Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting - May 15, 2019

The Sacramento Preservation Commission met on May 15, 2019, at 5:32 p.m. in City Hall Council Chamber to discuss the Draft Historic District Plan (Design Standards), hear public comments, and receive the Director's Report. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Commissioners Bowns, Carter, Miller, Valania, and Whitelam were present; Marshack and Moffett were excused.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (April 17, 2019): Moved, seconded, and carried (Carter/Valania) 5-0-2 (Marshack and Moffett absent) to approve the minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matters Not on the Agenda – Bob King: Proposed creating an old-time music preservation hall in Old Sacramento, parking Model T's, and highlighted a Buster Keaton film shot there in 1928/29. He requested the commission review his materials.
• Draft Historic District Plan – William Burg (Wind Park Historic District resident, technical advisory group member): Emphasized the need for clear, unambiguous language ("shall" rather than "should") to create a checklist for SB 35 compliance. Noted an inconsistency in the 1200/1300 Q Street district map where three properties were listed as contributors but the boundary excluded them.
• Deborah Condon (Boulevard Park, preservationist/environmental scientist): Expressed concern that the 40-foot setback restriction would unduly limit infill housing, citing analysis that existing alley infill could not be built under the new rule. Urged a return to the 20-foot setback from the Central City Urban Design Guidelines, stating that lot dimensions are not a defining feature of historic districts.
• Steven Cuitanov (historic property owner, 30-year resident): Supported alley improvements but worried that strict guidelines could stifle progress. He expressed concern about thousands of properties being newly classified as contributing resources, subjecting them to the same guidelines as historic properties.

Discussion Items

• Draft Historic District Plan (Design Standards) (M19-003): Staff (Maggie Smith, Page & Turnbull, and Sean de Courcy) presented the document covering 29 historic districts. The plan includes three parts: citywide context and guidelines, individual district plans with character-defining features and design guidelines, and appendices. Key issues raised included: whether guidelines are mandatory or optional; impacts on infill development; consistency with SB 35 and SB 50; inconsistencies between all-district and district-specific guidelines (e.g., height allowances of 150% vs. 20-foot setbacks); and the need for clear language. The public comment deadline is June 14, 2019, and the final draft is expected to return to the commission in October 2019.

• Commissioner Questions & Comments:

  • Commissioner Miller asked about incorporating structural upgrades and energy efficiency into the guidelines, and noted the need for a standalone educational packet. He also questioned the language regarding mandatory vs. optional guidelines.
  • Commissioner Valania stressed the need for a user-friendly document with per-district plans, clearer language (avoiding "desired"), and an example of a final district plan to show the public.
  • Commissioner Bowns appreciated the work but suggested grouping public comments by theme for better response.
  • Chair Whitelam highlighted inconsistencies in height guidelines (150% in most districts, but not in 1200 Q Street), the need to clarify where infill guidelines apply (accessory vs. infill), and requested that the final document be released at least 60 days before commission action. She also advocated for separating district plans that are ready from those requiring further survey.

• Director's Report: Carson Anderson reported:

  • Reappointments: Chair Whitelum (seat F) and candidates for seats B (Chad Moffett) and C (John Marshack) were recommended by the City Council's Personnel and Public Employee Committee, pending full council approval.
  • Historic Places Grants Program: Agreements sent to awardees; potential additional funding round.
  • General Plan Visioning Workshops: High turnout in North Sacramento, Meadowview, and Oak Park.
  • Preservation Workshops: Historic window repair workshop (April 28) and upcoming Design Standards workshop (May 30, AIA Central Valley).
  • California Preservation Foundation Conference: Commissioners attended.

• Commissioner Comments:

  • Commissioner Valania noted the well-attended CPF conference session on CEQA case law.
  • Chair Whitelam announced a tour of Memorial Auditorium improvements (May 27, 10 a.m.–noon) and mentioned that the State Capitol Annex (1952 mid-century modern) may face demolition; SACMOD and AIA are urging documentation through CEQA.

Key Outcomes

• No formal action taken on the Draft Historic District Plan; the item was for review and comment only. Staff will revise the document based on public and commission input, with a target return to the commission in October 2019.
• Consent Calendar approved (minutes of April 17, 2019).
• Director's Report received and filed.
• Next steps: Public comment period closes June 14, 2019; staff will compile responses and release a revised draft before the October 2019 commission meeting.