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Planning Commission designates 310 Encino Lane as historic property
Summary
The San Clemente Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 3 to add the Kenny residence at 310 Encino Lane (built 1929) to the city's designated historic resources list after staff and an independent GPA review found it meets local criteria for Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
The San Clemente Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 3 to designate the Kenny residence at 310 Encino Lane as a historic property.
Planning staff recommended the designation after a consultant's architectural assessment found the two‑story duplex, built in 1929, retains sufficient integrity and "meets Criteria A and E" for the Ole Hansen Spanish Village period and Spanish Colonial Revival style. Staff told the commission the property is eligible for inclusion in the city's historic register and recommended adoption of resolution 25-021 (project 25-073).
Melinda Kenny, who with her husband Robert bought the house in late 2022, described extensive restoration work. "When we purchased the house in late 20 22, we were excited at the opportunity that it could be a historic home," she said, adding that the structure had been in poor condition and that the owners tried to retain original features where possible.
Commissioners who participated in an earlier design review praised the Kennys' work. One commissioner noted the application will put the owners in position to pursue a Mills Act contract later, saying that the Mills Act process would follow designation and identify and sequence repair tasks.
Chair (speaker 1) moved to adopt the resolution, the motion was seconded and the commission approved it unanimously. After the vote a commissioner told the owners, "You have your historic designation."
The designation does not go to the City Council; staff said the decision places the property on the city's historic resources list. Staff also stated that the approval as moved included a finding of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) if that language was required in the motion.
Next steps identified by staff: owners may pursue Mills Act incentives and staff will record the property on the city's designated historic register. No additional formal appeals or Council review were noted during the meeting.
