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Council introduces equestrian landmark ordinance to protect Norco’s open space and horsekeeping tradition
Summary
Council heard a first reading of ordinance No. 1136 to designate an 'equestrian landmark' covering equestrian historic district properties, other animal-keeping lots, trails and open space; staff said the designation will not impose new restrictions on private property and council approved the ordinance introduction unanimously.
The Norco City Council held a first reading of ordinance No. 1136 and considered a concurrent resolution to create an equestrian landmark designation aimed at elevating legal recognition for the city’s horsekeeping heritage, open spaces and trails. City Attorney Colin Burns said the landmark would apply to residential lots within the Equestrian Historic District and to properties elsewhere in the city where animal keeping is allowed by right; it would make each designated property an individual landmark and focus protections on land, trails and open space rather than structures.
"The City Of Norco has long protected, fought for the equestrian lifestyle," City Attorney Colin Burns told the council, summarizing the scope and intent of the proposal. City cultural-resources consultant Bill Wiltman provided a historical overview tracing Norco’s rural beginnings, early subdivisions, the role of gentleman farmers after World War II and the development of equestrian trails and events that shaped Norco’s identity.
Public commenters voiced support. Chelsea King urged adoption and emphasized that the designation would not impose new restrictions on private property owners, saying the change would "not impose new restrictions on private property owners" and would help guide future development to protect the community’s rural character. Commissioner Sam Tavolotti also recommended the designation, calling it a tool to preserve community character and branding while clarifying that perceived restrictions are mostly a matter of perception.
City Attorney Burns asked council to allow a concurrent approach — a resolution and an ordinance — and said staff will return the resolution at the second read with clarified language per Commissioner Sullivan’s suggested edits. Councilmembers praised the work of staff and commissioners; the council approved the ordinance introduction by unanimous vote and agreed the resolution will be refined for the next meeting.
