Sept Update: City Council votes to continue Main Street closure, invest in vision
City Council votes on Sept. 16 to continue Main Street Moves
The Ventura City Council on Sept. 16 voted to continue the Main Street closure and to continue work on a visioning process that would invest into beautification, signage and access.
| City of Ventura invites community input on Main Street Vision Plan |
| The City of Ventura invites residents, business owners, property owners, and visitors to share their feedback on the draft Vision Plan for Main Street by completing an online questionnaire, available through Monday, October 20, 2025. The 10-year Vision Plan charts a community-driven path toward a vibrant, walkable Downtown with projects that enhance streetscapes and public spaces while celebrating Ventura’s coastal charm. Community input collected through the process will help the City prioritize projects and finalize the Vision Plan. The questionnaire includes a list of potential short-term priorities (within the next two years) and long-term priorities (between three and 10 years), such as landscaping, lighting, seating, mobility improvements, and permanent public art features. Respondents are invited to select their top priorities or suggest new ideas. The City is already moving forward with bollard installations by April 2026 and expanded public restroom facilities. Community members are also encouraged to attend a workshop on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street. The final Vision Plan will be presented to the City Council in early 2026. Once adopted, detailed planning for priority projects will begin. Since 2020, Main Street and portions of California Street have been closed to vehicle traffic, transforming into a pedestrian-friendly destination in the heart of downtown Ventura. Following extensive community engagement, the City Council voted on September 16, 2025, to maintain the existing street closures and finalize a long-term Vision Plan. For more information about Main Street Moves and to complete the questionnaire, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/MSM. |
On July 8, the City Council adopted a motion terminating the Pedestrian Mall Law process based on objections received from property owners. The City Council then directed staff to return on Sept. 16, with the options of reopening Main Street to vehicles on Nov. 3, 2025, or continuing the closure under the Vehicle Code.
The City can continue the closure indefinitely under California Vehicle Code Section 21101(a)(1); however, a pending lawsuit could impact the City’s ability to maintain that closure long-term.
“To best prepare for the City Council’s future decision, staff is continuing to assess the potential needs of each outcome,” said Community Development Director Rachel Dimond. “This includes new temporary public restrooms that serve as valuable amenities for Downtown visitors, safety bollards, and an updated parklet program with streamlined permitting and standardized designs.”
For more information, including frequently asked questions and resources for businesses with parklets, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/MSM.
JANUARY UPDATE:
The Council in January voted to continue efforts to make permanent Downtown’s unique year-round street closure using the current Main Street and California Street footprint.
The Council listened to diverse views on a path forward, ultimately agreeing that the community benefits of the human-oriented space without cars was worth keeping and warranted further investment. The Council on Jan. 28 voted to continue the closure, to certify an environmental impact report on the project and to continue the Pedestrian Mall Law process. You can find more on the City’s website HERE.
Previously, the Council, has approved various steps:
- Continue with the full, year-round closure;
- Finish parklet design guidelines for the outdoor dining parklets (now adopted);
- Look to add short-term parking for to-go orders and food pick-ups.
- Include portions of California Street in the traffic analysis and closure plan (this overturned previous direction to reopen California Street).
- Instructed staff to return with the best option to extend the street closure.
The Council favored using the Pedestrian Mall Law of 1960, a state law process that allows Cities to convert streets into pedestrian-only spaces. The act requires the City to study impacts and gain support from a majority of owners of properties immediately adjacent to areas closed. That still needs to be completed. Owners would have the ability to file a claim for damages if they feel the closure would negatively impact them, and all claims would have to resolved by the City before the pedestrian-only space could remain indefinitely.
Many details still need to be ironed out, including a plan for possible steel bollards that would replace the current temporary barricades. Public restrooms and added parking are also in the works.
Restaurants and retailers under the future plan would be able to enter into license agreements with the City to lease the street space outside their doors, and would own and construct parklets that must comply with the design guidelines once adopted. Meanwhile, alcohol service to the outdoor seating areas can continue under newly adopted state alcohol laws.
# # #
Safely shop, sip, dine & stroll in the streets during Main Street Moves (and beyond, with more food and shopping options on side streets and our emerging Front Street area):
Taste your way through 30+ restaurants!
Sip signature cocktails!
Shop one of a kind boutiques!
Support local businesses!
Just enjoy being outside!
What is Main Street Moves? We’ve transformed five blocks of Main Street (from the historic Mission to Fir Street) and one block of South California Street (between Santa Clara and Poli) into a spacious promenade open to pedestrian and cyclist traffic only.
During Main Street Moves, many Downtown businesses have expanded their service area to the sidewalks, allowing more room for dining and shopping, and giving visitors a chance to support Downtown Ventura businesses while maintaining safe distances.
Street Closure Area
During the street closures, vehicles will not be permitted in the area and barricades will be in place to ensure the safety of visitors. The streets will be closed 24/7 during this event. Palm, Oak, Chestnut, and Fir remain open to through traffic.
Parking
2,000 free parking spots are available in Downtown. Please note that the City has turned back on the parking meters on side streets. You must adhere to all posted parking signs, meters and restrictions. All parking on side streets remains available, though there may be parking spots dedicated to take-out or order pick-ups. There will also be additional ADA parking added to adjacent side streets.
In addition to free parking, an additional 10 bike racks are being installed and can handle up to 140 bikes. Please be sure to lock up your bike when leaving it unattended.
Amenities
Temporary ADA restrooms have been installed at California & Main streets for public use, in addition to hand-washing stations located throughout.
Additional ADA parking has been added to adjacent side streets for easier, closer access to the closure areas. Ramps have also been added throughout the Main Street Moves closure area.
Safety
For the safety of visitors, business owners and employees, we ask that you adhere to all public health guidelines. Hand-washing stations provided.
If you need assistance or have any immediate concerns, our Downtown Park Safety Ambassadors are here to assist you: 805-258-1902.
Carousel photo credits: 1) Dog in Chair [credit: @gracious_mila] – 2) Dargan’s [Credit: dargans_ventura] – 3) Peirano’s [Credit: Debbie Fox] – 4) Overhead Shot [Credit: @MikeLoveRealty] – 5) Cafe Fiore and Lure [Credit: Megan Hook] – 6) Folks Eating at Rice Thai Cuisine [Credit: @rice_thai_cuisine ] – 7) Rip Curl Neon Sign [Credit: @edithacolitti] – 8) Le Jardin Charming Courtyard [Credit: @its_phoebe_dottie_and_ralphie_]