Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission backs Eichler neighborhood objective design standards
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended that City Council adopt objective design standards for Eichler neighborhoods to preserve mid-century modern characteristics while allowing compatible updates; the recommendation passed 9–0.
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended that City Council adopt new objective design standards for Eichler neighborhoods in San Jose.
Dana Peake, principal planner and the city’s historic preservation officer, presented standards developed with Fairglen Editions neighborhood residents aimed at providing clear, objective guidance for exterior changes to Eichler tracts listed on the historic resources inventory. Peake said the standards are intended to preserve character-defining features—such as one-story massing, low gable roofs and post-and-beam construction—while allowing compatible renovations and no retroactive interior or landscaping restrictions.
Public testimony included Sally Zarnowitz of the Fairglen Editions Preservation Committee, who said the neighborhood had worked with staff and sought the standards after the tract’s National Register listing and praised the streamlined single-family permit review.
Commissioners praised the outreach and the clarity the standards provide. Commissioner Oliverio moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved in a 9–0 roll-call vote.
Staff will forward the Planning Commission’s record and recommendation to the City Council; Peake said the Council hearing was scheduled for December 2.
