SPARC discusses historic‑status review for Sunset Theatre and consultants to prepare CEQA analysis
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Summary
Committee members asked staff about the historic status of the Sunset Theatre and whether SPARC could perform local cultural‑heritage duties; staff said city‑hired consultants are preparing a Phase 1 and architectural historian opinion under CEQA, and that an ordinance and process for local historic designation are under development.
Members of the Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee spent part of the Dec. 10 meeting discussing the Sunset Theatre and the city's approach to historic‑status review.
A committee member asked how SPARC would be involved in historic‑preservation findings and whether the city could apply historic building code locally. Staff responded that the city has hired two consultants — one to prepare a Phase I survey and an architectural historian to produce an opinion letter — and that the consultant findings will be included in a future project packet. Staff said they do not yet know the final recommendation and will present the consultant’s evidence, photos and documentation before the committee. "We have hired a consultant to prepare environmental review under CEQA, and that will be part of your package," staff said.
Staff also discussed options for a local landmarking or cultural‑heritage process, including an approach that would task SPARC with designations rather than creating a separate cultural‑heritage board. Staff said they are drafting an ordinance and researching neighboring jurisdictions' approaches, and that they plan to prepare SHPO forms for parcels in the downtown specific plan area. Members asked to be involved in ordinance drafting and desired clarity about what expertise and process would be used.
Staff cautioned that some historic fabric of the theater has been altered over time (for example, neon signage replaced by plastic letters), and that the consultant's opinion letter will document findings and recommendations. Staff said the matter will be presented to SPARC as part of the project review, and that the committee will be able to accept, reject or request modifications to staff's CEQA recommendation when the final materials are provided.
The discussion did not include a formal action or vote; staff said final materials and recommendations are expected in coming weeks and that the committee will see the findings with the project submittal.
