City Council Approves Voluntary Historic Preservation Ordinance

Congratulations!!!!
 
Your participation, steadfast efforts, and team spirit collectively has made a
difference. If you are not aware the City Council approved the CEQA
Negative Declaration and the Historic Preservation Ordinance, with minor
modifications, moving it to a “second reading”. The Council will likely
adopt the proposed ordinance at the next Council meeting. We salute you
and thank you for hanging in there during this challenge for our rights and
freedom to make decisions about our homes. 
 
Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
 
This is not over. After the Ordinance is adopted by the Council at the next
hearing, it will need to be approved by the Coastal Commission for
incorporation into the City’s Local Coastal Program. We also read in the
newspaper today that a lawsuit has been threatened to challenge the
ordinance. We will be watching these issues closely and will do our best to
keep you informed.
 
As we move forward, our common goals and interest in our community will
still need to be protected.  LLL will keep you informed as we keep our eye
on how this HPO is implemented.  We will also inform you of other causes
and issues that may be of interest. 
We trust you will stay informed and join our efforts.
Again our THANKS.
 
Most sincerely,
LLL Board Members

Information from the Laguna Beach City News Update:
At its regular meeting Tuesday, July 14, the Laguna Beach City Council approved the following significant revisions to the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. The ordinance will now move to a second reading.

1) Property owner consent as a criteria for eligibility for the City’s local Historic Register
The criteria for a property to be considered eligible for the City’s local Historic Register now includes an explicit requirement for owner consent, creating a locally voluntary program.

2) Elimination of references to the 1981 “Inventory” of eligible historic homes
It has been determined that the 1981 Historic “Inventory” of homes eligible for the local Historic Register no longer meets the requirements of the Public Resources Code, as it has not been updated in the last 5 years. Properties on the 1981 Inventory will no longer be flagged during the plan check process or on a Real Property Report, and references to this “Inventory” will be eliminated from all City regulations and policy documents.

3) Clear definition of what constitutes a Historic Resource
The revisions to the Historic Preservation Ordinance provide a clear definition of a “Historic Resource” that is consistent with State Law.

4) Expanded incentives for property owners interested in Historic Preservation
The Mills Act, which is a historic preservation property tax incentive program, would be expanded to all homes on the City’s Historic Register. Density bonuses in additional zones, relaxed open space and rear setback standards are also offered to historic properties.

The second reading of the ordinance is tentatively scheduled for August 11.

To view a recording of the City Council Meeting please go to:
http://lagunabeachcity.granicus.com/player/clip/1174?meta_id=88361

From the City Council Meeting Recap:
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 19-5414, ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 17-0289, LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT 17-0388, AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION TO REVISE THE CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM
Moved by Mayor Whalen seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dicterow and carried 4/1 to introduce the Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 25.45, 25.05, 25.17, 25.18, 25.22, 25.38, 25.54, AND 7.70 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION” with the revisions circulated by staff on July 14, and
including the following sentence on page 15 of the Staff Report, in section (B)(3), “If the owner has applied for incentives under this chapter, the recordation shall not occur until the owner’s request is acted upon;” by asking the City Clerk to read the title of the Ordinance and pass it to a second reading.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Blake, Kempf, Dicterow, Whalen
Noes: Iseman
Moved by Mayor Whalen seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dicterow and carried 4/1 to adopt Resolution No. 20.049 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR REVISIONS TO THE CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM, CONSISTING OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 19-5414, ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 17- 0289, AND LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT 17-0388.”
Roll Call:
Ayes: Blake, Kempf, Dicterow, Whalen
Noes: Iseman

Comments and letters received:
https://lagunabeachcity.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=1174&meta_id=88363

Redlined changes to proposed ordinance:
https://lagunabeachcity.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=1174&meta_id=88364