The Historic Preservation Review Commission on Thursday will examine the design review process in Benicia’s historical districts, particularly under the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan.
Associate Planner Suzanne Thorsen noted in an Aug. 19 report that the commission raised several questions about design review at its July 24 meeting.
Those included inquiries about what triggers design review on minor projects, particularly those involving non-historic buildings; requirements for reversion to original materials; and whether design review should be separate from the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan.
Thorsen wrote that the commission also suggested that applicants should have some guidance or assistance before submitting an application for design review.
Thorsen wrote that Benicia’s own municipal code requires design approval be given before an applicant can get a zoning permit for any project that involves demolition, construction or changes in exterior colors or materials, except signs.
The code establishes the process and responsibilities as well as exceptions for design review, she wrote.
She has provided the commission with a comparison of design review exemptions for routine maintenance and repairs in the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan and the Arsenal Historic Conservation Plan, which are similar on most points, but differ on repainting and replacement of contemporary materials with original materials.
The plans don’t provide definitions of “major” and “minor” projects, Thorsen noted. The Arsenal plan relies more heavily on administrative review of minor projects, especially if they don’t involve historic buildings, while the downtown plan requires commission review for more projects.
She has asked the commission to examine her report and provide comments and staff direction, particularly about what triggers design review on minor projects, design review requirements for reversion to original materials and whether design review process should be separate from the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan.
The Benicia Historic Preservation Review Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Commission Room of City Hall, 250 East L St.