San Mateo rewrites its historic preservation rules and wants residents at the table

San Mateo, California – The City of San Mateo is making big changes to its historic preservation framework and is asking locals to help out by attending a virtual public discussion later this month. The online meeting will be on Wednesday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m. It will be on proposed changes that could affect how the city finds, evaluates, and protects historic sites.

City employees will show off San Mateo’s first-ever citywide Historic Context Statement and a new version of the Historic Preservation Ordinance at the session. These documents are meant to work together to make historic policy clearer and make sure that preservation activities fit with the bigger goals of the General Plan 2040. During a live question-and-answer session, participants will be able to look over the draft documents, discover how they can affect future planning decisions, and ask questions.

City officials believe that interest in preserving historic sites has grown in recent years. People in the community want more openness and participation in how historic sites are identified and protected. The city is also trying to balance its goals for preservation with other important requirements, such as housing construction.

The new policy attempts to be more inclusive and set clearer standards that are in line with San Mateo’s changing character and values.

The workshop on January 21 is the first significant opportunity for the public to give their thoughts, but it won’t be the last. On Monday, January 26, at 7 p.m., the City Council will hold a Study Session. During this time, council members will get an update on the policy effort, hear from the community, and give feedback on the draft documents.

In March and April, there will be further outreach and official public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council.

Read also: San Mateo residents encouraged to weigh in on proposed zoning updates at January 15 online meeting

As part of the larger effort to get people involved, locals are also asked to add stories, images, or videos to San Mateo’s Digital Time Capsule that show what the city’s history means to them.

City leaders stress that community involvement will be a key element of making the final policy, making sure that preserving history remains important and responsive to the needs of the people who live in San Mateo.