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Commission hears staff update on SB 130 changes and city plan to protect 700+ inventory buildings
Summary
Staff told the Historic Landmarks Commission that state law SB 130 removed CEQA review for housing projects on properties not already formally listed, and the city will propose renaming the historic resources inventory to a register and submit a zoning amendment to Planning Commission and City Council to protect more properties.
City planning staff briefed the Historic Landmarks Commission on the statewide housing law SB 130 and local steps to maintain protection for buildings currently on the city’s historic resources inventory.
Senior planner Teva Hernandez told commissioners that SB 130, which took effect July 1 when signed into law, limits the city’s ability to use environmental review as a delay or review mechanism for housing developments unless a historic resource is already formally designated. To respond, staff proposed renaming the City’s historic resources inventory to a “historic resources register” and amending the zoning code so properties on that register are clearly recognized as designated resources, rather than relying on project‑by‑project review.
Hernandez said the zoning amendment will come to Planning Commission on Nov. 13 and to City Council on Dec. 10; the item will be taken forward as a way to protect more than 700 buildings currently on the inventory. She said staff had met with the city attorney and planned to ask Council for an ordinance amendment, and that staff would pursue the earliest feasible hearing dates given the law’s effect on housing project reviews.
Commissioners asked timing and whether the change is effective; staff replied SB 130 is already in effect and that the proposed zoning amendment is intended to restore local protections that the law curtailed for projects submitted without prior designation. Commissioners were told to flag inventory properties they wish staff to move forward for formal registration.
There was no formal action on the announcement; staff said it would return with the zoning amendment and that Ellen (staff) would present at subsequent hearings.
