Chapter 17.92
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY (HP) DISTRICT
Sections:
17.92.010 Establishment of district.
17.92.020 Purpose.
17.92.030 Boundaries.
17.92.040 Recommendations for designating HP district properties.
17.92.050 Preservation of structures within the HP district.
17.92.060 Restoration of structures.
17.92.070 Incentives for preservation.
17.92.010 Establishment of district.
There is established a historic preservation district (HP). This district is an overlay district which, through ordinance enacted by the city council, may be combined with any of the zones and districts listed in the municipal code. The regulations of this chapter shall apply to properties within this district in addition to the regulations of any underlying zone or district with which the HP district is overlaid. Where the regulations established for this district are in conflict with other zoning or district regulations, the more restrictive shall apply, except as otherwise specified in Section 17.92.060. (Prior code § 27.175)
17.92.020 Purpose.
The purpose of the HP overlay district regulations is to preserve the unique architectural character of those certain specific structures which have contributed to the city’s historic development. (Prior code § 27.176)
17.92.030 Boundaries.
The boundaries of the HP district shall be designated herein as they become established through ordinance adopted by the city council. (Prior code § 27.177)
17.92.040 Recommendations for designating HP district properties.
A. All properties considered for inclusion in the HP overlay district shall be reviewed by the planning commission. In reviewing such properties, the commission shall consider all information contained in the public record and all relevant testimony received at a public hearing regarding the historic and/or architectural significance of structures on the property. Upon consideration of the evidence, the planning commission shall make a determination of the significance of the structures. Upon making a determination that said structures are significant, the planning commission shall forward a recommendation to the city council for establishing a new HP district boundary to protect those structures determined to be significant.
B. Property owners may request the inclusion of their property within the historic preservation district by filing an application with the planning department. Such applications shall include all plans, sketches, photographs and other information deemed necessary by the planning commission to determine whether structures on the property are significant buildings in conformance with subsection A of this section.
C. All planning commission recommendations for designating new HP district boundaries shall be considered by the city council at a public hearing. Upon consideration of the evidence presented at the public hearing, the council shall make a final determination on the significance of the structures within the proposed boundaries. The council shall adopt new HP district boundaries as necessary to protect all structures determined by the council to be significant. (Prior code § 27.178)
17.92.050 Preservation of structures within the HP district.
No permits for remodeling or demolition shall be issued for properties within the HP district which would result in exterior changes to building facades, structures, or to passage ways providing inter-accessibility within a block, unless such change is approved by the planning commission in accordance with the following findings:
A. Findings required for approval of exterior alterations:
1. That the alteration is compatible with the architectural style of the existing structures;
2. That the alteration does not eliminate elements that are required to maintain the essential form and character of the structure;
3. That the alternation is compatible with adjoining structures and the use of such structures.
B. Findings required for approval of demolitions:
1. That the structure is unsound and presents a clear danger to public safety;
2. That reconstruction or restoration is not feasible or practicable using current building codes, including but not limited to the Historic Building Code provisions of the Uniform Building Code of the state of California. (Prior code § 27.179)
17.92.060 Restoration of structures.
A structure within the HP district may be restored to its original appearance if damage to the structure has occurred due to fire, collapse, deterioration, acts of God or other causes. Plans for such restoration shall require approval by the planning commission through the design review process. In approving such restoration, the planning commission may waive current design requirements within the zoning district in which the HP overlay district is combined. If such requirements are in conflict with the original design of the building when all of the following findings can be made:
A. That the building official has determined reconstruction or restoration to be feasible and practicable, using current building codes, including but not limited to the Historic Building Code provisions of the state of California and the Uniform Building Code;
B. That the construction would faithfully restore the original appearance of the structure insofar as available materials and current standards of construction permit;
C. That the design of the structure is compatible with the design of neighboring structures and would not be injurious to public health, safety or welfare. (Prior code § 27.180)
17.92.070 Incentives for preservation.
When it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the planning commission and city council that preservation and/or restoration of designated properties cannot and is not economically viable, the city may grant certain incentives in the form of relaxation of certain provisions of this chapter only when it can be shown that such relaxation makes preservation or restoration economically feasible. (Prior code § 27.181)