Panel Backs Plan to Limit Development

Developers would have to pay additional fees under a plan to curb development along California 33 in Ojai.

The Maricopa Specific Plan, which has been in the works for five years, was approved last week by the Ojai Planning Commission. It is designed to limit commercial strip development, cut traffic congestion and protect open space along the highway.

The City Council will consider adopting the plan in late May or early June, but the Ventura County Board of Supervisors must approve some of the zoning changes for areas outside the city limit, said Ojai Planning Director Bill Prince.

The planning area covers 383 parcels of public and private land on 1,100 acres in western Ojai and portions of Mira Monte and Meiners Oaks.

The plan would decrease residential density and slash the amount of commercial space allowed under the city’s General Plan from 35 million square feet to less than 2 million square feet.

Residential developers would pay additional fees of $100 per home. Commercial builders would pay $1.25 per square foot in addition to current fees.

The Ojai Valley Inn and Country Club, Villanova Preparatory School and the Krishnamurti Foundation of America are among large landowners who would be affected by the plan.

The commission dismissed their pleas to delay action and recommended another 57 acres be placed under the new zone, along with three acres that Southern Pacific railroad has for sale.

Developers would be required to leave up to 75% of some parcels as open space.