Facts of Santa Paula:

Population in July 2009: 28,827 Elevation: 243 Feet above Sea Level

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The City of Santa Paula is located 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 14 miles east of Ventura. It is the geographical center of Ventura County and is situated in the rich agricultural Santa Clara Valley. The City is surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountain peaks, in addition to orange, lemon, and avocado groves. Santa Paula is referred to as the “Citrus Capital of the World.” It is a major distribution point for citrus fruits in the United States. The region is als noted for major avocado producing and processing.

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In 1997, the population of Santa Paula is approximately 26,500, inhabiting 4.5 square miles within the City limits. Santa Paula prides itself in being a bicultural community where citizens work together for the betterment of the City. Approximately 59% of the people have Hispanic origins. The community was part of a Spanish land grant to Rancho Santa Paula and Saticoy in 1840. In the 1860's, it was subdivided into small farms. Some of these farms were further subdivided as the town began to take shape.

 

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After important oil discoveries in the late 19th Century, the Union Oil Company was founded in Santa Paula in 1890. This industry, along with agriculture, became the economic mainstay of the community. The City was incorporated in 1902. Today, Santa Paula is still noted as a center for Ventura County’s agricultural industry. Limoneira Company is the County’s largest and oldest agricultural business, and is based in Santa Paula’s planning area. Although the oil industry has diminished in size and importance, tourism and film production have grown. Santa Paula’s picturesque streets and scenic setting in the Santa Clara River Valley have made it afavorite location for entertainment industry filming. 

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 Small Town Charm. Santa Paula has developed physically in a traditional style, with a grid-pattern street system, prominent buildings of architectural interest, an identifiable downtown, and tightly-knit surrounding residential neighborhoods. The community maintains a small town image, ideal climate, and reasonably-priced housing, all of which make it a desirable place to live. It has a dense development pattern compared to more sprawling suburban cities. Most buildings are 1-2 stories tall with a small number of 3-story buildings. Many old oak trees in town have been preserved, especially in the northeastern part of the City. The City has an ordinance to protect native oaks, sycamores and other trees of historic or cultural significance. These characteristics define the “urban form,” which is the physical and aesthetic characteristic of the city.Santa Paula is a relatively compact town. Policies to promote infill have
been successful in minimizing sprawl, and are to be continued. Higher densities are allowed in certain areas and mixed-use should be encouraged (such as allowing new residences above shops). This land use pattern will help preserve the agricultural land surrounding the city. In higher density zones, smaller lots are allowed since this follows the historic development pattern and provides lower land costs for development, thereby encouraging affordable housing.

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