FAQs • Ojai, CA • CivicEngage

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General Plan Update

State law requires that each city in California adopt and maintain an "up-to-date" general plan. A general plan is a city's blueprint, or constitution, to manage change and preserve community character. General plans help shape and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses. Generally, cities update their general plans every 10 to 15 years.

A general plan is more than just a policy document - it reflects the vision, values, and priorities of a community. It defines what is unique and special that should be preserved and identifies strategic ways to improve a city's quality of life. Because a general plan impacts so many members of the community - residents, visitors, business owners, and more - the process of updating a general plan is a unique opportunity to come together as a community to develop a shared vision for the future.

2. What topics will this General Plan Update cover?: The General Plan Update will cover wide range of topics that are important to members of the Ojai community. General plans are required by the State to address eight "elements", including land use, housing, conservation, open space, safety, noise, environmental justice, and mobility. This General Plan Update is focused on land use, transportation, safety, housing, and environmental justice. Other topics, such as parks and recreation, noise, conservation, and open space, will be addressed as needed to ensure consistency throughout the document.

3. Why is the City of Ojai updating its General Plan?

Ojai’s existing General Plan contains nine elements, updated between 1987 and 2013. Today, the City faces a new set of opportunities and challenges that invite new thinking and vision. An updated General Plan can produce many benefits for the Ojai community, including:

Preserving and enhancing quality of life
Guiding economic growth
Providing direction for housing decisions
Clarifying the decision-making processes of the City
Promoting positive changes for public health and sustainability
Protecting open spaces and natural resources
Developing approaches to address wildfires and other natural hazards

4. How long will the planning process take?: The General Plan Update is a complex initiative, requiring a multiyear process. The City is committed to making sure the General Plan Update reflects the voices of the community and has designed a plan to bring the community together as collaborators. The update process is kicking off in the Fall of 2020 and is scheduled to conclude in the Fall of 2022 to 2023.

5. Who should get involved in the General Plan Update?

Our goal is to reach out to the entire community and strive for 100% participation in the General Plan Update. The best way to learn about events and activities is by signing up for email updates.

Throughout the process, the City will host a variety of community engagement activities, including:

Community workshops, either virtual or in person
“Pop-up” events
Small group meetings
Online surveys
Meetings with stakeholder groups
Commission study sessions
City Council hearings

Due to COVID, the preliminary activities will be “virtual” or will involve minimum contact. We hope that later events can be held in person.

6. How to Get Involved?

Please sign up for updates and tell your friends and neighbors about the process. We want to hear from everyone!

7. Want to stay updated on the project?

Join the project mailing list for news and updates about the General Plan. Sign up by clicking the button below! Please also check this webpage frequently for project updates and documents.

View the online Sign Up form.

8. Any other questions?: If you have any questions, or would like to provide us with comments, please use this link to contact Lucas Seibert. Community Development Director, or 805-646-5581 x113.

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Single-Use Carryout Bag Ordinance

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1. When does the ordinance take effect?: On July 1, 2012. Retail establishments must stop distributing single-use carryout plastic bags, and grocery stores (including supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores, and gasoline stations) must begin charging ten-cents for recyclable paper carryout bags.

2. Why is there a ten-cent fee on paper carryout bags?

The fee on recyclable paper carryout bags encourages the use of reusable bags. The cost pass-through reimburses retailers for the costs of providing paper carryout bags to their customers. All the revenue from the cost pass-through remains with the store.
Consumers can avoid the cost by remembering to bring their own reusable bags to the store.

3. How are single-use plastic carryout bags harmful to the environment?

They are consumed in extremely high volumes.
They are produced from non-renewable resources.
They are designed to be disposable rather than reusable.
They are difficult to recycle. Less than 5% of the 19 billion plastic bags used annually in California are actually recycled.
They do not biodegrade.
They are a significant hazard to marine animals and birds, which often mistake plastic bags for food.

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Trolley

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1. When does the program start?: The program started on September 1^st, 2022

2. When does the program start and how long does it last?: The Youth Ride Free Program is a promotional program that will last through the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years.

3. Who is eligible for the Youth Ride Free Promotional Program?: Anyone age 18 or younger or enrolled high school students who are older.

4. How will the driver know to let me on the bus for free?: Drivers will let anyone who looks 18 or younger board the bus for free but high school aged students should be prepared to show ID.

5. Do I have to be going to/from school?

No, you do not. You can travel anywhere, for any reason on any bus operator in the county.

6. I’m traveling to a VCTC Zone 2 destination, do I have to pay an additional fare?: No, you do not.

7. Can I ride Metrolink or Amtrak for free?

No, the Youth Ride Free Program only lets you ride public buses in Ventura County.

8. Can paratransit users ride dial-a-ride services for free?

No, other than Valley Express and Camarillo Area Transit (CAT) dial-a-ride services, passengers will have to pay the full fare.

9. What if I already bought a pass, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, no you cannot.

10. If I attend school in Ventura County, can I still ride free if I don’t live in the county?: Yes, you may ride free.

11. Is this a school bus service?

No. Buses will only take students to predetermined fixed-route bus stops. Students can ride the bus to the stop nearest their school then walk or use alternate transportation.