Continuation of Appeal of a Planning Commission Decision Denying an Appeal of a Historic Preservation Review Commission Decision Denying a Design Review

Summary

SCH Number
2025070110
Public Agency
City of Benicia
Document Title
Continuation of Appeal of a Planning Commission Decision Denying an Appeal of a Historic Preservation Review Commission Decision Denying a Design Review
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/2/2025
Document Description
The property owner (appellant). Steffan Schulz, proposed an after-the-fact design review approval of eleven (1 1) triple-hung vinyl windows, on the front (north) and side (east) facades, on the second story of the building located at 106 West J Street. The structure is designated as a historic resource (landmark) in the Downtown Historic Conservation Plan. Following denial of the design review application by the Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC). and denial of an appeal by the Planning Commission, the property owner filed an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to the City Council. At its regular meeting on April 2, 2024, the City Council reviewed the appeal and conducted a public hearing. There were four public comments in support of granting the appeal. At its regular meeting on July 1, 2025, the City Council conducted a public hearing. Following the public hearing, the Council voted to grant the appeal and overturn the Planning Commission's decision to uphold the HPRC decision to deny the Design Review application for 106 West J Street, after a public hearing and determination that the action is exempt from CEQA. As a result of the City Council granting the appeal, the property owner would need to apply for a building permit for the replaced windows.

Contact Information

Name
Vivien Togonon
Agency Name
City of Benicia
Job Title
Associate Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Cities
Benicia
Counties
Solano
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
First Street and West J Street
Zip
94510
Total Acres
.15
Jobs
1
Parcel #
0089-043-090
State Highways
I-780, I-680, I-80
Railways
Union Pacific Railway
Airports
N/A
Schools
St. Dominic's Catholic School
Waterways
Carquinez Strait, Southampton Bay
Township
2N
Range
3W
Section
0
Base
0
Other Location Info
Mount Diablo Principal Meridian, Benicia Downtown Historic District/Downtown Mixed Use Master Plan Area
Other Information
N/A

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The activity is covered by the "common sense" exemption (Section 15061(b)(3)) that applies only to projects which have no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
County Clerk
Solano

Attachments

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