AgdaPkt 2019-12-16 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

7.B. - Page 2 of 22 designation process involves the evaluation of the application and an architectural historian's report analyzing the City's historic designation criteria listed in Section 40.6 of the Redwood City Municipal Code: A. It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's cultural, aesthetic or architectural history; or B. It is identified with persons or events significant in local, State or national history; or C. It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or D. It is representative of the notable work of a builder, designer or architect. Properties designated as historic landmarks are protected from demolition, alteration, removal, or relocation unless reviewed and recommended by the HRAC and then approved by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. Chapter 40 does not prevent legally permitted and reasonable use(s) of properties designated as historic landmarks, and it allows for ordinary maintenance and repair so long as the work does not involve a change in the design, material or external appearance of the property. The historic evaluation for 891 Edgewood Road (Link) considers this residence individually eligible for Redwood City historic designation under Criteria B, C, and D as listed above. The home was built in 1933, and is considered an outstanding example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style (Criteria Q. The report concludes that the majority of the exterior and interior features are evocative of this architectural style. In addition to the design, the home was built and resided in by August J. Fromm who was the builder, owner, and manager of the Sequoia Hotel in downtown Redwood City (Criteria B). Lastly, the home was designed by Chester H. Treichel, a prominent Bay Area architect known for residential design in the 1930s (Criteria D). MILLS ACT CONTRACT Historic Property Preservation Contracts, which are also known as "Mills Act" contracts, are considered by numerous local governmental agencies and preservationists throughout California as one of the most beneficial historic preservation incentives available today. Mills Act contracts provide for yearly property tax savings for the owner that can be channeled towards the long-term maintenance of a property. The City's Mills Act program was adopted by the City Council in 1990, and to date the City has granted 29 Mills Act contracts. The minimum duration for Mills Act Contracts is 10 years. One additional year is automatically added to the contract term each year unless the City and/or property owner elect to not renew, and the contract transfers in the event the property is sold to another party. Once approved, each contract is recorded against the title of the subject property and the information forwarded to the County Assessor's office. The initial Mills Act Contract includes a 10 -year schedule of proposed maintenance and improvements. Each of the homeowners have submitted a 10 -year plan for each property which is located within the contracts. Once granted a Mills Act Contract, a property owner may save as much as 40%-60% of the individual assessed tax valuation of the property. Since the City collects less than 20% of the 1% of the assessed value of the property, an estimated loss of revenue to the City for a property valuated at $1,000,000 would be approximately $800 to $1,200 per year. Page 2 of 4 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 403