Historic Preservation Commission Update — Goleta City Council, August 18, 2026

Agenda Item B.3

CPMS PRESENTATION
Meeting Date: August 18, 2026
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
SUBMITTED BY: Peter Imhof, Planning and Environmental Review Director PREPARED BY: Lisa Prasse, Current Planning Manager
Darryl Mimick, Supervising Planner
SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Commission Update
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a presentation on Historic Preservation Commission activities.

BACKGROUND:

When the General Plan was adopted in 2006, General Plan Implementational Measure VH-IA-4 stipulated the creation of an advisory body to promote and assist in the preservation of Goleta’s heritage and historical resources. The creation of the City of Goleta’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) occurred in 2022 as part of the adopted Historic Preservation Ordinance No. 22-05. The HPC serves as a key advisory body, tasked with ensuring that the community’s historical and cultural resources are thoughtfully considered during the development review process.

The first HPC meeting occurred on Feb. 22, 2023. The HPC is currently com prised of seven diverse community members, with either professional expertise or personal interest in architecture, art and architectural history, archaeology, local Chumash history, etc.

Goleta’s historical development and its historic resources were shap ed by its early agricultural roots and the emergence of significant industrial sectors , such as oil and aerospace. Historically significant structures in the area were built across five primary periods:

1. Rancho Period (1821 –1865), which focused on cattle r anching and provided the foundation for the region's agricultural character.

2. Late 19th/Early 20th Century (1866 –1918), characterized by the subdivision of ranchos into farms for crops, such as lemons and walnuts, and the founding of the towns of La Patera and La Goleta.

3. Interwar Period (1919 –1940), during which Goleta became a booming citrus producer and oil town and saw the development of its airport. 1 Meeting Date: August 18, 2026

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4. World War II (1941–1945), which brought the construction of military facilities and related infrastructure.

5. Post-World War II era (1946 –1969), a period of rapid transformation into a major industrial zone and residential area anchored by the aerospace industry.

The Historic Resources Inventory ( HRI), as required b y the Historic Preservation Ordinance, was adopted by Resolution No. 22 -10 and expanded by Resolution No. 22- 25 to add features at 290 Ellwood Canyon Road and at Bishop Ranch. The HRI currently contains 29 properties, of which seven (7) properties are also designated City Landmarks.

A historic resource is an officially recognized historic property, while a City Landmark is a historic resource that has been singled out as a significant resource that is especially important to the City’s past. The link to the HRI can be found here:
https://www.cityofgoleta.org/home/showpublisheddocument/27390/6379997260934700 00 DISCUSSION:

Role of the HPC
The central purpose of the HPC is to safeguard the historical assets that define Goleta’s identity. This includes identifying and evaluating properties of historical significance, maintaining the HRI, and reviewing development proposals that may affect designated or potentially eligible historic resources. Through these responsibilities, the HPC ensures that the City’s past remains visible and relevant, even as new projects reshape the built environment. Importantly, the HPC operates in an advisory capacity, i.e., without direct approval authority itself, as stated in Chapter 17.33 of the Goleta Municipal Code (GMC), providing recommendations that inform decision-making by other City bodies, such as the Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and City Council. This structure allows preservation considerations to be incorporated into planning processes without imposing rigid or inflexible process constraints.

The HPC has met 15 times in the past three (3) years on various organization al and educational topics and project -level review. The HPC has reviewed five (5) projects, ranging from small -scale property modificati ons to larger development efforts. The projects the HPC has reviewed and for which it has provided recommendations include the Barnsdall Rio Grande Gas Station Adaptive Re -Use project, SB Humane and Beck House Alterations, Goleta Community Center ADA Alterations, Stow Grove Caretaker Cottage, and Fairview Gardens Farmhouse Alterations.

The HPC’s project reviews focus on ensuring that proposed alterations/rehabilitations on identified historical resources and City landmarks are compatible with their his torical context. This review may include evaluating architectural features, materials, and design elements, as well as considering the broader setting of a property within its neighborhood.

In many cases, the HPC’s recommendations result in modifications t hat enhance the overall quality and cohesion of development projects. Rather than preventing change, the 2 Meeting Date: August 18, 2026

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HPC often helps guide it in a way that respects the City’s heritage. This collaborative approach contributes to better outcomes for both developers and the community.

Another important aspect of HPC’s work is its ability to operate within the broader regulatory framework of the City without becoming overly restrictive. By focusing on guidance rather than enforcement, the HPC fosters a cooperative relatio nship with applicants. This approach not only improves compliance but also encourages creative solutions that align with preservation goals. In many cases, the result is development that is both functional and aesthetically consistent with the City’s historical character.

While the HPC oversees the architectural assets included on the HRI, Chumash history and archaeological resources are managed through a separate, culturally sensitive framework outlined in Chapter 17.43 of the GMC . This framework includes engaging in tribal consultation requirements pursuant to Assembly Bill 52 and Senate Bill 18, requirements for cultural resource studies where ground disturbance will occur in native soils, and development standards regarding archaeological and tribal cult ural resource monitoring.

Future Opportunities for HPC
Since there are a small number of properties on the HRI and a minimal number of projects affecting those properties, the amount of work that is likely to come before the HPC is limited. However, there are additional tasks/projects that would expand HPC workload if the City Council felt these items warranted being added to the PER Work Program in future years.

One potential task for the HPC would be to facilitate outreach and education to the community for the purpose of encouraging property owners to engage in the preservation process. The actual cost and scope of this task would need to be determined.

Another potential task that the HPC could participate in would be expanding the HRI , if the City Council felt this project was necessary . On December 14, 2020, the Planning Commission reviewed the initial draft of the HRI , which proposed 55 properties to be included on the Inventory. In response to concerns raised by the Planning Commissi on and the public regarding the scope of the list, the HRI was refined through the review process to focus on the most representative properties of the time periods and/or architectural styles identified in the Context Statement. Some of the properties rem oved from the initial draft HRI were not fully visible from the public right -of-way, as a result a complete assessment of their character defining features was not able to be made; others may not represent unique or excellent examples of their time period; and some properties have been altered. It was noted that removal from the initial HRI would not preclude a property from being added in the future. Attachment 2 includes a copy of the initial draft HRI for reference.

Although some interest has been expressed in adding new properties to the HRI, there have been no formal applications submitted by property owners in Goleta to date. Th e lack of applications suggests that the cost associated with the preparation of the 3 Meeting Date: August 18, 2026

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documentation to support listing and pay ing the City’s application review fees may be a hinderance and/or lack of information about the designation process in the community etc. If the City Council is interested in revisiting the initial list of potential historic resources for inclusion on the HRI, this project would involve time and resources that the City Council would have to weigh against other City priorities and funding demands.

Expanding the HRI would more fully capture the diversity of Goleta’s historical resources and would allow the HPC to ensure that such resources are appropriately recognized and considered during development review.

As mentioned above, any changes to the PER Work Program and associated funding needs would be at the discretion of the City Council.

Conclusion
The majority of proposed development in Goleta does not i mpact any historic resource.

In most cases, the HPC does not review new projects, in particular, new housing projects, which proceed without any delays or costs resulting from HPC oversight. The ability of the HPC to carry out its purpose without obstructing housing production reflects a thoughtful balance between preservation and growth. It also reinforces the idea that preservation policies, when implemented effectively, do not have to conflict with oth er policy priorities.

Overall, the HPC is functioning effectively and fulfilling its intended role. Its work demonstrates that historic preservation can be integrated into planning processes in a streamlined way without creating unnecessary costs or delays in the permit process. By maintaining a balanced and pragmatic approach, the HPC helps protect irreplaceable historic resources and community character, while advancing citywide goals, including housing and economic development. Its work helps maintain a sense of place and continuity, which can be especially valuable in a rapidly changing urban environment.

GOLETA STRATEGIC PLAN:

City-Wide Initiative: 2. Support Community Vitality and Enhanced Recreational Opportunities
Strategic Goal : 2.4 Support and implement the General Plan and Housing Element Programs

FISCAL IMPACTS:

While there are no direct fiscal impacts for this presentation, there are limited fiscal impacts accolated with the costs to hold HPC meetings , including commissioners’ stipends. The fees for historical designation and preparation of the historical resource evaluation report and the peer review of the report are the responsibility of the person requesting the designation consideration.

ALTERNATIVES:

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Continue this item for additional information.

LEGAL REVIEW BY: Isaac Rosen, City Attorney

APPROVED BY: Robert Nisbet, City Manager

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Staff Presentation

2. December 14, 2020 Initial Draft Historic Resources Inventory 5 ATTACHMENT 1
Staff Presentation
6 Historic Preservation
Commission Update
August 18, 2026
7 2August 18, 2026, City
Receive a presentation and update on HPC activities
The HPC is a seven-member advisory body with expertise or interest in architecture, art and architectural history, archaeology, and local Chumash history.

Established the policy foundation
(Implementation Measure VH-IA-
4) directing the City to create a
preservation advisory body.
2006 2022 2023
City Council formally created the
Historic Preservation Commission
through the Historic Preservation
Ordinance.

The Commission held its first
meeting on February 22, 2023,
and is now active in the
development review process.
8 Historical Preservation Commission (HPC)
•Purpose
•A key advisory body, tasked with ensuring that the
community
’s historical and cultural resources are
thoughtfully considered as the City evolves.
•Maintains Historic Resources Inventory (HRI).
•Reviews development proposals.
3August 18, 2026, City Council
9 August 18, 2026 City Council 4

BACKGROUND
The Historic Resources Inventory (HRI)
29 PROPERTIES ON THE

CURRENT INVENTORY
Comprised of both individually
significant historic resources and
City Landmarks — resources
singled out as especially important
to Goleta's past.

HOW PROPERTIES WERE ADDED TO THE
I

NAUGURAL HRI
1 Citywide Historic Resources Survey
The City's first comprehensive survey identified
candidate properties.

Application of Eligibility Standards
Reviewed against the National Register of Historic
Places, the California Register of Historical
Resources, and the City's own Ordinance.
3 Historic Context Statement
Used to evaluate properties against Goleta's
documented historical themes and periods.
2 10

D I S C U S S I O N
The HPC advises — it does not have final
approval authority
The HPC identifies and evaluates historic properties, maintains the HRI, and reviews development proposals affecting designated or potentially eligible resources.

HPC Review
Advisory evaluation of
historic compatibility — no
direct approval authority

RECOMMENDATION
Design Review Board
Planning Commission
City Council

REVIEW TYPICALLY EXAMINES
• Architectural features
• Building materials
• Design elements
• Neighborhood setting & context
Result: recommendations often improve project quality and cohesion — guiding change rather than preventing it.

August 18 , 2026 City Council Meeting 5
11 August 18, 2026 City Council 6
Project Reviews
15 HPC meetings
in the past 3 years
4 Featured project
reviews to date
0 Delays to typical
housing projects

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS REVIEWED
Barnsdall Rio Grande Gas
Station Adaptive Re-Use
SB Humane and Beck House
Alterations
Goleta Community Center ADA
Alterations
Fairview Gardens
12 August 18, 2026 City Council 7
Potential Projects/Tasks Opportunities
Acknowledgement
Statement
More
Outreach Expand HRI
13 August 18, 2026 City Council 8
Conclusion
Functioning
Effectively within
the process
Protecting
Designated
Resources
Additional
Tasks could be
assigned
14 9
Discussion and
Questions
15 ATTACHMENT 2
December 14, 2020 Initial Draft Historic Resources Inventory 16 ATTACHMENT 5: POTENTIAL CITY OF GOLETA HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY (excerpted from Historic Context Statement Appendix B)

POTENTIAL CITY OF GOLETA HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY: FOR REVIEW Previously Designated Resources: Recommended for Automatic Designation as City of Goleta Landmarks (alphabetical by address) LINE
NO. PHOTO APN STREET

NUMBER DIR STREET

NAME SUFFIX DATE HISTORIC NAME COMMON NAME PREVIOUS

DESIGNATION/EVALUATION RECOMMENDATION
1 077-020-045 96 Glen Annie Rd c. 1860 Corona del Mar Bishop Ranch Santa Barbara County Place of Historic Merit
City of Goleta Landmark #1
2 071-330-009 5490 Hollister Ave 1880 Sexton, Joseph and Lucy Foster House
Santa Barbara County Landmark
#14; listed in the National Register
of Historic Places
City of Goleta Landmark #2
3 079-210-059 7825 Hollister Ave 1927 Barnsdall-Rio Grande Gasoline Station
Barnsdall-Rio Grande Gas Station Santa Barbara County Landmark #29
City of Goleta Landmark #3
1 17
2 Previously Designated Resources: Recommended for Automatic Designation as City of Goleta Landmarks (alphabetical by address) LINE
NO. PHOTO APN STREET

NUMBER DIR STREET

NAME SUFFIX DATE HISTORIC NAME COMMON NAME PREVIOUS

DESIGNATION/EVALUATION RECOMMENDATION
4 073-010-005 26 S La Patera Ln 1944 Shrode Produce Co. (Goleta Tomato Packing House); Goleta
Lemon Association packing house
Shrode Produce Company Santa Barbara County Landmark
#40 [partially demolished]1
City of Goleta Landmark #4
5 073-050-034 33 S La Patera Ln 1850 Daniel Hill Adobe Santa Barbara County Place of Historic Merit
City of Goleta Landmark # 5
6 077-160-057 304 N Los Carneros Rd 1872; 1880 Stow House; Stow Ranch; Rancho La Patera
Stow House; Sexton Museum;
Stow Ranch Outbuildings; Lake
Los Carneros Park
Santa Barbara County Landmark
#6; National Register of Historic
Places
City of Goleta Landmark # 6
7 077-210-059 300 N Los Carneros Rd 1901 Goleta Train Depot Goleta Train Depot; South Coast Railroad Museum
Santa Barbara County Landmark
#22; listed in the National Register
of Historic Places
City of Goleta Landmark # 7

1 The Shrode Produce Company Building was designated by the County of Santa Barbara in 1998. It was partially demolished in 2001; the west end of the building was retained and relocated on the site.

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