The History of the Historic Preservation Commission

In 1995, the City of Monrovia passed the Historic Preservation Ordinance that, among other provisions, established the procedures for creating historic landmarks and historic districts within the city. 

On Sept. 26, 1995, the Historic Preservation Commission met for the first time as the body to administer the ordinance by considering landmark applications (and contracts) by granting Certificates of Appropriateness (requests by to make alterations) and by approving exterior changes to the downtown buildings on Myrtle Avenue. In 1996, it recommended the first landmark request for the 1914 home located at 231 N. Primrose.

Current city councilman Joe Garcia, who is a past president of the and who continues as a strong voice for preservation in the community, was one of several who played a major role in bringing the preservation ordinance to fruition.  As a result, the community has guidelines in place for protecting the vintage structures located within the city.

The commission consists of seven Monrovia citizens appointed by the for a term of three years. Current members are Jimi Hendrix (chair), Donna Baker (vice-chair), Javier Gonzalez-Camarillo, Marianne Lee, David Palomares, Tim Shea and Penny Zuk. Originally, the Commission met once a month, but just over a year ago, they revised their meeting schedule to be quarterly or as needed. 

Even though five of the seven current members belong to MOHPG, the commission members act individually and independently when it comes to making decisions on the best course of action for matters brought before them. Their commitment to protecting the architectural heritage of the town is readily apparent from the probing questions they ask regarding each request. 

Requesting Landmark Status

When a request to landmark a home, to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness or to demolish a pre-1940 structure reaches City Hall, the planning department at City Hall goes to work.

Craig Jimenez, planning division manager, and Ili Lobaco, associate planner, head the effort to prepare a detailed staff report that includes photos and historical information needed by the Commission to render a decision.  These reports are necessary and invaluable tools, but, additionally, Mr. Jimenez and Ms. Lobaco attend the meetings to field further questions from the commission.

At the July 27 meeting, the commission recommended to the City Council the first home to be landmarked in two years.  While the number of landmarked homes has not increased as readily as in the first years the designation became possible, approving landmarks remains one of the most important tasks for the commission to deliberate.

In addition to providing some protection against demolition, landmark status in conjunction with a Mills Act contract can provide tax savings to those who have purchased their home since Proposition 13 was passed by California voters in 1978.

Today, the commission is one of many forces within the city that acts on behalf of the community and those who value the architectural heritage that continues to reinforce Monrovia’s moniker as the “Gem of the Foothills.”

Note:  To view or download the Monrovia preservation ordinance, copy and paste the following URL:

http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/California/monrovia/monroviacaliforniacodeofordinances?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:monrovia_ca

It can be found under Title 17: Zoning (17.40).