Historic Landmarks Commission - September 9, 2026

The Historic Landmarks Commission of the City of Santa Barbara convened on September 9, 2026, to discuss several agenda items including the introduction of lawn replacement objective standards and the project design approval for the adaptive reuse of the former Nordstrom building at 817 State Street. The commission reviewed a proposed plant palette and streamlined process to comply with California's Assembly Bill 1572, which prohibits irrigation of nonfunctional turf grass on certain property types. Commissioners provided feedback on plant selections, maintenance considerations, and the inclusion of palm trees to reflect local character. The commission also considered the design revisions for the mixed-use adaptive reuse project, which includes 112 residential units and commercial space. After detailed discussion on architectural elements such as window depth, balcony details, and courtyard design, the commission voted unanimously to grant project design approval with specific objective conditions and findings. The meeting included public comments supporting the housing project and emphasized the importance of streamlined processes and historic preservation in urban revitalization efforts.