Local Historic Resources Ordinance

On January 26, San Mateo City Council held a study session on the development of a San Mateo Context Statement and a Local Historic Preservation Ordinance. Final approval will be at the Council’s May 4^th Regular Session at 7pm.  This is unrelated to the proposed Baywood Historic District application. 

The San Mateo Context Statement is an invaluable overview of San Mateo’s history from many perspectives: people and ethnic groups, buildings, cultures and trends.  It will guide future management of our historic resources. The Local Historic Preservation Ordinance updates and expands our current outdated ordinance and will give clearer guidance on older building remodel regulations.  It also details how an individual or group could apply for local historic designation and inclusion in our Local Historic Registry.  60% approval by the building owners in the proposed district will be required.

None of this applies to the proposed Baywood Historic District application that is being reviewed by the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) in Sacramento.  If the OHP deems this application complete, a letter will be sent to every building owner in the proposed district asking if they approve or disapprove of the project.  If a 50% + 1 majority approve, the proposed Baywood Historic District will be designated in the State and National Historic Registries.  If a majority 50% +1 disapprove, the proposed District will be deemed eligible but will not be listed in the State or National Historic Registries.  The proposed Baywood Historic District will not be listed in our local Historic Resources Registry unless it separately applies using the updated Local Historic Preservation Ordinance.

The final Historic Context Statement and Local Historic Preservation Ordinance are scheduled to be brought back to Council on May 4^th at our 7pm Regular Session for final approval.