Public Amenities Commission approves Garnett Historic District designation for four homes

The Redondo Beach Public Amenities Commission on Feb. 11 approved a resolution designating four properties on Garnett Street as the Garnett Historic District. The commission's action covers 501, 505, 509 and 511 Garnett Street and follows a staff recommendation that emphasized the properties' Craftsman and California bungalow features and historic context.

John Ciampa, senior planner for the City of Redondo Beach, described the four houses as representative of early 20th-century development, noting construction dates from 1913 to 1920, original wood windows, front gabled roofs and prominent porches. Ciampa told the commission the homes are listed on the city's landmarks list and participate in the Mills Act program. He said staff recommended designation and that the request be considered exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Supporters from the Garnett block urged approval at the public hearing. Laura Martinez, who said she lives at 511 Garnett, thanked staff and said, “We love our neighborhood. We love the character, so we really hope you seriously consider it and vote yes.” Jeff Monsuno, a nearby resident and former preservation commissioner, told the commission he would encourage future expansion of the district and emphasized that designation need not prevent reasonable home improvements.

Commission discussion focused on the city's historic-survey process and owner consent. Staff explained that a 1986 survey that had used "C" grades is no longer the city's sole regulatory source and that, under current practice, only higher-rated resources are automatically subject to preservation-ordinance provisions; the commission and staff spoke about pursuing outreach so designations proceed with homeowner buy-in.

The commission approved the resolution by recorded vote with multiple yes votes and one abstention; one commissioner had earlier disclosed multiple contacts with residents and indicated they would abstain from the vote. Staff will finalize the written resolution and record the designation under Chapter 4, Title 10 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code.

Next steps: staff will finalize the resolution language and follow up on outreach and documentation for the new district.