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Cultural Heritage Commission elects new chair, hears council liaison and planning updates on ADUs and design standards
Summary
The commission elected Commissioner Severson as chair in the annual reorganization, heard City Council liaison comments on historic inventory and SB 79, and received staff updates on objective design standards outreach and ADU prototype plans.
At its March 19 meeting the South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Commission completed its annual reorganization and elected Commissioner Severson as chair for the 2026 calendar year following a nomination and revote process.
The commission then heard remarks from the city council liaison, who urged a clear delineation between the local register and the inventory and referenced state legislation (SB 79) that affects locally registered historic properties. Staff and commissioners discussed prior survey efforts (1994, 2002 and a 2017 inventory that was not formally adopted by council) and the need for a citywide approach to identifying and formalizing locally registered historic properties.
Staff also briefed the commission on outreach and next steps for objective design standards and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) prototypes. Staff reported a well-attended walk-and-talk with more than 60 participants and three focus groups (youth, local professionals and residents). The department plans three prototype ADU plans and a comprehensive ADU guide, and expects to present a preview at a joint planning commission/city council meeting on April 8. Draft objective design standards are planned for administrative review with a final adoption timeline by the end of the calendar year.
Staff encouraged commissioners to participate in an online survey and public meetings that will inform drafting of objective standards and the ADU program. The meeting adjourned to the next regular CHC meeting on April 16, 2026.
