San Gabriel Passes Updated Historic Preservation Ordinance

San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. Photo by Michael Locke.

Great news for preservation in San Gabriel! Yesterday evening, the City Council passed an updated historic preservation ordinance, putting San Gabriel once again at the forefront of preservation in Los Angeles County. 

San Gabriel’s updated ordinance came out of two-and-a-half years of planning and effort, with technical assistance from the Conservancy. The newly adopted ordinance represents a major overhaul of the city’s pioneering, yet outdated, 1965 ordinance. The updated ordinance will go into effect on September 13, 2017.

One of the most significant updates of the new ordinance is policy language calling for the creation of a Historic Preservation Commission to serve as the City’s dedicated body of historic preservation experts—which San Gabriel has never had. It also prioritizes the creation of a historic context statement and citywide survey of historic resources.

San Gabriel currently has a grade of “B” on our Preservation Report Card. We anticipate their grade to rise in the year ahead, as the City begins to implement or fulfill key aspects of its expanded historic preservation program.

Watch for more information in the coming weeks to learn more about the ordinance and how it can help recognize and protect significant historic places throughout San Gabriel.

Visit our website to learn more about historic preservation in San Gabriel >>