrance on Ventura Street.

Item # 1993 Recommendations 2026 Recommendations and Comments 1 Provide a parking area on the site of the old tennis court, which may also be used for the future expansion of city hall.

Not consistent.The tennis court has been rehabilitated for adaptive reuse as pickle ball courts and no immediate plans call for expansion of city hall. Kent Hall and Oak Tree House are now operating as a chamber for city council, and as offices for city business. 2 Renovate the garden area behind city hall and expand its outdoor use for weddings and other functions.

The new master plan is consistent with the 1993 recommendation. 3 Continue the trail system connection across Ventura St from Libbey Park, through the compost demonstration garden to city hall, the senior center and across the barranca to the westerly knoll.

With slight modifications the new master plan is consistent with the 1993 recommendation to continue trail system from compost demonstration garden to city hall, restroom, across barranca to westerly knoll, and to Hobson barn. 4 Provide a plaza adjacent to the senior center of interlocking pavers & an expanded wood deck to provide an attractive outdoor space while permitting truck access to the lower part of the senior center building.

Partially consistent. The senior center has been relocated off site. The expanded wood deck has been installed. Truck access into the site is addressed with the new master plan. 5 Reorganize the vehicular circulation at the senior center to provide a drop-off and safe pedestrian access from Santa Ana St.Partially consistent.The senior center has been moved off site. A safe pedestrian path has been installed across Santa Ana St. Proposed access into the site has been identified as entry points from the parking area.
6 Provide additional parking on the dead end portion of Santa Ana St. Not consistent. Additional parking is not addressed on the dead end portion of Santa Ana St. 7 In the meadow south of the senior center provide horseshoes, bacci ball, croquet and a putting green.

Not consistent.The senior center has moved off site and community needs for the area have changed to nature based activities.
8 South of the city hall garden an area is designated for community garden plots & a park maintenance yard. In conjunction with this, a compost demonstration garden is presently being constructed.

Partially Consistent. The new master plan proposes a rejuvenation of the existing demonstration garden and compost areas. A park maintenance yard is not proposed. 9 Establish the stable building as a craft center and outdoor classroom patio. The new master plan is consistent with rehabilitating the Hobson Barn for adaptive reuse as a children’s nature center and workshop area and outdoor classroom. 10 The area across the creek remains as open space with a trail & bridge providing access to an overlook meadow on the knoll.

The new master plan is consistent with the 1993 recommendation. 143
06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 55 Overview
Located at the northeastern edge of the campus along
Santa Ana Street and Ventura Avenue, the Historic Gardens form a central civic, cultural, and social core for the Ojai City Hall Campus. This area includes the City Hall building, the historic event lawn, and a collection of legacy landscape features associated with the Smith-Hobson Estate. The
Master Plan recognizes the importance of preserving the character and identity of this landscape while making
targeted improvements to enhance usability, accessibility, and long-term stewardship.

The historic gardens are envisioned as a flexible and
welcoming setting that supports both everyday use
and more intimate gatherings. The space is designed to
accommodate weddings, small events, and community
celebrations, anchored by the expanded event lawn and
complemented by smaller, more intimate gathering areas
throughout the gardens. The landscape will be enhanced
with a thoughtful mix of native plantings and existing
ornamental species—such as boxwood hedges, roses, and
assorted bulbs—reflecting the historic garden character while aligning with broader ecological goals. New rain
gardens will be integrated into the design to capture and filter stormwater, contributing to both site function and educational value.

Several existing features within the historic gardens will be preserved and enhanced as part of the plan. The Children’s Memorial Garden, enclosed by its distinctive boxwood
hedges, will be enhanced by adjacent renovations while
maintaining its intimate and contemplative character. The existing pond will remain as a defining landscape element.

Historic stone features - including steps, borders, and garden walls - will be protected in place or carefully reHISTORIC GARDENS

THE MASTER PLAN // HISTORIC GARDENS
aligned to integrate with the renewed design. The historic badminton court will be resurfaced with decomposed
granite to allow for continued use in a more accessible and comfortable manner. In addition, several mature native
oak trees will be carefully protected in place, preserving their significant canopy and providing valuable shade for adjacent gathering areas, including picnic spaces.

Other elements will be selectively rehabilitated or
reconfigured to improve the overall cohesion and
functionality of the space. The deteriorated wood picnic arbor is proposed for rehabilitation or reconstruction to be determined by the city. The area formerly occupied by the arbor, along with the adjacent badminton court, will be reimagined as a more unified and flexible gathering
space, likely incorporating a decomposed granite surface with picnic tables and shaded seating beneath the existing oak canopy. Remnants of the former mini-golf installation will be rehabilitated or removed, including underlying
concrete, to restore the landscape and allow for more
appropriate use of the area.

Circulation
Accessibility and connectivity are key components of the Historic Gardens improvements. A new ADA-accessible
pathway and gentle slope will be introduced to connect the event lawn to the areas behind City Hall, creating a seamless transition into the demonstration garden and linking to the primary campus circulation path. This connection
strengthens the relationship between the Historic Gardens and the broader campus, allowing visitors to move easily between formal garden spaces and more naturalistic areas.

Plant Palette
Replacement planting will draw inspiration from plant
material identified in period photographs and observed onsite, with consideration given to availability in the nursery trade and species commonly used from the late 1800s
through the 1950s. This reference palette may include
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) for trimmed hedging, and
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) for taller hedges, along with
species such as Spirea, Cotoneaster, Pyracantha, and a
variety of roses—including the climbing Cecile Brunner.

Additional plantings such as German Iris (Iris germanica), Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), Sand Lily (Veltheimia capensis), and assorted bulbs and rhizomes may also inform the planting approach.

While these species serve as a valuable historical reference, final plant selection will be carefully evaluated to ensure compatibility with current environmental conditions,
water-use efficiency and the surrounding native landscape.

The resulting palette will balance historic character
with long-term sustainability, resilience, and ecological appropriateness.

Together, these improvements create a cohesive,
functional, and resilient landscape that honors the historical significance of the site while supporting its evolving role as a vibrant civic and social gathering space. The historic gardens will continue to serve as a place of connection, reflection, and celebration - grounded in history and
thoughtfully adapted for the future.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 56

THE MASTER PLAN // HISTORIC GARDENS
Historic Landmarked Structures and Elements
Existing historical site structures are not referenced
consistently nor in detail in the Smith-Hobson Deed of
1973, Resolution no. 17-44 which dedicated the site as
Landmark 23 described as City Hall structure and grounds known as the Smith-Hobson House, Structures and Estate, and the Addendum to Phase 1 Historic Resource Inventory Report by Provenience Group.

Site structures referenced above were addressed during
site analysis preliminarily for safety, material wear,
rehabilitation possibilities including potential functionality and for adaptive reuse. Note, not all items listed in the Consideration Tiers below were listed in the above
documents. We included site structures referenced and
items known or presumed historic due to site context and appearance of period materials and finishes.

The Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties chart was used as a reference along with the consideration to use the California State Historical Building Code where site structures do not or will not meet current building code standards.

Site elements were itemized and assessed with a tier
one and tier two recommendation with tier one being
the priority recommendation. Recommendations were
made based on feedback received by both the Planning
and Historic Preservation Commissions to generally keep and rehabilitate the site structures. Feasibility of the site structures should be determined during the design
development phase, and after a thorough assessment by
outside consultants prior to public use for safety reasons.

We recommend further analysis for the structures
depending on future function by either a structural
engineer and or a general contractor.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 57

THE MASTER PLAN // HISTORIC GARDENS
Item # Description Tier 1 Recommendation Tier 2 Recommendation A Miniature golf remnant Rehabilitate by replacing missing rock, add drainage outlets to surrounding moat, consider planting moat rather than reestablishing a water feed line, pump and filtration for ease of maintenance. Remove Pinus spp. sapling and seedlings and Pistacia atlantica (invasive species).

Photo/digital documentation and remove.

B Wedding arbor Relocate to event lawn area (rehabilitated rose garden). Rehabilitate by repairing concrete pad, support posts, replacing members as needed.

Consider repainting to period color palette, for example door and window trim treatment at City Hall. Replant with period climbing roses.

Photo/digital documentation and remove.

C Wood pergola & picnic area Analysis and report per structural engineer to determine feasibility of structure. Replace wood members with rotted wood. Raise height and widen footprint for safer and better function. Realign entrance to structure from existing stone steps . Considerations: Existing oak and east leaning limb, Historic Building Code.

If not feasible per structural engineer report, demolish and rebuild maintaining original structural elements where feasible. Allow for height and width adjustment.

D Hobson Barn Rehabilitation/adaptive reuse. Analysis and report per structural engineer for building and adjacent slope on west side of building.

E Badminton court Rehabilitate by replacing cracked and lifted concrete surface with stabilized decomposed granite, reuse for events, workshops.

F Perimeter wall & pedestrian entry
(east side of property)
Repair cracked wing south side of pedestrian entry.

G Concrete walk remnant (from pedestrian entry at east wall to tennis court/ pickle ball court)
No longer functional, impeding on adjacent coast live oak. Recommend removal or re-purpose concrete depending on reinforcement.

H Stone steps, stacked stone walls and
rock borders
All to remain unless repair is needed or modifications to paths for accessibility purposes.

Historic Landmarked Structures and Elements - Proposed Recommendation Tiers 146
06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 58

THE MASTER PLAN // HISTORIC GARDENS
Santa Ana Street
Ventura Street
1 2
3 4
5 6
not to scale
City
Hall
Event
Lawn
Little
House &
Kent Hall
1 Wood structure and picnic area
2 Badminton court
3 Concrete walk remnant
4 miniature golf course remnant
5 Perimeter wall wing & pedestrian entry
6 Stacked stone walls, steps and rock borders

HISTORIC LANDMARKED

STRUCTURES AND ELEMENTS
147
06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 59

THE MASTER PLAN // HISTORIC GARDENS
Water Valve
Gas Valve
Hosebib
Gas
1 Oak Tree
House
Parking
Open area
Enclosed
garden
not to scale
2 Little
House &
Kent Hall
1 Hobson Barn
2 Wedding arbor

HISTORIC LANDMARKED

STRUCTURES AND ELEMENTS
148
06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 60 Located south of the city hall building and accessible
from Ventura Avenue, the Workshop Hub serves as a
central destination for learning, gathering, and hands-on engagement with the landscape. This area builds upon
the existing demonstration garden and expands its role
as a living laboratory for sustainable design, ecological stewardship, and community-based programming. The
organization of the Workshop Hub is guided by existing site conditions, including the preservation of the native oak tree canopy and the natural topography, to minimize grading
and maintain the integrity of the landscape. The proposed location of the Garden House (workshop building) has been carefully evaluated through slope and tree canopy analysis to identify an optimal siting that balances accessibility, constructibility, and environmental sensitivity.

The demonstration gardens within the Workshop Hub
will be renovated and expanded to showcase a range of
sustainable landscape practices, including native planting design, climate appropriate and low-water landscaping,
pollinator-friendly habitat, and low-maintenance garden strategies. Interpretive and educational signage will
be integrated throughout, providing opportunities to
communicate topics such as fire-wise landscape design - particularly relevant to high fire-risk areas - as well as broader ecological principles and Chumash-inspired relationships to the land. These gardens are intended to function as
both an educational resource and an inspiring model for residents to implement similar practices at home.

THE WORKSHOP HUB

THE MASTER PLAN // THE WORKSHOP HUB
The Garden House
At the center of the Workshop Hub is the proposed Garden House, a multi-use facility designed to support workshops, classes, and community events. The building is envisioned as a modestly scaled structure, approximately 1,200 to
1,500 square feet, and constructed using sustainable
building methods such as straw bale or cob construction.

The program may include a commercial kitchen, a primary meeting space, and a potential ADA-compliant restroom.

The building is complemented by an entry pergola and
includes two terraced levels of gathering space that can accommodate garden events, workshops, and small
celebrations. These terraces are designed to take advantage of expansive views across the grassy hillside, Middle Stewart Canyon Creek, and the surrounding mountains, reinforcing a strong visual connection to the broader landscape.

To the west of the Garden House, the landscape transitions into a small orchard and an enclosed community garden
area. This space is intended to support a city-coordinated program for growing fruits and vegetables, with plots
available for annual rental by community members.

Additional supporting elements within the Workshop
Hub includes two new sheds, one for the composting
area and one for the community plots and orchard area.

A replacement kiosk that supports programming and
information sharing will be installed in the compost
area. A centrally located, ADA-compliant restroom is also proposed west of the orchard and south of Kent Hall,
positioned along the primary ADA-accessible path to
ensure convenient and equitable access for all visitors. This location takes advantage of proximity to the existing sewer line, minimizing infrastructure impacts while providing an essential amenity for both daily use and programmed
activities.

Circulation
Circulation within this area is designed to be clear,
functional, and accessible, with a hierarchy of paths that accommodate both pedestrian use and limited service
access. A primary ADA-accessible path, approximately 6 feet in width and constructed of stabilized decomposed granite, provides the main pedestrian route through the gardens.

Secondary ADA-accessible paths, approximately 4 feet in width, extend to connect key features and gathering areas.

A wider, approximately 12-foot decomposed granite access route is incorporated from Ventura Avenue, allowing small maintenance vehicles to enter the site, pass the compost area, and reach the Garden House in a manner that remains compatible with the overall pedestrian-focused design.

Together, these elements establish the Workshop Hub as
an active, educational, and community-oriented center
within the campus - integrating sustainable design, food production, and environmental learning in a setting that is both functional and inspiring.

Vegetation
The Workshop Hub, as the central location for learning
and education, will include the Demonstration Garden
featuring California native and culturally significant plants associated with the Chumash, as well as fire-wise plant selections. As an educational garden, interpretive signage will provide information on fire-wise landscape strategies, including appropriate plant selections. Individual plant labels will identify botanical and common names, along
with Chumash names and traditional uses such as medicinal, food, fiber and tool applications.
149
06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 61 Continuing west along the primary ADA-accessible
path, the campus transitions into the Discovery Corner, a space centered around the historic Hobson Barn and
its surrounding landscape. This area is envisioned as
a dedicated zone for children’s learning, exploration,
and nature-based play, building upon the site’s history while introducing new opportunities for education and
engagement. The Master Plan proposes the restoration
of the Hobson Barn through structural and historic
improvements, preserving its character while adapting it for use as a Children’s Learning Lab.

The Children’s Learning Lab
The proposed Children’s Learning Lab is intended to serve as a flexible, indoor-outdoor educational environment
supporting workshops, classes, interpretive programming, and hands-on activities focused on ecology, stewardship, and creative exploration. The building will provide a
welcoming and accessible space for children and families, reinforcing the campus’s role as a place of learning and community connection. Interpretive and educational
elements may be integrated both within and around
the building to support programming and self-guided
discovery.

The landscape surrounding the Hobson Barn is designed
to extend the learning experience into an outdoor setting.

A nature-based play area will provide informal, exploratory opportunities for children to engage directly with the
environment through natural materials and low-impact
play features. Adjacent pollinator gardens will introduce visitors to habitat-friendly planting and support local biodiversity, while also serving as an educational resource.

A small-scale amphitheater is proposed to accommodate
outdoor classes, storytelling, and small group gatherings,

THE DISCOVERY CORNER

THE MASTER PLAN // THE DISCOVERY CORNER
creating a flexible space for programming within a natural setting.

Circulation
Circulation through the Discovery Corner is anchored by the primary ADA-accessible path, which provides direct
and inclusive access to the Hobson Barn and surrounding features. Secondary paths and trails may branch from this main connection, allowing for a more immersive experience of the landscape while maintaining clear organization
and accessibility. Together, these elements establish the Discovery Corner as a vibrant, family-oriented destination within the campus - where history, learning, and play come together in a setting that encourages curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world.

Vegetation
Vegetation at the Discovery Corner takes the Learning Lab outdoors, includes protecting the existing coast live oaks and adding interesting kid friendly California native plants with characteristics worthy of attracting and exploring for their color, textures, scents, and attraction to pollinators.

The canopies of the oaks provide shade for cooling the area during outdoor activities and opportunities for learning and hands on crafts - for example collecting acorns, growing new trees, grinding meal, making dyes from the oak galls and learning about the wasps that create the galls.

The flowers of compatible native annuals, perennials, and shrubs will attract pollinators of various species providing another opportunity to learn about field biology, botany, and entomology, the study of insects.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 62 The restoration area occupies the southwestern portion
of the 8.79-acre campus and is defined by the Middle
Stewart Canyon Creek corridor and its surrounding riparian landscape. This area represents the ecological heart of the site, where ongoing restoration efforts - led in partnership with the City of Ojai, PAX Environmental, Inc. and the
C.R.E.W. - aim to enhance native habitat, improve ecological function, and support long-term environmental resilience.

The Master Plan builds upon these efforts by reinforcing the area as a place of stewardship, passive use, and quiet connection to nature.

The landscape is characterized by native vegetation,
restored habitat zones, and the presence of the creek,
creating a setting that supports biodiversity and provides opportunities for observation and learning. Visitor use in this area is intentionally low-impact, focused on activities such as walking, bird watching, and quiet reflection.

Circulation
Access to the restoration area is provided via a new
pedestrian bridge crossing Middle Stewart Canyon Creek, which connects to the primary campus circulation system.

From the bridge, a 4-foot-wide dirt trail extends up the grassy hillside to a proposed overlook, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape, while a loop trail
provides an alternative return route and allows visitors to experience a variety of terrain and perspectives. Due to existing terrain and slope conditions, this portion of the site is not feasible for ADA-accessible paths; therefore, circulation is limited to natural surface trails designed to be minimally invasive and responsive to the landscape. These trails are carefully aligned to balance access with habitat preservation, providing opportunities for exploration while minimizing disturbance to sensitive ecological areas.

RESTORATION AREA

THE MASTER PLAN // RESTORATION AREA
Vegetation
Plant material specified in the expanded restoration area will be California native species sourced from local seed or stock and specific to the existing site plant communities to maintain genetic integrity. To further maintain the
integrity of the existing restoration area, partnering with past consultants and organizations with biological and
maintenance knowledge and experience for this specific
habitat is highly recommended.

A long-term invasive plant management strategy will be
implemented as part of the restoration effort, focusing on the removal of non-native and fire-prone species and the ongoing maintenance of restored habitat areas. This approach will support the establishment of resilient native plant communities, improve habitat quality, and reduce
long-term maintenance needs while reinforcing the
ecological goals of the site.

Passive Use
In addition to trails and viewpoints, the restoration area will include opportunities for quiet, contemplative use. A small, intimate gathering space is envisioned beneath one of the existing large oak trees, providing a shaded setting for activities such as yoga, meditation, or small group gatherings. This space, along with the broader landscape, is designed to foster a sense of calm and connection to the natural environment.

Together, these elements establish the restoration area as a place of ecological significance and personal reflection.

By balancing habitat restoration with carefully managed public access, the Master Plan supports a landscape that is both environmentally resilient and deeply meaningful to the community.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 63 The Ojai City Hall Campus is designed to support passive, low-impact uses that encourage visitors to engage with
the landscape in a relaxed and meaningful way. Primary
activities include walking, quiet exploration, informal gathering, and opportunities for rest and reflection
within a natural setting. The campus prioritizes a calm and accessible environment, where visitors can move at
their own pace while experiencing the gardens, restored habitats, and scenic qualities of the site. In addition to everyday passive use, select areas - such as the historic estate gardens surrounding city hall and the terrace at the workshop building - are designed to accommodate small,
more formal gatherings, including weddings, celebrations, and community events in a serene, nature-based setting.

The existing circulation network is currently fragmented, with limited connectivity between key areas of the campus and a lack of clearly defined accessible routes. The Master Plan responds to this condition by establishing a simple and cohesive circulation framework that improves connectivity, enhances accessibility, and supports intuitive wayfinding throughout the site. The primary goals of the circulation plan are to connect major destinations, provide accessible routes where appropriate, reinforce the organization of the campus, and create a comfortable and engaging walkable
experience.

The circulation system is organized into a clear hierarchy of paths. A primary accessible path provides the main route through the campus, connecting key destinations such
as city hall, the workshop building, the Hobson Barn, and major program areas. Secondary accessible paths extend
from this primary route to provide additional access to key nodes, demonstration gardens and gathering areas.

Beyond these routes, a network of narrower, naturalistic

PASSIVE USE AND CIRCULATION

THE MASTER PLAN // PASSIVE USE AND CIRCULATION
trails—constructed of materials such as gravel or mulch— meanders into the restoration area, allowing for a more immersive and informal exploration of the landscape.

A new pedestrian bridge will provide an important
connection across Middle Stewart Canyon Creek,
expanding access to the restoration area and linking the campus to a trail that leads to a hillside overlook. Small vehicle access routes are incorporated where necessary
to accommodate maintenance and service needs, while
remaining unobtrusive and compatible with the natural
character of the site. Key entry nodes are clearly defined to provide points of arrival and orientation, often paired with wayfinding signage and campus maps to support
navigation.

Along the primary circulation route, a series of thoughtfully located viewpoints create opportunities for pause and
reflection, framing scenic views. Together, the circulation system balances accessibility, clarity, and immersion in the landscape—supporting a cohesive and intuitive experience for visitors while reinforcing the campus’s emphasis on passive use, education, and environmental stewardship.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 64

THE MASTER PLAN // PASSIVE USE AND CIRCULATION
Shed
Wood Ramp Wood Ramp
P
S
P
P
S

RESTORATION
AREA

ORCHARD &

COMMUNITY
PLOTS

MIDDLE STEWART

CANYON CREEK

AMPHITHEATRE
& NATURE
PLAY
OAK
TREE
HOUSE
HOBSON
BARN
LITTLE
HOUSE
&
KENT
HALL
CITY
HALL
GARDEN
HOUSE

COMPOST
AREA
EVENT
LAWN

PICKLEBALL
COURT

DEMONSTRATION
GARDEN
POLICE

STATION

VENTURA STREET

SANTA ANA STREET
FORMAL
GARDEN

PROPOSED

PARKING W/ ONE

ADA SPACE

EXISTING STREET PARKING

EXISTING CITY LOT PARKING
0 15' 30' 60' 90' 120'
NORTH

MIDDLE STEWART

CANYON CREEK

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

BLANCHE ST

OVERLOOK

INGRESS
EGRESS
EX. GRAVEL TO REMAIN,

OCCASIONAL DELIVERY &

MAINTENANCE ACCESS

INGRESS/

EGRESS EGRESS

ACCESSIBLE STABILIZED DG PATIO,
TERRACE SURROUND AND PATHWAYS.

PATH WIDTH VARIES, 3' MINIMUM.
8' WIDE
12' WIDE
PRIMARY 4' TO 6' WIDE PEDESTRIAN PATH & ADA ACCESS
(STABILIZED DECOMPOSED GRANITE)
SECONDARY 4' WIDE PEDESTRIAN PATH & ADA ACCESS
(STABILIZED DECOMPOSED GRANITE)
NATURE TRAIL 3-5' WIDE (BARK MULCH)
RESTORATION TRAIL 18-36" WIDE (COMPACTED

EARTH, BARK MULCH OR DECOMPOSED GRANITE)
SECONDARY 8' WIDE ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN PATH
& MAINTENANCE/VEHICULAR ACCESS
(STABILIZED DECOMPOSED GRANITE)
PRIMARY 12' WIDE ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN PATH &

MAINTENANCE/VEHICULAR ACCESS
(STABILIZED DECOMPOSED GRANITE)
EXISTING GRAVEL PATH, REINSTALL 4' WIDTH MINIMUM

PROPOSED BIKE RACKS

SECONDARY ENTRY NODE

PRIMARY ENTRY NODE

EXISTING DECOMPOSED GRANITE PATH TO REMAIN
P
S
Shed
Wood Ramp Wood Ramp
P
S
P
P
S

RESTORATION
AREA

ORCHARD &

COMMUNITY
PLOTS

MIDDLE STEWART

CANYON CREEK

AMPHITHEATRE
& NATURE
PLAY
OAK
TREE
HOUSE
HOBSON
BARN
LITTLE
HOUSE
&
KENT
HALL
CITY
HALL
GARDEN
HOUSE

COMPOST
AREA
EVENT
LAWN

PICKLEBALL
COURT

DEMONSTRATION
GARDEN
POLICE

STATION

VENTURA STREET

SANTA ANA STREET
FORMAL
GARDEN

PROPOSED

PARKING W/ ONE

ADA SPACE

EXISTING STREET PARKING

EXISTING CITY LOT PARKING
0 15' 30' 60' 90' 120'
NORTH

MIDDLE STEWART

CANYON CREEK

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

BLANCHE ST

OVERLOOK

INGRESS
EGRESS
EX. GRAVEL TO REMAIN,

OCCASIONAL DELIVERY &

MAINTENANCE ACCESS

INGRESS/

EGRESS EGRESS

ACCESSIBLE STABILIZED DG PATIO,
TERRACE SURROUND AND PATHWAYS.

PATH WIDTH VARIES, 3' MINIMUM.
8' WIDE
12' WIDE

OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS

CIRCULATION PLAN
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 65

PARK ENTRANCES AND PARKING

THE MASTER PLAN // PARK ENTRANCES AND PARKING
Entrances, Parking & External Circulation
Stakeholders during community engagement discussions
asked the questions - What about parking? Where are
people going to park? We asked the same questions and
headed out to the streets during our site analysis process.

Observation of uses and data collecting were used to
count existing parking spaces in the city lots, adjacent street parking, and bicycle parking, during the week and on weekends.

Due to proximity to the Ojai Valley Trail, would the need for vehicle parking spaces be reduced as alternative access for walking and riding bicycles is only a long block away? Would children in addition to adults be able to walk, ride a bicycle or take the trolley to a nearby stop, safely to the campus? Where could a school bus park, especially during the week when city hall was conducting business?
These were questions we pondered considering the
proposed development of the campus would be for
public park use with an emphasis on nature-based play
and education for children, in addition to a multitude of possible programming for all ages including workshops,
events, films, lectures, site tours, classes and weddings.

Site opportunities observed include existing adjacent city lot parking, street parking and obvious existing points of entry for pedestrians. The lower portion of the property on Ventura Street currently provides unstructured parking for several vehicles and occasional drops of green waste for the compost program from the City of Ojai Public Works
Department. Site constraints including the terrain, oak woodland, and features to remain, limit the addition of parking.

The Ventura Street location became the obvious location to formalize and add parking. Although the quantity of new parking would be minimal, two CBC accessible compliant
spaces and a primary pedestrian entry into the campus
became evident during the design process, centered on
the entry and near the new Garden House, the focal of
the Workshop Hub. Occasionally, scheduled deliveries
and maintenance vehicles can access the entry for a short distance on the vehicle rated path to service the compost area and events at the Garden House and the Workshop
Hub. In addition, emergency vehicles could enter on an as needed basis.

Further analysis revealed that on a weekday a single school bus or two could park on Blanche Street and that street parking was adequate for single users or small groups in individual vehicles. The Ojai Valley Trail, and local streets could accommodate pedestrians and bicycle riders along
with access to the trolley stops on Ojai Avenue. Note that only the west side of Blanche Street has a continuous paved sidewalk to the campus from Ojai Avenue and that Blanche dead ends at the intersection of Santa Ana Street. Both Ventura Street and Signal Street do not have contiguous sidewalks from Ojai Avenue to the campus.

The city lots and adjacent street parking are used primarily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday for
typical city hall business which includes parking for staff and visitors. The Ojai City Council and Commissions meet Monday through Thursday evenings on a regular basis,
typically from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and often later.

Traffic is generally low in this area as Blanche dead ends at Santa Ana and conversely Santa Ana dead ends at the
intersection of Blanche. Destinations include the Ojai
Police Department, Ojai City Hall, and through access to Creek Road heading south from Ventura Street. Peak hours generally are during the morning between 7:00 am and
9:00 am, at the end of the workday 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, and at the beginning or end of council, commission and special meetings.

Pickleball court use time by players varies day to day. Parking includes use of the city lot and street parking spaces and a bicycle rack. Most players enter the courts on Santa Ana Street to the east of the city hall building.

Pickleball court hours are open 7 days a week:

Winter Hours (October - March)
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Summer Hours (April - September)
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 66

THE MASTER PLAN // PARK ENTRANCES AND PARKING
Parking Locations
Much of the city lot and street parking is on or adjacent to Santa Ana Street. The city lots on Santa Ana Street include a small parking area with perpendicular parking, one on the corner of Santa Ana and Blanche Street with a solar array, and the Kent Hall parking lot at the intersection of Santa Ana and Blanche Streets.

Presently, the Kent Hall parking lot accessed at the
northwest corner of the property on Santa Ana Street is fenced off and not available for parking as the City of Ojai is providing temporary living and storage for the unhoused members of the community. The temporary housing area is known as Ojai Tent Town. In July of 2027 the occupants will be moved to a newly built permanent supportive housing
complex provided by the City of Ojai with state funding.

Existing Vehicular Parking
Kent Hall Parking Lot
Located at the southwest corner of Santa Ana and Blanche Streets, the Kent Hall Parking Lot serves as a primary
visitor parking area for the campus. Pedestrian access is provided from the adjacent streets, nearby city buildings, and the broader campus circulation network. This area
also contains the existing ballot drop box and dumpster enclosure. The lot provides the closest pedestrian access to the Discovery Corner, Restoration Area, community garden plots, orchard area, and proposed restroom facilities. In addition to visitor parking, the lot accommodates delivery and limited maintenance vehicle access, including access routes to the Restoration Area.
• Ingress/Egress: 1 each
• CBC/Accessible Spaces: 2
• Regular Spaces: 22
• Electric Vehicle Charging (EV): 0
• Covered Spaces: 0
*Note: The parking lot is currently inaccessible. Parking counts were derived from a previously scanned plan and
may vary from actual conditions.

City Lot with Solar Array
• Ingress/Egress: 2
• CBC/Accessible Spaces: 0
• Regular Spaces: 13
• Electric Vehicle Charging (EV): 2
• Covered Spaces: 7
Santa Ana Street
• Ingress/Egress: Perpendicular parking from street
• CBC/Accessible Spaces: 2
• Regular Spaces: 4
• Electric Vehicle Charging (EV): 0
• Covered Spaces: 0
Unpaved Lot Ventura Street (north of intersection)
• Ingress/Egress: 1
• CBC/Accessible Spaces: 0
• Regular Spaces: unmarked
• Electric Vehicle Charging (EV): 0
• Covered Spaces: 0
*Note: This lot is primarily used for city-related vehicles and overflow parking.

Street Parking
Additional street parking is available along the perimeter streets surrounding the campus. Santa Ana Street provides limited parallel parking along both sides of the roadway.

Ventura Street includes parallel parking along the east side south of Santa Ana Street, while parking is permitted on both sides north of the intersection. Blanche Street also provides parallel parking along both sides of the street.

Delivery and Maintenance Access Points
Delivery and maintenance access to the campus is provided through several key locations designed to support service operations while remaining compatible with the pedestrianoriented character of the site. Primary access is available through the Kent Hall parking lot, which accommodates
maintenance and service vehicles accessing the western
portions of the campus. Additional ingress and egress are provided through the existing porte-cochere and gravel
drive connecting Santa Ana Street and Ventura Street.

Along Ventura Street, a shared 12-foot-wide access route accommodates scheduled maintenance and delivery
vehicles while also functioning as a pedestrian connection.

Existing Bicycle Parking
Two existing bicycle racks are currently located on the City Hall Campus. One rack is situated adjacent to the left side of the main City Hall building entrance and provides a minimum capacity of nine bicycle spaces. A second
bicycle rack is located within the lawn area east of the City Hall building and also accommodates a minimum of nine
bicycle spaces.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 67

THE MASTER PLAN // PARK ENTRANCES AND PARKING
Proposed Vehicular Parking
Proposed vehicular parking is located along the
southeastern portion of the property adjacent to Ventura Street. The parking area is proposing two CBC-accessible parking spaces with the required access aisle, signage
and striping. In addition, approximately two to three
perpendicular standard parking spaces measuring 9 feet
by 20 feet are proposed to support visitor and campus use.

Proposed Bicycle Parking Locations
Proposed bicycle parking locations are distributed
throughout the campus to improve accessibility and
support alternative modes of transportation. New bicycle parking is proposed within the Kent Hall parking lot area and near the Ventura Street entry to provide convenient access to key campus destinations. The existing bicycle rack located north of the pickleball courts is proposed to be relocated to an adjacent area to improve circulation and site organization. The existing bicycle rack located in front of the City Hall building will remain in place.

Proposed Entries
The Master Plan establishes several primary campus entry points designed to improve circulation, accessibility, and orientation throughout the site.

The Santa Ana Street entry, located along the east side of the City Hall building at the existing porte-cochere and gravel drive, provides access to the Historic Gardens, including the event lawn and pickleball courts. This entry accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists, and limited delivery and maintenance vehicles.

The Ventura Street entry serves as a primary access point to the Workshop Hub, Demonstration Gardens, pickleball
courts, and Historic Gardens. This entry is designed to accommodate pedestrians, visitor parking access, delivery and maintenance vehicles, and emergency vehicle access
where necessary.

An additional pedestrian-only entry is proposed at
the historic perimeter wall, creating a more direct and welcoming connection into the campus while reinforcing
the historic character of the site.

Accessible Parking Requirements
California Building Code Title 24, Chapter 11B
Conclusion
Based on existing site conditions, available on-site parking, nearby public parking within the downtown area, the
proposed passive nature of campus use, and the anticipated scale of future programming, the proposed parking, entry points, and external circulation network are expected to adequately accommodate campus users.

The scheduling and management of workshops, events,
and other programmed activities can further help regulate visitor numbers, particularly for larger gatherings that may generate increased parking demand. Coordinating event
timing and group use will also assist in minimizing impacts to the site and reducing traffic congestion during peak periods.

Consistent with the broader goals of the Ecology Center and the campus vision, alternative modes of transportation— including walking, bicycling, trolley access, public transit, and carpooling—should be encouraged to support
sustainability, reduce vehicle dependence, and promote
a more connected and environmentally responsible
community experience.
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06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 68 Demonstrating Water Stewardship
The Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan incorporates a
series of integrated stormwater management strategies
designed to improve on-site drainage, enhance water
quality, and support groundwater recharge. Key elements include the installation of rain gardens strategically located to capture and treat stormwater runoff from existing
buildings and surface lots - including city hall and the Kent Hall parking lot - as well as the proposed workshop building. These systems are designed to slow, filter, and infiltrate runoff, reducing surface flow and allowing water to be naturally absorbed into the landscape. Planted
with native and climate-appropriate species, the rain
gardens contribute to both ecological function and site aesthetics while supporting long-term sustainability.

In addition, bioswales are proposed along the parking areas fronting Ventura Avenue to intercept and manage runoff
from paved surfaces. These features will not only improve drainage performance but also serve as visible, educational components of the landscape. Together, the rain gardens and bioswales create a network of green infrastructure that demonstrates best practices in stormwater management.

Designed as demonstration gardens, these systems will
provide opportunities for education and inspiration,
showcasing how native planting and thoughtful design
can work together to manage water, enhance habitat, and contribute to a resilient and regenerative landscape.

RAIN GARDENS AND BIOSWALES THE MASTER PLAN // RAIN GARDENS AND BIOSWALES 157
06 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 69 The Ojai City Hall Campus Master Plan proposes a
comprehensive signage plan and interpretive program
designed to enhance visitor understanding of the site’s ecological, cultural, and historical significance. The campus presents a unique opportunity to communicate the
interconnected systems that define the landscape—from
native oak woodlands and riparian habitats to the historic landscape and regenerative design strategies. Interpretive signage will be thoughtfully integrated throughout the site to highlight key features such as the historic estate garden, restoration area, demonstration garden, children’s pollinator gardens, rain gardens, bioswales, and areas showcasing
native and climate appropriate planting. Proposed signage also provides fire-wise landscape design and general
defensible space information. Collectively, these elements will convey the campus’s role as an ecological hub and
living laboratory for sustainable practices in the heart of Ojai.

The interpretive program is intended to foster a deeper connection between people and place by emphasizing the
relationship between ecological health, water stewardship, habitat restoration, and community well-being. Signage
will communicate how systems function—such as how
rain gardens capture and filter stormwater, how bioswales improve water quality, or how native and fire-wise planting strategies contribute to long-term resilience. Educational content will also highlight the layered history of the site, including the Chumash cultural connection to the land and the legacy of the Smith-Hobson Estate, creating a multidimensional narrative that reflects both past and future stewardship.

SIGNAGE PLAN

THE MASTER PLAN // SIGNAGE PLAN
In addition to interpretive elements, a coordinated
wayfinding system will guide visitors through the
campus and improve overall accessibility and navigation.

Wayfinding signage will clearly identify and direct visitors to key destinations, including City Hall, the workshop
building, restrooms, the restoration area and creek crossing, the Hobson Barn and children’s nature play areas, and other major program spaces. A campus map will be provided at
key entry points, illustrating primary ADA circulation routes, secondary trails, and the four core campus areas, allowing visitors to orient themselves and explore the site with ease.

All signage elements will be designed to be subtle, cohesive, and responsive to the natural character of the site. Signage should be low-profile, durable, and constructed from
materials that complement the surrounding landscape, with placement that minimizes visual intrusion while remaining accessible and engaging. Through a combination of clear, informative, and thoughtfully designed interpretive and wayfinding features, the signage plan will support the
campus as a place of learning, inspiration, and stewardship.

Visitors will be encouraged to explore at their own pace, gaining insight into ecological processes, sustainable
design, and the cultural history of the site. Collectively, the signage program reinforces the Master Plan’s vision of creating an accessible, educational, and ecologically rich civic landscape that serves both the Ojai community and future generations.
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07 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 70

OPERATIONS
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07 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 71 Overview
Maintenance components to consider are fire safety,
plant health, methods for pruning, pest management,
wildlife management, irrigation, soil building, path, trail and hardscape conditions, waste disposal and recycling, composting or green waste, maintenance of the buildings, structures and utilities and regular restroom servicing.

Who will provide the services and when will figure into the success of the site long term but also into operational costs. Note the recommendations here are generic and will require a comprehensive detailed maintenance manual
prior to implementation of the project.

Operational options to consider are maintenance by city staff exclusively, hiring an outside contractor or organization, the use of volunteers or a workable combination of the
above.

Plant Maintenance
General plant maintenance for the property will vary
by area and its needs, with certain species such as the Quercus agrifolia/Coast Live Oak, the dominant tree found throughout the entire property and trees in general falling into a category of their own. A maintenance manual
including general guidelines and standards, details for each area and feature and if needed individual plant genera or species specifics is recommended to ensure the long-term success of the Ecology Hub.

Integrated Pest Management
Of importance and in support to the ecological health of the site is the Ojai Earth Friendly Management Policy. The Ojai City Council adopted the City of Ojai Earth Friendly Management Policy on December 10, 2024

MAINTENANCE

OPERATIONS // MAINTENANCE
The Earth Friendly Management Policy aims to mitigate
the risks pesticides pose to human health, wildlife, and the environment by implementing Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) principles. IPM involves a sustainable, science-based approach that integrates biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pests while
minimizing economic, health, and environmental risks. The policy establishes best practices for controlling pests on City-managed properties in an efficient, environmentally responsible, and safe manner.

Under this policy, City staff and contractors must first explore non-pesticide methods to address pest issues, such as removing food sources, sealing entry points, using nontoxic traps, employing beneficial insects, or maintaining landscaping. If pest problems are minor, no action may
be taken. Pesticides are considered only after exhausting other control options.
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07 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 72

OPERATIONS // MAINTENANCE
Fire Safety
Of further importance are fire-safe measures. As the
Ecology Hub is an educational center featuring California native plants and the existing historic estate gardens, there may be some consideration for alternate specifications and guidelines from the County of Ventura Fire Department
Standards with plant selection and spacing where a
specified maintenance manual and practices may suffice.

1. Provide general standards:

Debris removal
Remove all dead wood annually
Weeding including removal of invasive species
Leaf litter not to exceed depth of 2”
Mulch not to exceed 3” depth
Maintain Zone 0 for all new structures

2. Specific Guidelines for various areas or species type and timing. See below.

Trees:
• monitor dead wood and any signs of decline
• keep all mulch and irrigation 12” away from the base of all trees
• meet clearance requirements
Historic Gardens:
• mowing and maintaining the lawn area
• annual rose pruning, trimming formal hedges
• removing spent and dead plant material
• removal of dead palm fronds
• irrigation monitoring
• replenishing mulch
Workshop Hub:
• Community garden beds - weeding, removal of spent
plant material
• orchard - winter and summer pruning, fertilizing/compost applications, harvesting, rodent monitoring, mulch renewal Discovery Corner:
• weeding including the removal of invasive species,
removal of dead plant material, dead heading
• minor pruning
• replanting as needed
Restoration Area:
• weeding including the removal of invasive species
• removal of dead plant material
• replanting as needed
• monitor creek for debris and trash
Bioswale and Raingardens:
• annual clean-up and weeding
• debris removal
• mulch replenishment to ensure stormwater filtration and to prevent clogging
• perform monthly inspections to remove trash and invasive plants
• conduct seasonal maintenance
A Closed-loop System
A closed-loop composting system integrating the onsite composting operation with green waste generated throughout the campus gardens will reduce off-site waste while supporting long-term soil health and ecological
function. Reapplied organic material will help build
soil structure and fertility, improve water retention by increasing the soil’s sponge-like capacity, balance soil pH, and contribute to the natural suppression of pests and
diseases—all of which support resilient landscapes and
optimal plant growth.
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07 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 73 The landscape strategy includes the establishment of
managed and irrigated zones in proximity to structures
and key use areas. Planting design will prioritize California native, Chumash cultural uses, climate appropriate, and well-maintained plant communities, while minimizing the accumulation of combustible materials. Existing vegetation will be selectively managed to remove invasive and fireprone species, including the periodic removal of dead plant material, leaf litter, and palm fronds.

Ongoing maintenance will be a critical component of
the fire prevention strategy. The Master Plan supports a program of regular site monitoring and biannual vegetation management, including seasonal clearing, pruning, and
fuel reduction to maintain safe conditions throughout
the year. Trails and open space areas are designed to help define and segment landscape zones, reducing continuous fuel loads while allowing for appropriate ecological
function. Together, these measures establish a proactive and adaptive framework for fire safety that protects both the site and the surrounding community while supporting long-term landscape resilience.

Design and Maintenance Considerations

1. Invasive and Fire-prone trees: Pruning and removal of select existing Eucalyptus species, palms, Pistacia atlantica (see Master Plan Phase 1 tree removal plan)

2. Demonstration Garden: Plantings may be a deviation
from the Ventura County Fire Code as the plantings will be for educational purposes. Plants that may be included from the Ventura County Fire Department Do Not Plant List include the following genera: Adenostema, Arctostaphylos, Artemisia, Baccharis, Ceanothus, Eriodictyon, Eriogonum,

FIRE PREVENTION

OPERATIONS // FIRE PREVENTION
Larrea, Leymus, Muhlenbergia, Nassela, Salvia, Stipa, and Solanum, for example.

3. Middle Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration Area:

Plantings will feature indigenous and endemic plant species which may include plants from the V.C.F. D. DO Not Plant List. See list in #2 above. Maintenance in the restoration area will include a minimum annual clean-up with ongoing removal of invasive plant species.
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07 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 74 Future programming opportunities identified through the community engagement process reflect a strong desire
for passive, nature-based activities that are compatible with the ecological character of the site. Programming
may occur through a variety of formats and partnerships, including self-guided experiences, City of Ojai Parks and Recreation programs, and workshops, classes, lectures,
films, and events hosted by local non-profit organizations and community partners. Collectively, these activities are intended to foster environmental stewardship, community connection, lifelong learning, and meaningful engagement with the landscape.

Programming Possibilities

1. Passive Individual Engagement
• Self-guided educational tours supported by interpretive signage
• Passive wellness activities such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation
• Children’s nature play
• Walking experiences along paths and nature trails
• Bird watching and quiet observation of the natural
environment
• The Japanese art of forest bathing

PROGRAMMING

OPERATIONS // PROGRAMMING

2. City of Ojai Parks and Recreation Department
• Outdoor classes and recreational programming
• Indoor educational and community-based classes within the Garden House

3. Local Non-Profit Organizations & Community Partners
• Environmental and educational film screenings
• Lectures, presentations, and guest speaker series focused on ecology, history, and sustainability
• Hands-on workshops and “how-to” series featuring topics such as Chumash cultural knowledge, ecology, botany,
regenerative agriculture, gardening, composting, irrigation, and alternative building techniques
• Nature-based classes for children, natural sciences
education, soil biology, bird watching, and plein air art • Community events and celebrations such as Arbor Day,
Earth Day, and seasonal gatherings
• Guided site tours focused on site history, restoration efforts, native habitats, and demonstration gardens
• Volunteer stewardship and maintenance days

4. Community Stewardship and Participation
• micro-scale agricultural community plots for growing
fruits and vegetables
• Flexible “test plots” or temporary community-led
installations for creative experimentation, ecological
demonstrations, or artistic interventions
• Shared stewardship and maintenance opportunities
through collaboration between the City and community

5. City of Ojai and Private Event Use
• Small private gatherings and events such as weddings, celebrations, and community functions compatible with
the passive and nature-based character of the site
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07 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 75 In today’s evolving funding landscape, the City of Ojai may embrace a multi-faceted approach to secure sustainable
resources for the gardens and ecology center, maintenance, and recreational programming including general funds,
Measure C, and competitive state grants. According to
the Trust for Public Land and other park equity advocates, there has been a notable shift toward philanthropic giving, private partnerships and collaborative funding models to meet the rising demand for high-quality, accessible green spaces. Climate change, public health challenges and the increasing recognition of parks as essential infrastructure are also driving new opportunities through environmental, health and resilience-focused funding streams.

Layering these with private donations, non-profit
partnerships or sponsorships can fill critical gaps, especially for maintenance and long-term operations. The city can
also benefit from aligning project proposals with broader state and federal goals such as active transportation,
climate resilience, and environmental justice to strengthen competitiveness for funding. Equally important is the role of the community. Community-driven planning not only
results in more meaningful and responsive park spaces,
but it also builds momentum for innovative funding
models like participatory local fund raising campaigns.

Community ownership fosters stewardship and helps
ensure the long-term success of the park and recreational programs. Consider the support of local non-profits and community members who rallied together and helped
build the successful Libbey Park playground. As this plan is implemented, engaging residents as co-investors - not just beneficiaries - may be key to building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable park.

FUNDING

OPERATIONS // FUNDING
Future phases include continuing the design process,
developing a design team, bidding and contractor award
and then implementation.

Design and Construction Phases
Depending on funding availability, the project
implementation may be divided into phases. We
recommend an approach that includes sensible planning
and implementation for instance, where infrastructure
including utilities and access for construction equipment is considered as a priority before softer components such as planting is installed.
• Design Development (team: architect, landscape
architect, civil engineer, structural engineer, arborist, other consultants)
• Construction Documents (team: architect, landscape
architect, civil engineer, structural engineer, arborist, other consultants)
• Bidding and Award Contract (select contractor)
• Implementation (contractors, specialty trade and
consultants, possible community volunteer participation) Implementation Phasing Opportunities
• Garden House/kitchen/restroom, terracing, hardscape,
planting, utilities, entry and pedestrian paths
• Expansion of Middle Stewart Canyon Creek restoration
area: bridge, expanded trails, irrigation, planting
•Smith-Hobson Estate Gardens: Event lawn, rose garden,
picnic pergola, badminton court, landscape behind city
hall
• Public restroom and utilities
• Discovery Corner including the Hobson Barn rehabilitation, utilities, amphitheater, nature based play area, paths, planting and irrigation
• Orchard and community garden plots including terracing with hügelkultur, raised beds, shed, planting, irrigation and fencing
• Demonstration garden including paths, planting, and
irrigation
• Parking on Ventura Street including hardscape, markings, signage
• Cross walks at intersection of Santa Ana and Ventura
Streets
• Phase I tree removals and trimming
• Signage including informational, educational and way
finding
• Compost Area including cleanup, modified layout, and
shed
Future On-Site Funding Opportunities
• Area or entire site rental fees for weddings and community events
• Building rental fees for meetings, workshops, lectures, films
• Passive recreation programs though the Parks and
Recreation Department (for example: outdoor yoga, tai chi, art classes)
• Non-profit workshops, courses, events
Non-Profit Partnerships
Consider nonprofit partnerships to pool resources,
expertise, and networks for achieving shared goals. Built on trust, communication, shared values and mutual respect, partnerships aim for long-term impact rather than just
immediate financial transactions.
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NEXT STEPS

OPERATIONS // NEXT STEPS
Immediate Next Steps
With strong community support and growing momentum,
alignment with the City Council’s Goals and Tactics, the City of Ojai’s General Plan, and the opportunity to build upon previous successful restoration and community initiatives, the time is right to move forward with a vision that fosters a thriving, regenerative and resilient civic landscape for future generations.

The next immediate step is funding for Design
Development.

Design Development is the phase where preliminary
concepts are refined into pragmatic, feasible plans that balance aesthetics with financial and functional constraints.

During this stage the design team moves from idealized
visions to specific material selections, technical details, and cost verification to ensure the design is constructible.

Key activities and outcomes of the Design Development
phase include:

Hardscape materials, fixtures and furnishing selections based on criteria like durability, appearance and cost.

Planting selections: (including specific species and nursery container sizes)
Visualization: Creating detailed models or renderings
to accurately explore features, layouts, and spatial
relationships before final approval.

Cost Estimation and Budgeting: Soliciting preliminary
construction estimates from multiple contractors to validate the design against the budget, allowing for adjustments to quantities, features, or materials if necessary.

Technical Detailing: Developing section drawings and
detailed specifications for complex or custom elements, such as retaining walls, custom arbors, or drainage systems, consulting with structural engineers or other specialists.

Contractor Collaboration: Assessing contractor feedback and value-added suggestions to refine the design
approach, ensuring the selected contractor is a good fit for the project’s specific technical requirements.

The decisions made during Design Development are
codified in the subsequent Construction Documents phase, providing the comprehensive drawings and specifications needed for permits and actual construction.
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PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS
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PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS

PRELIMINARY COST // PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS
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PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS

PRELIMINARY COST // PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS
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PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS

PRELIMINARY COST // PRELIMINARY COST ANALYSIS
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APPENDICES
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09 2026 OJAI CITY HALL CAMPUS LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN CITY OF OJAI | 101 APPENDIX // APPENDIX C: REFERENCES, SOURCE MATERIALS & DOCUMENTS REVIEWED

REFERENCES, SOURCE MATERIALS & DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
City of Ojai. *Ojai General Plan – Conservation Element.* Adopted May 13, 1987.

City of Ojai. *Ojai General Plan – Recreation Element.* Adopted May 13, 1987.

City of Ojai. *Ojai General Plan – Open Space Element.* Adopted May 13, 1987.

City of Ojai. *Ojai General Plan and Master Environmental Assessment (MEA).* Ojai, California.

City of Ojai. *City Council Resolution No. 18-13.* Adopted April 10, 2018.

City of Ojai. *Libbey Park Master Plan.* 1993.

California Native American Heritage Commission. *Guidelines for the Protection of Tribal Cultural Resources.* State of California.

California Office of Historic Preservation. *Tribal Consultation Guidelines.* Sacramento, California.

California Office of Historic Preservation. *California Historical Building Code.* Available at: [https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21410](https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21410) DePuydt, Elise. *Addendum to Phase 1 Historic Resource Inventory Report: Smith-Hobson House and Estate / Ojai City Hall, 401 South Ventura Street, Ojai, Ventura County, California (APN 023-0-090-010).* Prepared by Provenience Group. April 2019.

Denardo, Carole, and Joshua Severn. *Phase I Historic Resource Inventory Report: Smith-Hobson House / Ojai City Hall, 401 South Ventura Street, Ojai, Ventura County, California (APN 023-090-010).* Prepared by Provenience Group for the City of Ojai Community Development Department. Santa Ynez, California. Available at: [www.proveniencegroup.com](http:// www.proveniencegroup.com)
Ojai Valley Museum. *Ojai History.* Ojai Valley Museum, Ojai, California. Available at: [https://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/ojai-history](https://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/ojai-history) Ojai History. *Chumash History and Culture in the Ojai Valley.* Available at: [https://ojaihistory.com/tag/chumash/](https://ojaihistory.com/tag/chumash/) PAX Environmental, Inc. *Middle Stewart Canyon Creek Restoration Project, Restoration Design Plan.* Fall 2019.

Timmons, Lorraine. *Installing a Backyard Composting Demonstration Garden: A Summary of the Process of Installing the Ojai Community Demonstration Garden in Ojai, California.* Ventura County Solid Waste Management Department, November 2, 1993.

U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. *Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.* Washington, D.C. As codified in 36 CFR Part 67 and Part 68. Available at: [https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards.htm](https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards.htm) 190