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San Mateo council advances historic-preservation package after extended public comment; staffs to scope 1989 survey update
Summary
After hours of testimony, the council voiced broad support for a new historic-preservation ordinance, a citywide context statement and a temporary Historic Resources Commission, and directed staff to scope an expedited update of the 1989 building survey so council can consider nominations from that list.
San Mateo City Council spent more than three hours on a proposed historic-preservation package on May 4, hearing passionate public comment and then directing staff to move forward with an updated ordinance and related materials.
The package presented by Community Development Director Zachary Dahl and architectural historian Julianne Murphy includes a new historic-preservation ordinance establishing a local historic-resources inventory and clearer review criteria, a draft historic resources commission, a citywide historic context statement and updates to the city dministration of the Mills Act program. Dahl said the 1989 building survey remains an important resource but that it is out of date and needs targeted follow-up work.
The public comment period was long and sharply focused. Ashley Zirpa, representing an organized presentation, told the council the draft ordinance "annihilates" local preservation because it limits mandatory…
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