Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting – November 18, 2020
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Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting – November 18, 2020
The Preservation Commission held a regular teleconference meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, from approximately 5:33 p.m. to 6:52 p.m. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, discussion of draft objective design standards for historic districts, a grant award update, and a director’s report. No public comments were received.
Consent Calendar
- Item 1: Approval of the Preservation Commission Minutes of the October 21, 2020 Meeting. Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Valania, carried 7-0.
Discussion Items
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Item 2: Draft Objective Design Standards for Historic Districts (File 2020-01057)
- Staff presenter Bruce Monighan, Urban Design Manager, explained that the draft standards are a response to SB 35 and SB 330, intended to provide objective, checklist-based criteria for multifamily housing (3+ units) within historic districts. The document consolidates common design guidelines from the Historic District Plan and tailors them for historic districts.
- Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Miller-Cruiess submitted written comments; Chair Whitelam and Commissioner Bowns raised questions about clarity, the use of “should” vs. “shall,” missing checklist items, and the importance of clear communication to property owners about the limited scope (multifamily infill only).
- Staff clarified that the standards are a first draft; outreach to neighborhood groups, AIA, and other stakeholders will occur over the next 30–45 days. A final draft is expected in 2021.
- No public comments were received.
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Item 3: 2020-2021 Certified Local Government Grant Award (File 2020-01365)
- Preservation Director Carson Anderson announced a $27,000 grant from the Office of Historic Preservation for public education and outreach, including a redesigned city website, educational postcards for historic property owners, walking tours, and digital marketing. A communications consultant will be hired.
- Commissioners discussed leveraging partnerships (e.g., Sacramento Heritage) and stretching funds. The grant requires City Council approval.
- No public comments were received.
Director’s Report
- Carson Anderson updated the commission on the 2040 General Plan update, including a draft land use map that has raised preservation community concerns. Staff will hold a stakeholder meeting in early December; the commission will discuss the plan and the 2021–2029 Housing Element in January.
- The preservation intern (Corey Kwan) resigned; a replacement will be sought.
- Anderson highlighted a study by the Los Angeles Conservancy (“Preservation Positive Los Angeles”) that found positive economic impacts of historic districts.
- The commission received a framed award from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions for the Historic District Plan.
- Commissioners were reminded to submit training records for the annual CLG report.
Key Outcomes
- Approved October 21, 2020 meeting minutes (7-0).
- Reviewed and commented on the draft objective design standards; further comments to be submitted in writing. The document will be revised and brought back in 2021.
- Reviewed and commented on the CLG grant; staff will proceed with City Council approval.
- No action taken on other items.
Meeting Transcript
You want you can test it right now. Oh no, hang on, I'm down. Testing, testing. So we'll do is you're gonna go to your zoom settings and look down time. There we go. Okay. Testing, testing. Are you ready? Yes. Yes. Okay. Uh you know how to push it up on the screen, right? Push it. Oh, right. You know how that is. Yeah. 30 seconds. Otherwise. If we just hit start, then okay. And then I'll yeah. One more minute to get everything slipped up. They are muted as far as I know. Yeah, so if you check the little icon on the right one on my hand side, see the little speaker there. I already did that. I pressed this repeatedly too. Testing, testing. Okay, sounds like we've gotten rid of the echo. All right. Can you hear me? Yes. Very good. Yeah. All right. So we're going to start our 30-second countdown. And then we will officially begin the meeting. Thank you for your patience as usual. And the music will stop. Yes. Yeah. Okay. Um, welcome to all. Uh, this is the preservation commission meeting of November the 18th, 2020. Uh, we're going to start our meeting uh by having a the preservation commissioner uh preservation chair layout the uh the meeting format for for the members of the public okay thank you Carson um in response to the governor's executive order and the city council resolution um this meeting is being held as a teleconference meeting. Um a dedicated phone line has been established for public participation during the meeting related to a specific agenda item or matters not on the agenda uh to give your public comment directly to the legislative body or to us during the meeting, call nine one six eight zero eight seven two one three and follow the instructions given. Members of the public are also encouraged to submit public comments via e-comment through the city's official website. And um I'm not going to say that, but it's uh it's you can go on the city website and see and see that. Um with that, we have um I think we have a quorum, so the the first item will be for Carson to call the roll call. Okay, Commissioner Carter. Here, if you could each unmute yourself as I call your name. Sure.
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