Benicia Historic Preservation Review Commission may decide Thursday to delay hearing a request from a pair of Mills Act property owners to modify their contract work plan.

Carla and Paula Chiotti, who own 1025 West Second St., have asked to change the contract they have with the city that reduces their property taxes in exchange for restoring and maintaining their historic property in a manner that complies with the Secretary of Interior Standards.

Mills Act contractors are given specific work plans that have lists of tasks they must perform and deadlines by which those projects must be completed if they are to remain qualified for the reduction in property taxes.

The Chiotti sisters want to remove front door and back fence requirements from their mandatory work plan, and have said the existing wood door is consistent with doors of the home’s era and style, and that the back yard fence, covered with vines, doesn’t detract from the house’s historic character.

When they appeared May 28, too many of the attending HPRC members had conflicts of interest because they own properties close to the Chiottis’ home. The remaining commissioners did not constitute a quorum.

The matter was continued, but the Chiottis are unable to attend Thursday’s meeting, and Suzanne Thorsen, senior planner, has suggested continuing the hearing to the Aug. 27 meeting.

Also Thursday, the panel will review its rules and procedures, which haven’t been modified since April 23, 2009.

The Historic Preservation Review Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Commission Room of City Hall, 250 East L St.

Sharing is caring!