OJAI : Schools Dispute Sign Ordinance
The big blue “N” emblazoned on Nordhoff High School’s gymnasium since 1967 has suddenly become an issue of dispute between Ojai city and school officials.
The city’s code enforcement officer has targeted 31 buildings that must obtain sign permits by Nov. 12.
The school’s letter is among the mostly older signs that received a nine-year grace period when the city adopted its sign ordinance in 1981.
Surprised at the notice, Ojai Unified School District officials have asked the city attorney to determine if schools are exempt from the law before they pay the $50 permit fee or remove the sign.
Assistant Supt. Leo Molitor said, “It’s not that we want to ignore the city ordinance, but I’m not sure they have jurisdiction over our buildings. The city doesn’t issue building permits for schools. They are considered state offices.”
Other buildings ordered to obtain permits and possibly change their signs include several liquor stores, motels, restaurants, a church and the Ojai Ranger District office of Los Padres National Forest.
If the signs are not brought into compliance with the code, the city will remove them at the owners’ expense.
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