The San Clemente Planning Commission on Dec. 3 unanimously approved Resolution PC 25-021 to designate the Kenny residence at 310 Encino Lane as a local historic resource.

Jessica Gantry, the staff planner who presented the application, said the 1929 two-story duplex meets local criteria A and E for historical association with the Ole Hansen Spanish Village period and for Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Gantry said a consultant architectural historian reviewed the property, noted multiple past alterations but found the structure retains sufficient integrity to convey its significance, and recommended listing the property. "As such, 310 Encino Lane appears eligible for inclusion in the city's historic register," Gantry said.

Owners Melinda and Robert Kenny told the commission they bought the house in late 2022 and undertook careful restorations to retain original interior features and the building footprint. "We tried to do our research, we tried to consult the right people, in making the necessary repairs to make it livable," Melinda Kenny said. She described the house as having suffered years of deferred maintenance and said neighbors welcomed the renovation.

Commission discussion referenced a prior design review meeting where members of the historical society had attended and commissioners said the Kennys' work was thoughtful. Commissioner Scott, who participated in design review, said staff and the design review discussion supported approval. Chair Cosgrove moved to adopt the resolution and include the CEQA exemption; the motion received a second and passed without opposition.

The designation is effective at the conclusion of the commission meeting and does not require subsequent City Council action. Staff noted the listing will allow the owners to consider future preservation incentives, such as a Mills Act contract if they elect to apply, but no Mills Act contract was considered or approved at this meeting.

The commission closed the public hearing and moved on to other agenda items.