Commission votes to begin delisting 1806 Camden Avenue from South Pasadena historic inventory

The South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Commission on March 19 voted to initiate the process to remove 1806 Camden Avenue from the city's inventory of historic resources.

Michael Donovan, associate planner for the city, told commissioners that the historical resource assessment concluded the property "does not meet the sequence definition of a historical resource" and is ineligible for the National Register, the California Register and the South Pasadena landmark program. Donovan pointed to an atypical front-yard setback, limited Craftsman character-defining features, a dominant front-yard garage and other alterations as reasons the property no longer contributes to the Camden Court eligible district.

No members of the public offered comment during the public hearing. Commissioner [name recorded as recused in transcript] recused themself before the discussion, saying they live within 1,000 feet of the property and would leave the room under conflict-of-interest rules.

During discussion, commissioners praised the scope of the HRA and staff materials. Chair Lopez moved to initiate delisting, a motion seconded by Commissioner Carbone. A roll-call vote followed: Commissioner Perlow voted yes, Commissioner Carbone voted yes, and Chair Lopez voted yes; the motion carried. The commission's decision is final unless an appeal is filed with the city clerk within 15 days. Staff said no construction or activity may begin during the appeal period.

The commission's action clears the way for the applicant to proceed through the city's design review process without restrictions under the Cultural Heritage Ordinance if no appeal is filed.

Next steps: staff will process the delisting initiation and provide notice of the commission's determination and appeal instructions.