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Council introduces historic‑preservation ordinance rewrite; IHPRB members warn of risk to designation
Summary
The council introduced and waived first reading of a rewrite to the historic preservation ordinance that would shift review authority from the Historic Preservation Review Board to council and staff; IHPRB members and property owners objected and asked for more time and input.
The Isleton City Council introduced an amendment to the historic preservation ordinance on Dec. 9 that would transfer many decision functions from the Historic Preservation Review Board (IHPRB) to the city council and city manager, and allow the building official to handle minor alterations. Staff said the draft mirrors federal and state criteria but shifts decision authority in part to improve efficiency and ensure compliance with the Brown Act.
Multiple members of the IHPRB and property owners objected during public comment, saying they were not consulted on the redraft and warning the change could jeopardize Isleton’s historic designation with state or federal authorities. IHPRB member John Randolph said the board felt "ambushed" by the timing and that the city risked losing institutional expertise. "I don't wanna see Isleton lose their designation here," Randolph said. After extended public comment and questions about process, the council voted to accept introduction, waive first reading and continue the item to the next regular meeting for adoption consideration.
Staff emphasized the change is intended to streamline processes that have been difficult to conduct in compliance with the Brown Act, and that the IHPRB can still offer recommendations; council members said the ordinance can be amended later if the city grows.
