General Functions

• Recommend to the City Council that certain structures, natural features, sites or areas having historic, architectural, archaeological, cultural or aesthetic significance be designated as a Landmark;
• Designate certain structures or objects having historic, architectural, archaeological, cultural or aesthetic significance as Structures of Merit;
• Review and approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions, plans for exterior alteration, demolition, relocation, moving, or construction of or on (1) any structures or real property within El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, (2) any structures or real property within any designated Landmark District, (3) any additional property authorized by action of the City Council, (4) a designated Landmark. The area described in Section 22.22.100 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code as it exists at the time of this amendment shall comprise El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District. Its boundaries may be expanded by the City Council through the adoption of appropriate ordinances. Any applicant may appeal in writing to the City Council any action or decision of the Historic Landmarks Commission, whereupon the City Council may approve, conditionally approve or disapprove such application, and the decision of the City Council shall be final. Any structure, natural feature, site or area owned or leased by any public entity shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section with the exception of those owned or leased by the City unless the City Council determines in its discretion that such review is unnecessary;
• Perform such other functions or duties, not inconsistent with the City Charter, as may be prescribed by ordinance.

Committee Functions

Membership

9 Members

Qualifications

All members shall have demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the history and architecture of the City.

• Five members must be qualified electors of the City.
• At least two members must be licensed architects.
• At least one member must be a professional architectural historian.
• At least one member must be a licensed landscape architect.
• The remaining members may represent the public at large.

Length of Term

Four years and until successors are appointed. Staggered terms expire on December 31 of the appropriate year.

Meeting Schedule

The Historic Landmarks Commission meets every other Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street. The Consent Agenda is reviewed at 11:00 a.m. on the same day that the full board meeting occurs.

Time Involved

Approximately 8 – 10 hours per month for meetings and related activities.

Financial Disclosure Requirement

Members must file a Statement of Economic Interests upon appointment, annually and when leaving the advisory group.

Compensation

$50 per full commission meeting attended and $25 for each Consent Calendar meeting completed.

Staff

Planning Division, Community Development Department, (805) 564-5470

Reference

City Charter Sections 800 - 805, 814, and 817; Municipal Code Chapter 22.22; July 3, 2007, Council meeting, Item No. 19, Page 3, Budget/Financial Information; Resolution Nos. 06-084, 98-042, 95-066, 91-028 and 79-093.