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Mendocino review board asks staff to clarify whether walkways and landscaping require board approval
Summary
After public comment about a Kelly Street pathway that was red-tagged, the board directed staff to return with a written clarification on whether sidewalks, walkways, landscaping, and trees fall under the Mendocino Historical Review Board's jurisdiction and how site visits/applications should be handled.
Public comment and mixed staff guidance prompted the Mendocino Historical Review Board to direct staff to return with a written clarification on whether sidewalks, private walkways, landscaping and certain trees are within the board's purview under the town code.
A local contractor, Ishvi, spoke during public expression on behalf of a client whose property on Kelly Street was red-tagged after installing a small flagstone pathway without prior board review. "I'm Ishvi, local building contractor. . . we were red tagged this week by the Mendocino County," the contractor told the board and asked that the issue be agendized so the community could provide direction.
Staff cited the Mendocino town zoning code (chapter 20.760), noting that section 20.760.030(b) treats sidewalks/walkways as requiring review and approval; staff said there is not a general exemption for walkways and that altering the rule would take a formal zoning amendment. Staff also mentioned grading thresholds (25 cubic yards) that can affect permit requirements.
Board members reported receiving inconsistent guidance from planning staff on whether landscaping versus walkways require review, and asked staff to prepare a clear, written recommendation that distinguishes sidewalks, internal pathways, landscaping work, and tree work and explains when an application and/or a site visit is required. The board made a motion and directed staff to return at the next available hearing with clarification, including consideration of the specific Kelly Street project raised in public comment.
Next steps: staff will prepare information for the director and return to the board to present a clarified interpretation and recommended process for applicants and code enforcement.
