Huge Support for Tiny Housing and a Glimpse of Future Problems: Ojai City Council Meeting Jan. 23

By Jay Murphy

Forget exhaustion from our weather woes. This Tues meeting of the Ojai City Council opened to standing room only with two major topics on the agenda and a glimpse of future issues.

The meeting proceeded at City Hall with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. All Council members and support staff were present as a steady stream of citizens continued to file in.

Archaeologist John Foster speaks about preserving Ojai’s cultural heritage

Cultural Resources

First on the agenda was the resumption of the Council’s efforts to articulate policy revisions to the Cultural Resources procedures and protocols, a more than 2 year long Council  project. Council member Weirick and Mayor ProTem Haney have been working with our native Americancommunity to codify exactly where and how potential and known cultural sites can be preserved. Much of the discussion revolved around the protection zone surrounding such sites with the current “no-go” zone of 300 feet now expanded to 500 feet. The Council heard from Julie, a tribal leader on these issues, as well as Dawn Thieding, Brian Akiens, and architect John Foster who has been working in this field since the early seventies. The council has sent the input back to committee where a final draft will be presented in March.  It was clear that they want the issue resolved as soon as possible. It was also agreed that tribal member participation was essential to future input.

Time for Tiny Houses?

As cultural discussions continued the audience steadily grew  to standing room only. They were present to talk (and sing about) “Tiny Houses”.

The speaker list was so long Mayor Johnston invoked the “3 minute” speaking rule once again.

Charlita performs a “tiny house” song as Matt Winegar listens

The discussion began with city manager Steve McClary and Community Development Director Matt Winegar presenting the current state of Ojai’s Tiny House standards as well as some suggestions on how to move forward. As Council Member Weirick mentioned, this is a complicated issue and needs to be clearly defined.

 Some of the details:

• The difference between a tiny home and a manufactured home
• Permanent foundation homes vs. homes on wheels
• What constitutes a home recognized by the State
• Minimum size of a tiny home
• ANSI (American National Standards Institute) coding vs other coding options
• Hook ups to utilities like water, sewage, and electricity

A consensus was formed that, while virtually everyone was in favor of tiny house expansion, far more study should be entertained. Mr McClary will explore the the “Fresno” model  since that city seems to have the most developed rules and coding.

Views were also expressed as to property tax and what  adjustments would be necessary although the council was not unanimous here, with some concerned about tax implications and some not concerned at all.

Interestingly, some of the same speakers who demonstrated concern about disturbing the city’s cultural heritage with additional development were wholly in favor of developing the tiny house scenario. They seemed to think that smaller dwellings would make Ojai more affordable but didn’t address the big picture, more people vs. saving Ojai’s unique and undisturbed ambiance. Preservation verses Population. If there is a solution it wasn’t resolved during this discussion.

Other Business

Museum Treasurer Brian Aikens, presented a handmade poster to the council and the audience and noted that the museum will establish a new exhibit of artifcts from the fires and flood as well as the history of Ojai’s four great fires of the past. If you have some interesting artifacts from our recent weather please let Brian know.  You can reach Brian at 805.640.1690

Museum exhibit presented by Brian Aikens

Ojai Police Chief James Fryhoff

Finally, kudus this week to Sheriff Capt. Jim Fryhoff, Ojai’s police chief. He is a regular at all Council meetings and these past few weeks has spent much of his time at the office, always with a smile. His responsibilities are  for the entire valley, not just the city of Ojai and he and his staff have been crucial for the well being of our citizens. Thanks Chief!

As usual, you can view the Council meeting at www.ojaicity.org or on local channel 10. Ojai also has a Facebook page at City of Ojai-government. 

Photo Credits: Jay Murphy         

Jay Murphy is retired and living in Ojai

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