Ojai City Council
October 13, 2026

Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Leah Palmer, Acting Finance Director
MEETING DATE: October 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Amendment No. 3 to Professional Services Agreement with Eide Bailly LLP (Operational Need)

RECOMMENDATION
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Eide Bailly LLP to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $167,000 to $290,000.

DISCUSSION
The City entered into a Professional Services Agreement with Eide Bailly LLP with a term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2027, for professional services needed to support the City’s accounting and financial management activities, for an amount not-toexceed $75,000.00.

On January 13, 2026, City Council approved the first amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Eide Bailly LLP, increasing the not-to-exceed amount to $167,000, but limiting the scope of services to year-end close efforts for fiscal year 2024/25 and assistance with the implementation of the City’s accounts payable module. On March 24, 2026, City Council approved Amendment No. 2 to expand the scope of services to include year-end close efforts for fiscal year 2025/26.

The City’s Finance Department has experienced staffing vacancies and workload constraints over the past year. This contract amendment supports year-end close efforts for fiscal year 2025/26. Eide Bailly has knowledge of the City's financial systems, personnel, and workflows due to their ongoing engagement with the City. Their existing familiarity enables them to provide timely and efficient services without the need for additional onboarding, thereby avoiding service disruption and saving both time and public funds. If approved, the additional contract funds would remain limited to those purposes described in Amendments No. 1 and 2.

If the City were to embark upon a request for proposal (RFP) effort for continued professional assistance with year-end close efforts, the timeline for posting the RFP, allowing appropriate response time, recommending to the City Council and receiving City Council approval of a firm to do the work, and then deploying the professional assistance within the finance department would fall after anticipated fieldwork of the fiscal year 233

2025/26 audit. This would not assist the City in its ongoing efforts to get completely caught up.

Increasing the not-to-exceed amount of the professional services agreement with Eide Bailly will address the immediate need for accounting services support, as they have been heavily involved in the year-end close process for the prior fiscal years.

The Finance Department’s goal is to have low reliance on consultants by fiscal year 2027/28 and to be fully staffed and trained. An increase to Eide Bailly’s not-to-exceed amount will support this long-term goal and reduce further timing delays. Further, the Finance Department has committed to being current for outstanding year-end close and audit efforts by the end of this fiscal year (fiscal year 2026/27). Providing additional Eide Bailly resources through funding available within the adopted fiscal year 2026/27 budget will greatly support this commitment.

CITY COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 8 - Financial Stability

OPTIONS

1. Take no action;

2. Provide alternative direction to staff.

FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed contract amendment is an increase of $123,000 for a not to exceed amount of $290,000. The FY 2026/27 Finance Department Budget includes $175,000 in accounting services. As a result, no additional appropriation is required for the contract amendment.

Prepared by: Leah Palmer, Acting Finance Director

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. PSA - Amendment No. 3
B. PSA – Original Agreement
C. PSA – Amendment No. 1
D. PSA – Amendment No. 2
234
Professional Services Agreement
City of Ojai / Eide Bailly LLP
Attachment A

AMENDMENT No. 3 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
(City of Ojai and Eide Bailly LLP)
This Amendment No.3 (“Amendment”) to Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on this 22
nd day of September 2026 at Ojai, California, by and
between the City of Ojai, a California municipal corporation (“City”) and Eide Bailly LLP., a Limited Liability Partnership (“Consultant”).

This Amendment modifies the original Agreement between the City and the Consultant dated July 1, 2025, in the following fashion:

A. City and Consultant agree to amend the Agreement by modifying section 3.4 – Expiration Date of the “Agreement” to read as follows:

3.4 Expiration Date: __________________________.

B. City and Consultant agree to amend the Agreement by modifying the total compensation and costs payable to Consultant under this Agreement to a not-toexceed sum of $290,000. The additional funds provided under this Agreement shall only be used to fund the following services: (1) services related to the City Finance Department’s trial balance and year-end efforts; (2) implementation of the City’s accounts payable module as part of the City’s electronic accounting system; and (3) accounting and year-end support for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

TO EFFECTUATE THIS AGREEMENT, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement on the dates set forth below. “City”
City of Ojai
By: ______________________________
Ben Harvey, City Manager
Date: _______________
Attest:

By: ______________________________
Weston Montgomery, Deputy City Clerk
Date: _______________
Approved as to form:

By: ______________________________
Bethany A. Burgess, City Attorney
Date: _______________
“Consultant”
Eide Bailly LLP
By:

Bradford Rockabrand, Partner
Date: __________________
go
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240
241
242
243
244
245
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253
Professional Services Agreement
City of Ojai / Eide Bailly LLP
AMENDMENT No. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
City of Ojai and Eide Bailly LLP)
This Amendment No. 1 ("Amendment") to Professional Services Agreement Agreement") is made on this 13th day of January 2026 at Ojai, California, by and between the City of Ojai, a California municipal corporation (" City") and Eide Bailly LLP., a Limited Liability Partnership (" Consultant").

This Amendment modifies the original Agreement between the City and the Consultant dated July 1, 2025, in the following fashion:

A. City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement by modifying section 3. 4 — Expiration Date of the " Agreement" to read as follows:

3. 4 Expiration Date:

B. City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement by modifying the total compensation and costs payable to Consultant under this Agreement to a not -to - exceed sum of $167, 000. The additional funds provided under this Amendment shall only be used to fund the following services: ( 1) services related to the City Finance Department' strial balance and year- end efforts; and ( 2) implementation of the City' s accounts payable module as part of the City' s electronic accounting system.

TO EFFECTUATE THIS AGREEMENT, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement on the dates set forth below.

City"
City of ()j
By:

Ben Harvey, City Manag
Date:

By:

BrkI , Sara, Acting Deputy City Clerk
Date:

Appr
By:

Bethany A.

Date
01436,001 2 , 00368 I
Consultant"
Eide Bally LLP
By: _
Bradford Roc - abfand. Partner
Date:

Attachment A

254
Professional Services Agreement
City of Ojai / Eide Bailly LLP
AMENDMENT No. 2 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
City of Ojai and Eide Bailly LLP)
This Amendment No. 2 ("Amendment") to Professional Services Agreement Agreement") is made on this 24111 day of March 2026 at Ojai, California, by and between the City of Ojai, a California municipal corporation (" City") and Eide Bailly LLP., a Limited Liability Partnership ('` Consultant").

This Amendment modifies the original Agreement between the City and the Consultant dated July 1, 2025, in the following fashion:

A. City and Consultant agree to amend the Agreement by modifying section 3. 4 — Expiration Date of the " Agreement" to read as follows:

3. 4 Expiration Date:

B. City and Consultant agree to amend the Agreement to expand the scope of work that may be funded by the increase in the not -to -exceed sum approved as part of Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement to include accounting and year- end support for Fiscal Year 2025-6.

TO EFFECTUATE THIS AGREEMENT, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement on the dates set forth below.

City"
City of Ojai
By:

Ben Harvey, City Mana
Consultant"
Eide Bailly LLP
By: .. `
Bradford Roc brand, Partner
Date: Date:
go
Attest
By:

Brid;"' tMara, Acting Deputy City Clerk
Date: 11/51
Appro _ d a o form:

By:

Bethany A. gess, City Cpl _ tarney
Date:

Attachment A

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01436.0005 2202757.1 Page 1 of 4
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Bethany Burgess, City Attorney
Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director
MEETING DATE: October 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Concept Review | Regulatory Discussion Regarding Ojai’s Sign Standards, Compliance and Process – Title 10, Chapter 2, Article 16 (Sign Standards) (Requested by Mayor Pro
Tempore Mang and Council Member Whitman)

RECOMMENDATION
Conduct a concept review of the Ojai Sign Ordinance, take public comment, and provide preliminary feedback and direction to staff regarding the current process and existing regulations.

DISCUSSION
The matter regarding sign regulations is being brought forward to discuss as a concept review for two reasons, (1) questions and concerns have been raised by community members regarding the regulations and process for approval of A-Frame signs (i.e., sandwich boards) within the City of Ojai and specifically within the Arcade and Arcade Plaza areas; (2) questions have been raised as to whether all signs (including A-Frame signs) should be considered and/or commented on by the Historic Preservation Commission prior to approval when located within a designated landmark site.

Additionally, as part of this effort, the City Attorney’s Office will conduct a holistic review of the City’s Sign Standards and recommend any additional revisions that may be appropriate to ensure compliance with state and federal law.

1. Current Process for A-Frame signs (Arcade & Arcade Plaza) Consistent with Ojai Municipal Code (OMC) Section 10-2.1605(i), A-Frame or T-Frame sandwich board signs (A-Frame signs) are prohibited unless approved by the Planning Commission as part of a comprehensive sign program in compliance with Section 10-

2.1608, or allowed as specified in Section 10-2.1607(r) – Portable signs. For the purposes of this report, the focus will remain with A-Framed signs, and not on Comprehensive sign programs, which are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. The provisions specified for A-Framed signs, as allowed by Section 10-2.1607(r), include the following objective limitations:
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01436.0005 2202757.1 Page 2 of 4
-Number of signs (no more than two),
-Illumination (non-illuminated only),
-Location (placed off-site, outside of the pedestrian path-of-travel, on private property or adjacent public right-of-way),
-Height (not to exceed 40-inches), and
-Area (not to exceed 7.5 square feet).

Pursuant to current guidance from the Community Development Department (“CDD”), within the Arcade and Arcade Plaza of downtown Ojai, only those businesses which are located in the Arcade may place their A-frame sign against their store front or under the Arcade arches, directly in front of their store frontage. Businesses located within the Arcade Plaza are also able to add their A-Frame signs under the Arcade arches. CDD staff prepared an FAQ that provides further information related to this process and located on the City of Ojai’s website and can be further accessed .

2. Historic Preservation Commission Review of signs for designated landmark buildings
Pursuant to Section 10-2.1604(a) of the Ojai Municipal Code, the Historic Preservation Commission (“HPC”) shall review and approve or deny sign permits for all signs for designated landmark buildings. As part of the effort to review the City’s sign ordinance, City staff would like to clarify the role of the HPC – specifically whether (1) HPC review should be required by the OMC for all signs for historic landmarks (including signs like A-Frame signs that are not attached or affixed to the façade of the building or only those that are affixed to the historic structure, or (2) whether such review should be limited to informational landmark signs. For example, the Arcade façade and arches are specifically recognized as local historic landmark No. Five. Additional guidance related to signs in the Arcade is provided through the Arcade Design Guidelines adopted by City Council in 2008 and summarized below.

Consistent with the Arcade Design Guidelines, each storefront in the Arcade is permitted one projecting sign and one wall-mounted sign, with a total combined sign area not to exceed ten square feet. Purely symbolic projecting signs (those using no lettering) are exempt from this area calculation. All signs must be constructed of wood, conform to the City of Ojai Sign Ordinance, and use colors harmonious with the building — specifically "backgrounds of earth colors, browns and natural or stained woods" — while painted or directly applied lettering on walls, windows, or architectural elements is expressly prohibited. Projecting signs may be no larger than 15" × 48", must extend no more than 50" from the storefront face, and must be suspended so their bottom edge sits exactly 96" above the sidewalk surface directly below.

Wall-mounted signs may be no larger than 12" high by 10'-0” in length, must be mounted directly above the storefront, centered on Arcade arches whenever possible, and must lie flat against the building surface without hiding or obscuring any architectural elements. All signage must be submitted for review and approval by the Historic Preservation Commission prior to installation. The Arcade Design Guidelines are included as Attachment A.
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01436.0005 2202757.1 Page 3 of 4
The Design Guidelines are silent as to A-Frame signs or other portable signs. Furthermore, as is described above, Section 10-2.1604(a) of the Ojai Municipal Code requires HPC review for sign permits for all signs “for designated landmark buildings”. There is ambiguity as to whether A-Frame signs for businesses located within the Arcade and Arcade Plaza qualify as “signs for designated landmark buildings”.

Pursuant to Section 10-2.1602(b) of the Ojai Municipal Code, “Unless otherwise authorized by this article, a sign permit is required for all new signs displayed within the City. A sign permit is not required for signs designated as exempt pursuant to Section 10-2.1606.” AFrame signs are not listed as exempt from sign permits in Section 10-2.1606. Since the Code revisions in 2017 (discussed below), however, the City has not required businesses to obtain a sign permit for A-Frame signs nor have A-Frame signs for businesses within the Arcade or Arcade Plaza been reviewed by the HPC.

BACKGROUND – 2017 Sign Code Update | The substantive sign changes enacted by Ordinance No. 876 were a complete rewrite of Title 10, Chapter 2, Article 16 (Sign Standards) of the Ojai Municipal Code, replacing the prior sign standards with a comprehensive, content-neutral sign regulatory framework aligned with the recent U.S.

Supreme Court's decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert.

In the Reed v. Town of Gilbert, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled a sign ordinance in Gilbert, Arizona, violated the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause because the ordinance imposed stricter size, location, and duration restrictions on temporary directional signs for a small church than on political or ideological signs. Justice Clarence Thomas established that any government regulation of speech that is content-based on its face— meaning it explicitly targets speech based on its topic or communicative message—is subject to rigorous strict scrutiny, regardless of the government's underlying motive or justification. The Court invalidated the sign code because the town failed to prove that its differential rules were narrowly tailored to achieve compelling government interests like traffic safety and aesthetics.

This is a concept review and is meant as a discussion. The City Council may choose to send the specific provisions related to sign regulations within historic landmarks to the Historic Preservation Commission for comment and potential recommendations which would subsequently be forwarded to the City Council for further consideration. The Council may also wish to consider conducting public input sessions/town halls so that the business community has an opportunity weigh in. Because the sign standards are within Title 10 (Planning and Zoning), Chapter 2 (Zoning Regulations), any potential changes to this section of the code would require a public hearing before the Planning Commission and recommendation forwarded to City Council before the City Council may undertake their final consideration.

The current sign standards from the Ojai Municipal Code are included as Attachment B.

COUNCIL GOALS ALIGNMENT
Goal No. 9 - Communication and Relationships
Goal No. 6 - Diversifying Ecomony/Tourism Management
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OPTIONS

1. Take no action; or

2. Provide alternative direction to staff.

FISCAL IMPACT
The staff time spent on the research and development of this concept review is included in the Community Development Departments operational costs. No outside consultant work is included nor conducted with the preparation of this report.

Prepared by: Lucas Seibert, Community Development Director

ATTACHMENT(S)
A – Arcade Design Guidelines
B – Title 10, Chapter 2, Article 16 (Sign Standards)
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ARCADE DESIGN GUIDELINES
Adopted by City Council 12-09-08
Conceptual Overview
The Ojai Arcade represents the visual, historical, economic and geographic center of Ojai. The Arcade is one of the earliest examples of urban renewal projects and one of the major projects initiated by Edward Drummond Libbey. In addition, the Arcade is a significant example of work by the noted architects Frank Mead and Richard Requa, and was designated as the City of Ojai’s Fifth Landmark in 1993. The Arcade is unquestionably a major landmark of local and national importance.

These Guidelines have been created to maintain the visual and historical integrity of the Arcade.

In implementing the Guidelines, merchants, designers and planners should consider that the primary function of the Arcade is to serve as a pedestrian walkway. This function implies that storefronts, signage and displays should be directed to pedestrian traffic rather than vehicular travel on Ojai Avenue. When viewed from Libbey Park or across the street, the Arcade should always be the primary visual element with little or no competition from background storefronts.

General Exterior Elements
Exterior building surfaces and the primary architectural elements including but not limited to windows and doorways, walls, window display cases and other permanent components of the storefront should reflect both the Mission Revival architectural style (San Juan Capistrano) origin of the Arcade and the date (1917) when it was built. In consideration of these factors, the overall design of new construction should emphasize simple forms and details, and convey a “craftsman” or handmade quality. The selection of building materials and construction methods appropriate to the late 19th and early 20th century is important. New building or physical changes will be evaluated for the effect on the Arcade. The integrity of the Arcade as a series of shops of equal visual importance should be maintained.
 Walls: Surface plaster, paint or color should blend with the wall color of the Arcade. The wall surface above the top of the windows and the adjoining vertical columns that extend to the sidewalk between storefronts shall remain smooth or flat stucco. No artificial 260

roofline or roofing materials may be used in the design of storefronts. Wood siding should be used to a limited extent as an accent or for a special effect. Tile, ceramic or Mexican-type brick may be used as an accent.
 Color: The wall color of the main Arcade wall structure shall be Benjamin Moore Navajo White. Color for window trim, doors and signage should be selected from the architectural color palette that is available at the Community Development Department.

These colors harmonize with the historic nature of the building and the architectural integrity of the Arcade.
 Lighting: All Arcade lighting should be Mission Revival style in a black or rust finish.

All lighting should reflect a handcrafted quality. Lighting for shop windows, interior pedestrian traffic and showroom display should not shine out onto the Arcade area or be visible from the street. Fluorescent fixtures are not permissible, nor are backlit fluorescent signs or neon lights visible from the street.  Windows: The bottom of all windows should begin approximately 16” (+ or – 4”) from the sidewalk immediately in front of the storefront and extending no higher than 96”.

Glass shall be maintained in a clear condition at all times and not to be obstructed by any element such as shades, curtains or paper. All new or replacement windows should be painted or anodized a color that is compatible with the architectural integrity of the Mission Revival style.
 Doors: All doors should complement the design of the rest of the storefront. If doors are constructed of metal, they must be painted or anodized a color that is compatible with the architectural integrity of the Mission Revival style and coordinated with the overall design of the storefront. All hardware must reflect or convey the handmade (craftsman) quality of the Arcade storefronts. No chrome, polished brass or exposed aluminum hardware is allowed. Hand-hammered iron or patina brass or bronze is preferred.

Pedestrian/Customer Elements
 Awnings/Sunshades: Awnings and/or sunshades are not permitted in the Arcade.  Planters: Planters may be considered as an exterior element to storefronts. They must contain live foliage and be regularly maintained. A planting plan must be submitted for review by the Historic Preservation Commission.
 Exterior Signage: One projecting sign and one wall mounted sign are permitted for each storefront. All signs must be constructed of wood and conform to the City of Ojai Sign Ordinance. The Ordinance states that “Colors shall be harmonious with the building and adjacent areas and shall otherwise be compatible with the aesthetic goals of the community” which include “backgrounds of earth colors, browns and natural or stained woods.” Total combined sign area for all signs shall not exceed 10 square feet. Projecting signs utilizing symbolic representation of a product, trade or service that does not include 261
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3 of 4
lettering shall not be counted against any
single store’s allocation of total sign
surface area. Signs painted or lettering
applied directly on the wall, windows or
architectural elements are not permitted.

Signage must be submitted for review to
the Historic Preservation Commission.

Projecting signs must be no larger than 15”
by 48” and be rigidly suspended to extend
no more than 50” from the face of the
storefront. The bottom of the sign must be
exactly 96” from the surface of the
sidewalk directly under the sign.

The wall-mounted sign must be no larger
than 12” high nor 10’ in length and be
mounted directly above the storefront.

Whenever possible, signs should be
centered on Arcade arches. Signs should
not hide or obscure the architectural
elements of the building. Exterior signs
should be flat against the surface of the
building.
 Outdoor Seating: Certain spaces
along the Arcade storefronts have
been determined to be appropriate
for pedestrian seating. Benches in
the Arcade are available to purchase
consistent with the Arcade Bench
Program. The Arcade Bench
Program information, including
bench type and locations, is
available at the Community
Development Department.
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Approval Process
Applicant building owners or merchants who wish to change their Arcade storefront(s) may apply at the City of Ojai Planning Division counter. An application must be completed for a Design Review Permit by the Historic Preservation Commission. A fee is charged as per the City published fee schedule. In addition to the completed application form, the applicant must submit:
 An elevation or sketch of the proposed storefront changes including (as appropriate) planting plan, signage, lighting plan and/or other material changes; and  A sample of the proposed paint color(s) (manufacturer’s paint chip(s) will suffice); and  Photos of the existing building/storefront.

The Historic Preservation Commission must approve all proposed changes, including changes in color. The review by the Commission will be scheduled at their next regular meeting. Historic Preservation Commission routinely meets on the second Monday of the month. Planning staff will assist the applicant throughout the process. The applicant is advised to submit the application in a timely manner. Staff must review the application for completeness prior to scheduling the item before the Historic Preservation Commission. In general, an application should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the Historic Preservation Commission meetings to ensure that the application is complete, otherwise more time may be needed. 263
City of Ojai, CA
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Title 10. Planning and Zoning
Chapter 2. ZONING REGULATIONS
Division 3. DEVELOPMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL

STANDARDS
Article 16. Sign Standards
Editor's note—Article 16, Sign Standards, consisting of Sections 10-2.1601 through 10-2.1614, as added by Ordinance No. 771, effective February 13, 2004, amended by Ord. Nos. 801, 804, 815 and 830, was amended in its entirety by Ord. No. 876, effective November 12, 2017. § 10-2.1601. Purpose.

This article establishes a comprehensive system of City sign regulations. The intent of these regulations is to:
(§ 2, Ord. 876, eff. November 12, 2017)
§ 10-2.1602. Applicability.
(a) Manage signs in a manner that preserves the historic, small-town aesthetic and character of the City while also avoiding visual clutter and adverse impacts to pedestrian and traffic safety. (b) Assist the public in easily identifying uses and premises, thereby minimizing confusion and improving traffic safety.
(c) Allow signs in residential neighborhoods that are consistent with residential scale and character. (d) Encourage signs in commercial, office, and industrial areas that will create attractive places to work and shop.
(e) It is the City's policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner that does not favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech and is content-neutral as to non-commercial messages which are within the protections of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the corollary provisions of the California Constitution. Therefore, pursuant to the United States Supreme Court's decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona and related cases, this article is intended to narrowly regulate signs within the City by imposing reasonable, content-neutral regulations while leaving open ample alternative avenues of communication for the City's residents, businesses, and visitors.

Definitions of the specialized terms and phrases used in this article may be found in Ojai Municipal Code Section 10-2.3602(s)(6).
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(§ 2, Ord. 876, eff. November 12, 2017)
§ 10-2.1603. General provisions for all signs.
(a) The standards of this article shall apply to all signs, unless otherwise indicated. In the event two or more provisions of this article apply to a particular sign, the more specific provision shall prevail. (b) Unless otherwise authorized by this article, a sign permit is required for all new signs displayed within the City. A sign permit is not required for signs designated as exempt pursuant to Section 10-

2.1606.
(c) An applicant for a sign permit shall file the application on a form provided by the Community Development Department and pay a fee set by City Council resolution. A color, to-scale rendering of the design and text of a sign shall be submitted along with the application for a sign permit. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, sign permits shall be approved by the Director through the sign permit process set forth in this article. Any proposed sign must be consistent with the purpose and provisions of this article.
(b) A sign approved by the Planning Commission via a comprehensive sign program and which is consistent with that program shall not require a further sign permit. (c) Maximum number. Any property not located in a residential-only zone, including any property in commercial or mixed-use zones, shall be limited to a maximum of two on-site signs, except that a property with more than two main entrances may have an on-site sign at each entrance. Exempt signs specified in Section 10-2.1606 do not count against this sign number limit. (d) Maintenance.
(1) All signs and their supporting hardware shall be maintained in good repair and function properly at all times.
(2) Repairs to a sign shall use materials and design of equal or better quality as the original sign. (3) A sign which is not properly maintained or is dilapidated may be deemed a public nuisance by the Director.
(4) Upon written notice from the Director, any necessary alterations, maintenance, or repairs to a sign specified in the notice shall be made within 30 days after the date of the notice. (5) When an existing sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles and other supports that are no longer required shall also be removed. Unpainted areas exposed by removal or replacement of the sign shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the building or sign support structure.
(e) Materials. All signs shall be constructed with materials and workmanship of high quality to avoid problems of deterioration and maintenance which would give rise to unsightly and unsafe conditions. Every sign and its frame shall be constructed in compliance with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws, codes, and regulations.
(1) Signs with foundations or sign materials weighing over 10 pounds and/or mounted over eight feet above finish grade shall require, in addition to a sign permit, a building permit before installation.
(f) Maximum height measurement. The maximum allowable sign height shall be measured by the distance from the average adjacent ground level within five feet of the base of the sign to the top of the sign, including the superstructure and any design element. (g) Maximum area measurement. The maximum allowable sign area, in compliance with Section 10-

2.1607, shall be measured as follows:
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(1) The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by the number of square feet of the smallest rectangle within which a sign face can be enclosed.
(2) The area of a building face or wall shall mean the outer street-facing surface of a structure or any main exterior wall or storefront, including parapet walls, calculated in square feet. (3) Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.
(4) A sign composed of more than one sign face shall be computed as including only the maximum single display surface that is visible from any ground position at one time, including the backing, borders, and framing for letters.
(5) Where a sign consists of one or more three dimensional objects (e.g., balls, clusters of objects, cubes, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as the maximum projection of the 3-sides on a vertical plane, and shall be deemed as having four sign faces. (6) Interior signs located inside a building or structure shall not be oriented towards building windows or openings. If the applicant or owner demonstrates that it is infeasible to orient interior signs away from windows or openings, such signs shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from said windows or openings and shall not be larger than six square feet. For window signs, see Section 10-2.1607(t).
(h) Illumination. The artificial illumination of signs shall be designed, to the extent possible, to avoid negative impacts on surrounding properties.
(1) External light sources shall be directed and shielded from view to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign.
(2) Lights for indirectly illuminated signs shall only cast light on the sign face and must not cause light trespass to any other location or facility.
(3) Lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner that may cause them to be confused with traffic control devices.
(4) Illuminated signs shall not use more than 10 candlepower per square foot illumination measured at the sign face. In no event shall the intensity or brightness of an illuminated sign interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of properties in direct visual proximity to the sign. (5) The approval of an illuminated sign shall not be final until 30 days after installation, during which time the Director may require dimming of the sign if the illumination is found to be inconsistent with this section, detrimental to adjacent property, or a traffic hazard. (6) In addition to a sign permit, an electrical permit shall be required for circuits installed to provide power to light an illuminated sign.
(i) Colors, design, and text.
(1) Sign colors shall be harmonious with the structure to which the sign pertains. Sign colors shall also be compatible with the City's existing aesthetic character, including backgrounds of muted, flat, or matte colors, including browns, greys, and whites. (2) Lettering colors shall be subdued in brilliance.
(3) The colors, design, and text of a sign shall be subject to any other applicable City-adopted guidelines or area plans.
(j) Substitution clause. The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this article may substitute non-commercial copy in place of any other commercial or non-commercial copy. This substitution of copy may be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech or favoring of 10/6/26, 3:10 PM Sign Standards - City of Ojai, CA
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(§ 2, Ord. 876, eff. November 12, 2017)
§ 10-2.1604. Landmark signs.
(§ 2, Ord. 876, eff. November 12, 2017)
§ 10-2.1605. Prohibited signs.

The following signs, where visible by the general public from the public right-of-way or from private property which is generally accessible to the public, are inconsistent with the purpose and standards of this article and are prohibited in all zoning districts:
any particular noncommercial message over any other non-commercial message. This provision prevails over any other provision of this Code to the contrary. (a) The Historic Preservation Commission shall review and approve or deny sign permits for all signs for designated landmark buildings, consistent with the purpose and provisions of this article. (b) Any Historic Preservation Commission approval or denial of a sign permit shall occur at a noticed public hearing. An applicant that wishes to obtain a sign permit that requires review by the Historic Preservation Commission is not required to submit a full work permit application to the Historic Preservation Commission, but is required to submit an application on a form developed by and available from the Community Development Department. The applicant may appeal a denial of a sign permit by the Historic Preservation Commission to the City Council, under the procedural requirements of Chapter 8 of Title 4 of the Ojai Municipal Code. (a) Animals or human beings, live or simulated, designed or used to attract attention to a business. (b) Animated, blinking (intermittent light), color-changing, flashing, fluctuating, moving, reflecting, revolving, changeable-copy signs, electronic reader board signs, or other similar signs, except for changeablecopy signs displaying time or temperature.
(c) Balloon signs, and similar floating, flying, or inflated signs. (d) Commercial billboards and commercial off-site signs. (e) Bench signs, except for commemorative plaques.
(f) Internally illuminated signs, unless specifically approved by the Director as in compliance with the illumination standards of Section 10-2.1603(h) and as consistent with the City's aesthetic character. (g) Neon signs, except as specified in Section 10-2.1607(h), or as approved through a comprehensive sign program.
(h) Pole signs, except for City signs, or as specified in Section 10-2.1606(j), (l), and (u). (i) Portable signs, including A- or T-frame sandwich board signs, unless approved by the Planning Commission in compliance with Section 10-2.1608, or allowed as specified in Section 10-2.1607(r). (j) Price signs, except for those located at service stations. (k) Rider signs that are appurtenances attached to a sign and which are not an integral part of the display panel of the approved sign.
(l) Signs mounted on the roof of a structure or extending above the edge or eave of the roof. (m) A sign erected in a manner that would cause a portion of its surface or supports to interfere with the free use of a fire escape, exit, or standpipe; or obstruct a door, stairway, ventilator, or window required by law.
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§ 10-2.1606. Exemptions from sign permits.

Sign permits shall not be required for the signs listed in this section. Exempt signs shall not be included in the determination of the total allowable number of signs or total allowable sign area for a site or use. (o) Signs that obstruct or interfere with the safe and efficient flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. (p) Signs that contain fighting words, obscene language or images, or create a clear and present danger to the general public.
(q) Signs on public property or that project onto a public right-of-way, except as specifically allowed in this article or by Federal or State law, and then only with an encroachment permit issued by the City.
(r) Vehicle signs, unless the vehicle is used for transporting goods or for services for business purposes. A vehicle sign must be affixed so as to not project from the usual profile of the vehicle. A vehicle bearing a vehicle sign may not be stored or parked on private or public property for the principal purpose of advertising the business, good, and/or service displayed on the sign. (s) Signs attached to fences, shrubs, trees, stones, utility poles, structures on public property or in the public right-of-way, or any similar object or structure, except as specifically allowed in this article or other applicable provisions of Federal, State, and local law. (t) Signs outlined by individual light bulbs.
(u) Except as otherwise specifically allowed in this article or by Federal or State law, signs not intended for permanent display or erected for a limited duration, including signs that are glued, nailed, pasted, stapled, tacked, taped, or similarly secured to a structure. (a) Affiliation signs for auto-related uses, motels, and hotels that note services provided or required by law, trade affiliations, credit cards accepted, and similar content provided they are attached to an otherwise approved sign or structure. Affiliation signs shall not exceed one-half square foot in area per sign, and no more than six affiliation signs are allowed for each business. (b) Change of sign copy within an approved comprehensive sign program that conforms to the provisions of the specific comprehensive sign program (see Section 10-2.1608). (c) Commemorative signs, plaques, and tables that are carved in aluminum, bronze, concrete, stone, wood, or other similar permanent material and mounted on a building or structure. These signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and five feet in height. (d) Gasoline pump and price signs erected and maintained in compliance with Sections 13470 through 13490 and 13530 through 13540 of the California Business and Professions Code. (e) Holiday decorations, provided that display of such decorations is limited to 30 days before and after the holiday.
(f) City placed or owned signs or signs as authorized by the City for a municipal purpose. (g) "No Trespassing" signs, not to exceed three square feet in area, placed at each corner and each entrance to the property, and at intervals of not less than 100 feet or in compliance with State requirements.
(h) Occupant name, street number, and street name signs not exceeding three square feet in area for each single-family or multi-family unit.
(i) Official and legal notices required by a court or governmental agency, including any signs required by the City.
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(j) Official flags of a nation, the State of California, other states of the United States, and municipalities, provided that the pole height for such flags shall not exceed 25 feet in residential zoning districts and 35 feet in nonresidential zoning districts. The length of the flag shall not be more than one-fourth of the height of the pole. Larger flags may be allowed subject to the approval of the Director.
(k) Political signs.
(l) Public utility signs indicating danger, construction, excavations or similar hazards, or signs that serve as an aid to public safety, or show the location of underground facilities. (m) Service club signs, clustered on a single uniform sign of a design and location approved by the Director.
(n) Signs on a construction site shall be allowed in all zone districts provided such signs do not exceed one per street frontage, nor 40 square feet in area nor 54 inches in height. All such signs shall be removed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy from the City. (o) Signs erected and maintained in compliance with a governmental function or required by a law, ordinance or governmental regulation.
(p) Signs for commercial, office, and industrial uses not exceeding two square feet and limited to property identification, hours of operation, address, and emergency information. (q) Signs erected for the convenience of the public (e.g., signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways and similar features and facilities), with a maximum area of two square feet. (r) Signs on a property that is for sale, rent, or lease, subject to the following limitations:
(1) One additional sign, beyond the base allowance in this chapter applicable to the property, shall be allowed on each such property.
(2) One further additional sign is allowed on such property during an open house or other event promoting the property's status as for sale, rent, or lease. (3) Additional off-site signs associated with a property for sale, rent, or lease, are allowed within a reasonable proximity of such property during and immediately before and after an open house or other event of a maximum four days' duration promoting the property's status as for sale, rent, or lease.
(4) These additional signs may be single- or double-faced, and shall be limited to three square feet for each side or less on property in residential zoning districts, and six square feet or less on property in all other zoning districts. These additional signs shall be placed outside the pedestrian path of travel.
(5) These additional signs shall be removed when the property is no longer for sale, rent, or lease. (s) Signs limiting easement rights under Section 1008 of the California Civil Code. (t) One additional sign, beyond the base allowance in this chapter applicable to the property, shall be allowed on property under construction. This additional sign shall be removed upon the completion of the construction project.
(u) Signs solely for the purpose of guiding traffic, parking, and loading on private property. Maximum area for such signs shall be four square feet in residential and village mixed use zoning districts and six square feet in all other zoning districts. Maximum height for freestanding versions of such signs shall be 54 inches in height. Taller signs may be allowed by the Director, if visibility would not be impaired.
(v) Signs which are not visible by the general public from the public right-of-way or from private property which is generally accessible to the public.
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§ 10-2.1607. Standards for specific types of signs.
(w) Small window signs, limited to a maximum of 20% of the property's total window area, minus the area devoted to window signs (as defined in Section 10-2.1607(t)). (x) Future tenant identification signs. One additional sign, beyond the base allowance in this chapter applicable to the property, shall be allowed on each property that will have a new occupant, owner, or lessee within the next three months.
(a) Awning signs.
(1) Awning signs shall only be located on building frontages, including those fronting a parking lot or pedestrian way.
(2) Awning signs are limited to ground level occupancies only. (3) Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated. However, lighting directed downwards from the sign that does not illuminate the awning is allowed.
(b) Banner signs.
(1) A newly opened business shall be allowed one on-site banner sign, in addition to any other allowed signs.
(2) Existing businesses shall be allowed one on-site banner sign up to a maximum of four times per year, in addition to any other allowed signs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any business whose principal activity is the presenting or sponsoring of multiple or changing events, shows, programs and activities such as theater art, fine art, and music events shall be allowed one onsite banner business sign up to a maximum of eight times per year, in addition to any other allowed signs.
(3) A banner sign may be posted for up to 30 days. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a banner sign may be posted for up to 60 days by any business with its principal activity being the presenting or sponsoring of multiple or changing events, shows, programs and activities, such as theater art, fine art, and music events.
(4) A banner sign shall be affixed to the exterior wall(s) of the building or structure to which the sign pertains, and shall not hang between posts, or from trees, or be within the public right-ofway, or be placed on a rooftop. However, if the building or structure is at least 50 feet from the public right-of-way the banner sign may be placed on a front fence, wall or other structure approved by the Director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any business whose principal activity is the presenting or sponsoring of multiple or changing events, shows, programs and activities such as theater art, fine art, and music events shall be allowed to display banners on fixed posts that are integrated into the architecture of the adjacent building and attractively designed such that such posts do not detract from the aesthetics of the property. (5) Banner signs shall not exceed a maximum area of 24 square feet or 50% of the allowed permanent sign area for the particular site, whichever is less. Additional square footage may be allowed through design review approval by the Director, in compliance with Article 20 of this chapter.
(6) Banner signs shall be maintained in good repair at all times. (c) Signs on any property within the commercial and manufacturing zoning districts that display the name of any entity located on the property.
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main entrances may have a sign indicating each entrance. (2) The combined area of all signs on a property within the commercial and manufacturing zoning district shall not exceed 40 square feet or 10% of the main building face area, whichever is less. However, if the building on the site in which the entity is located is set back at least 50 feet from the public right-of-way, the combined area for all signs on the site shall not exceed 50 square feet or 13% of the main building face, whichever is less. (d) Halo-lit or back-lit signs.
(1) Halo-lit letters are to be lit from behind and should be properly integrated into the building design.
(2) The mounting surface of the halo-lit sign must be opaque and shall not reflect the image of lamps contained within the letters.
(3) All lamps must be fully concealed within the letters so as not to be visible from any location accessible to the public.
(4) The rear face of each letter shall be no more than one inch from the background surface. (5) Each letter shall be completely enclosed with the front and side surfaces made of opaque material and the back surface made of white translucent Plexiglass. (6) Standoff brackets shall be center mounted and painted to match the adjacent surfaces, so as not to be visible to the public.
(7) Halo-lit or back-lit signs must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission prior to being erected.
(e) Marquee signs.
(1) Marquee signs shall be mounted only on the front or sides of a marquee. (2) Marquee signs shall not project more than six inches from the face of the marquee. (3) Marquee signs shall not extend above the top of a marquee. (4) A minimum distance of eight feet shall be maintained from the lowest part of a suspended marquee sign to the ground below.
(f) Monument signs.
(1) The area of a monument sign shall not exceed 40 square feet or 10% of the main building face area, whichever is less, and shall be included within the total business sign area allowed on the site. However, if the building on the site in which the business is located is set back at least 50 feet from the property line, the area of a monument sign shall not exceed 50 square feet or 13% of the main building face, whichever is less, and shall be included within the total business sign area allowed on the site. In the event a monument sign is located in a residential zone and there is no main building face area from which to measure maximum sign area, the applicant must obtain a comprehensive sign program pursuant to Section 10-2.1608. (2) Monument signs are allowed only for frontages adjoining a public street. (3) Monument signs shall not obstruct traffic safety sight areas. (4) There shall be a minimum of 50 feet between two monument signs on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs; provided, however, that the provisions of this subsection shall not prohibit an individual legal parcel from having a monument sign. (5) Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, 20 square feet of sign area would require a minimum of 40 square feet of landscaped area.
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(6) The height of monument signs may not exceed 54 inches. However, height may be increased by the Director upon the consideration of factors such as the location of the monument sign, the intensity of the illumination and glare produced, sign visibility with respect to topography and other obstructions, traffic safety, and compatibility with surrounding uses. (7) Text for monument signs shall be raised or routed. Other text styles must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission prior to being displayed. (8) Monument signs may be indirectly illuminated.
(g) Multiple tenant signs.
(1) A multiple tenant sign requires a comprehensive sign program. (2) The area of a multiple tenant sign shall be limited to the following, and shall be included within the total sign area allowed on the site:
(A) Each site with multiple tenants shall be allowed one multiple tenant sign in the form of a monument sign not to exceed 60 square feet.
(B) The maximum sign area for each tenant in a multiple tenant sign shall be limited to 10 square feet.
(h) Neon and other similarly lighted signs. No neon or similarly lighted signs or architectural elements are allowed in the City with the exception of a two square foot "OPEN" neon or similarly lighted sign allowed for commercial businesses. This exception shall follow the following requirements:
(1) Neon signs and linear tubing shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum 20 amps per circuit and be designed to accommodate a dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the neon.
(2) The neon sign manufacturer shall be registered with UL (Underwriters Laboratories). (3) Neon sign tubing shall not exceed one-half inch in diameter. (4) Neon sign tubing shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., mirrors, polished metal, highly-glazed tiles, or other similar materials). (5) Neon signs hung inside a business window shall count towards the maximum sign area allowed for window signs.
(6) These signs may utilize lighting technologies other than neon gas. (i) On-building directory signs.
(1) The area of an on-building directory sign shall not exceed eight square feet, and shall be included within the total sign area allowed on the site. (2) The height of an on-building directory sign shall not exceed eight feet above ground level, or as may be approved by the Director.
(3) Individual signs within or composing an on-building directory sign shall be uniform in shape, design, and style of text and shall not exceed one square foot in sign area. (4) The colors of on-building directory signs shall be the same for all individual signs and shall be compatible with the building color and style of the architectural features and Section 10-

2.1603(i).
(5) On-building directory signs shall be mounted flat on the surface of the structure on which they are placed or displayed.
(j) Outdoor merchandise displays. Outdoor merchandise displays shall be allowed in C-1, B-P and VMU Zoning Districts, subject to such regulations, as adopted from time to time by the Planning 10/6/26, 3:10 PM Sign Standards - City of Ojai, CA
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Commission, or as allowed pursuant to Article 24 (Conditional Use Permit) of these Zoning Regulations.
(k) Painted wall signs.
(1) The area of a painted wall sign shall be determined as the sum of the sign area of text, plus an additional area equal to an average of nine inches around the perimeter of the text space. The area of a painted wall sign shall not exceed 40 square feet or 10% of the main building or structure face, whichever is less, and shall be included within the total sign area allowed on the site.
(2) Colors of painted wall signs shall be subdued, and shall be compatible with the building or structure's color and Section 10-2.1603(i).
(3) Text of painted wall signs shall be compatible with the structure's style of architecture, and shall be of professional quality as determined by the Director. (l) Parking lot signs.
(1) The area of parking lot signs shall not exceed four square feet in residential and village mixed use zoning districts and six square feet in other zoning districts. (2) The maximum height of a parking lot sign shall be 54 inches, except that taller signs may be approved by the Director.
(3) The colors of parking lot signs shall be compatible with the building color and style of the architectural features and Section 10-2.1603(i).
(m) Projecting signs.
(1) The area of a projecting sign shall not exceed 10 square feet, and shall be included within the total sign area allowed on the site.
(2) The height of a projecting sign shall not be less than eight feet above ground level, unless the architectural features of the building or structure prohibit this height, in which case the maximum height shall be determined by the Director.
(3) A projecting sign shall not project out more than 42 inches from the surface of the building or structure.
(4) A projecting sign shall not extend to within 20 inches of the curb line. (5) Text for projecting signs shall be raised or routed. Other text styles may be considered and approved by the Planning Commission.
(n) Special event signs.
(1) The area of a special event sign shall not exceed 13 square feet. (2) The height of a special event sign, including support structures, shall not exceed 54 inches above ground level. Special event signs hanging under a canopy shall have a minimum of eight feet of clearance as measured from the bottom of the sign to the grade below. (3) Special event signs shall be maintained in good repair and shall not pose a public hazard. (4) A special event sign shall not be posted more than 48 hours before the event that the sign promotes and shall be removed no later than 24 hours after the event is over. Additional time may be approved by the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 10-2.1608 (Comprehensive Sign Program).
(5) Special event signs shall be limited to two per event and, unless otherwise authorized by the Director or as provided in subsections (6) and (7) below, shall be located on the site at which the advertised event is occurring. If the event is held at multiple sites throughout the City, the 10/6/26, 3:10 PM Sign Standards - City of Ojai, CA
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special event signs shall be limited to one sign per participating site. Additional special event signs shall be allowed in multiple locations as approved by the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 10-2.1608 (Comprehensive Sign Program).
(6) Special event signs shall not be posted in the public right-of-way unless and until the applicant first secures, in addition to a sign permit, an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department.
(7) Prior to displaying any special event sign on private property, the applicant shall obtain the written permission of the property owner.
(8) Special event signs that are to be displayed across Ojai Avenue shall be subject to the following conditions:
(A) The applicant shall obtain, in addition to a sign permit, an encroachment permit issued by the Public Works Department, which permits shall be issued on a first-come first-served basis pursuant to Ojai Municipal Code, Title 7, Chapter 1. (B) The applicant shall obtain written approval to post the sign or signs from the California Department of Transportation to be submitted with the encroachment permit application, unless such approval has been obtained previously by the Public Works Department. (C) The applicant shall comply with the City's "Ojai Avenue Banner Standards" of construction and installation.
(9) Special event sign text shall be clear and simple with minimal graphics so as not to unnecessarily distract drivers or create a traffic hazard. (10) Special event signs displayed in the Historic Landmark Arcade and the Pergola at Ojai Avenue in front of Libbey Park are subject to review and approval by the Historic Preservation Commission consistent with the purpose and provisions of this article. (11) If a comprehensive sign program is approved for an annual special event, special event signs for the event may be posted in subsequent years pursuant to Article 19 (Zoning Clearances) of Title 10 if the Director determines that the subsequent sign plan is in substantial compliance with the original Planning Commission approved comprehensive sign program. (o) Under canopy signs.
(1) The area of an under canopy sign shall be limited to 10 square feet, and shall be included within the total sign area allowed on the site.
(2) Under canopy signs shall have a minimum of eight feet of clearance as measured from the bottom of the sign to the grade below. The Director may approve seven and one-half (7.5) feet upon showing of good cause.
(3) Text for under canopy signs shall be raised or routed. Other text styles may be considered and approved by the Planning Commission.
(p) Wall mounted signs.
(1) Wall mounted signs shall not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes and in no case more than four inches. (2) Wall mounted signs shall not obstruct any portion of a window or exceed the outside wall height (including parapet) of any structure.
(3) Wall mounted signs shall be compatible with the architectural features of the structure. (4) Text for wall mounted signs shall be individual letters or raised or routed on a background to create a dimensional appearance. Other text styles may be considered and approved by the Planning Commission.
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§ 10-2.1608. Comprehensive sign program.
(q) Window signs.
(1) The area of a window sign shall not exceed 40 square feet or 10% of the main face of the structure, whichever is less, and shall be included within the total sign area allowed on the site.

However, if the building on the site in which the business is located is set back at least 50 feet from the property line, the area of such window signs shall not exceed 50 square feet or 13% of the main building face, whichever is less, and shall be included within the total sign area allowed on the site.
(2) Window signs shall not occupy more than 20% of the window area of any one window. (3) Window signs shall be compatible with the building's architectural features. (4) Colors shall be compatible with the building's colors and Section 10-2.1603(i). (5) For small window signs that are exempt from a sign permit, see Section 10-2.1606(w). (r) Portable signs. Two or fewer non-illuminated, off-site portable signs are allowed per each entity on a property, if placed outside of the pedestrian path of travel on private property or adjacent public right-of-way. These signs must not exceed 40 inches in height and are limited to seven and one-half (7.5) square feet in area.
(a) The purpose of a comprehensive sign program is to integrate a project's or special event's signs with the design of the buildings or structures upon which they are to be affixed, and thereby achieve a unified architectural statement and overall harmony with Ojai's small town character. A comprehensive sign program provides a means for flexible application of sign regulations for multitenant projects and other users of multiple signs; encourages creativity and provides incentive and latitude in the provision of multiple signs; and avoids circumvention of the intent of this article. (b) The Planning Commission may approve a comprehensive sign program which may modify the development standards for signs for an eligible project or event. Standards for signs provided in this article shall serve as a reference for evaluating comprehensive sign program applications.

Prohibited signs shall not be allowed by a comprehensive sign program. A comprehensive sign program shall be required whenever any of the following circumstances exist:
(1) Multi-tenant developments of three or more separate tenants that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities, including all multiple tenant signs; (2) Whenever five or more signs are proposed for a new or existing development; (3) Whenever three or more signs are requested by a single tenant in an existing multi-tenant project that currently is not covered by a comprehensive sign program; (4) Whenever the organizer of a special event intends to utilize more signs than permitted by Section 10-2.1607(n).
(c) A request for approval of a comprehensive sign program shall clearly detail the location, number, size, and type of each proposed sign. Elevations of each sign shall be provided clearly indicating the proposed colors, letter size, materials, method of illumination, method of attachment to a structure, text, and use of logos. All signs included in the proposed comprehensive sign program shall have a uniform background.
(d) Lessees within developments subject to the requirements of an approved comprehensive sign program shall be made aware of the program in their lease and their responsibility to comply with the approved comprehensive sign program.
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§ 10-2.1609. Abandoned signs.
(§ 2, Ord. 876, eff. November 12, 2017)
§ 10-2.1610. Nonconforming signs.

Any sign which was lawfully erected and maintained before the effective date of this article, but which does not conform with the provisions of this article, or any amendment hereto, shall be a nonconforming sign.
(e) The Director may approve revisions to a comprehensive sign program determined to be minor in nature in that the intent of the original approval and any conditions would not be affected. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require Planning Commission approval.
(f) Installation of signs or modification of signs that are consistent with an approved comprehensive sign program and that are consistent with that program shall not require a further sign permit. (a) Abandoned signs shall be removed by the permit holder or the owner of the structure or premises within 30 days after the date of the event which caused the sign to be considered an abandoned sign. No onsite non-commercial sign shall be considered abandoned. (b) A condition of approval for all sign permits shall be that the permit holder or owner of the structure or premises, at their own expense, shall remove all abandoned signs. An abandoned sign may be removed by the City after the 30 day period identified in subsection (a) above, and the permit holder or owner shall be charged for the cost of removal, and the permit holder or owner may incur a fine for noncompliance with this section.
(c) New signs for a structure or property on which an abandoned sign is located shall not be approved until the abandoned sign is removed. Approval may be given on the condition that the abandoned sign(s) will be removed before a new sign is erected.
(a) "Lawfully erected" shall mean signs erected before any sign regulations were applicable to the property, signs erected in conformance with the then applicable sign regulations, but not including the requirement for a land use permit or a zoning clearance, and signs erected in compliance with an approved design review permit, conditional use permit or variance. (b) "Lawfully maintained" shall mean signs maintained in conformity with the applicable sign regulations existing on the effective date of any applicable amendment to this article, including signs maintained in compliance with an approved design review, conditional use permit or variance, and signs maintained as nonconforming signs.
(c) Nonconformance may include height, location, number, sign use, size, type of sign, and failure to conform to an approved comprehensive sign program.
(d) All nonconforming signs may be continued and maintained for a 10 year period from the effective date of any amendment to this article rendering signs nonconforming. At the end of the 10 year period, the nonconforming signs shall lose their status as nonconforming signs and become illegal signs in violation of the provisions of this article and shall be removed or brought into conformance with this article by obtaining a permit in compliance with this article. (e) During the 10 year amortization period for any sign on any parcel identified in subsection (d) above, signs may be affixed, altered, changed, erected, installed, or relocated on the parcel provided:
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§ 10-2.1611. Violations of sign regulations.
(2) That together the nonconforming and conforming signs on the parcel would not exceed either the total number of signs or the total sign area for all of the signs allowed by this article; and (3) A permit shall be obtained in compliance with this article. (a) Unless specifically allowed in this article or by Federal or State law, it is unlawful to do any of the following within the City:
(1) Display, erect, place, post, paint or secure any sign, pennant, flag, banner, balloon, card, poster, text, or similar attention-seeking device on:
(A) Any public property or within the public right-of-way, or (B) Any curb, sidewalk, street, pole, post, utility box, hydrant, bridge, tree, building or other surface that is located on public property or in the public right-of-way. (2) Display any sign that requires a sign permit without an approved sign permit; or (3) Display any sign on any premises contrary to the provisions of this article. (b) Violations of this article shall be treated as strict liability offenses regardless of intent. (c) Any sign affixed, altered, applied, constructed, converted, enlarged, erected, installed, maintained, relocated, or set up contrary to the provisions of this article shall be unlawful and a public nuisance, which nuisance may be abated in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 6 of Title 5 of this Code and Article 35 of this chapter, and the cost of abatement may be made a special assessment against the land upon which the sign is located. The City may remedy any violation of this article pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter 6 of Title 1 of this Code. (d) The Director is authorized and directed to investigate all purported violations of any of the provisions of this article. If a violation is determined to exist or to be impending, the Director is authorized and directed to take the measures as deemed necessary and expedient to enforce and secure compliance with the provisions of this article, including the signing of complaints and other legal documents. Where any sign installation is undertaken contrary to the provisions of this article, the Director may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any person engaged in the doing or causing of the work to be done and the person shall stop the work until authorized by the Director to proceed.
(e) The Director, as charged with the enforcement of this article, acting in good faith and without malice toward the City, shall not be rendered personally liable, and is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of the duties directly related to enforcement. (f) Any suit brought against the Director, because of the act or omission, shall be defended by the City Attorney until the final termination of the proceeding. (g) The Director may request, and shall receive as far as may be necessary in the discharge of the duties directly related to enforcement, the assistance and cooperation of other City officials. (h) With the consent of the owner or occupier of any structure or premises, or under an inspection warrant issued in compliance with State law (Sections 1822.50 through 1822.57 of the Code of Civil Procedure), and upon prior notice to the owner of any sign which is not in compliance with this article, the Director may enter at a reasonable time any structure or premises in the City to perform any duty imposed by this article.
(i) If the Director is unable to otherwise enforce the provisions of this article, the matter may be referred to the City Attorney for appropriate legal action, civil or criminal, or both. 10/6/26, 3:10 PM Sign Standards - City of Ojai, CA
https://ecode360.com/print/OJ4979?guid=44873259 14/15
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(§ 2, Ord. 876, eff. November 12, 2017)
(j) Any person, firm, or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee, or otherwise, violating any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor or an infraction at the discretion of City authorities as provided in Section 1-2.03 of the Municipal Code and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to the penalties provided in Chapter 2 of Title 1 of the Municipal Code. The person, firm, or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this article is allowed, committed, or continued by the person, firm, or corporation, and shall be punishable as provided in this subsection. (k) The remedies provided for in this article shall be cumulative and not exclusive in compliance with Article 35 of this chapter.
10/6/26, 3:10 PM Sign Standards - City of Ojai, CA
https://ecode360.com/print/OJ4979?guid=44873259 15/15
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Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Leslie Rule, Council Member
Andy Gilman, Mayor
MEETING DATE: October 13, 2026
SUBJECT: CONCEPT REVIEW: Pilot “Slow-Jai” Project (Requested by Mayor Gilman and Council Member Rule)

RECOMMENDATION
Convene a concept review discussion regarding the proposed pilot “Slow-Jai” Project, and if consensus exists, provide direction to staff to embark upon next steps for project outreach and pilot implementation.

DISCUSSION
Background
Page Slow Street is a permanent community-focused corridor running from Stanyan Street to Gough/Market Streets, stretching across the Upper and Lower Haight neighborhoods, in San Francisco. It prioritizes walking, bicycling, and neighborhood recreation over vehicular through-traffic; but allows vehicular traffic and maintains existing street parking.

It’s a simple, yet clever application that blocks off ½ of the street, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to more safely travel while requiring vehicles to slow down in order to navigate the partial street closure. Please see Attachments A, B and C for a slow street fact sheet, a Page Upgrades Outreach Summary document, and pictures of Page Street Slow Street Signs.

Approved as a permanent corridor by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA) Board in January 2023, Page Slow Street utilizes traffic diverters and turn restrictions (temporary flex posts) at major intersections to cut down vehicle volume.

Ongoing infrastructure upgrades by the SFMTA will ultimately replace the temporary flex posts with permanent concrete safety islands.

Analysis
Prior to its designation, Page Street acted as an unofficial through pass for drivers making their way across San Francisco. Once implemented, traffic diverters and turn restrictions nudged commuters back onto designated arterial roadways, reducing traffic volume. With fewer vehicles on the road, Page Street became an essential, low-stress backbone for the city's active transportation network causing an increase in people walking and biking.

Residents report a higher quality of life, closer relationships with neighbors, and a safer 279

environment for children and pets.

While the program holds overwhelming support among local residents it has also faced some detractors worried that pushing cars off Page Street would cause severe gridlock on adjacent neighborhood (there is not evidence that supports this concern, however). Also, some Page Street homeowners have cited minor inconveniences, such as navigating around pedestrians or bikes when pulling out of driveways, or adapting to altered turn restrictions to get to their own houses.

Source: SFMTA Page Slow Street
Application to Ojai
San Francisco is obviously a much larger community than Ojai. The San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority, who oversaw the design, implementation and construction of the Page Slow Street, has significantly greater resources than the entire City of Ojai municipal organization. With this in mind, the overall slow street concept should still be considered for application in a small town such as Ojai. The simple installation of temporary flex posts, signs and asphalt paint could create a community-focused corridor, thereby allowing the launch of the pilot Project Slow-Jai.

Proposed Project Slow-Jai Location: North Fulton Street Ojai’s North Fulton Street, bounded by Ojai Avenue on the south and Grand Avenue on the north, with a split near the middle created by Oak Street, is a densely populated neighborhood of single family residences. There are no sidewalks on the street. Many families with young children and pets reside in the neighborhood, who frequently walk, ride bicycles or push strollers in the street as they make their way to nearby Westridge Market, adjacent Sarzotti Park, and downtown Ojai.

Application
Measures to turn North Fulton Street into a “Slow Street” could be achieved through the measures deployed on San Francisco’s Page Street: temporary flex posts that block off one-half the street (but do not eliminate through vehicle traffic), street signs and asphalt markings. Parking spaces on North Fulton Street would not be eliminated through the proposed pilot program, and vehicles would continue to be able to drive the entirety of North Fulton Street from Ojai Avenue to Grand Avenue. However, due to the need to slowly navigate around the temporary flex posts, vehicles would be required to travel at slower speeds. Less vehicles accessing the street and traveling at slower speeds would encourage pedestrian and bicycle traffic without restricting access.

Public Outreach
Due to its limited size, it is realistic to forecast direct interaction with all (or nearly all) residents living on Fulton Street through a door-to-door campaign (Council Member Rule has volunteered to knock on all North Fulton Street doors), with flyers explaining the proposed concept. Additionally, a community meeting could be convened to discuss the pilot with residents and interested community members, and other outreach tools, such as a pilot project landing page, resident survey or City social media posts could also be deployed.
280

Installation
The City’s Public Works Department could install all Project Slow-Jai features in-house, including the temporary flex posts, street signs and pavement markings.

FISCAL IMPACT
Overall cost of the pilot program is estimated to be less than $50,000, and could be appropriated from the City’s unprogrammed General Fund balance. Appropriating $50,000 for this pilot project would not impact the City’s 100% General Fund Reserve Policy.

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

OPTIONS

1. Take no action;

2. Provide alternative direction to staff.

Prepared by: Ben Harvey, City Manager

ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A – How to Use Slow Streets Facts Sheet
Attachment B – Page Slow Street Upgrades Outreach Summary Attachment C – City of San Francisco Page Slow Street Signs 281
Slow Streets Program
Calles Lentas | 街道改變建議 |
Programang Slow Streets | Программа Slow Streets
What are Slow Streets?
Slow Streets are roadways where everyone is welcome, including people walking, biking, scooting, using wheelchairs and driving—and everyone travels slowly and safely. They are recognizable by distinctive purple Slow Streets signs and roadway markings, along with features like speed humps. Slow Streets should feel safe, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone.

As the Slow Streets program evolves, the SFMTA team will continue to evaluate the Slow Streets and seek feedback for how to make them better. We look forward to your participation! Questions? Email [email protected].

How should Slow Streets be used?
Everyone is welcome on Slow Streets. Whether you
are walking, rolling, riding a bicycle, or driving, please watch out for and be kind to your fellow Slow Street
users!
• Move at safe, considerate speeds
• Make space for others – pedestrians must
make room for vehicles to pass, and bikes
and cars must give plenty of room when
passing
• Be kind and welcoming to others on the
street
For people walking:
• DO make space for others while walking on a
slow street—whether they’re biking, driving, or
rolling—to safely pass.
• DO allow vehicles to pass in the roadway. While
Slow Streets are shared roads, pedestrians must
make room for cars under California law;
vehicles have the right of way on streets.
• DON’T be hostile towards other Slow Street
users or make people feel unwelcome on the
street.

For people riding bicycles or using a personal
mobility device:
• DO yield to pedestrians, children, and people
with disabilities.
• DO move at safe, considerate speeds.
• DO obey local posted signs, like STOP signs.
• DON’T be hostile toward other Slow Street users
or make people feel unwelcome on the street.

For people driving:
• DO drive slowly and carefully.
• Do give plenty of space when passing people
using the street.
• DO acknowledge and make eye contact with
other Slow Street users to demonstrate you see
them.
• DO keep driving on Slow Streets reserved for
local trips. For example:
o Driving to and from a home on a
particular block
o Accessing a business on a particular
block
o School drop-off or pick-up on a
particular block
o Making a local delivery or pickup
• DO obey all traffic laws and signs, like speed
limits and STOP signs.
• DON’T be hostile toward other Slow Street users
or make people feel unwelcome on the street.

How else can people enjoy their Slow Street?
The SFMTA is developing complementary programs, from block parties to street murals, to help communities celebrate their Slow Street. In the meantime, here are general guidelines to follow when activating or decorating a Slow Street:
• Art or decorations must be kept out of active travel lanes. • Activities on Slow Streets need to preserve the use of the street as an active travel roadway for all Slow Street users. What this means:
o Seating or difficult-to-move objects should not be set in the roadway o No additional barriers should ever be added to intersections • For planned community events that require the full use of the road, and/or want to incorporate amplified sound, neighbors should obtain a permit through SFMTA Special Events
• Please be mindful of noise levels and the timing of planned community events 282
Page Slow Street Upgrades
Outreach Summary
& Next Steps
April 2026
Page Slow Street
SFMTA.com/PageSlowStreet
[email protected]
283
Page Slow Street Upgrades 2
Key Takeaways
• Proposed Slow Street upgrades will not significantly impact parking availability or introduce additional vehicle diversion along the corridor.
• Over 400 people responded to the project survey, with most respondents (75%) providing comments in support of upgrades.
• Staff modified the design in response to community feedback, notably by reducing the length of traffic islands to minimize parking impacts, adding traffic calming at school zones near Page/Baker and Page/Webster, and considering additional traffic calming at Page/Scott. • Project implementation will be impacted by an upcoming SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) pipe replacement project on Page Street between Stanyan and Fillmore, which is anticipated to be under construction from 2027 through early 2029. Slow Street upgrades will be implemented in phases along the corridor in coordination with the SFPUC’s project, starting on the eastern end between Webster Street and Market Street.

Project Description
This round of upgrades to Page Slow Street aims to improve traffic safety, comfort and neighborhood placemaking on Page Street between Stanyan Street and Market Street, while also reducing maintenance needs along the corridor.

Adopted as a permanent Slow Street in January 2023 after years of temporary pilot and COVIDemergency changes, Page Slow Street includes vehicle traffic diversion at six intersections, purple Slow Street paddles at 12 additional locations, and a one-way street with contraflow bikeway at Octavia Boulevard – all implemented with paint, signs and flexible posts. A recent capital project also added wider sidewalks with landscaped rain gardens, decorative paving, and a raised (traffic-calmed) intersection at Buchanan Street.

Given the success of temporary measures in lowering vehicle speeds and volumes, Page Slow Street is ready for more durable and effective materials like concrete. Other potential upgrades include adjustments to key intersections to improve safety, additional traffic-calming, greening, and other opportunities prioritized by the community. These upgrades will not significantly impact parking availability or introduce additional vehicle diversion along the corridor.

Slow Streets Evaluation
The proposed upgrades are informed by robust data collection and evaluation, including an analysis of whether travel speeds and volumes are meeting Slow Street Program goals (as directed by the SFMTA Board of Directors). Specifically, the SFMTA seeks to keep vehicle volumes below 1,000 per day and average speeds as close to 15 miles per hour as possible, as research has shown that keeping traffic below these levels is ideal for different users to share the roadway together.

As documented in a 2024 evaluation report, vehicle volumes are generally under program thresholds (720 vehicles per day on average) while average speeds are close to but slightly over the target 284
Page Slow Street Upgrades 3
threshold (16mph). Overall, the evaluation points to greater needs along the eastern half of the corridor, where cross-streets carry heavier traffic, where Page Street is identified on the 2024 High Injury Network, and where proposed upgrades will first be implemented in coordination with forthcoming utility work. Additional evaluation suggests a need to address the ~10% of drivers making illegal maneuvers around existing traffic diverters.

Outreach Summary
Public outreach for this latest effort took place over three main phases.

1. Mid to late 2024: SFMTA staff presented ideas and
gathered initial feedback from neighborhood
stakeholders.

2. Late 2024 to Spring 2025: SFMTA staff presented
detailed concepts and gathered feedback,
culminating in a three-week open house period
showcasing specific designs.

3. Late 2025 to Spring 2026: SFMTA staff adjusted
designs based on community feedback and
presented updates to neighborhood stakeholders.

Stakeholder outreach
SFMTA staff consulted community members to help assess
the performance of previously installed measures
implemented with paint, signs, and flexible posts.

Community members generally affirmed the effectiveness
of previously installed measures and offered suggestions to further improve the Slow Street, including suggestions to upgrade existing measures with more permanent materials such as concrete for improving driver compliance.

SFMTA staff engaged Page Street stakeholders by attending virtual and in-person meetings, where community members provided in-depth feedback on the project. The groups and institutions engaged during the process included:
• Neighborhood/community groups
o Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council (HANC)
o Lower Haight Merchants & Neighbors Association (LoHaMNA) o Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA)
o Page Slow Street Stewards
o Market/Octavia Community Advisory Committee (MOCAC)
• Institutions
o San Francisco High School of the Arts
o The International School of San Francisco: Maternelle/Preschool Existing Purple Paddles on Page Slow Street
285
Page Slow Street Upgrades 4
o John Muir Elementary School
o Unity San Francisco
SFMTA staff hosted four in-person events in summer
2024, including pop-up tabling on Page Street during
Bike to Wherever Day on May 16th, a Lower Haight
Art Walk on August 3rd, and a Divisadero Famers’
Market on August 18th. Project staff also hosted a
walking tour with community members and District 5
Supervisor Dean Preston on August 21st, 2024.

Across all in-person events, SFMTA staff connected
with hundreds of community members, including
many people using Page Street who had not heard of
the project before. Many attendees were excited
about safety improvements for people bicycling and
walking along the corridor:
• Excitement was shared about the proposed
upgrades to existing measures (like roadway
striping, plastic posts and signs) and
adjustments to key intersections.
• Some community members expressed concerns
over initial ideas to adjust Page Street between
Laguna Street and Octavia Boulevard to
address compliance issues.

SFMTA staff developed a new concept for Page Street
between Laguna Street and Octavia Boulevard based
on community feedback. The new concept was shared
publicly at the virtual open house.

Virtual open house period
Mailers were sent to project-area residents and businesses to promote a three-week virtual open house period from February 14th through March 7th, 2025. Staff posted over 50 notices along Page Street and sent two email updates to share information about the proposed upgrades and open house period.

Staff created an online open house using an ArcGIS Storymap and an online survey to capture feedback about the proposed design. Over 400 people responded to the survey, with most respondents providing comments supporting the project.
286
Page Slow Street Upgrades 5
• 75% of survey respondents supported the project, with some suggesting more robust or additional traffic calming measures.
• 17% of respondents opposed the project, with some citing concerns about increased traffic, parking impacts, and a preference for allocating resources elsewhere. • 8% were neutral about the project.

Project staff modified designs based on
feedback collected during the virtual open
house period and reconnected with
neighborhood associations along Page Slot
Street throughout late 2025 and early 2026
to collect additional feedback. Provided
below are summaries of public feedback
and modifications made to the designs in
response.

Example design shared at the virtual open house
287
Page Slow Street Upgrades 6
Summary of Public Feedback on the Proposed Changes
The following are the central themes of public feedback:
• A desire for separation and protection for people bicycling from motor vehicles: Many people voiced support for more separation and protection for people bicycling at intersections along Page Slow Street, with some people suggesting more robust concrete islands than those proposed, as well as additional vehicle diverters. • Support for improving pedestrian safety: Many community members expressed support for safety improvements for pedestrians crossing Page Street. Some suggested that additional traffic calming measures like speed humps could help slow down both motor vehicles and those biking and rolling.
• A desire for clearer signs: Some community members suggested adding or modifying existing signs to better communicate rules and improve visibility of the Slow Street. • Support for intersection adjustments, though with some concerns: Many community members expressed support for proposed adjustments at the Market Street, Octavia Boulevard, and Baker Street intersections. However, some people raised concerns about the Market Street adjustments that, by creating a longer, more perpendicular crossing, could add delay to those biking through the intersection. Some community members also raised concerns about Octavia Boulevard adjustments potentially complicating motor vehicle access to connecting alleyways.
• A desire for additional intersection adjustments: Some community members expressed support for additional intersection adjustments, such as traffic circles or raised intersections, particularly at the Scott Street intersection (where Page Street interacts with the Wiggle bicycle route) and intersections near school zones.
• A desire to maintain on-street parking: Several community members indicated that finding on-street parking in the neighborhood remains challenging, especially for teachers and other workers who commute into the neighborhood. They wished to see more parking spaces retained in the design.

Mixed reactions to adjustments at Market Street:
“The planned improvements at Page and Market are a huge win. The current setup is confusing, with unclear signage and a missing far-side signal. Fixing this will make a big difference for safety and ease of use.”
“I understand that the idea is to eliminate the angled crossing of the Muni tracks. But I cycle through that intersection at least twice a day and it's NEVER been an issue.” 288
Page Slow Street Upgrades 7
Project Modifications and Considerations Based on Public Feedback Concrete island adjustments
Based on concerns of additional parking loss, SFMTA staff will reduce the length of proposed traffic islands to align with existing red zones and preserve existing curb space where possible. The total impact to parking availability is pending final engineering but is expected to be minimal. If approved by the San Francisco Fire Department, project staff will also design for more robust concrete islands to maximize their visibility and deter damage from motor vehicles.

Changes to Baker Street proposal
Based on additional analysis and coordination with the SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), as well as public feedback to minimize parking loss, the SFMTA is no longer pursuing the proposal for sidewalk bulb-outs with ‘rain gardens’ at the Baker Street intersection. Instead, the project team will focus on smaller-scale greening/placemaking opportunities using traffic islands and existing red curb zones; upgrading to concrete islands and providing mid-block traffic calming.

Additional traffic calming
Based on community support for additional
pedestrian safety measures, project staff will
prepare a more detailed proposal for speed
humps or raised crossings at or near Page/Baker
and Page/Webster to help slow all road users,
including people biking and rolling.

Taking lessons learned from recent changes to
Page/Buchanan, staff will also explore a modified
raised intersection or alternative traffic-calming
designs for Page/Scott that helps reduce conflicts
and slow users with fewer construction impacts
and at lower cost than at Buchanan Street.

Sign adjustments
Project staff will adjust existing cross-street signs to improve visibility of the Slow Street and improve/add signs along Page Street, including lowered speed limit signs. 289
Page Slow Street Upgrades 8
Next Steps
The project team will revisit designs and share a refined proposal following thorough intra- and interdepartmental review, which includes coordination with the San Francisco Fire Department. The refined proposal will include more specific island designs and traffic-calming measures that will be taken to an SFMTA engineering public hearing in mid-2026 for consideration of approval. Concurrent with legislative approvals, the project team will also be requesting funding from the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) for the construction phase.

Project implementation will be notably impacted by an upcoming SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) pipe replacement project on Page Street between Stanyan and Fillmore, which is anticipated to be under construction from 2027 through early 2029. Traffic-safety upgrades will be implemented in phases along the corridor in coordination with the SFPUC’s project. The first phase will include upgrades at Market Street and between Webster Street and Octavia Blvd and is expected to occur in late 2026 and 2027. Subsequent phases will implement concrete island upgrades at the Masonic and Divisadero diverters and other unsignalized intersections, as well as new traffic calming measures at select locations, following the completion of the SFPUC pipe replacement project.

Separately, a 15-mph speed limit is being proposed for several Slow Streets, including Page Street, and will be heard at a public hearing this spring. This lower posted speed limit responds to community requests for clearer messaging about expected speeds on Slow Streets, for people driving as well as those bicycling and rolling.

To be included in future project updates, including the notice of public hearings and potential approvals, sign up for the project contact list by visiting the project webpage, SFMTA.com/PageSlowStreet. Project staff will also post notices and distribute mailers to notify community members ahead of key milestones.
290
City of San Francisco Page Slow Street Signs
Signs delineate ½ of street
Temporary Flex Posts
Slow Street Designation Sign
291

Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
MEETING DATE: October 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Strategic Communications Plan (City Council Direction)

RECOMMENDATION
Review and adopt the Strategic Communications Plan.

DISCUSSION
The Strategic Communications Plan (Plan) establishes a comprehensive framework for how the City of Ojai communicates with and engages the community. As part of the development process, the Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Mayor Pro Tem Mang and Council Member Lang met with City staff and Tripepi Smith, the City’s communications consultant, to provide input, ideas, and feedback on how the City of Ojai communicates with and engages with the community. These discussions helped shape the Plan’s priorities and approaches, ensuring the recommendations reflect both community needs and practical implementation considerations.

The purpose of the Plan is to strengthen communication between the City and residents by providing timely, accurate, and accessible information; helping the public better understand City actions and services; encouraging participation in civic life; and fostering a stranger connection to the Ojai community.

The Plan outlines six strategic goals:

1. Make City Communications More Proactive.

2. Help Residents Better Understand Their City Government.

3. Demonstrate the City’s Work and Its Impact.

4. Strengthen Community Connection and Civic Pride.

5. Expand Community Awareness and Participation.

6. Build Stronger Connections with Community Partners.

Key elements of the plan include:
 Proactive Communication: Provide residents with timely information before they need to ask, including advance notice of City activities, decisions, projects, and opportunities for participation, along with clear pathways to additional information.  Clarity and Reliability: Use clear, plain language and strengthen City communication channels as trusted sources for factual information.  Community Focus: Strengthen residents’ connection to Ojai by highlighting local stories, community history, City services, accomplishments and civic activities. 292

 Education: Develop accessible content that helps residents better understand City processes, policies, services, and City Council actions.  Engagement: Expand opportunities for residents to participate in City government through digital outreach, public engagement, and clear opportunities for community input and action.
 Partnerships: Coordinate communications with community partners to amplify City programs and initiative.

Implementation of the Plan will be flexible and responsive to City Council priorities, available resources, and evolving community needs. The Plan also establishes methods for evaluating communication efforts, including monitoring public reach, engagement, participation, and community understanding.

Adoption of the Strategic Communications Plan will provide staff with an overall framework to guide City communications while allowing individual initiative and implementation strategies to be developed over time.

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

OPTIONS

1. Take no action;

2. Provide alternative direction to staff.

FISCAL IMPACT
The adoption of the Strategic Communications Plan does not require additional appropriations at this time. Should implementation of specific strategies require additional funding, staffing, consultant services, technology, or other resources beyond existing appropriations, staff will return to the City council for consideration of an authorization, as appropriate.

Prepared by: Norma Cervantes, Assistant to the City Manager

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Draft Strategic Communications Plan
293
City of Ojai
Strategic Communications Plan
1 City of Ojai Strategic Communications Plan
Purpose
The City of Ojai's communications program serves as a connection between the City and the community. Effective communication should do more than distribute information. It should help residents understand what their City is doing, why decisions are being made, how those decisions affect them and how they can participate.

This Strategic Communications Plan establishes a framework for the City's communications efforts and provides direction for how the City can communicate more proactively, consistently and effectively with the Ojai community.

The plan is intended to guide communications across City platforms while remaining flexible enough to respond to emerging issues, Council priorities and community needs.

Strategic Vision
Ojai residents have timely, clear and reliable information about their City and understand how to stay informed, participate and engage with local government.

City communications should strengthen the connection between the organization and the community by making local government easier to understand and demonstrating how City decisions, services and projects affect everyday life in Ojai.

Communications Principles
The City's communications program will be guided by the following principles:

Proactivity
Whenever possible, communicate before residents have to ask. Provide advance notice, explain what is happening and identify opportunities for participation.

Clarity
Use plain language and provide enough context for residents to understand an issue without needing extensive knowledge of City government.

Reliability
Position City communication channels as trusted sources for factual information about City programs, services, projects and decisions.
294
City of Ojai
Strategic Communications Plan
2 Relevancy
Connect City actions to their impact on residents and the community. Answer the question: How does this affect me?
Community-Focus
Use communications to strengthen residents' connection to their City and increase awareness of the people, places and work that make Ojai unique.

Strategic Goal 1: Make City Communications More Proactive Objective
Give residents information earlier and provide greater context around City projects, decisions, programs and service impacts.

Strategies
Plan communications earlier.

Identify communications needs alongside major City projects and initiatives rather than waiting until implementation or immediately before an action occurs.

Create clear pathways to additional information.

Use social media and other communications channels to direct residents to webpages, FAQs, project information and other resources where they can learn more.

Communicate throughout the life of an issue.

Move beyond announcing an item or Council action by communicating what happens next and providing updates as implementation progresses.

Anticipate resident questions.

For major or potentially complex issues, identify likely questions in advance and prepare information that allows residents to better understand the issue before contacting staff or Councilmembers.

Potential Applications
295
City of Ojai
Strategic Communications Plan
3  Project landing pages
 FAQs
 Advance project and service notices
 "What's Next?" updates following Council action
 Project milestone updates
 Timelines explaining major City processes
 Council agenda previews with public participation information  Post-meeting Council action recaps
Strategic Goal 2: Help Residents Better Understand Their City Government
Objective
Make City government and its processes easier to understand so residents can more effectively participate in civic life.

Strategies
Explain how local government works.

Develop educational content that breaks down City processes, responsibilities and requirements in approachable language.

Explain the process behind City actions.

Help residents understand why government processes take time, what steps are legally or administratively required and when the public can participate.

Connect policies to everyday life.

Translate ordinances, policies and Council actions into information that explains what they mean for residents.

Explore a Resident Academy.

Evaluate opportunities for an Ojai Resident Academy or similar community education program that gives residents direct access to City staff and elected officials while explaining City operations, services and decision-making.
296
City of Ojai
Strategic Communications Plan
4 Potential Applications
 "How the City Works" content
 "Did You Know?" series
 Council action explainers
 Commission education and highlights
 Resident Academy
 Project-specific community education sessions
 Simple process graphics and timelines
Strategic Goal 3: Demonstrate the City's Work and Its Impact Objective
Increase awareness of the services, projects and initiatives the City is delivering on behalf of the community.

Strategies
Tell the story behind City services.

Highlight work that residents may experience without necessarily understanding the City's role in delivering it.

Show progress.

Provide updates between project approval and completion so residents can see how City priorities are advancing.

Highlight visible and everyday improvements.

Use projects such as street improvements, tree planting, parks, infrastructure and other services to demonstrate how City work affects quality of life.

Increase visibility of priority initiatives.

Develop sustained communications around significant City priorities where community awareness does not currently reflect the level of work underway.

Wildfire preparedness was specifically identified as an area where substantial City activity may not be fully understood by the community.
297
City of Ojai
Strategic Communications Plan
5 Potential Applications
 Public Works project updates
 Before-and-after content
 Wildfire preparedness education
 Project progress updates
 Council priority updates
 Commission accomplishments
 "Your City at Work" storytelling
Strategic Goal 4: Strengthen Community Connection and Civic Pride Objective
Use City communications to help residents feel informed, connected to their community and proud of Ojai.

Strategies
Tell more Ojai stories.

Balance informational City content with storytelling about Ojai's history, identity and community.

Celebrate what makes Ojai distinctive.

Use historical information, community milestones and local stories to reinforce a shared sense of place.

Create approachable content.

Where appropriate, use humor, personality, video and other creative approaches that reflect Ojai while maintaining the professionalism expected of an official government source.

Bridge different community perspectives.

Develop content around shared experiences and community identity that can resonate with both longtime residents and newer members of the community.
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6 Potential Applications
 Ojai history and trivia
 Historical Preservation Commission partnerships
 Community milestones
 Short-form video
 "What Makes Ojai, Ojai?" storytelling
 Stories highlighting Ojai’s history, traditions and community identity  Seasonal and community-focused content
Strategic Goal 5: Expand Community Awareness and Participation Objective
Reach residents through the channels they use and create clearer opportunities for them to participate in City government.

Strategies
Meet residents where they are.

Continue using a mix of digital and traditional communications, recognizing that no single platform reaches the entire Ojai community.

Continue growing the City's digital audience.

Build on the City's social media growth while placing greater emphasis on whether residents are receiving and interacting with useful City information.

Increase engagement with younger residents.

Explore content that can strengthen connections with residents in their 20s and 30s.

Make participation actionable.

When asking residents to engage, clearly explain what opportunity exists, how they can participate and when their input will have the greatest value.

Use video strategically.

Expand authentic short-form video that brings residents closer to City projects, people, neighborhoods and services.

Strategic Goal 6: Build Stronger Connections with Community Partners 299
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7 Objective
Use established community partnerships to expand the reach of City information strengthen awareness of community programs and initiatives, and support shared community objectives while maintaining the City's neutral role.

Strategies
Strengthen partner communications.

Coordinate communications with organizations and agencies that have an established relationship with the City when doing so supports a city program, initiative, service or community objective.

Establish clear parameters for community features.

Develop guidelines for when and how the City collaborates with community partners through communication channels, providing a consistent framework for evaluating opportunities.

Coordinate Relevant Community Information
Use appropriate cross-promotion and collaborative communications to help City and partner information reach Ojai-specific audiences when there is a clear connection to City programs, services and priorities.

Focus on community impact
Collaborative communications should focus on public benefit, City connection and/or community impact.

Potential Applications
 Collaborative posts related to City programs and initiatives  City-supported events and programs
 Community partner spotlights tied to City activities
 Local history and legacy business stories
 Nonprofit/community organization features tied to City programs or funding  Cross-promotion of City-supported programs and services  Follow-up stories demonstrating the impact of City partnerships Managing Community Dialogue
The City's communications channels provide an important opportunity to answer questions and clarify information, but they should not become a forum for prolonged debate between the City and individual commenters.
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8 The City should continue to:
 Monitor comments and questions on City platforms.
 Respond to straightforward factual questions when an answer can be clearly provided.  Direct residents to official City information whenever possible.  Use standalone posts or FAQs when misinformation demonstrates a broader need for clarification.
 Avoid extended back-and-forth exchanges that may amplify conflict or misinformation.  Administer the City's adopted Social Media Policy consistently and in coordination with City staff and legal counsel when necessary.

Measuring Success
Traditional communications metrics remain valuable, but the success of the City's communications program should ultimately be evaluated by whether residents are becoming better informed and more connected to their City.

Performance should be evaluated through a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures.

Reach and Awareness
Monitor:
 Growth of City communication audiences
 Reach of City information
 Outlook Newsletter distribution
 Website traffic to priority information and project pages  Reach among targeted audiences
Engagement
Monitor:
 Shares and meaningful interactions
 Questions generated by City content
 Participation in surveys and other engagement opportunities  Video engagement
 Traffic generated from social media to City resources Community Participation
Where applicable, evaluate whether communications contribute to:
 Participation in City programs
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9  Attendance at City events and meetings
 Survey participation
 Applications for commissions or other opportunities
 Participation in community engagement efforts
Resident Understanding
Over time, the City should also evaluate whether residents:
 Know where to find reliable City information
 Better understand major City projects and initiatives  Understand how and when they can participate
 View City communications as timely, useful and reliable Implementation Approach
This plan should guide communications planning rather than create a rigid content calendar.

Specific campaigns and tactics should be developed based on Council priorities, City projects, community needs and available resources.

City staff and the communications team should regularly identify:

What does the community need to know?
Identify upcoming projects, decisions, services and issues requiring communication.

What does the community need to understand?
Identify issues where additional context, education or explanation is necessary.

Where can the City communicate earlier?
Identify opportunities to engage residents before decisions or implementation.

What work is the community not seeing?
Identify projects, services and accomplishments that warrant greater visibility.

What can residents do?
Whenever possible, provide a clear next step for learning more, participating or taking action.

Initial Priorities
Proactive Project Communications
Develop a repeatable approach for communicating major projects and initiatives from introduction through implementation.
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10 City Government Education
Begin developing explanatory content around City processes, policies and Council actions.

Resident Academy Exploration
Develop a concept for an Ojai Resident Academy, including potential objectives, format, topics and resource requirements.

City Work and Impact
Identify opportunities to more consistently communicate Public Works projects, wildfire preparedness and other visible City services.

Community Storytelling
Develop recurring content that highlights Ojai's history, identity, community institutions and civic accomplishments.

Community Partner Framework
Establish clear parameters for working with the organizations that have an established relationship with the City, ensuring communications support City programs, priorities and/or community objectives.

Review and Evaluation
The City should periodically review this plan to ensure communications priorities continue to reflect Council direction and community needs.

Progress should be evaluated based not simply on the amount of content produced, but on whether City communications are helping residents:

Know what is happening. Understand why it matters. Know where to learn more. Understand how to participate.
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