Reso PC21-12 0099 PC Reso for 1417 Middlefield Rd

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ATTY/RESO.0099/PC RESO FOR 1417 MIDDLEFIELD RD REV: 11-12-2021 JB Page 2 of 16 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Planning Commission finds that the above recitals are accurate and constitute findings in this matter, and with the staff reports, the application materials, development plan, and all other documents, reports, studies, memoranda, maps, oral and written testimony, and materials in the City’s file for the application and the Project, and all adopted City planning documents relating to the Project and the property including the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and other applicable City laws and regulations, have together served as an adequate and appropriate evidentiary basis for the findings and actions set forth in this Resolution. 2. The Planning Commission finds that the project is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines per Section 15301 Class 1(e) (Existing Facilities). Further, under section 15300.2(f), there would be no significant adverse change to the historic resource as the architectural style will be retained and the distinctive materials, features and craftsmanship that characterize the property will be preserved. The Project is harmonious with the existing development and will not adversely impact the character of the existing structure on site. Lastly, the project includes the division of property into less than four parcels in an urbanized area zoned for residential use where no exceptions are required, which is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA Guidelines per Section 15315 (Minor Land Divisions). 3. Permit Approval Criteria. The Planning Commission is able to make the required findings as outlined in the Permit Approval Criteria for historic preservation in the Municipal Code Section 40.10 and approves the permit subject to the Conditions of Approval attached hereto as Exhibit A. Specifically the Planning Commission finds that: A. In the case of any property designated a historic landmark, the proposed work would not detrimentally alter, destroy or adversely affect any exterior architectural feature; or The project includes an addition to a designated historic landmark. The HRE used the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (the Secretary’s Standards) to evaluate the proposed changes and determine if these changes would result in the destruction or detrimental alteration of an exterior architectural feature. The HRE found that features that characterize the Italianate character of the structure, such as the angled bay windows, front-gable roof bays, and segmented arch fenestration would be retained. Additionally, the report found that the proposed demolition of certain features and structures, such as the lean-to sheds and rear stairs, “would not diminish the craftsmanship that characterizes the property,” as the front elevation and the majority of the side elevations would be retained. The HRE also found that the proposed additions would be compatible with the existing historic massing, size, and architectural style of the structure. A peer review of the applicant’s HRE prepared by M-Group (Attachment 4) and dated January 22, 2021 concurred with the findings of the HRE.