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88 Page 6 District desiqnation and implications for future applications: The main benefit of a residential historic district designation is the protection of a neighborhood's character through the preservation of its historic structures and sites. Historic Districts also tend to evolve over time, however the physical changes must comply with the following: 1) The Historic Preservation Ordinance: . Significant exterior changes to contributing properties are subject to design review by the HRAC and the Planning Commission. . The historic appropriateness of exterior modifications is governed by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (see enclosed summary of Standards). . Demolition applications first require review and approval by the Planning Commission, subject to recommendations by the HRAC. 2) The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): An additional process is triggered by CEQA regulations in the case of anticipated project impacts on historic properties (Le. applications to demolish a known historic landmark or a major alteration to an original historic building façade). The CEQA evaluation process offers two options: . If the impacts are determined to be significant and unmitigatable, an EIR is required. . Otherwise, mitigation measures are applied using the Secretary of Interiors Standards as a guide. Both the City's historic preservation ordinance and the CEQA evaluation processes may not stop the demolition of an historic resource. However, these additional review steps are designed to provide an open public review process where reasonable and prescribed standards are applied and project alternatives can be considered. Public Input As outlined above in the "Chronological Summary" section, the HRAC held two well-attended neighborhood public input and information meetings on this proposal. The first meeting was held on December 13, 2005 to review the physical qualities of the district and explain the designation process, (as outlined in the historic preservation ordinance), as well as to clarify the benefits and consequences associated with historic district designations. The second public meeting held by the HRAC on February 13, 2006 was designed as a public forum and neighborhood workshop to review local examples of architectural styles and to provide specific recommendations for appropriate restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction and additions to historic resources. Approximately 50 residents/citizens attended the first, and 40 the second of the two HRAC- sponsored neighborhood meetings. Participants posed questions about the benefits and limitations of a district designation which have been summarized below: Benefits: . Use of State Historic Building Code provides more flexibility for building permits; . Eligibility for Property Tax relief (Mills AcUpreservation agreement Contracts); . Revitalization along a consistent theme; . Avoidance of inappropriate additions/remodels; . Free design consultation and access to technical documentation, references and resources.