The Daily News published two guest opinions on Measure G, the historic preservation ordinance, which is on the March 7 ballot. Below is the opinion in favor of the ordinance. There are essential things which need to be known about why Measure G, the Palo Alto Historic Preservation Ordinance passed by City Council last June, should be passed by voters. Owners can remodel.
Owners can add on.
The whole purpose of those standards is to allow contemporary use of historic properties while maintaining their historic integrity. Interiors are not covered by Measure G . Owner's property rights are expanded through access to benefits such as increased floor area ratio, or FAR, and exemption from flood regulations. All pre-1948 properties have been evaluated. Those not eligible for the National Register can only be added to the Palo Alto Register by owner consent if California Register eligible or by wish of neighborhood majority to form an historic district if properties meet established historic criteria.