Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 12, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission of Monterey met on February 12, 2026 at 4:01 PM and adjourned at 4:44 PM. The main agenda item was the consideration and adoption of a historic preservation report for the Pacific Biological Laboratories (PBL) at 800 Canary Row. The commission also approved the minutes of a previous meeting and received a planning update.

Consent Calendar

• The commission opened public comment on the consent agenda; none were offered.
• Commissioner Collum moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner O'Neill. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made, either in person or online, for any agenda item.

Discussion Items

• Consideration of HP 250268 – Historic Preservation Report for Pacific Biological Laboratories
  • Principal Planner Fernanda Roveri presented staff’s recommendation to adopt the historic preservation report, which integrates a 2010 report, a 2019 accessibility study, a 2025 update, and a standards compliance memo. The report is required before any alterations to the H1-zoned, National Register-listed site.
  • The report focuses on providing an accessible path of travel via a new platform lift and stairs on the property’s south side (coastal access easement), preserving the original front facade. Option A (cost $1,847,839 present value) uses the easement; Option B ($2,015,078) involves more interior modifications. Staff recommended Option A.
  • Library and Museums Director Brian Edwards explained the benefits of Option A: it avoids disturbing the historic front living room, enhances emergency egress, and allows interpretive tours to start at the rear (the lab area) rather than the front (which reflects a later men’s club era). He noted that the site hosts monthly free tours and private group tours.
  • Commissioners asked clarifying questions about terminology (e.g., “present value” in cost estimates) and requested that the report better define terms and improve schematic labeling (east/west orientation). They also noted a typographical error (“fight” instead of “flight”) on page 39 of the report.
  • Commissioner O'Neill moved to adopt the historic preservation report subject to corrections: clearer definitions of terms (e.g., ESC escalation), improved directional labels on schematics, and correction of the typo. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: The commission unanimously adopted the historic preservation report for Pacific Biological Laboratories, with the condition that staff incorporate the specified editorial corrections before finalizing the resolution.
• Next Steps: The city anticipates funding from the Western Flyer Foundation for design and construction of accessibility upgrades. Detailed drawings and a full standards compliance analysis will be prepared; the project will return to the HPC for a historic permit approval.
• Planning Update: Staff noted the March 12 HPC meeting will include the Certified Local Government (CLG) annual report. Upcoming events: PBL tours on February 14 and the 21st annual Chocolate & Wine Fundraiser on February 21.