REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Action on Eligibility for Historic Resource Inventory Listing of the property located at 1493 El Camino Real
Report
BACKGROUND
The applicant is requesting Significant Properties Alteration (SPA) Permit Review and determination of eligibility for the existing buildings at 1493 El Camino Real for listing on the City of Santa Clara Historic Resource Inventory (HRI). This is a precursor to a proposal to redevelop the site, including the proposed demolition of existing structures on-site which includes the subject residence, detached garage, and ancillary structures. The applicant is seeking a determination by the City Council on the eligibility of the project as a historical resource.
The residence at 1493 El Camino Real is not currently listed on the HRI. The one-story single-family vernacular Craftsman style house on the project site was constructed circa 1915 and was moved to the site approximately in 1926. The house was again moved approximately between 1931 and 1932 to accommodate the connection of El Camino Real and Clay Street.
A historic resources survey was prepared by Franklin Maggi of Archives & Architecture. The report finds that the structure is not individually representative of any important patterns of development. The evaluator found that based on the National, State, and the City’s local criteria for historical or architectural significance, the property at 1493 El Camino Real does not meet the qualification of a historic resource for National, State, or local listing.
The Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) considered the item on June 7, 2018 and voted to forward a recommendation to the City Council that the structures are not eligible for listing on the City’s HRI (Attachment 1). The HLC staff report with previous attachments and excerpt minutes from the HLC meeting of June 7, 2018 are included with this report (Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION
At the June 7, 2018 HLC meeting, staff provided a presentation of the findings of the historic resources survey. The applicant’s presentation indicated that the previous property owner neglected the property and that the interior finishes are completely diminished. The Commission also reviewed a memo from Mr. Craig Mineweaser, Volunteer Architectural Advisor to the HLC (Attachment 3). The memo recommends photo documentation of the structure and salvage of historically significant materials prior to demolition.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing.
In their discussion the HLC members concluded that the stylistic components of an HRI eligible structure are present, but that the residence is dilapidated and lacks context based on its location. The Commission asked the applicant about the potential to salvage character defining features from the property and to provide photo documentation of the structure to the City. The applicant agreed to these two conditions.
Based on their discussion, the HLC recommended that the City Council find that the subject property is not eligible for listing on the City’s HRI. The HLC also recommended the addition of the following conditions to the project:
1. Provide photo documentation of the structure to the City.
2. Make the structure’s materials available for salvage.
Staff further recommends that the applicant offer the structure for removal and relocation within Santa Clara for a period of 30 days to allow any interested parties an opportunity to make arrangements to relocate the structure. While additional time would be needed to obtain permits and move the structure, sufficient time is available in the development review process to accommodate this process prior to the developer obtaining entitlement approvals to redevelop the site.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
As requested, the consideration of eligibility is exempt from the CEQA environmental review requirements per CEQA Section 15061(b)(3). The activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. Currently, no project is proposed. Early consideration of the eligibility for listing is being considered by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the City for processing the requested application other than administrative staff time and expense typically covered by processing fees paid by the applicant.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
On August 10, 2018, the notice of public meeting for this item was posted at three conspicuous locations within 500 feet of the project site and was mailed to property owners within 500 feet of the project site. No public comments have been received at the time of preparation of this report.
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Find that the single-family residence at 1493 El Camino Real is not eligible for listing on the Historical Resource Inventory;
2. Find that the single-family residence at 1493 El Camino Real is eligible for listing on the Historical Resource Inventory; or
3. Do not allow demolition of existing structures until such time as a development plan is approved.
4. Allow relocation of the existing main structure until such time as a development plan is approved.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternatives 1 & 4:
1. Find that the single-family residence at 1493 El Camino Real is not eligible for listing on the Historical Resource Inventory;
4. Allow relocation of the existing main structure until such time as a development plan is approved.
Staff
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Excerpt of Historical and Landmarks Commission Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2018
2. Historical and Landmarks Commission Staff Report of June 7, 2018
3. Memo from Mr. Craig Mineweaser, Volunteer Architectural Advisor to the HLC