Sedona commission reviews two landmark applications, staff says 8 firms responded to survey RFP

The Sedona Historic Preservation Commission on Monday reviewed two new applications for historic landmark status and discussed how the applications will be processed alongside a planned update to the city’s historic resource survey.

Carrie, a city preservation staff member, told the commission that the meeting was "not the public hearing to decide on whether they become a landmark or not" and that the two applications — for 775 Back of Beyond Road and 20 Pinewood Drive — would likely be tied into the consultant-led survey update so a single firm would use consistent standards to evaluate both properties.

"The RFP for the historic resource survey closed last week. We have 8 responses," Carrie said, noting procurement would first confirm responsiveness before staff and a small review panel rank proposals and recommend a consultant.

Under the city’s process, Carrie said, applicants must complete a citizen-notification step: the city provides mailing labels and the applicant sends notices to neighbors; a sign is posted on the property and the full application packet is available on the city website. "A notice that's sent to, the notification radius is 600 feet," she said. After the consultant completes surveys, staff will prepare a report and bring the applications back to the commission for a noticed public hearing where the commission may approve, deny, or continue each application.

Commissioners recommended scheduling field visits so members could see the properties before a hearing. Commissioners also discussed details of the Pinewood Drive application: the paperwork lists a late-1950s construction period with a 1959 build date and a 0.4-acre lot, and commissioners said prior staff review had not found conclusive evidence that the house represented a Howard Madol design. One commissioner asked staff to confirm ownership details for the Back of Beyond property because the owners appear to hold the property in a trust; Carrie said staff could assist in contacting the attorney listed on trust documents or coordinate with the city attorney if needed.

Tony Allender, the city’s Community Development Director, called the eight responses "pretty extraordinary" and said the selection process includes qualifications-based criteria so cost is a low-weighted factor in consultant selection.

Commissioner Feeney volunteered to serve on the online proposal review panel, which staff said would involve scoring respondents through the city’s procurement portal during a two-to-three-week review period. Commissioners asked whether particular consultants had applied; staff said procurement had not yet released respondent names and that the list was not available in a public forum.

Staff added that, once the consultant is chosen and surveys are completed, the commission will receive packets and notices at least 15 days before any public hearing. The commission scheduled a follow-up meeting for Monday, April 13 and agreed to continue documenting possible landmarks and arrange site visits before the formal hearings.

No formal motions or votes on designation occurred at the meeting; staff described next procedural steps and timelines.