Folsom council approves ordinance moving most minor historic‑district design reviews to staff

The Folsom City Council on Oct. 14 voted unanimously to introduce and conduct first reading of an ordinance that would move many minor design‑review decisions in the city's Historic District from the Historic District Commission to the Community Development director and staff.

City planning manager Desmond Perrington told the council the changes are intended to speed processing and reduce costs for small projects while preserving the commission's oversight for more significant matters. "The Historic District is a very special area in the city with really unique characteristics that we don't see anywhere else," Perrington said. He added that staff time currently spent bringing minor items to the commission limits the department's ability to tackle larger policy work.

The ordinance would: delegate director‑level review for many exterior renovations, small additions to non‑historic structures, accessory buildings and certain sign permits; exempt routine like‑for‑like replacements (roof materials, windows, doors) and small patio covers when not visible from the public right of way; require mailed notices to adjacent property owners in…