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Historic Heizer House to get accessible parking and pathways; board approves alterations
Summary
The board approved an application to reconfigure parking and decks at the Heizer House to meet current accessibility code as part of a renovation; the work does not change building exteriors but adjusts pathways, parking stalls and decking.
The Mendocino Historical Review Board approved changes to pedestrian pathways, parking and decks at the Heizer House so the property can meet current accessibility requirements and allow building permits for interior renovations to be finalized.
The project, filed as MHRB2025-0002, covers removal and replacement of certain parking stalls and walkways, the addition of an accessibility parking stall and reconstruction of wooden decks and ramps so four of the site's garden suite buildings meet accessibility standards. Staff said the work will reconfigure paved and decked surfaces, will not increase site coverage and will use materials to match existing pathways.
Why it matters: The property is a category 1 historic structure and the owners told staff they need upgraded accessible routes and parking to obtain final building permits for interior renovations. Staff recommended approval with conditions to ensure materials and finishes match the site and to preserve the building's historic character.
Applicant and public comment Joe Erickson, representing Castle Pea Holdings (the applicant), told the board the sidewalks and surface areas were aging and that the proposed work improves accessibility while achieving a clean presentation for the renovation. "We're still taking care of it as well. Take a nice fresh clean presentation for our renovations," Erickson said.
No public objections were recorded in the staff packet; the board heard one question about tree removal and staff confirmed the application did not propose removing trees.
Conditions and findings Staff noted eight conditions in the staff report (five standard and three additional conditions) that address construction details and materials, with an emphasis on matching existing exposed‑aggregate walkways and maintaining block coverage. The board approved the project with the conditions listed in the staff report.
Next steps Staff will issue the permit and the applicant will proceed with construction subject to the conditions and final building permits. The applicant will complete the accessibility upgrades so building permits can be finalized and interior renovations completed.
