Chapter 24.340

HISTORIC DISTRICT (HD) OVERLAY ZONE*

Sections:

• 24.340.010 Chapter Description. 24.340.020 Applicability. 24.340.030 Permitted Uses. 24.340.040 Design Review Required. 24.340.050 Architectural and Developmental Guidelines. 24.340.060 Application Requirements.

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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*** Cross references:** Historic preservation committee, ch. 2.430; historic districts, § 2.430.910 et seq.; historic downtown Ventura parking and business approvement area, ch. 4.310.

Chapter 24.340 establishes the Historic District (“HD”) Overlay Zone to regulate development in areas which may include a landmark or point of interest, or any combination or combinations thereof. This chapter is intended to regulate such areas in order to:

1. Protect against destruction or encroachment upon such areas and structures;

2. Encourage uses which promote the preservation, maintenance or improvement of landmarks and points of interest;

3. Assure that new structures and uses within such areas will be in keeping with the character to be preserved or enhanced;

4. Promote the educational and economic interests of the entire city; and

5. Prevent creation of environmental influences adverse to such purposes. (Code 1971, § 15.440.010)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply within the boundaries of any area that has been designated as an Historic District (HD) Overlay Zone by the city council pursuant to chapter 24.540. Such areas may be designated as “HD” on the official zoning district map. The provisions of this chapter shall apply and be deemed enacted and effective as of April 21, 1977. (Code 1971, § 15.440.020)

All uses permitted by the underlying zone designations within an area prior to its designation as an HD Overlay Zone area shall continue to be permitted, but only to the extent consistent with the provisions of this chapter. (Code 1971, § 15.440.030)

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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Design review approval by the design review committee must be obtained to the extent required by chapter 24.545, unless otherwise specified in the enabling language which creates an Historic District. (Code 1971, § 15.440.040)

Architectural and development guidelines shall be prepared and adopted for each proposed HD Overlay Zone pursuant to this chapter. Uses within an area designated as an HD Overlay Zone must comply with all provisions of such adopted guidelines after the effective date of the area’s designation as an HD Overlay Zone. Guidelines shall include, without limitation, the following provisions:

1. Height. The height of new buildings shall be consistent with, but not strictly limited to, the proportion of existing landmarks or points of interest.

2. Materials. Predominant materials to be used in buildings shall be prescribed.

3. Details. Use of details such as cornices, lentils and arches shall be consistent with existing designs.

4. Elements. Compatible elements such as balconies, porches and chimneys shall be prescribed.

5. Roof. Roof shapes and materials shall reflect the shape, scale and style of the landmarks or points of interest.

6. Grounds. Site planning shall follow the precedents set by most of the buildings on the block, unless the historic preservation commission approves the variation therefrom.

7. Signs. Recommendations regarding appropriate sign programs for the area shall be set forth. (Code 1971, § 15.440.050)

Application to, or recommendation to, the planning commission to initiate a zone change to establish an HD Overlay Zone shall require that the following exhibits be prepared and presented at a public hearing before the historic preservation committee, the planning commission, and the city council:

1. A description of each registered historic place within the proposed HD Overlay Zone including a descriptive text, maps, and photographs of each.

2. A description of the entire area to be included within the boundaries of the HD Overlay Zone with text, maps, and photographs accurately describing and showing existing land uses, the condition of structures, architectural styles, and other matters peculiar to the area which are relevant.

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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3. Proposed architectural and development guidelines in accordance with section 24.340.050. (Code 1971, § 15.440.060)

Applications to establish an HD Overlay Zone initiated by the historic preservation committee or initiated by the planning commission upon receipt of a recommendation from the historic preservation committee to initiate a zone change to establish an HD Overlay Zone, shall be reviewed and considered in accordance with the provisions of chapter 24.540. In order for an application to establish an HD Overlay Zone, or amend the boundaries thereof, to be approved, the proposed HD Overlay Zone shall meet all of the following requirements:

1. May include at least one registered historic place.

2. It shall include sites, buildings and structures in their original setting which have historic or cultural significance to the people of the city.

3. The area designated as an HD Overlay Zone shall be readily distinguishable from other areas of the city because of the historic or cultural attributes of the area. (Code 1971, § 15.440.070)