Council directs staff to draft ordinance and options to combine ARB and HRC after public debate

Staff presented a concept on Aug. 20 to evaluate consolidating the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) into a single review body to reduce duplication in staff reports and improve applicant navigation between historic and non‑historic review paths.

Community Development staff said consolidation could simplify routing, create a single set of design‑review procedures and reduce repeated meetings for applicants whose properties fall on or near the Historic Resources Inventory. Staff proposed a larger combined board with members who collectively have historic‑preservation and architectural design expertise and suggested the city consider a Heritage Society nomination for at least one seat.

Public comment was extensive and predominantly opposed to consolidation. Speakers — including former ARB and HRC members, architects and preservation advocates — argued the HRC and ARB have different statutory roles and expertise. Several speakers said combining the boards would lengthen meetings, dilute historical expertise and increase the chance of inconsistent or politicized decisions. Former ARB members warned a consolidated agenda would be unwieldy and could reduce the quality of deliberations.

Council members discussed staffing constraints and volunteer recruitment challenges; several said the city has fewer volunteer applicants than in prior decades and that training and membership composition will matter if a consolidation is pursued. After discussion, council directed staff to draft ordinance language and a detailed plan (membership, training, code changes) and return with that proposal for council review — not to implement consolidation immediately. Staff will return with proposed ordinance text and recommended membership and training models for further council consideration.