OJAI : Plan to Preserve Open Space OKd

Ojai officials, after five years of work, have adopted a plan that rezones private property to preserve open space.

The Maricopa Specific Plan, which creates a new zone where development is allowed on just a part of each lot, was unanimously approved by the City Council during nine public hearings Tuesday.

To implement the plan, the city approved an environmental study, adopted developer fees, amended the General Plan and zoning laws and persuaded landowners to accept limits on what and where they can build.

“It’s a real accomplishment,” Planning Director Bill Prince said. “It’s a wise plan for the city to protect open space and scenic vistas.”

Mayor James D. Loebl paid a visit to the city’s Planning Commission on Wednesday to thank the panel. “I’m delighted with the plan and the consensus surrounding it,” he said.

The plan reduces by 200 the number of new homes that would be allowed in the 1,100-acre area surrounding the junction of California 33 and 150. It also slashes the amount of new commercial space allowed from 35 million square feet to less than 3 million square feet.

At least one landowner in the area is hoping the Ventura County Board of Supervisors will waive some of the plan’s limitations when it is asked to apply it to 400 acres west of the city.

“We still have some chance to work with the county for modifications,” said the Rev. John P. Pejza, president of Villanova Preparatory School.

Pejza said board members who oversee the private Catholic high school’s 126 acres are concerned about future building plans and property values. “The plan requires us to convert 75% of our property to open space. Some of our board members feel this is a severe imposition on private property rights.”