In 1959, the California State Legislature passed a bill enabling local communities to provide for historic districts and landmarks and regulate their protection and enhancement. The bill inspired the passage of a resolution in September 1959, which created El Pueblo Viejo (The Old Town) historic district in the downtown and waterfront areas.
In March 1960, El Pueblo Viejo was further strengthened with City Council's adoption of an ordinance formally establishing the district and its styles of architecture and prohibiting the demolition of any adobe structure in the district.
The Landmarks Committee was formed in May 1960 to ensure that El Pueblo Viejo would retain its unique early-California Spanish character and atmosphere through careful City planning and development. Its boundaries have been amended over the years.
A new historic structures ordinance was adopted in May 1977. It formally established the Committee's powers and duties. A Charter Amendment approved by the voters in November 1993 established the Historic Landmarks Commission with authority within landmark districts and for designated landmarks among other entities.
The Landmarks Committee first took inventory of the historic, public and private structures having architectural significance in 1961. In 1978, a comprehensive survey of the City's architectural and historic resources was initiated with grants obtained from the State.
Learn more about both the Architectural Board of Review and the Historic Landmarks Commission.
Membership | Nine Members |
Qualifications | All members shall have demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the history and architecture of the City.
|
Length of Term | Four years and until successors are appointed. Staggered terms expire on December 31 of the appropriate year. |
Meeting Schedule | The Historic Landmarks Commission meets every other Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street. The Consent Agenda is reviewed at 11:00 a.m. on the same day that the full board meeting occurs. |
Time Involved | Approximately 8 – 10 hours per month for meetings and related activities. |
Financial Disclosure Requirement | Members must file a Statement of Economic Interests upon appointment, annually and when leaving the advisory group. |
AB 1234 Ethics Requirement | Assembly Bill (AB) 1234 requires this commission to complete AB 1234 Ethics Training no later than one year after the first day of service and then the training course must be completed once every two years thereafter. |
Compensation | $50 per full commission meeting attended and $25 for each Consent Calendar meeting completed. |
Staff | Planning Division, Community Development Department, (805) 564-5470 |
Reference | City Charter Sections 800 - 805, 814, and 817; Municipal Code Chapter 22.22; July 3, 2007, Council meeting, Item No. 19, Page 3, Budget/Financial Information; Resolution Nos. 06-084, 98-042, 95-066, 91-028 and 79-093. |