Preservation Commission Meeting, June 26, 2024

The Preservation Commission of Sacramento met on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 5:30 PM at City Hall Complex, 915 I Street. The meeting was called to order by Chair McSlavkin and adjourned at 6:21 PM. Commissioners present: Ambacher, Merker, Nayyar, Ricca, and Chair McSlavkin. Commissioner Burns was absent. The agenda included approval of minutes, discussion of draft objective standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in historic districts, review of the first draft of the Sacramento LGBTQ+ Historic Context Statement, a Director’s Report, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes (May 15, 2024): Passed unanimously (5-0, with one absent) as part of the Consent Calendar. No public comments or commission discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2 – Draft Objective Standards for ADUs: Matthew Piner, former commissioner and design professional, applauded the effort and expressed support for the objective/subjective criteria approach. He noted he would like to contribute to the working group.
• Public Comments – Matters Not on the Agenda: Casey Sheft, a longtime resident of Colonial Heights, spoke about the removal of six fan palm trees on San Francisco Boulevard by SMUD, citing damage to the iconic palm-tree-lined street. She requested that the commission discuss the issue and potentially initiate a process. Chair McSlavkin noted that the item was not on the agenda but directed staff to add it to the next meeting in August.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Draft Objective Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units Involving Historic Properties (M24-002): Sean deCourcy, Preservation Director, presented the draft standards. The standards are intended to provide objective design criteria for ADUs in historic districts and on landmark properties, allowing ministerial approval without subjective design review. Key elements include building location, size and height (150% of adjacent contributing resource), architectural elements (roof pitch, window types, siding materials, prohibition of stucco, etc.), and miscellaneous items (concealment of HVAC equipment, solar installation, etc.). Staff noted that the standards are a starting point; applicants who do not meet them can use the site plan and design review process at a higher cost (approximately $2,000 more in fees and 6 weeks of review time). A working group of design professionals, commissioners, and the public will refine the draft. Commissioner Merker asked about cost differences and the need to include efficient technologies like mini-split units. Commissioner Ricca questioned the prohibition of stucco, noting that some historic buildings use stucco. Staff explained that objective standards must be restrictive to avoid legal challenges, but the alternative review path allows flexibility. The commission reviewed the draft and provided comments.
• Item 3 – Sacramento LGBTQ+ Historic Experience Project First Draft Historic Context Statement (M23-005): Sean deCourcy presented the first draft of the historic context statement, modeled after the African American Experience Project. It covers pre-1940s LGBTQ history, World War II/post-war period, post-1969 visible community, AIDS epidemic (1981-1995), and gay pride liberation. The project includes a survey of the Lavender Heights neighborhood and is supported by a $10,000 stipend from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Commissioner Merker praised the draft but noted a disclaimer stating it skews toward white gay male experience, urging more inclusivity. He also highlighted the story of Charlie Parkhurst as a positive example. Commissioner Ambacher appreciated the terminology definitions. Commissioner Ricca complimented the depth of research. The commission reviewed the draft and provided comments for improvement.
• Director’s Report: deCourcy reported that the African American Experience Historic Context Statement and Survey Project received a President’s Circle Award at the California Preservation Foundation conference. He announced that Commissioner Montemayor stepped down due to unexcused absences and that the at-large seat is open for applications. A new preservation intern, Eva, was introduced. deCourcy also noted that the 2025 California Preservation Foundation conference will be held in Sacramento.
• Commissioner Comments – Ideas and Questions: Commissioner Ambacher attended the CPF conference and noted a session on women’s history context statements initiated by the LA Conservancy, and a legislative update session highlighting threats to historic property protections. She encouraged participation in lobbying efforts for the upcoming Sacramento conference.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Draft ADU Objective Standards: Reviewed and commented. Staff will form a working group, gather additional feedback from AIA, neighborhood groups, and the public, and return to the commission with a final draft for recommendation to City Council.
• LGBTQ+ Historic Context Statement: Reviewed and commented. The draft will be refined based on input, with a second draft and historic survey to follow. The project must conclude by December 2024 due to grant obligations.
• Public Comment on Tree Removal: Directed to be added to the agenda for the next commission meeting in August 2024.
• Next Meeting: No meeting in July; the next regular meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2024 (third Wednesday).