Council gives first reading to historic‑property code changes, advancing demolition and disclosure rules

On Aug. 4 the Santa Ana City Council approved the first reading of amendments to Chapter 30 of the municipal code governing historic properties, including changes on demolition by neglect and transfer disclosure requirements.

Councilmembers and staff discussed procedural language that would allow certain final decisions to be administrative while preserving appeal rights to the council. The city attorney advised members to consider the evidentiary basis for any future appeals and warned that after a stipulated number of hearings state law could affect the decision timeline.

The first reading passed unanimously (6–0 with one absence). Staff and councilmembers said they would return with final language and consider minor clarifications before final adoption.