Workshop to look at historic homes

Laguna Beach officials will join the city’s Heritage Committee this month to hold a public workshop about a potential opt-out provision to Laguna’s historic preservation ordinance.

The workshop, from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 25 at City Hall, follows several prior meetings as the city updates a 35-year-old list of houses deemed historically significant.

Property owners at prior meetings complained they did not know their houses carried historic worth at the time of purchase and that the label could hinder them from making desired changes, such as room additions. Some residents want their homes off the list, but opponents of an opt-out provision worry the change could alter the character of Laguna’s neighborhoods.

City Atty. Phil Kohn will advise the public on how California Environmental Quality Act rules could affect an opt-out provision during the meeting.

For more information on historic preservation, visit the city’s website at lagunabeachcity.net.

City Hall is at 505 Forest Ave.