Historic District Seeks to Expand Protected Period for Bungalow Heaven

The Pasadena Historic Preservation Commission will consider significant amendments to the Bungalow Heaven Conservation Plan following a year-long review process that could substantially expand the historic District’s protected period and establish its first formal inventory of contributing properties.

Initiated by the Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood Association in November 2023, the proposed changes would extend the District’s period of significance from “the turn of the century through the 1930s” to a more precisely defined timeframe of 1885 to 1956, capturing “the last significant wave of development for the District.”

The amendments would create the District’s first comprehensive inventory of contributing and non-contributing properties while updating the conservation plan to align with the City’s 2021 Historic Preservation Ordinance revision and the District’s 2004 expansion.

If approved, these changes could affect how exterior modifications visible from the street are reviewed through the Certificate of Appropriateness process.

“The proposed amendments are consistent with the purposes of Pasadena Municipal Code Section 17.62.070.H and in conformance with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan,” states the City’s staff report, noting the changes “will further ensure protection of all of the resources that make up the Bungalow Heaven Landmark District.”

Following an informational meeting for property owners in June 2024 and the denial of two resident appeals in October, the proposal has advanced to formal review. The Commission must determine whether the amendments meet three key criteria: consistency with chapter purposes, conformance with General Plan goals, and no detriment to public interest or welfare.

The special public meeting will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Washington Park Community House at 700 E. Washington Blvd.

Residents can submit public comments to commentsHPC@cityofpasadena.net prior to the meeting.

Language translation services are available with 72-hour notice by calling (626) 744-7135, and accessibility accommodations can be arranged through Michi Takeda at mtakeda@cityofpasadena.net.

The Design Guidelines for Historic Districts will continue to apply to all projects in the area, with different standards for contributing and non-contributing structures. Complete documentation is available for public review on the City’s historic preservation commission website.

If approved by the Commission, the amendments will proceed to the City Council for final consideration.