Historic-Site Bill by Pasadena’s Harabedian Clears Legislature, Awaits Newsom Decision

The California Legislature has given final approval to AB 2576, a measure by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) that would widen the historic-site exclusions cities may claim under SB 79 (Wiener), the state’s transit-oriented housing law.

The Senate passed it 38-0 on Aug. 19 and the Assembly concurred in the Senate’s amendments 76-0 the next day, sending the bill to engrossing and enrolling. Six Metro A Line stations sit among more than 100 designated local landmarks and roughly 130 National Register properties in Pasadena.

AB 2576 amends Section 65912.161 of the Government Code. Existing law lets a city adopt an ordinance excluding sites with a historic resource on a local register designated before Jan. 1, 2025.

As amended June 15, the bill adds contributing sites within historic districts on the State Historic Resources Inventory and parcels individually listed there, designated before that same date. It was amended again Aug. 10. The separate limit capping historic exclusions at 10 percent of a transit-oriented development zone under a local alternative plan is unchanged.

“Across my district and throughout the state, there are countless cities and counties scrambling to comply with SB 79 while protecting the historic assets that put their communities on the map,” Harabedian said in a statement. He called it a bill that “focuses on the reality of our housing shortage while acknowledging the need for more time to prevent the loss of these tremendous contributors to our cultural heritage.”

Harabedian’s office said the measure gives local governments more time to protect historic resources while increased density is planned, and that inventory-listed properties would become eligible for protection.

Pasadena’s Planning Commission voted 5-1 on May 13 to recommend a delayed-effectuation ordinance, and the City Council gave first reading 5-0 on June 8 with three members recused.

SB 79 took effect July 1. The bill now awaits action by the governor.