The Historic Preservation Ordinance going before our City Council 7/18/17 is the result of a 3-year effort by many to provide a clear and consistent process for reviewing projects that involve historic resources. This will benefit the public, staff, the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) and Council to protect buildings, sites and their use.

In 8/13 the Santa Clara City Council created an ad hoc committee of 6 members, the Historic Preservation Ordinance Committee (HPOC), and charged it with creating this Ordinance to fairly and efficiently handle projects involving historic properties. Since Santa Clara is a Certified Local Government, any preservation ordinance requires approval by the State Office of Historic Preservation (OHP).

After studying many jurisdiction’s preservation ordinances, following OHP’s guidelines and referencing the recently adopted County of Santa Clara’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, the HPOC completed their work 9/14. The draft ordinance was a comprehensive examination of historic preservation principles and practices where none formally existed. A Study Session with City Council was held after HLC and the Planning Commission provided input. The Council, while supporting preservation efforts, was concerned about its scope and complexity and directed staff to scale back the Ordinance and return it for review before submitting it to OHP at the end of 2015. The Ordinance was approved by OHP and is now scheduled for Council’s reconsideration on 7/18/17. 

Since Santa Clara has significant historic resources, it is very important to have a Preservation Ordinance (see attached). It is also important that Council observe community support for this Ordinance via attendance at this City Council meeting at 7pm on 7/18/17 in the City Council Chambers - please attend and show your support.