Historic Preservation commission recommends council review Phase 2 citywide survey identifying seven potential districts

The San Gabriel Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Commission voted unanimously July 30 to recommend that city council consider the Phase 2 draft historic resources survey, which identifies seven potential historic districts containing 690 properties in the northern portion of the city.

The recommendation follows a presentation by Katie Horek, principal at Architectural Resources Group (ARG), who told commissioners the Phase 2 work consisted of focused archival research and an intensive, street‑level survey of candidate historic districts. "The survey identified seven potential historic districts in the city. Collectively, these districts contain a total of 690 properties," Horek said.

Why it matters: If adopted by the City Council and later approved through the designation process, the districts would place properties under local review for changes that affect historic character. ARG explained that local ordinance requires a district to have at least 51% contributing properties to be eligible as a historic district; areas that fall below that threshold were recommended as conservation overlay zones instead.

Key findings and examples: ARG reported contributor rates for the districts it evaluated, including California Street (19 properties, 16 contributors, 84%), Country Club Crest (144 properties, 100 contributors, 69%), Country Club Drive (24 properties, 21 contributors, 88%), Mount Vernon Park (70 properties, 49 contributors, 70%), Canol (98 properties, 76 contributors, 78%), Old Mill Vista (68 properties, 55 contributors, 81%), and Rosemont Park (267 properties, 218 contributors, 82%). The consultant said all seven areas are primarily early‑to‑mid‑20th‑century single‑family neighborhoods concentrated north of Luna Drive.

Commissioners pressed ARG on how alterations are evaluated. ARG said there is no numeric percentage applied to individual houses; staff assess the reversibility and visual impact of changes. "Windows are really a sticking point," Horek said, explaining that changing original window openings or fenestration patterns can push a property from contributor to non‑contributor because such alterations are hard to reverse.

Process and next steps: Commissioners were told tonight’s action is a recommendation only. Staff explained that should council accept the survey, a separate designation process would follow: property owners would be notified and, at the time a district pursues designation, 51% of property owners in that area must vote in favor for it to move forward as a local historic district. The commission’s recommendation now advances the finalized survey to city council for its decision.

Vote: Chair Lubisich called for a motion on Resolution No. 25‑01 to recommend council approval of the Phase 2 draft survey. The motion was moved and seconded; a roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioners Dbrint, Weekes, Udrena, Vice Chair Maharo and Chair Lubisich. The commission’s recommendation passed unanimously.

Public comment and outreach: One member of the public, Ed Fox, asked how homeowners would be notified and whether non‑contributing owners would be eligible to vote; staff replied that owner notification procedures and ballot details will be developed in a later stage and that non‑contributors would be eligible to participate in any district vote. Staff did not specify the notification method tonight.

What’s next: The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to San Gabriel City Council for its consideration. If council accepts the report, staff and the consultant anticipate subsequent community outreach and a separate designation process for any district that elects to pursue local protection.