Program Description
The Historic Landmarks Commission meets alternate Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.
History
In 1959, the California State Legislature passed a bill enabling local communities to provide for historic districts and landmarks and regulate their protection and enhancement. The bill inspired the passage of a resolution in September 1959, which created El Pueblo Viejo (The Old Town) historic district in the downtown and waterfront areas.
In March 1960, El Pueblo Viejo was further strengthened with City Council's adoption of an ordinance formally establishing the district and its styles of architecture and prohibiting the demolition of any adobe structure in the district.
The Landmarks Committee was formed in May 1960 to ensure that El Pueblo Viejo would retain its unique early-California Spanish character and atmosphere through careful City planning and development. Its boundaries have been amended over the years.
A new historic structures ordinance was adopted in May 1977. It formally established the Committee's powers and duties. A Charter Amendment approved by the voters in November 1993 established the Historic Landmarks Commission with authority within landmark districts and for designated landmarks among other entities.
The Landmarks Committee first took inventory of the historic, public and private structures having architectural significance in 1961. In 1978, a comprehensive survey of the City's architectural and historic resources was initiated with grants obtained from the State.