Calabasas looks at historical preservation ordinance
Landmark sites within the city will be identified
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Calabasas officials are working to make sure historical sites within the city are given just recognition.

A 28page historic preservation ordinance draft has been reviewed by the City Council and was scheduled to come up for a vote at last night's council meeting.

A consultant will be hired to complete the historical context and survey, a minimum six-month process in which experts study the area and possible historic landmarks (single properties) or districts (neighborhoods).

"It's a lot of research on the history of Calabasas," said Geoffrey Starns, a senior planner for the city. The whole process will take about a year, he said.

The ordinance will set the groundwork for a historical preservation committee, which will consist of five members who must be Calabasas residents, and one nonvoting member named by the historical society board. The committee will get together at least on a quarterly basis.

Starns took time to dispel myths about historic homes; it's not about how old they are, he said.

"At first look, a home, for example, could not look especially historical," Starns said. "After doing some research, it can become one of the most historical places in town."

Designating a historic site is largely based on two things: significance, for example the architecture, the people who lived there and the events that took place there, as well as the building's integrity.

"We ask, does it retain sufficient historic fabric and characterdefining features to convey its historical significance," Starns said. "Could it be recognized by someone who knew the resource during its period of significance?"

Starns said he always takes a "peoplefirst preservation" approach.

"You can't be simply all about saving sites," Starns said. "If that's all you do, you'll fail. You have to make it about the community."

If a neighborhood is being considered for a historic district designation, there will be meetings with the residents to discuss the pros and cons and answer any questions.

Starns said people often want to know how living in a historic district or owning a historic landmark will affect them. The city will review any work on the exterior of such a home, Starns said, but the designation doesn't affect normal maintenance, like painting. Alterations and additions may be done if the house will retain the identity of the property and meet certain design guidelines.

Debra Bruschaber, president of the historical society, asked how landscaping and natural resources work with the district designation.

"Every survey points out what the properties (of the neighborhood) are, so it depends," Starns said. "If trees, for example, are a big part of the look, then they are pretty easy to save. If it's identified as a characterdefining feature, it's easy."

The mayor encouraged members of the historical society to take an active role in the designation process.

"This is a huge project and we need help, especially from those who know a lot about the history of the city," Bozajian said.