TITLE
Adopt resolution authorizing Director of Development Services to submit amendments to the Cultural Heritage Commission ordinance to the State Office of Historic Preservation for its review and approval as an implementing ordinance of the Certified Local Government (CLG) program. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In February of 2006, the City Council was presented information regarding program issues, improvements, and revisions related to the City's Historic Preservation program. The City Council received the report and provided positive comments on the proposed work program. Many of the suggestions, including the preparation of a Historic Preservation Element of the General Plan, initiation of the first phase of the citywide historic resources survey, and the integration of historic, planning and redevelopment efforts have been made or are underway. A key item of the Historic Preservation Program is the revision of the Cultural Heritage Commission ordinance, Chapter 2.63 of the Municipal Code, in order to provide a more effective decision-making process. The recommended amendments to the Municipal Code include the following:
1. Reduce the number of Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) members from fifteen to seven. The large commission was established prior to the appointment of a historic preservation officer. Currently, the large membership results in a longer, less effective decision-making process and inconsistent approvals of work scopes. Reducing the number of commissioners would allow for a more efficient and effective process, while still allowing Long Beach to meet the national requirement to be a Certified Local Government for review of historic resources.
2. Amend the procedures for administering certificates of appropriateness for alterations to landmark buildings or structures located within historic districts. The current procedures require that such changes be reviewed and approved by the Cultural Heritage Commission or, in some instances, the depa...
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