Mendocino County's Board of Supervisors made a significant decision regarding the structural integrity of a historical building during their meeting on May 20, 2025. The board upheld a staff recommendation to review a structural engineer's assessment of the site, which has raised concerns about its safety.

Julia Krog, the Planning and Building Services Director, reported that while the building department has not yet visited the site, they have sent the engineer's assessment to the chief building official for further evaluation. The assessment utilized a probing method, which has been deemed appropriate for similar structures. Krog emphasized that more invasive methods, like core sampling, could potentially compromise the building's integrity.

Currently, there have been no complaints regarding the structure, and it has not been deemed unsafe. However, the board acknowledged the building's historical significance, noting its visibility and impact on the community. Supervisor Williams expressed concerns about the potential structural issues and the importance of preserving the building's historical character, despite the applicants' reluctance to pursue costly restoration.

The motion to uphold the staff recommendation passed, with Supervisor Williams dissenting. This decision underscores the county's commitment to balancing safety with the preservation of its historical landmarks. The board plans to reconvene after a brief break to address further agenda items.