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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
FROM: PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: HISTORIC PRESERVATION POLICY DISCUSSION
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): NO ITEM # 15
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
REQUESTED ACTION:
That the City Council, by Motion, provide direction to staff regarding potential changes to historic preservation policy, including recommended options for possible amendments to the Anaheim Municipal Code (AMC) and/or related historic preservation policies and guidelines.
DISCUSSION:
On August 12, 2025, Council Member Rubalcava requested to agendize Historic Preservation policy for discussion, in response to several challenges identified by the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) regarding the City's current tools for protecting historic resources and districts.
In general, the topics raised by HPC relate to the following: 1) compatibility of new construction and alterations within historic districts; 2) level of protection afforded to historic resources from demolition; 3) the need for clear and predictable standards for owners of historic properties; and 4) the composition and authority of a body to provide oversight of historic preservation matters.
Staff has conducted a preliminary review of the topics raised by the HPC. While existing regulations and planning tools already address some of the identified concerns, other areas may warrant further consideration or refinement. Staff will provide a menu of potential options for City Council consideration and direction.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Current costs are included in the Planning and Building Department’s FY 2026/27 General Fund budget. To the extent costs exceed budgeted amounts, spending priorities will be evaluated as part of the budget cycle.
Historic Preservation Policy Discussion
September 29, 2026
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Allen
Director of Planning and Building