Sonoma Municipal Code Ch. 2.60 Historic Preservation Commission

The purpose of the historic preservation commission shall be to protect the architectural heritage of Sonoma, identify and preserve significant historic resources, enhance the visual character of the built environment, and promote excellence in town design and architecture in accordance with this chapter and other applicable provisions of the Sonoma Municipal Code. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 06-2013 §§ 1 (Exh. A), 3, 2013; amended during June 2011 supplement; Ord. 96-2 § 1, 1996).

The historic preservation commission shall consist of seven voting members who are at least 18 years of age. All members shall be appointed and hold office in accordance with Chapter 2.40 SMC and rules and procedures established by city council resolution. Each council member will directly appoint one voting member who shall be a resident of the city. The remaining voting members will be referred to as-large members and at least one shall be a resident of Sonoma Valley, as defined by the council commission and committee appointment policy. The members of the commission shall include persons who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience or knowledge in the following areas: historic preservation, cultural geography, or other historic preservation-related discipline; architecture and architectural history; prehistoric and historic archaeology; urban planning; landscape architecture; or related disciplines, to the extent such persons are available in the community. All members must have demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the cultural heritage of the city. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 01-2024 § 6, 2024; Ord. 10-2022 § 5, 2022; Ord. 02-2018 § 4, 2018; Ord. 05-2017 § 6, 2017; Ord. 06-2013 §§ 1 (Exh. A), 3, 2013; amended during June 2011 supplement; Ord. 2001-3 § 1, 2001; Ord. 96-2 § 1, 1996).

The historic preservation commission shall have the following responsibilities:

A. Exercise the authority set forth in this chapter and as otherwise provided in the municipal code.

B. Recommend to the city council policies and programs in support of historic preservation including but not limited to goals and policies for the general plan and other regulatory plans as well as programs for historic preservation incentives.

C. Review and make recommendation to the State Office of Historic Preservation regarding nominations of property located within the city to the National Register of Historic Places.

D. Perform the duties pursuant to the certified local government provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This shall include undertaking review and comment upon those projects on which the city as a certified local government has an obligation or opportunity to provide review and comment under the National Historic Preservation Act including but not limited to private and public projects undertaken within the Sonoma Plaza National Landmark District, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the municipal code.

E. Administer the nomination, designation, and registry of local historic resources and districts as set forth in SMC 19.42.020.

F. Develop and administer historic preservation plans, historic resource inventories, context statements, design guidelines and other information, plans and procedures related to historic preservation.

G. Implement the applicable provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act pertaining to historic and cultural resources, consistent with its authority under the provisions of Chapter 19.54 SMC.

H. Repealed by Ord. 11-2025.

I. Repealed by Ord. 11-2025.

J. Conduct sign review in accordance with the provisions of SMC Title 18.

K. Consult with, advise, and report to the city council on a regular basis in connection with the exercise of the commission’s duties and functions.

The above-listed duties and functions shall be performed in compliance with SMC 19.52.020 (Authority for land use and zoning decisions), SMC 19.52.060, Table 5-1 (Review Authority for Planning Permits), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as applicable. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 05-2023 § 1(A), 2023; Ord. 06-2013 §§ 1 (Exh. A), 3, 2013; amended during June 2011 supplement; Ord. 96-2 § 1, 1996).

The city council shall review the duties, responsibilities and effectiveness of the historic preservation commission on an annual basis commencing one year from the effective date of this section. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 06-2013 §§ 1 (Exh. A), 3, 2013; amended during June 2011 supplement; Ord. 96-2 § 1, 1996).