A pivotal Historic Preservation Ordinance, aimed at safeguarding the distinctive “old town” aesthetic of Orange, California, is currently progressing through the city’s legislative process. This proposed ordinance is designed to establish comprehensive design guidelines for historic properties, offering a framework that encourages preservation while not imposing overly restrictive measures on modernization efforts.
City staff have articulated that the ordinance is intended to serve as a collaborative guideline for managing the city’s historic districts and resources. During a recent public hearing, members of the community expressed overwhelmingly positive support for the ordinance, highlighting its potential to foster historical preservation without infringing on private property rights.
Among the notable historic resources in Orange are three Eichler Historic Districts, which feature charming residential communities constructed in the early 1960s, and the Old Towne Historic District, renowned as the largest historic district in California, boasting over 1,300 vintage buildings. Additionally, the city contains various artifacts and scattered farmhouses that contribute to its rich historical tapestry.
The city maintains a “Historic Resources Inventory” developed through windshield surveys conducted between 1982 and 2010. This inventory assists in tracking historic properties and overseeing applications for alterations and demolitions. The proposed ordinance introduces a new local register to incorporate existing historic resources while also enabling property owners to apply for historical designation.
If a property is granted historic status, owners will be held accountable for its maintenance, addressing issues such as structural instability and deterioration of essential exterior elements. Additionally, the city offers incentives for historic preservation, notably through Mills Act contracts, which provide property tax reductions, renewable annually by the city council. These contracts would span a minimum of 10 years, stipulating that owners maintain their properties in compliance with preservation standards.
Currently, among Orange County’s 34 cities, roughly one-quarter possess mandatory historic preservation ordinances that enforce design guidelines to protect historic structures from significant alterations. The city of Orange is poised to join a select few, such as Costa Mesa and Laguna Beach, that have enacted voluntary historic preservation measures.
A second reading of the Historic Preservation Ordinance is scheduled for November 24, with a council vote anticipated shortly thereafter. Should the ordinance receive approval, it is projected to take effect on December 24. As part of this initiative, the Design Review Committee will be rebranded as the Heritage Commission, which will gain enhanced authority over landmark designations and the review of Mills Act contracts.
This proposed legislative move signifies a proactive step towards preserving Orange’s unique historical character while maintaining a balanced approach to modernization and development. The unfolding of this ordinance is being closely monitored by both residents and city officials as it approaches the decisive stages of approval.
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