Historic homes in Ojai: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Ojai Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Ojai's code says

Ojai code What Ojai's code adds
Changing a historic home	A major work permit. Applies: Applies to a project on a parcel with a landmark, or in a historic district, that needs a major work permit. § 4-8.17 · code text The Historic Preservation Commission, or the City Council upon appeal, shall approve a major work permit for any proposed project on a parcel containing a landmark, or in any parcel(s) within an historic district A minor work permit. Applies: Applies to a project on a parcel with a landmark, or in a historic district, that needs a minor work permit. § 4-8.18 · code text The Community Development Director, or the Historic Preservation Commission upon referral or appeal, or the Council upon appeal, shall approve a minor work permit for any proposed project on a parcel containing a landmark, or in any parcel(s) within an historic district
Demolishing an older or historic home	No major work permit unless clear and convincing evidence shows unreasonable economic hardship or other unusual and compelling circumstances. Applies: Applies to demolition of a landmark. § 4-8.17 · code text Therefore, no major work permit shall be issued for demolition of a landmark unless the applicant shows clear and convincing evidence of unreasonable economic hardship or other unusual and compelling circumstances which dictate demolition of the landmark. A negotiation period of up to 6 months comes before a demolition permit request goes to the Historic Preservation Commission. Applies: Applies to demolition of a landmark. § 4-8.17 · code text The negotiation period may take up to six months before the request for a demolition permit is brought to the Historic Preservation Commission.

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Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Ojai?

Ojai's code: A major work permit. (Applies to a project on a parcel with a landmark, or in a historic district, that needs a major work permit.) (§ 4-8.17); A minor work permit. (Applies to a project on a parcel with a landmark, or in a historic district, that needs a minor work permit.) (§ 4-8.18).

Historic homes in Ojai

What Ojai's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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