Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting – March 17, 2021

The Preservation Commission of the City of Sacramento met on March 17, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. to consider a consent calendar, designate a representative to the Sacramento Heritage, Inc. Board, review the final draft of objective design standards for historic districts, discuss the 2021 Historic Preservation Work Plan, receive an update on the Certified Local Government program and public education grant, and review a synopsis of the Los Angeles African American Heritage Initiative roundtable. The meeting was held via teleconference with public comment available by phone and e-comment.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the February 17, 2021 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 3 – Objective Design Standards (Public Comment): William Burg, representing Preservation Sacramento, stated that the draft document seen by the public was not a true draft and objected to the inclusion of additions to historic buildings, arguing that SB 35 applies only to new infill. He asserted that prohibiting emulation of historic styles is a subjective judgment, not an objective standard, and could expose the city to legal liability. He called for more community outreach before a final draft.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Designate Representative to Sacramento Heritage, Inc. Board: Chair Velonia designated herself as the commission’s representative for 2021, noting her recent attendance at a board meeting. No other commissioners expressed interest.
• Item 3 – Final Draft Objective Design Standards for Historic Districts: Bruce Monighan, Urban Design Manager, presented revisions based on comments from four organizations (AI Central Valley, Boulevard Park, Southside Park, Preservation Sacramento) and two neighborhood meetings. He noted that the document is nearly complete, with remaining issues around defining “character-defining features,” “emulation,” and materiality. The document will become a checklist for ministerial review of housing projects under SB 35. Commissioners requested the final document be presented in a clear, readable format with numbered sections and a glossary, and that the checklist be brought back for a future meeting (likely May 2021). The commission also discussed whether the document would need to go to the Planning and Design Commission or directly to City Council.
• Item 4 – Proposed 2021 Historic Preservation Work Plan: Carson Anderson, Preservation Director, outlined ambitious goals including: updating the Old Sacramento National Historic Landmark nomination, developing a historic district plan for the Rail Yards, advancing two historic district nominations (Eichler district in South Sacramento and Montgomery Way in Curtis Park), improving public education and engagement via a website upgrade and social media, and exploring placemaking efforts for sites with significant social history but lost or altered buildings. Commissioners noted the importance of involving neighborhood associations and universities, and emphasized the need for clarity on timelines.
• Item 5 – Update on Certified Local Government Program and Public Education Grant: Anderson reported that the $27,000 grant from the Office of Historic Preservation is moving forward. A communications consultant will be hired to develop outreach materials, including a postcard, website content, and possibly a public service announcement. The match requirement was increased to $18,000, and staff are working to meet the September 2021 deadline. The commission will see a draft postcard at the August or September meeting.
• Item 6 – Synopsis from Los Angeles African American Heritage Initiative Roundtable: Anderson provided a summary of the December 2020 roundtable, highlighting key takeaways for engaging communities of color. The commission noted the value of the resources and links provided.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Representative Designation: Chair Velonia appointed herself as the commission’s 2021 representative to the Sacramento Heritage, Inc. Board.
• Objective Design Standards: Staff will incorporate commissioner feedback, continue refining definitions (especially “emulation” and “character-defining features”), and bring a final draft and checklist to the May 2021 meeting. The commission expressed concern about the Planning and Design Commission potentially altering the document; staff will confirm the approval process.
• Work Plan: Staff will proceed with the outlined projects, with the understanding that the commission will receive updates on the Eichler and Montgomery Way district nominations and the public education grant deliverables.
• Public Education Grant: The RFP for a communications consultant is being finalized. The commission will see a draft postcard in August/September 2021.
• Director’s Report: Anderson announced the hiring of two preservation interns (Lena and Shelby, Sacramento State Public History students) and the approval of landmark nominations for the James Dodd and Nathaniel and Jurene Collie residences by the City Council. The commission was reminded to disclose any conflicts of interest or independent research before public hearings.