City Council

15. APPROVE THE DESIGNATION OF THE RETAINING WALL AT 333, 353, AND 375 ANITA DRIVE AS A LANDMARK (Planning Dept.) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council: (1) Find that the designation of a historic resource is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15308, Class 8 of the CEQA Guidelines pertaining to Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; (2) Find that the front property line retaining wall at 333, 353 and 375 Anita Drive meets Criterion C as a landmark pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) Section 17.62.040.D.2.c because it possesses artistic values of significance to the City. The front property line retaining wall that extends across three properties is a unique and highly crafted landscape feature that references the original Tudor Revival design of the house at 353 Anita Drive (which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places) and demarcates the likely extent of the original property’s frontage along Anita Drive; (3) Adopt a resolution approving a Declaration of Landmark Designation for the retaining wall fronting 333, 353 and 375 Anita Drive, Pasadena, California; (4) Authorize the Mayor to execute a Declaration of Landmark Designation for the retaining wall fronting 333, 353 and 375 Anita Drive, Pasadena, California; and (5) Direct the City Clerk to record the declaration with the Los Angeles County Recorder. Recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission: On July 15, 2025, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the City Council approve the designation of the retaining wall fronting 333, 353 and 375 Anita Drive as a Landmark under Criterion C of PMC Section 17.62.040.