DATE: October 13, 2026
CATEGORY: Consent
DEPT.: Community Development
TITLE: Historic Preservation Ordinance and
Zoning Map Amendment (Second
Reading)
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt an Ordinance of the City of Mountain View Amending Chapter 36 (Zoning) of the Mountain View City Code to Update Standards and Procedures Related to the Designation and Preservation of Historic Resources and Finding that the Amendments Are Exempt from Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act, Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, as Recommended by the Environmental Planning Commission, to be read in title only, further reading waived (Attachment 1 to the Council report). (First reading: 7-0)
2. Adopt an Ordinance of the City of Mountain View Amending the Zoning Map to Exclude Properties Designated on the Mountain View Register of Historic Resources Prior to January 1, 2025 from Government Code Section 65912.157 (Senate Bill 79) and Finding that the Amendments Are Exempt from Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act, Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as Recommended by the Environmental Planning Commission, to be read in title only, further reading waived (Attachment 2 to the Council report). (First reading: 7-0)
SUMMARY
On September 22, 2026, the City Council introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 36 (Zoning) of the City Code. The Ordinance will, among other provisions, improve the City’s standards and procedures for the designation and de-listing of historic resources, identify levels of review for physical modifications to historic resources, and provide information on benefits available to owners of historic resources. This Ordinance is the culmination of outreach, analysis, and review of best practices. The Ordinance also incorporates Council direction received at the public hearing, including a revision to allow the formation of historic districts only within the geographic area bounded by California Street, Hope Street, Evelyn Avenue, and Bryant Street, and to reduce the enforcement penalty period for violations from 15 years to five years.
Historic Preservation Ordinance and Zoning Map Amendment (Second Reading) October 13, 2026
On September 22, 2026, the Council also introduced an ordinance amending the Zoning Map to exclude properties designated on the Mountain View Register of Historic Resources (“MV Register”) prior to January 1, 2025, from Government Code Section 65912.157 (Senate Bill 79).
This is a second reading and final adoption of the ordinances. If adopted, the ordinances will be effective on November 12, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the proposed ordinances is not expected to result in a significant immediate fiscal impact. Implementation of the updated Historic Preservation Ordinance may result in additional administrative costs associated with maintaining the MV Register and administering the City’s historic preservation program.
The overall future fiscal impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time because it will depend on the number of property owners who seek Mills Act contracts or other incentives, as well as future Council actions regarding historic preservation incentives and properties included on the MV Register.
LEVINE ACT
California Government Code Section 84308 (also known as the Levine Act) prohibits city officials from participating in any proceeding involving a “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” if the official has received a campaign contribution exceeding $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant within the last 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-toplay-limits-and-prohibitions.html Please see below for information about whether the recommended action for this agenda item is subject to or exempt from the Levine Act.
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
☒ General policy and legislative actions
Historic Preservation Ordinance and Zoning Map Amendment (Second Reading) October 13, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICING
The City Council’s agenda is advertised on Channel 26, and the agenda and this Council report appear on the City’s website. The ordinance was published at least two days prior to adoption in accordance with City Charter Section 522.
Prepared by:
Elaheh Kerachian
Senior Planner
Eric Anderson
Planning Manager
Amber Blizinski
Assistant Community Development Director
Approved by:
Christian Murdock
Community Development Director
Audrey D. Seymour
Assistant City Manager
Attachments: 1. Zoning Code Amendment Ordinance
2. Zoning Map Amendment Ordinance