Planning commission backs streamlined landmark-permit process and consolidation of heritage and design review boards

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission on Dec. 12 recommended that the City Council adopt municipal- and zoning-code amendments to streamline the landmark alteration permit process and consolidate the Cultural Heritage Board and Design Review Board into a new Design Review and Preservation Board.

Staff said the amendments would (1) clarify and expand exemptions from landmark-alteration review, (2) create a director-level (staff) review pathway with neighbor notification for certain lower-impact changes, (3) retain a minor review level (zoning administrator) and limit major reviews to the board, and (4) consolidate duties and require specific professional qualifications on the new board.

Deputy Director Jessica Jones and planning staff described the proposal as a response to operational issues and recent resignations from the Cultural Heritage Board. Staff said the city’s existing preservation provisions are duplicated across municipal code Chapter 17-22 and zoning code Chapter 20-508; the proposal consolidates preservation rules in the zoning code and removes the duplicate chapter. The draft changes identify three review levels: exempt, director-level and minor/major landmark alteration permits. Examples staff gave for director-level review included renovations that meet Secretary of the Interior Standards, accessory structures under 500 square feet that are not visible to the public, roofing or window changes not visible from the public right-of-way, and new landscaping consistent with the historic era. The director-level pathway would require notification to neighbors within 300 feet before action and include an appeal mechanism.

Staff also proposed required qualifications for the consolidated board: at least two architects, at least one landscape professional, and at least one practicing archaeologist, architectural historian or historian among seven total seats; remaining seats would require demonstrable interest in design and preservation. The change responds to the Cultural Heritage Board’s loss of multiple members and to an intent to remain eligible as a Certified Local Government (CLG) to pursue state preservation grants and resources.

Public comment included past Cultural Heritage Board Chair Brian Muser who urged mandatory professional qualifications, staff training, and consideration of eliminating or reducing landmark-permit fees so homeowners can afford repairs and avoid unpermitted work. Local homeowner Cher Ennis described historic-district permit fees that were modest in 2011 and 2018 but said the new fee structure adopted in July (staff noted fees are a separate City Council decision) now makes minor permits for accessory structures financially unfeasible without further fee review.

Commissioners discussed: professional qualifications and whether council appointments should be at-large (rather than district-based) to better fill professional seats; mandatory training (staff said a training budget exists and will be used for board and staff training); and the potential for pursuing CLG certification, which would require council direction and staff resources. Commissioner comments supported making required qualifications mandatory, ensuring staff and appointed members receive training, and asking council to consider fee revisions.

Commissioner Sisco moved the resolution recommending the council adopt the code amendments; Vice Chair Duggan seconded. The motion passed. Staff said the item will be transmitted to the City Council and that fee changes would be considered separately by council.