Clarkdale revises historic preservation ordinance amid public concerns about review processes

In a recent council meeting held in Clarkdale, Arizona, officials addressed the implications of a cleanup ordinance related to the town's historic preservation efforts. The meeting, which took place on July 12, 2025, focused on clarifying the roles of the Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission in reviewing design proposals for buildings within the historic district.

The primary discussion centered on the need to amend existing town code to ensure consistency with the newly adopted historic preservation ordinance. The proposed changes would allow the Planning Commission to oversee design reviews for buildings that choose not to participate in the historic preservation program, a shift that raised concerns among some community members.

Resident Mike Lindner voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes, arguing that the original intent of the ordinance was to have the Historic Preservation Commission handle all design reviews within the historic district, regardless of whether property owners opted into the preservation program. Lindner expressed confusion over how the language of the ordinance had changed from earlier discussions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the historic district through specialized oversight.

In response, Town Manager Susan Guthrie explained that the adjustments were made following feedback from property owners who felt they could not be fairly judged by the Historic Preservation Commission. This input led to the inclusion of language that would allow the Planning Commission to take on these reviews, aiming to balance the interests of property owners with the goals of historic preservation.

The council members acknowledged the potential for confusion stemming from the merging of the design review board with the Planning Commission, which may have contributed to misunderstandings about the review process. They reiterated that property owners opting into the historic district would benefit from waived permit fees and other incentives, while those who do not opt in would be subject to the Planning Commission's review.

As the meeting concluded, the council members were tasked with considering the implications of the proposed changes and the community's feedback. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing development interests with the preservation of Clarkdale's historical character, a topic that will likely continue to evolve as the town navigates its growth and heritage preservation efforts.