AgdaPkt 2002-10-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Several property owners (approximately 50% of the owners attended the Mamh 2002 meeting, no opposition was received) posed questions to the HRAC as well as to the Califomia SHPO staff (who also participated in the presentation) about the impact and benefits of a district designation. These have been summarized below: Benefits: · Use of State Historic Building Code gives more flexibility for building permits; · Eligibility for Tax Incentives (for significant rehabilitation); · Eligibility for Property Tax relief (Mills Act/preservation agreement Contracts); · Revitalization along a consistent theme; · Avoidance of inappropriate additions/remodels; · Free design consultation and access to appropriate documentation, references and resources; and, · Better protection of "non-conforming" properties (i.e., which do not meet current Zoning and Building Codes). Most historic properties are built out to a density and lot coverage which is well above what the zoning codes would currently allow; There are other reasons why these pamels could not be developed as intensively as they are today, which includes parking requirements and Fire Codes. However, as long as these buildings keep their historic designation, they have a stronger reason of having their non-conformance "grand-fathered-in." Perceived Negative Impacts: · Unwanted Encumbrance on title of property by. Government; · Extra design review step for exterior remodels and demolitions; and, · More delays in processing changes, loss of freedom '~o do what I want to the property." The enclosed article shows that Historic District designations, particularly in the context of older Downtowns (undergoing significant revitalization), are a plus to owners affected by the designation. Alternative Deny or modify the Planning Commission/HRAC recommendation to designate the recommended eight properties as the "Main Street Historic District." Fiscal Impact No specific fiscal impact on staff is ~(~ticip~t'~d if the proposed district is designated. _ Charl~s~Jaj~y Bruce [Jedstrand Ed Everett - b Principal Planner & HRAC Liaison Community Development Director City Manage CJ:js attachments: 1. District Map 2. Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (summary) 3. Planning Commission staff report and minutes, meeting of September 17, 2002 4. Attached information booklet cover 5. Article on Historic District designations * Properties already part of an existing Historical Commercial District.