Ojai Historic Preservation Commission approves major work permit for Libby Gatehouse restoration

The Ojai Historic Preservation Commission voted to adopt a resolution approving a major work permit for the Libby Gatehouse at 1001 Foothill, historic landmark No. 18. The project covers restoration of the Cecil Bruner Rose Arbor, repair and rewiring of deteriorated wood lath, addressing trip hazards in a brick patio, and construction of a new outdoor kitchen that includes a fire pit.

Senior Planner (staff) told commissioners the Rose Arbor’s wood lath is “well over half” deteriorated and that the project proposes “restoring and maintaining the existing arbor by replacing and rewiring the broken or detached pieces of lath.” Staff added that the brick pavers would be lifted, tree roots removed, sand beds re-leveled and the bricks relaid in the existing running bond to mitigate hazards. “All the improvements are proposed to comply with the Secretary of the Interior standards included on the plans,” the planner said.

A neighbor and former owner spoke in support of restoring the rose arbor, noting personal memories of events held at the site. The absent Commissioner Craig Walker sent comments in support of approval and suggested planting appropriate vines and lowering a wall to open the front of the house; staff read those comments into the record.

Commissioner [functional label used as recorded] made a motion to adopt the resolution approving the major work permit; another commissioner seconded. A roll call vote recorded five yes votes and no dissent; two commissioners were noted as absent earlier in the meeting. The motion carried and the permit was approved.

The commission’s approval allows the project to proceed to the permitting stage under the conditions documented in the staff report. The applicant will follow up with any required building permits and inspections; the commission did not add additional conditions beyond those discussed.