Los Altos Municipal Code Ch. 2.12 Historical Commission

A historical commission consisting of five unpaid members, with the following qualifications, shall be appointed by the city council:

A.

One member who, by reason of training and experience, is (1) knowledgeable in the field of construction and structural rehabilitation, such as a licensed architect, engineer or contractor; or (2) social/architectural historian, archeologist and/or urban planner. Such members must either reside or have a place of business within the city; provided, however, with the approval of the city council, any such member who does not maintain an office within the city may reside within the geographic area covered by the 94022 and 94024 U.S. Postal Service zip codes.

B.

Four members appointed at large having demonstrated interest in preservation of the historic resources within the city. Such members must be residents of the city.

C.

The original appointment of members of the commission shall be as provided in Section 2.08.030 of this title.

The term of office of members of the commission shall be as provided in Section 2.08.030 of this title.

(Prior code § 2-8.201)

(Ord. No. 2023-493, § 2, 6-13-2023)

A.

The commission shall elect annually one of its members to serve in the office of chair, and may elect such other officers from among its members as designated in its charter. Should a mid-year vacancy in any office occur, the commission shall elect a replacement officer at the next regular or noticed special meeting to serve until the next annual election of officers.

B.

The city manager, or his/her designee, shall appoint an individual to serve as liaison to each commission. The role of the staff liaison is to assist the commission in carrying out its responsibilities. Duties of the staff liaison shall include attending all meetings of the commission, preparing agendas in collaboration with the chair, ensuring agendas and reports are posted in compliance with state law and city protocols, researching and preparing reports for the commission, as is consistent with the work plan and/or council direction, preparing action minutes for approval by the commission, preparing reports from the commission to the council, serving as the liaison between the commission and other city staff, communicating directions from the city council to the commission, and staying apprised of new laws and city protocols related to their assigned commission or commissions generally.

C.

The historical commission shall meet quarterly, or more frequently upon call of the chair or commission staff liaison, as necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public and a public record shall be kept of all commission proceedings and actions.

A majority of commissioners shall constitute a quorum, with the chair having a vote. The city council shall prescribe rules and regulations for the conduct of its business, thereafter, giving the powers and authority to perform the duties hereinafter enumerated.

(Prior code § 2-8.201)

(Ord. No. 2023-493, § 2, 6-13-2023)

The historical commission shall be advisory only. It shall advise the city council, the planning commission and the agencies and departments of the city. The historical commission shall establish liaison and work in conjunction with such authorities to implement the purposes of this chapter. The historical commission shall have the following powers and duties:

A.

Work with staff to review and make recommendations on changes to the historic resources inventory. To qualify for inclusion in the historic resources inventory, a property must satisfy the criteria listed in this chapter. The inventory shall be publicized and periodically updated, and a copy thereof shall be kept on file in the planning department;

B.

Recommend to the city council specific proposals for designation as an historic landmark or historic district;

C.

Recommend to the appropriate city agencies or departments, projects and action programs for the recognition, conservation, and use of the city's historic resources, including standards to be followed with respect to any applications for permits to construct, change, alter, remodel, remove or otherwise affect such resources;

D.

Review and comment upon existing or proposed ordinances, plans or policies of the city as they relate to historic resources;

E.

Review and comment upon all applications for building demolition involving work to be performed upon or within a designated historic landmark, and all applications for tentative map approval, rezoning, building site approval, use permit, variance approval, design review or other approval pertaining to or significantly affecting any historic resource;

F.

Provide resource information on the restoration, alteration, decoration, landscaping or maintenance of any cultural resource including the landmark, landmark site, historic district, or neighboring property within public view and promote and conduct public information and educational programs pertaining to those resources;

G.

Submit an annual report to the city council providing an update on the additions and deletions from the Historic Resources Inventory;

H.

Perform such other functions as may be delegated to it by resolution or motion of the city council;

I.

Cooperate with the association of the Los Altos historical museum;

J.

Submit an annual work plan to the city council; and

K.

Review and make its recommendation to the planning director on all permit applications pursuant to Article 3, Sections 12.44.100 through 12.44.170.

(Prior code § 2-8.201)

(Ord. No. 2023-493, § 2, 6-13-2023)