SAN CLEMENTE : Preservation Law Revisions on Agenda

In an effort to deal with the controversy involving the city’s historic preservation ordinance, the City Council tonight will consider ways to revise it while at the same time trying to retain the city’s “Spanish Village by the Sea” identity.

At the center of debate is the city’s Designated Historical Structures list, compiled back in the early 1970s by a local resident enthralled by the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style that marked San Clemente during its beginnings in the late 1920s.

Although a modified list has been used for the past 12 years as the basis of the city cultural heritage design ordinance, some residents claim that the list was never officially approved by the City Council and that property owners were never officially notified that they were on such a list. City officials have not found records either supporting or denying those claims.

Several property owners have said they want off the list, which they believe infringes on their right to develop their properties, while others have urged the city to preserve the “Spanish Village by the Sea” envisioned by city founder Ole Hanson.

About 235 properties--from the palatial Casa Romantica, Hanson’s former mansion, to the San Clemente Pier to a converted garage that houses Scalzo Bros. Auto Parts--are included on a temporary, revised list now up for approval by the council.

Under the ordinance, homes and businesses on the list, and those that abut the listed properties, are subject to extra design review of any rehabilitation or expansion projects. Historic properties can be demolished, but only after a 90-day waiting period in which the property owner must try to find someone to relocate the structures.

During the meeting tonight, council members will consider the following recommendations by city planners:

* Approve the temporary updated list.

* Create a citizens’ advisory panel to help come up with new criteria deeming what should be considered historic.

* Apply for Certified Local Government status with the state Office of Historic Preservation, which would make the city eligible to receive grants to hire a historical expert, who would guide the advisory committee.

* Officially notify all property owners potentially affected by the list.

* Waive fees for any property owner who wants to go through a Community Design Commission hearing to get off the list immediately.

Mayor Joseph Anderson said he believes the recommendations are “a good way to go” without threatening the city’s entire preservation effort.