Easy fixes to historic ordinance

But two flaws in Section 27.66.070(b) need to be fixed. Both are fair to those who favor historic designation and those who oppose it.

I’m not writing this for Glazenwood. Our historic district is already in place. I’m writing this for the next neighborhood that organizes honestly and loses on a technicality.

Flaw 1: Certified mail is the only accepted method of consent.

This spring, Glazenwood homeowners achieved 83% owner consent through neighbor-to-neighbor organizing and direct petition — the method that actually works.

Under the ordinance just adopted, that effort would not have counted. Petition signatures are the standard for ballot initiatives and recall efforts — processes where the stakes are far higher.

A petition works both ways — for those who want designation and for those who don’t.

Certified mail fails predictably: the carrier arrives when no one is home, the notice gets lost, the owner is traveling or elderly. That failure counts as a no. The fix: accept petition, certified mail and online submission as equally valid.

Flaw 2: The 60% threshold is a supermajority no other city decision requires.

Zoning, assessments, redevelopment, even winning a council seat — all move on a simple majority. Measure T passed on a simple majority.

Fifty-one percent simply aligns historic preservation with every other democratic decision in San Mateo.

Two flaws. Two easy fixes. Fair to both sides.

Doug D’Anna

San Mateo