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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/11/03 Item 9 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT ~ \ 'f:.. ClIT OF ,3__ CHUIA VISTA NOVEMBER 3, 2009 Item~ ITEM TITLE: HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM STATUS UPDATE DEPUTY CITY MANAG~VELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR ~ CITY MANAGE (j SUBMITTED BY: REVIEWED BY: SUMMARY As requested by the City Council at its October 20, 2009 meeting, this report provides an overview of the status of the draft historic prescrvation program and ordinance, a general discussion of historic districts and overlay zones, and an outline of a city-wide survey work program proposal with the potential costs necessary to accomplish it. 4/5THS VOTE: YES D NO 0 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Environmental Review Coordinator has reviewed the proposcd activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA, Thus, no environmental review is necessary, at this time, Environmental review will be required for the adoption and implementation of the Historic Preservation Program, A CEQA determination will be completed prior to bringing the Historic Preservation Program forward, Subscquent implementation of the Historic Preservation Program may require additional environmental reVIew, RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that Council accept the report ami direct staff on any or all of the sections of the report as the City Council finds necessary, BOARDS/COMiVIISSION RECOMMENDATION Not applicable 9-1 Item No.: q Meeting Date: 11-03-09 Page 2 of 4 DISCUSSION Background In 2007, Council approved a work program that authorized staff to develop a comprehensive Historic Preservation Program (HPP). Consistent with this work program an interim Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) was formed to participate in the development of the HPP. The Advisory Committee commenced its efforts immediately upon approval of City Council. Since that time, staff met with the Advisory Committee approximately twelve times to discuss the framework of the HPP and content for a Historic Preservation Ordinance (HPO). The Advisory Committee completed its base work and provided recommendations in August 2008. Subsequently, because of severe budget constraints and necessary staffing reductions, the historic preservation program was cut from the budget. However, understanding the importance of the historic preservation program, staff has, on a limited basis, pulled resources from other programs to work on development of the HPP and HPO. Historic Preservation Program and Historic Preservation Ordinance status Based on direction from the Advisory Committee, staff developed a draft historic preservation program that is comprised of a Historic Preservation Ordinance and guidelines and procedures that will meet both the policies of the General Plan and the requirements for Certified Local Government status. As noted above, staff has worked on a limited basis to facilitate internal review, including City Attorney review, and production of the draft HPP/HPO is currently expected to conclude December 2009. Upon completion and prior to public consideration, the Advisory Committee would be reconvened to review the final draft product sometime in January 2009. Subsequent to Advisory Committee review, Staff envisions a public review sequence that would include at least two public workshops, presentations to stakeholder groups such as; T A V A , the RAC, RCC, DRB and Planning Commission and a Council workshop on historic preservation and the proposed HPP. Staff anticipates commencing the public review shortly after the first of the year. Dependent upon comments received from the Advisory Committee and other stakeholder groups, staff may reconvene with the Advisory Committee a second time before proceeding to the Planning Commission and Council for final consideration currently anticipated for late Spring 2010. Adoption of the HPP and HPO will provide the necessary foundation and guidance for the conduct of any subsequent historic surveys and the consideration of any historic districts or overlay zones. Historic Districts versus Overlay Zones Historic districts are definable groupings of historical resources that are united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development. Historic districts are formally designated as being significant for a defined reason and mayor may not impose additional development regulations 9-2 Item No.: Meeting Date: 1l-03-09 Page 3 of 4 q within the historic district. A historic overlay zone, on the other hand, is defined as an additional zoning requirement that is placed on a geographical area with the specific purpose of protecting resources through the imposition of additional development restrictions. These development restrictions are placed or "overlaid" over existing zoning and do not change the underlying zone of an area. A distinction can be made between historic districts and historic overlay zones, however the term is often used interchangeably and may be specifically defined by a local jurisdiction. For example, Chula Vista utilizes modifying districts rather than overlay zones to impose special regulations in addition to the basic regulations established by the underlying zone. The Advisory Committee recommended that the draft historic preservation ordinance provide guidelines and process for both the establishment of a historic preservation districts within the City of Chula Vista and a process for the establishment of a modifying district for any specific regulations or requirements desired for that district. However, a historic preservation district may be established without a modifying district being imposed upon it. Staff recommends that any effort to identify and designate historic districts or overlay zones commence after the adoption of the HPP and HPO. Survev Work Program A historical resources survey will help the City evaluate the quantity and type of historical buildings existing in the City and concentrations of historical buildings that may be eligible for designation as historic districts. This inventory of resources will be a significant part of the success of the HPP and will be an important tool for future land use and development decisions, as well. The Advisory Committee recommended that, upon adoption of the HPPIHPO and Council direction, the City initiate a survey work program that would inventory those areas of the City that have never been surveyed and those areas that have the most potential for future development first. Thereafter, those areas that have previously been surveyed can be prioritized and surveyed. Ideally, a historic resources survey would be brought up to date every five years. The Advisory Committee recommended that the City utilize the $25,000 donated by the Chula Vista historic homeowners group and the $5,000 raised by the City for a historical resources survey and that the survey work program commence immediately upon approval of the HPP. Given our limited staff resources it is envisioned that staff would only manage and oversee the survey effort. It will be necessary to contract professional services to provide technical assistance to evaluate the results and ensure that the survey conclusions are consistent with standard practices. Due to our limited statDng, available funding and the magnitude of fieldwork associated with these surveys, it is possible that volunteers would be used for part of the fieldwork. Potential Survev Cost Historical resources surveys range widely in scope and costs. Staff estimates that a reconnaissance level survey can be accomplished with the existing $30,000. This level of survey would entail a windshield survey ofChula Vista's west side which would include photographs of properties that appear 45 years or older and not previously surveyed, designated or evaluated. Such a survey would provide limited information such as property types and architectural styles observed, estimated constmction dates, notable street and landscape features, and visible 9-3 Item No.: q Meeting Date: 11-03-09 Page 4 of 4 modifications/alterations. This basic level survey would help identify those properties that should be documented and evaluated as part of a more intensive level survey but would not evaluate individual properties for historical significance. Another historical survey option would be an intensive level survey. This type of survey would identify, document and evaluate individual properties for historical significance and eligibility for designation under the local criteria. This intensive level survey could potentially be accomplished with the available $30,000 but would cover approximately 30 properties or less. Staff intends to return to Council with a recommendation for a survey work program given available budget, at a later date. DECISION MAKER CONFLICT Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently the 500 foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Section 18704.2(a)(I) is not applicable to this decision. CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT Although the Historic Preservation Work Program was cut from the existing budget, staff has continued to work on drafting the HPP on a limited basis. It should be noted that production of the final documents would require funds not currently identified in the Development Service Department budget. ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT There is approximately $30,000 dollars available for historical survey work to cover consultant costs. Future fiscal affects for implementation of the HPP and the historic resources survey would be brought back to Council with the associated work program. ATTACHMENTS None Prepared by: Lynnette Tessitore-Lopez. Associate Planner, Development Services Department J:\Pbnning\Lynnette\historic preservation work program\Presentations\Council\final document\J 1..03-2009 Council Report final draft 5.doc 9-4 / '" Page 1 of3 From: Cheryl Cox Sent: Tuesday, November 03,20097.39 PM To: Donna Norris Subject: Historic District Study Attachments: Historic Districts SOHO doc I}DDt'T;o;;/ft-/NFc /~~jc1 /re;n tr9 Donna Norris fyi From: Corinne McCall [mailto:16'r~.r;~,~ Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 5 1:38 PM To: Cheryl Cox Subject: Historic District Study Dear Mayor Cox, I am sending this inrormation ror your edification about Historic Districts in the San Diego area. I look forwardto hearing a discussion on this topic at the council meeting today. We had a standing room only meeting ycsterday with our neighbors that that was very positve. Our intent was to begin a dialog with our neighbors and to educate them about the merits of becoming part of a historical district. We plan to have several more workshops on this topic and to build a consensus group. Please scroll down to see a list or established Historic Districts within the county of San Diego. It is my sincere wish for the city of Chula Vista to establish a historic district in this neighborhood - like other communities in San Diego have already done. Having a historic district - DOES NOT preclude having the city wide preservation ordinance move forward. They are not mutually cxclusive. What is also pertinent is to look at the cost of implementing the ordinance which does not even have a first draft - compared to the Historic District Study - which was already paid for. Thank you Corinne McCall .'~"'~.""" '....""~"._".'". Chula Vista 11/4/2009 Page 2 of3 Save Our Heritage Organisation Historic Districts What is a Historic District? Historic Districts Under Development . Mission I-Jills - Arguello / Arden Way / St. James /Ingleside / Witherby: . South Park \ ! We'll add your developing district to the list: SOHOsandiego@;!Q1eom Established Historic Districts throughout the County Cit)' of San Diego Designation Asian Paeilie Historic Thematic District - full map_(Iarge ima~} Auxiliarv Naval Air Station Brown Field - full man (large imag!J Bishon's School Burlingamc Voluntary/Traditional Gaslamn - full map (lame imag~ Grant Hill - full man (Iargc ima~) Greilter Golden Hill - ]ullmap (Iarg~imag,-) Islenair - full map (large imag,-) Little Italy - full map (Iargc imag~) Mission Hills - Fort Stockton Line Mission Hills Historic District Occan Beach - full man (large imagtl Pueblo Ribera - full map (L<rrge imag,-) Sherman I-Ieigllldi - full man (large imag~) Shirley Ann Place Talmadge - full man (large imag,-) Iheo~<;5.mJlLci!llnslLLl!!f,EQi!lLLomil - fUJ-'--rni!!2([aIg,-jmage) Citywide Districts Map Count)' of San Diego Designation Camp Lockett Mataguay Old Escondido Historic District State of California Designation Edgemoor Farm and Home lar the Aged and Incligent Historic District Old Town San Diego State Historic Park National Designation Balboa Park - full man (large imag0 Cabrillo National Monument 1 ] /4/2009 Page 3 of 3 Camp Howard Edgemoor EI Prado Complex Fages-De Anza Trail-Southern Emigrant Road Gregory Mountain (Chokia) Harris, CW Site Archeological District Heilman Villas Kuchamaa Lower Borrego Valley Archeological District Los Pefiasquitos Historic and Archeological District Marine Corps Recruit Depot Naval Air Station, San Diego Naval Training Station - full map_(larl!e imagsj Old-3:Q.ym San Diego. - LlJILmfitL(lmgeJ.m;\ge) Rancho de los Kiotes Rockwell Field Rosicrucian Fellowship Temple San Diego Civic Center San Diego State College Table Mountain District [Maps courtesy of City of San Diego Planning Department.] National Parks Service Websites .NatiQImLR~gisteLo.Ll:!isJoric_Plaee.s.J:.e_c:_b!l.i.<:a.L.l;\l!lletins (Opens separate window) Secretary of the Interior's Standards Cor Treatment of Historic Progertics (Opens separate window) City of San Diego Historical Resources Board Infornlation Line: (619) 235-5224 Historic Designation and Residential Progerty Values IO-page pd( Estim<!tingJhe Value oCthe Historical Designation Externalit): 8-pagepd( Mills Act Infotl11ation San Diego Modernism Historic Context Statement (I 54-page pdf. 7.8MB! TiJl1e.ls.l':!o.tD_n_ Our.s.i.cLc: By Allen Hazard 1114/2009 Historic Districts How They Work for Your Community What is a Historic District? "A historic district mcans a signilicant concentration, linkage or continuity of sites, buildings, structures that are united historically, geographically or aesthetically by plan or physical development and that have a special charactcr, historical interest, cultural or aesthetic value, or that represcnt one or more architcctural pcriods in the history and development of the City of San Diego." What is thc purpose of a Historic I)istrict'! To maintain, protect and preserve thc scale and basic character and salient architectural dctails of homes within a historical district. A historical district is not a static museum, but rather a living, changing neighborhood. Thcre is room for privatc renewal and architectural creativity, within appropriate controls and standards. Historical designation in a neighborhood will encourage continuous rcsearch into a community's human past and culture for the benefit of future gcnerations and protect our high-quality architecture, mature landscaping and pedestrian orientation of our historic community by denying demolition of existing older homes to simply build out-of-scale supcr-houses that overwhclm the neighborhood. Thc character of a neighborhood is thrcatened by the 'teardown' phenomcnon, which is dcstroying the architecture and heritage of a community. A historic district will provide protection from demolition, insensitive alterations and out-of-character new construction and emphasize the value of the historic neighborhood. Why a historic district at this timc'! A disturbing trcnd has spread across Amcricaiis older and historic ncighborhoods such as Mission Hills, La Jolla, and Coronado to demolish or 'teardown' oldcr homes. A 'teardown' refers to thc practice of demolishing an existing house to make way for a dramatically large new home on the same lot. This unfortunate practice has become such an epidemic in our country that the National Trust has listed 'Teardowns in Historic Neighborhoods' on its 2002 list of America's II Most Endangered Historic Places. The impacts of , tear down' on historic neighborhoods is twofold: First as line historic homes are rcduced to rubble to make way for much larger ncw houses, the architcctural and cultural heritage of our communities is eroded and f(lreVer changed. Second, the massive, out-of-scale structures that are being built to replace older homes do not fit well in historic neighborhoods and threaten the very qualities that make these neighborhoods attractive and desirable. In most cases, small older homcs arc being torn down and replaccd with new houses thrce times their size. This greatly increascd square footage (an averagc new 'McMansion' is over 3,000 sq ft) results in tall. bulky structurcs thai loom over adjacent homes and brcak the eSlablishcd building pattern of the community. Front yards arc often given 10 large three car garages and driveways. The livability ofhisloric neighborhoods is eroded and in many cases, thcse new 'Monstcr Homes' block views and eliminate side and back yards. Furthermore, through a dcsignated Traditional Historic District, residcnts strivc to preserve for future generations the fine homes that draw people to such communities. This helps to preserve architectural detailing, the use of high-quality materials, crallsmanship, historic character and charm. These are the same qualities that still matter to many buyers looking for homes in historic neighborhoods. While historic designation does not freeze development, it does help to ensure that any enlargcments or additions to existing homes are done with sensitivity and in a manner consistent with the historical guidelines that will be created. (Reference: "Protecting Americaas Historic Neighborhoods: Taming the Teardown Trend" by Adrian Scott Fine and Jim Lindberg) What are thc bcnefits of residing in a historic district'! Tbere are several benefits for maintaining and preserving one of San Dicgo's early communities for future gcnerations and for 'contributing' homes. The Mills Act can significantly reduce property taxes. The National Trust states that historically designated residential districts enjoy 10-25% higher property values versus similar homes without historic designation. Some historic districts such as 'Bungalow Hcaven' in Pasadena raise thousands of dollars each year for their neighborhood association through voluntary home tours, which continue to publicize the bcnefits of living in that community. What is thc Mills Act? The statewide prescrvationlaw enacted by formcr State Senator Jim Mills that allows for a significant reduction in the property taxes of designated historic a 30-70% reduction in property taxcs through thc use of the Mills Act. What is a 'contributing' homc? There are basically three categories of homes within a historic district. The first type is a 'contributing' site, i.e. onc that contributes to the historic district. These homes must meet the significance characteristics of a district and must be specifIcally designated historic resources. These sites shall be eligible for all benet1ts and rcsponsibilities of historical designation. The second is called a 'potential contributing' site, onc that can be restored to the original character of the design of the home. For example, a homc may apply to bccome 'contributing' when the homeowner rcplaces aluminum windows with appropriate wood windows. Thc third type of home is a 'non-contributing' site, which is eithcr a new homc or a home that has been remodeled beyond its original design. This type of house has been substantially modified so that they no longer contribute to the historical integrity ofthc district. These sitcs are not eligible for the benefits resulting from historical dcsignation, except if the owner subsequently restores original historic fabric and features making it a contributing site. In these cases, the City of San Dicgo Historical Resources Board (HRB) will hold a public hearing wherc the status of the site from non-contributing to contributing can be assesscd and approved. This type of home would not be eligible for the Mills Act, but would enjoy the benefit of being in a historic district. District Fcatures The Historical Resources 130ard will determine, upon designation ofa Historical District, those features and characteristics deemed esscntialto the maintenance of the distrietiis architectural and/or historical integrity. How do ] apply for the Mills Act if there is a Historic District'! Submit a requcst and pay a one-time fce based upon the value of your home. You will receive a Mills Act Contract from the County, with a term often ycars. This contract goes with the propcrty when it is sold, allowing the new owner to take advantage of the reduccd propcrty taxes without having to re-apply. This also bccomes a grcat sclling point whenlifyou sell your homc. What arc my 'responsibilities' if my neighborhood becomes a Traditional City of San Diego Historical District? A permit would be needed before doing any major alterations to the exterior of your home, such as building an addition or second story, stuccoing over wood siding, removing original porches or removing wood windows and replacing them with aluminum ones. The proposed changes would have to be compatible with the style or character of your home, so that it would continue to maintain the historic appearance of the house. You currently have to obtain a permit to do these things already. ] do not want any rcstrictions placcd on my use of my propcr!)'. If I lived in a new house in a subdivision, I wouldn't have any restrictions. That is not the ease; you are always required to comply with zoning, health, safety and building codes. Also, virtually all newer subdivisions and housing tracts have stringent design guidelines for paint colors, landscaping, vehicle parking and a multitude of other restrictions. There arc frequently CC&Rs, which are a set of rules govcrning what can be done with your property. Also frequently there are homeowner associations who may tell you what you can or cannot do. With Historic District status, you would still have far (ewer restrictions on property alterations than most new homes. How can it heIp me if I vote for a Historic Distriet'! One large benefit is that other property owners in the district will also be regulated by the same standards that you would be. This means that the house next door is not going to undergo radical alterations, which can be unattractive and inappropriate to an older community, and which may ultimately cause your property to lose value and make it more difJicult were you to sell your home. It provides thc protection ofkecping the neighborhood style and character, which attracted you to this area in the first place, and which would help to maintain and increase property values and attract other preservation minded people to the community. Would I have to get a permit to paint my bouse or to change house colors'! No, but you would be encouraged to contact the Cityas HRI3 staff for advise on the best color schemes consistent with the historical period and style of your house. This will increase its value. Would] be allowed to build an addition to my house? Yes, as long as the design is sensitive and compatible with the existing house. To reduce the impact of an addition, new construction should be concentrated on the rear (non- public) sides of the house. Although the addition is to be compatible, it should also be differentiated, so as not to be confused with the original elements. Additions and alterations should comply with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, written by the National Park Service. Would I hc allowed to changc thc interior? Yes, historic district status has no effect on the interior of your home, although it would be preferred if alterations comply with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards. You would still have to obtain permits for electrical, plumbing or structural changes as you currently do. Would the public bavc acccss to my housc, oncc it is historic'! No. Your decision to showcase your home at any given time is entirely up to you. Can I change thc landscaping? Yes, the historical designation does not include your yard. There are currently City codes concerning the height and placement offences and those would remain the same. In some instances, the fence code provides more latitude in a historic district. However, you would be advised to contact city historical staff for guidance on the best plant materials you can use consistent with the historical period of your home. Would the Historic District affect the zoning or dcnsity of my lot'! No, those things would still be subject to the zoning codes currently in force. Edilors nole: Thanks 10 conlribulors AlIcn Hazard. Janel O'Dea. David Marshall. Bruce Coons. Barry Hager and Ihe Cily o(San Diego. Historic Districts How They Work for Your Community What is a Historic District? "A historic district means a signilicant concentration, linkagc or continuity of sitcs, buildings, structures that are united historically, geographically or aesthetically by plan or physieal devclopment and that have a special character, historical intercst, cultural or aesthetic value, or that represcnt onc or more architectural pcriods in the history and development of the City of San Diego." What is thc purpose of a Historic District? To maintain, protect and preserve thc scale and basic character and salient architectural details of homes within a historical district. A historical district is not a static museum, but rather a living, changing neighborhood. There is room for private renewal and architectural creativity, within appropriatc controls and standards. Historical designation in a neighborhood will encourage continuous research into a community's human past and culture for the benefit of futurc generations and protect our high-quality architecture, mature landscaping and pedestrian orientation of our historic community by denying demolition of existing older homes to simply build out-of-scale super-houses that ovcrwhelmthe neighborhood. The character of a neighborhood is threatened by the 'teardown' phcnomenon, which is dcstroying the architecturc and heritage of a community. A historic district will provide protcction from demolition, insensitive alterations and out-of-character ncw construction and cmphasize the value of the historic neighborhood. Why a historic district at this timc'! A disturbing trend has spread across Amcricaiis oldcr and historic neighborhoods such as Mission Hills, La Jolla, and Coronado to demolish or 'teardown' older homcs. A 'tcardown' rcfers to the practice of dcmolishing an existing housc to make way for a dramatically large new homc on the same lot. This unfortunate practice has bccome such an cpidemic in our country that the National Trust has listcd 'Teardowns in Historic Ncighborhoods' on its 2002 list of America's II Most Endangered Historic Placcs. The impacts of'tcardown' on historic neighborhoods is twofold: First, as fine historic homes arc reduced to rubble to makc way for much larger ncw houses, the architectural and cultural heritage of our communities is eroded and forcvcr changcd. Sccond, the massive, Ollt-of-scalc structures that arc being built to rcplace older homes do not fit well in historic neighborhoods and threaten the vcry qualitics that makc these neighborhoods attractive and desirable. In most cases, small older homes are bcing torn down and replaced with new houses three times their size. This greatly increased square footage (an average new 'McMansion' is over 3,000 sq ft) results in tall, bulky structures that loom over adjacent homes and break the established building pattern of the community. Front yards are oftcn givcn to large three car garages and driveways. The livability of historic ncighborhoods is eroded and in many cases, thcse new 'Monster Homes' block views and eliminate sidc and back yards. Furthermore, through a dcsignatcd Traditional Historic District, residcnts strive to preserve for future generations the fine homes that draw people to such communities. This helps to preserve architectural detailing, the use of high-quality materials, craftsmanship, historic character and charm. These are the same qualities that still matter to many buyers looking ror homes in historic neighborhoods. While historic designation does not rreeze development, it does help to ensure that any enlargements or additions to existing homes are done with sensitivity and in a manner consistent with the historical guidelines that will be created. (Reference: "Protecting Americails Historic Neighborhoods: Taming the Teardown Trend" by Adrian Scott Fine and Jim Lindberg) What are the henefits of residing in a historic district? There are several benefits ror maintaining and preserving one of San Diego's early communities for ruture generations and for 'contributing' homes. The Mills Act can significantly rcduce property taxes. The National Trust states that historically designated residcntial districts enjoy 10-25% higher property values versus similar homes without historic designation. Some historic districts such as 'Bungalow Heaven' in Pasadcna raise thousands of dollars each year for their neighborhood association through voluntary home tours, which continue to publicize the bencfits or living in that community. What is the Mills Act? Thc statewide preservation law enacted by rormer State Senator Jim Mills that allows ror a significant reduction in the property taxes or designated historic a 30-70% reduction in property taxes through the use of the Mills Act. What is a 'contributing' home? There arc basically three categories of homes within a historic district. Thc first type is a 'contributing' site, i.e. one that contributes to the historic district. These homes must meet the significanec characteristics ofa district and must be specifically designated historic resources. These sites shall be eligible for all benelits and responsibilities or historical designation. The second is called a 'potential contributing' sitc, one that can be restored to the original character or the design of the home. For example, a home may apply to become 'contributing' when the homeowner replaces aluminum windows with appropriate wood windows. The third type or home is a 'non-contributing' site, which is either a new home or a home that has been remodeled beyond its original design. This type of house has been substantially modified so that they no longer contribute to thc historical integrity of the district. These sites are not eligible ror the benefits resulting rrom historical designation, except if the owner subsequently restores original historic rabric and reatures making it a contributing site. In these cases, the City or San Diego Historical Resources Board (HRB) will hold a public hearing where the status ofthc site Irom non-contributing to contributing can be assessed and approved. This type or home would not be eligible for the Mills Act but would enjoy the benefit of being in a historic district District Fcatures The Historical Resources Board will determine, upon designation of a Historical District, those features and characteristics deemed essential to the maintenance of the districtas architectural and/or historical integrity. How do ] apply for the Mills Act if there is a Historic District? Submit a request and pay a one-time fee based upon the value of your home. You will receive a Mills Act Contract from the County, with a term often years. This contract goes with the property when it is sold, allowing the new owner to take advantage of the reduced property taxes without having to re-apply. This also becomes a great selling point when/if you sell your home. What are my 'responsibilities' if my neighborhood becomes a Traditional Cit)' of San Diego Historical District? A pemlit would be needed before doing any major alterations to the exterior of your home, such as building an addition or second story, stuccoing over wood siding, removing original porches or removing wood windows and replacing them with aluminum ones. The proposed changes would have to be compatible with the style or character of your home, so that it would continue to maintain the historic appearance of the house. You currently have to obtain a permit to do these things already. I do not want any restrictions placed on my use of m)' propert)'. If] lived in a new house in a subdivision, I wouldn't have an)' restrictions. That is not the case; you are always required to comply with zoning, health, safety and building codes. Also, virtually all newer subdivisions and housing tracts have stringent design guidelines for paint colors, landscaping, vehiele parking and a multitude of other restrictions. There are frequently CC&Rs, which are a set of rules governing what can be done with your property. Also frequently there arc homeowner associations who may tell you what you can or cannot do. With Historic District status, you would still have far fewer restrictions on property alterations than most new homes. How can it help me if I vote for a Historic District? One large benefit is that other property owners in the district will also be regulated by the same standards that you would be. This means that the house next door is not going to undergo radical alterations, which can be unattractive and inappropriate to an older community, and which may ultimately cause your property to lose value and make it more difficult were you to sell your home. It provides the protection of keeping the neighborhood style and character, which attracted you to this area in the first place, and which would help to maintain and increase property values and attract other preservation minded people to the community. Would I have to get a permit to paint my house or to change house colors? No, but you would be encouraged to contact the Cityas HRB staff for advise on the best color schemes consistent with the historical period and style of your house. This will increase its value. Would] he allowed to build an addition to my house? Yes, as long as the design is sensitive and compatible with the existing house. To reduce the impact of an addition, new construction should be concentrated on the rear (non- public) sides of the house. Although the addition is to be compatible, it should also be differentiated, so as not to be confused with the original elements. Additions and alterations should comply with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, written by the National Park Service. Would I be allowed to change the interior? Yes, historic district status has no effect on the interior of your home, although it would be preferred if alterations comply with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards. You would still have to obtain pennits for electrical, plumbing or structural changes as you currently do. Would the public have access to my house, once it is historic? No. Your decision to showcase your home at any given time is entirely up to you. Can I change the landscaping? Yes, the historical designation does not include your yard. There are currently City codes eoneerning the height and placement offences and those would remain the same. In some instances, the fence code provides more latitude in a historic district. However, you would be advised to contact city historical staff for guidance on the best plant materials you can use consistent with the historical period of your home. Would the Historic District affect the zoning or density of my lot? No, those things would still be subject to the zoning eodes currently in foree. Editors nole: Thanh to col1lributors Allen Hazard. .Janet O'Dea. David Nlarshall. Bruce Coons. Barry Hager and the City of San Diego.