Proposed unreasonably burdensome changes to the Landmark Preservation ordinance effectively denying well-deserving buildings protected status by unjustly claiming landmark applications are frivolous.
Details
During the November 10, 2025 Council meeting, proposals were made to increase the number of resident signatures previously required to initiate a landmark designation by up to 4-fold, from 50 to 200, and require over half of the residents who live within 300 feet of the property sign the landmarking petition. An alternate proposal instead just increased the number of resident signatures 8-fold, to 400. The changes appear to be retaliatory toward three projects the council deemed unworthy of landmarking status, even though the normal procedures worked as they should in denying the requests. The additional burden on requestors, however, make it more likely that landmark-worthy properties will be demolished.
In a letter to the City Council, the Bay Area Architectural Association (BAHA) emphasizes that changes that are presented as minor refinements deeply undermine public participation in historic preservation in Berkeley and are severely inequitable to the denser areas of West and South Berkeley.