Carlsbad commission adopts preservation incentives resolution, expands scope beyond homes

The Carlsbad Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously on July 8 to adopt a resolution forwarding recommendations on preservation benefits and incentives to the City Council, with an amendment to ensure the program applies to nonresidential historic resources as well as homes.

Mr. Strong, a city staff member who presented the study-session materials, said the draft resolution compiles feedback from the commission's March and May meetings and would let staff develop ordinance language to amend Title 21 of the municipal zoning code. "The resolution includes three primary recommendations that are being forwarded to the City Council," Mr. Strong said, describing the planned public process: ordinance drafting, community engagement, and subsequent hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council.

Commissioner Schreiber emphasized the voluntary nature of incentives and the need for them to provide a tangible reason for property owners to participate. Commissioner Diaz moved to amend the resolution so the program and any zoning flexibility would explicitly apply to historic resources in both residential and nonresidential zoning districts; a commissioner seconded that amendment. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission's action authorizes staff to develop ordinance language, continue community outreach and return refined proposals for Planning Commission and City Council public hearings. The resolution calls for the Historic Preservation Commission to remain a referral partner in the ordinance process and for the commission chair and vice chair to jointly present the recommendations to City Council.

Next steps: staff will prepare draft ordinance language to amend Title 21, conduct community engagement, and return to the Planning Commission and City Council through the formal public hearing process.