Rains expansion gets Planning nod
by Chris Wilson

Pending actual construction permits, Rains Department Store will soon begin remodeling their downtown location thanks to a nod from the Ojai Planning Commission Wednesday evening.
Back for yet another architectural review, Alan Rains, with representatives Jeff Rains and architect Jon Dieges, received mostly positive feedback from the commissioners. A dilemma over roofing tile, however, took some additional consideration and thought by the commission before they granted their approval for the store's 1,878-square-foot expansion.
The controversy arose over the city's Arcade Plaza guidelines regarding the discouraged use of S-shaped roofing tiles. Rains currently is roofed with the type of tiles and the owners want to recycle the tile since it is still in usable condition. But the guidelines call for the recommended two-piece tiles found in other parts of the plaza and around Ojai. Additionally, the cost of new tile roofing would add an additional $10,000 to the project.
This decision left the commissioners in a bit of quandary. Commissioner Marge Fay was adamantly opposed since other projects have been required to incorporate two-piece tile.
"I'm in favor of this project, but I think by allowing the use of S tiles, were setting a dangerous precedent," Fay said.
After much head scratching, the environmentally appealing idea of recycling won out and the Rains' were reticently allowed to reuse their S tile, with the exception of Fay, who voted no on the project. In addition to the expansion, Rainbow Bridge Natural Food Store, currently closed for expansion, has agreed to foot the bill to roof the walkway from Rains' back door all the way around the corner to the northeast corner of their property.
Smiling as he left, Jeff Rains said construction would begin soon.
"We just have to get the permits," he said.
Rains also received a variance to obtain a lot line adjustment and have their building exceed the allowable lot coverage and waive the requirement that six new parking spaces would have to be added based on city code for neighborhood commercial properties.
A stand of 18 diseased eucalyptus trees have a date set with a chainsaw thanks to a tree removal permit issued and approved by the commission. Dean Vadnais, owner of the property at 1320 Maricopa Road said he had a similar situation previously, had trees removed and planted new sycamores and bushes that are quite attractive. He said he plans to the same here and was granted rapid approval from the commission.
Finally, the commission awarded a sign permit for Cluff Vista Park to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy pending review by the Ojai Arts Commission, who approved the signs in concept. The two signs will be oval-shaped and set in a recessed portion of two walls at the park. The signs will be composed of sandblasted and painted redwood and painted with a blue pinstripe and gold-leaf lettering.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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