Laguna committee to make final recommendations on revised historic structures ordinance
Laguna Beach’s Heritage Committee will make final recommendations Wednesday on a revised historic preservation ordinance for houses.
According to a memo sent last week to the City Council, suggested revisions to the ordinance include requiring owners of “potentially” historic structures to undergo an assessment if they wish to demolish, relocate or otherwise substantially change a pre-1955 structure. The city would pay for the assessments.
Laguna first embarked on revising the ordinance nearly three years ago with the hope of aligning its preservation standards with state and federal standards. City officials also wanted to update a 35-year-old inventory of homes considered significant for their time period architecture or association with historical events.
In previous workshops about the law, residents have asked for a codified process that would allow them to request their houses be removed from the inventory because being on the list can limit what they can do with their properties.
Preservationists, however, have argued that alterations to a structure would affect neighborhood character. They also cautioned against allowing more exceptions.
Wednesday’s workshop will begin at 6 p.m. at council chambers at 505 Forest Ave.
Twitter: @AldertonBryce
