Historical site ordinance underway

The Calabasas City Council approved an ordinance last week that will begin the process of establishing historical sites and areas in the city.

The city's new historical preservation ordinance will go into effect Feb. 2. Members of the community are asked to apply for a spot on the commission that will help run the preservation process.

"This sort of sets up the framework for creating the historic preservation program," said Geoffrey Starns, a senior planner for the city who is credited for developing the ordinance. "It lays out how applications will be processed, how the commission will review the applications and other parts of the program."

Members of the commission will be nominated at the last City Council meeting in February. After the group is established, it will meet quarterly or more frequently if needed. The Historical Society board will also have the opportunity to nominate one nonvoting member.

The city is also requesting proposals from consultants to develop the city's historical context, a study of the area and possible historic landmarks (single properties) or districts (neighborhoods). The process should take about a year, Starns said.

Mayor James Bozajian commended the team that put together the near30 page ordinance after months of planning.

"Some people worked very hard on this, especially Geoff Starns," Bozajian said. "It's really been a wonderful effort, a trailblazing effort by him."

- Joann Groff