Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting - August 17, 2016
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Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting - August 17, 2016
The Sacramento Preservation Commission met on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, from 5:33 p.m. to 9:26 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. The agenda included amendments to the Railyards Central Shops Historic District, nomination of the Railyards Water Tower as a landmark, an appeal of a new three-story home in the Alkali Flat West Historic District, a new dwelling in the Winn Park Historic District, director's reports, and recognition of retiring Preservation Director Roberta Deering. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Bowns (arrived at 5:48 p.m.).
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (June 15, 2016): Motion carried 6-0-1 (Commissioner Bowns absent) to approve the minutes.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 2 – Central Shops Historic District: William Burg, speaking as a central city resident, expressed support for the boundary changes and the separate landmark nomination of the water tower, hoping the project team would pursue a National Register listing for tax credits.
- Item 4 – Appeal of 519 8th Street: Appellant Ms. Camacho argued that the new home would negatively impact her historic landmark home (Mansard Second Empire), citing concerns over CEQA compliance, tree removal, lack of scenic easement protection, building code compliance, and loss of light and air. She requested a continuance, which was denied 6-1 (Commissioner Huck in favor). Public commenters Dan Frankfield and Laura Lough, representing the Alkali Flat Action Committee, echoed concerns about aesthetic impact and historic preservation.
- Public Comments (Matters Not on Agenda): William Burg (Preservation Sacramento board member) submitted a letter requesting that three buildings at 1616-1624 21st Street be evaluated as a potential historic district and argued that demolition would require an EIR under CEQA. A.J. Dellaringa and Christine Broker spoke about the cultural and historical significance of the 21st Street properties and urged preservation over dense development.
Discussion Items
- Item 2 – M16-010 Amendments to Sacramento Railyards Central Shops Historic District: Staff presented proposed boundary modifications and removal of the water tower as a contributing resource. Commissioners discussed the transition zone, lot configurations, and inclusion of transfer tables. Commissioner Marshack moved to approve staff recommendations with an amendment to add the two transfer tables (identified in the draft Subsequent EIR) to the district's list of features. Motion seconded by Commissioner Fuller and carried 7-0.
- Item 3 – M16-012 Nomination of Sacramento Railyards Water Tower as a Landmark: Staff and consultant Charles Chase presented the nomination. Commissioners discussed paint color (to be changed from international orange to red lead), corrections to the ordinance (e.g., “Fifth Avenue” to “Fifth Street”), and inclusion of the specific parcel (Lot 4E). Commissioner Marshack moved to approve staff recommendations with amendments; motion seconded by Commissioner Fuller and carried 7-0.
- Item 5 – PB16-020 2612 Q Street New Dwelling/Garage: Staff presented plans for a new unit and garage in the Winn Park Historic District, including a requested side setback deviation. Commissioner Piner suggested extending eaves for shading and fire access considerations. Motion to approve with conditions (including oversight on eaves and materials) carried 7-0.
- Item 4 – PB16-006 Appeal of 519 8th Street New 3-Story Home: The commission heard the appeal de novo. After denying a continuance, commissioners discussed design modifications to mitigate impacts on the adjacent landmark. Commissioner Marshack moved to approve the project with conditions (simplify siding, remove north third-floor bay window, use permeable driveway material, add lattice to stair base). Motion seconded by Commissioner Piner and carried 7-0.
- Item 6 – Director's Reports: Planning Director Kathryn Gillespie introduced Carson Anderson as the incoming Preservation Director. Preservation Director Roberta Deering reported on the non-approval of the Mannox Barn nomination, an award for the Mortuary Chapel restoration, and a forthcoming mid-century modern survey using a new digital app.
- Item 7 – Recognition of Roberta Deering: The commission read a resolution honoring Deering’s service from 1996–1999 and 2003–2016, highlighting accomplishments such as the updated preservation ordinance, the Historic and Cultural Resources Element, and numerous register listings. Deering thanked the commission and staff.
Key Outcomes
- Item 2 (Amendments to Central Shops Historic District): Approved 7-0 with amendment to include transfer tables.
- Item 3 (Water Tower Landmark Nomination): Approved 7-0 with corrections to paint color, street name, and parcel reference.
- Item 4 (Appeal of 519 8th Street): Denial of appeal and approval of the project 7-0 with design conditions.
- Item 5 (2612 Q Street Project): Approved 7-0 with conditions (eaves, materials, and additional SB5 flood finding).
- Item 6 (Director's Reports): Received and filed.
- Item 7 (Recognition of Roberta Deering): Received and filed.
- Public Comments: Noted for future action on 21st Street properties; preservation director has not yet made a determination on eligibility.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to the Preservation Commission. I hereby call the meeting to order. And with that, we will do roll call. Commissioner Marshak. Here. Commissioner Bounds. Commissioner Fuller. Here. Commissioner Huck? Here. Commissioner Piner. Here. Commissioner Whitelamb? Here. Commissioner Moffat. Here. We have a quorum. Great. Before we start, I want to just review a couple little housekeeping procedures. The copy of tonight's agenda are on the table outside the table in the back or outside the front door. In hearing the item, the commission will refer to each of the items numbered on the agenda. Tonight we do have a little bit of a change with our agenda. We will be taking things out of order. Basically, we are taking item six seconds. And then we'll go back to item two, three. And then we will be going to item five. And then we'll be going back to item four. And then we go to item seven, we'll be uh finishing the meeting as it uh lists on the agenda. Um so hearing items will be initiated by a brief staff presentation, followed by questions from uh staff by the commission. After that, um we'll hear a presentation by the applicant if they so wish, and um that will be followed by uh questions of the applicant. Um then uh and then there'll be a time for public uh comments. Members of the public uh can also address for each item. Uh members of the audience, uh members of the public can also address the commission on items not on the agenda. Um at the end under item um eight public comments, not items not on the agenda. So there's speaker forms in the back of the room on the table. Um if you wish to speak, please fill out one of those. Please um note the item on the agenda that you wish to speak on, and you can bring it up to the staff uh up here on the left hand side. Um we'll call your name when it's appropriate. Um we do have a three minutes uh limit to public comments. Um so I'll just remind everyone if you have a cell phone, uh we ask you to turn it off just to avoid any um distractions. And uh we'll now move on with the agenda with um item one, the consent calendar, approval of minutes from the June 15th, 2016 meeting. Umers have had a chance to to look at the meeting minutes. Are there any uh commissioners that wish to make any comments or corrections? Um hearing none, I do we have to have a um okay. Do I have a motion? A second. Oh second. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed.
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