HomeMy WebLinkAboutFormation of Historical Commission 1969-1975Y
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MEMORANDUM
C*Y OF SARATOGAf
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE - SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
(408) 867 -3438
A N
TO: City Manager
FROM: Planning Director
SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Committee
DATE. May 9, 1975
On April 17, 1975 the City Planning Commission held a Study Session which
included discussion of a proposal from the Historic Preservation group as sub-
mitted to the City Council in early April. The Commission, in my opinion, had
a fruitful discussion with the representatives of this ad hoc preservation
group, and I believe a sound consensus was made that the City Planning Commis-
sion was in favor of the concepts in general as suggested. The City Planning
Commission had some concerns about the technical workings of such a body;
however, it was felt that those concerns were somewhat premature at this
stage and that any problems within this area could be effectively addressed
in a more definitive stage later on in the process.
It would be the Commission's intention from our discussion that such a
Commission as proposed would operate in a fashion similar to the relationship
now held by the Parks & Recreation Commission: an appointed Commission which
would advise the City Planning Commission and City Council, and in addition
would hold some representative authority to consider designated or suggestive
alternatives to preservation of particular building sites, locations, etc.
In my opinion the major secondary consideration here is the ability of
the City to both withstand another Commission, and too, the ability to provide
the economic support necessary to do an effective job with the Commission and
Staff. I think our Department also supports the concepts expressed, but as
I have advised you previously, this would entail a major expenditure in Staff
time and a shift in priorities for our Department (if not an actual shift in
priorities, at least an additional area of consideration). In my opinion the
next step in this process would be a commitment with the City Council in order
to prioritize this item to the budget, and in our opinion, an amount equivalent
in Staff time, notices, public hearings, overtime, etc. to the tune of
$25,000- $30,000 per year. This is my best guess estimate considering what
I think the Staff time involved would be, including evening meetings and an
operation similar to the mechanical structure utilized for City Planning
Commission. If it is the desire of the City Council and yourself that we
pursue this as a budget reality for the next fi cal year, I will proceed to
work out a more detailed breakdown of expendit res.
Marty Van Duyn, Planning Director (P)s
C #Y of SA RA ro GA o
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE - SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
` " • ! (408) 867 -3438
MEMORANDUM
TO: MARTY VAN DUYN,
FROM: ROBERT F. BEYER,
PLANNING DIRECTOR
CITY MANAGER
DATE. MARCH 27, 1975
SUBJECT: PROPOSED FORMATION OF SARATOGA HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Based on the discussion at the Committee of The Whole meeting of the City
Council on March 25, 1975'and the interested citizens who are recommending
the formation of a Historic Landmarks Commission for the City of Saratoga,
I am forwarding this item to you for your review with the Planning Commission.
I think it is important that the discussion with the Planning Commission
center on the areas of agreement and disagreement between a Historic Land-
marks Commission as proposed under the proposal by the Citizens Advisory
Committee and those traditional functions of the Planning Commission which
might come in conflict with such a commission. I think there was a general
consensus on the part of the City Council that there should be such a
commission however they wanted to !.GOk at it in light of the costs for
carrying out such a function.
Norm Matteoni's con.:.i'.= ration on the development of a historic preservation
element for t'h(- C-_aeral Plan as a sub element of the conservation element
of the Genr-j' Plan should, I think, also be considered as a part of this
,ii-cuss-'—w and might help facilitate the relationship between the Citizens
Adv,.:.' y Committee and the Planning Commission in the development of this
- ocess.
If you have any questions concerning this please do not hesitate to contact
me. I think the first step would be to set up a study session between the
members of the Planning Commission and this committee to discuss this proposal.
Thank you.
Robert F. Be e
fh '
February 21, 1975
s
CITY OF SARATOGA
To: Mayor and City Council Members
From: Citizen's Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation
Subject: Proposed Formation of Saratoga Historic Landmarks Commission and
Amendments to Zoning Ordinance
The Citizen's Advisory Committee has met seven times since our communication
with you on September 25, 1974, announcing our formation to study and prepare
a "plan for preservation" of historic sites and structures in the City of
Saratoga. During our work sessions, we reviewed specific ordinances, amend-
ments and policies from a number of California cities and counties. In
conclusion, we are proposing the establishment of an Historic Landmarks
Commission and Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow qualifying
landmarks to be covered by an "Historical" Zone, supplemental to existing
zoning. We would like to have our attached pages of proposed "Concepts
studied by the "Committee Of The Whole" at its earliest convenience.
The "General Plan" for Saratoga states that one of the Community Planning
• objectives should be to "protect historical and archaeological values and
significant geographic landmarks from destruction by developers whenever
possible" and that "historical (and unique, if not historical) landmarks in
the Village should be preserved, and wherever possible, continued in some
use." However, unless a specific plan is submitted, applying to and iden-
tifying individual landmarks, there will be no way to prevent demolition or
deterioration of existing "historical" structures that relate to our City's
early history. We have only to think back over what we have lost in twenty
years time, by trusting others to care for OUR HERITAGE, to realize why our
action is needed now.
We further believe that for a community to focus only on its past would be a
mistake because our "present" is the "past" to future generations. Therefore
a specific Commission is needed to oversee and regulate a "plan for preser-
vation" of the "past" and the "present" with a focus to the "future" needs of
the community. An objective evaluation of existing structures would be an
important part of this plan because, for example, "age" alone does not
determine the value of a structure, although it may be a factor..
In order not to overtax existing Departments and Commissions and to efficiently
implement the specific objectives of a "preservation plan," we propose the
immediate formation of the Historic Landmarks Commission: to directly advise
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the City Council; to designate "landmarks;" to recommend to the Planning.
Commission that those "landmarks" be included in a special "Historical" Zone •
that would supplement existing zoning; and to hold public hearings regarding
work permits, demolition and other pertinent matters.
It should be noted that this Advisory Committee is made up of citizens repre-
senting broad interests in the Community. All have contributed in some way
to the historic interests in Saratoga, but in addition: Warren Heid repre-
sents current feeling on construction and architectural interests; Miles
Rankin represents the real estate broker's viewpoint and the local business
community, as President of the Chamber of Commerce; Willys Peck represents
the Saratoga Historical Foundation and the Santa Clara County Historical
Heritage Commission; Kevil Smith organized a specific restoration project,
(i.e. the McWilliams.house), and understands the problems inherent in
successful preservation; and Danny Swanson (Mrs. Robert) worked through
Junior League of San Jose to inventory county historic resources, (as did
Kevil), was a member of the sub - committee that proposed formation of the
County Commission, (as was Willys), and is a founder of the E1 Camino Trust
for Historic Preservation, a county -wide private non - profit foundation.
The "concepts" listed on the following pages represent many hours of work
by this committee. We look forward to presenting our ideas to you at a
work -study session of the "Committee Of The Whole," as soon as possible.
We will await notification of a scheduled time.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Robert /Swanson
Chairman, Advisory Committee
19616 Farwell Avenue
Saratoga, California 95070
Tel: 867 -3254
C.
U
. P - M It
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• CONCEPT FOR CREATION OF THE SARATOGA HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION
PURPOSE: The Saratoga Historic Landmarks Commission should be established to
protect, preserve and promote the Historical and cultural heritage of our
City so that this and future generations may know and appreciate the signifi-
cant historical places, people and events that have been a part of this area
of our state and nation.
MEMBERSHIP: The Commission-should consist of five (5) members, appointed by
the City Council. All appointments should be of persons whose activity and
interest in matters pertaining to the history and heritage of Saratoga shall
have previously been demonstrated.
DUTIES: The Commission should hold public meetings monthly, when called by
the Chairman or Landmarks Administrator, and should be an independent body,
advisory to the City Council. It should investigate, study and make recom-
mendations to the City Council and appropriate City Departments, such as the
Planning Commission, Planning Department, Building Department and Public Works,
in the following areas:
a. On all matters pertaining to the recognition, inventorying,
acquisition and preservation of sites, buildings, events,
documents and artifacts pertaining to the historical and
• cultural heritage of Saratoga.
b. On nominations to the County Board of Supervisors for state
points of historic interest and the nomination for inclusion
in the National Register of Historic Places.
C. On all matters included in the accompanying Amendments to
the Zoning Ordinance, including holding public hearings where
stipulated.
d. On such other matters as are referred to it by the City
Council.
The Commission should have access to and use of City facilities and services
necessary for the performance of its tasks.
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CONCEPT FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE
•
The Zoning Ordinance. should be amended to establish an Historical Zone,
supplemental to existing zoning. This "Historical" designation should be
given: (a) to individual structures, or portion thereof, or an integrated
group of structures on a single lot; (b) a site; (c) an area; (d) a district;
or a combination thereof having a special historical, cultural, architectural,
archaeological, aesthetic or geographic interest.
PURPOSE: Since one of the elements of a true sense of community is an
appreciation of those persons and events that have contributed to that
community's identity, and since certain physical landmarks, sites and arti-
facts constitute the.only tangible, remaining links with such persons and
events, it is found that the public health, safety and welfare require the
prevention of the needless destructions of such landmarks, sites and artifacts
as have a demonstrated importance in preserving these reminders of the
community's development.
In making such finding, recognition is given to the fact that the first settle-
ment of the community that became Saratoga predated the discovery of gold in
California; that during its development over a period of more than 125'years,
the community has achieved prominence in the fields of manufacturing, agri-
culture, resort development and the arts, and that it has been the home of
men and women who have achieved statewide, national and world fame in many
fields; that unless the processes of government are invoked to assist in
their preservation, irreplaceable momentos of these elements that helped •
shape this community will be forever lost.
It is therefore the purpose of this article to promote the health, welfare
and safety of the public through:
1. The protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of structures,
sites, and areas that are reminders of past eras, events, and
persons important to local, state, or national history which provide
significant example of architectural styles of the past or are
unique or irreplacable assets to the city.
2. The development and maintenance of appropriate settings and
environment for such structures and areas.
3. The enrichment of community identity in its educational and
cultural dimensions by serving aesthetic as well as material
needs of the community while fostering knowledge of the city's
past heritage.
4. The enhancement of property values and the promotion and encourage-
ment of continued private ownership and utilization of such
structures now so owned and used, to the extent that the objectives
listed above can be attained under such policy.
Page 1 of 3 0
Pag 2 of 3 •
5. To permit owners of such historical buildings to incur an economic
• benefit through tax reductions under state laws.
6. To allow benefits to owners of historical buildings through a
relaxing of both zoning requirements of the City Zoning Ordinance,
such as setbacks, parking, and other similar elements, and
relaxing of the Uniform Building Code as administered by the
City Building Inspector.
INITIATION: Initiation of "landmark" designation should be by the Landmarks
Commission, the City Council, the Planning Commission, the Landmarks Admin-
istrator or any interested person and should be accompanied by all data
necessary for that designation. The Landmarks Commission should then review that
application and refer the recommended matter to the Planning Commission, who
would in turn refer it to the City Council. (It should be noted that if
there is a possibility of legally avoiding the middle step, which is referral
to the Planning Commission, we would be happy to recommend that it be
eliminated!) The City Council should also retain the right to rescind such
designations.
DESIGNATION: The designation "H" Zone to a landmark should only be considered
when the following information is in hand:
a. A description of the characteristics and category of the
landmark which justifies its designation.
0 b. A description of any particular features of the landmark to be
preserved if the whole of such landmark is not to be preserved.
c. A specific description of the location and boundaries of the
landmark.
d. Any other criteria which the Landmarks Commission may deem necessary
to supplement the above.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: Public Hearings, with specific time limits for action, should
be held beginning on the Landmarks Commission level and continuing through
Planning Commission and City Council levels, for designation of a "landmark."
PERMITS: The consideration of work application permits, as pertains to
designated "landmarks" should be the business of the Landmarks Commission and
should require public hearings and be subject to time limits for its action.
Permits should not be required when: the application is for interior work not
affecting the exterior; or when 'ordinary maintenance and repair," such as,
painting or other necessities to-prevent deterioration,.decay or damage.
SUSPEND ACTION: The Landmarks Commission should also have the power to "suspend
action" when work applications are requested to permit construction, alteration
or demolition or removal, to allow time for necessary action to preserve the
structure or site concerned. We recommend a period of 180 days, with allow-
ances for extension by the City Council.
•
Page 3 of 3 ` • '
HARDSHIP: The Landmarks Commission should be able to set aside the standards
if the owner of a designated "landmark" can show that failure to grant a
permit for alteration, demolition or construction would present a particular
hardship, or if the Building Inspector can show that unsafe or dangerous
conditions exist. In the event of natural calamity (e.g. fire, flood, earth-
quake), where destruction is such that repair is unreasonable, an owner
should not be required to rebuild.
OWNERS DUTIES AND ENFORCEMENTS: A designated "landmark" should be protected
by a "Duty to Keep in Good Repair" clause and this, as well as other pro-
visions of this Amendment, should be enforced by the Landmarks Administrator,
with assistance from the Building Inspector, if necessary. These officials
should also have reasonable inspection rights.
9
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�J
TO: THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE IDARCH 25, 1975
FROM: ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION
SUBJECT: CITY OF SARATOGA'S HISTORIC STRUCTURES
PURPOSE: TO ACQUAINT YOU WITH EXISTING STRUCTURES THAT MIGHT
BE CONSIDERED NOW OR IN THE FUTURE FOR PRESERVATION.
THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST. THERE ARE MANY MORE
STRUCTURES THAT MUST BE RESEARCHED AND RECORDED AND
FURTHER RESEARCH IS NEEDED ON EACH OF THESE.
JAMES SPRINGER HOUSE (18501s)
McWILLIAMS HOUSE (18601s)
HENRY JARBOE HOUSE (late 18601s)
JOHN HENRY HOUSE (1869)
WILLIAM KING HOUSE (18701s)
REYNOLD'S RANCH HOUSE (1870's)
KERR HOUSE (1870's)
MASON HOUSE (18701s)
BREWER STORE (1873) `
FRANCIS DRESSER HOUSE (1870's)
E.T. KING RESIDENCE (1876)
HANNAH.MC CARTHY'S SUMMER HOUSE (1877)
OLD DRUG STORE- SWANEE'S (1870's ? or 1900 ?)
FABRETTI HOUSE ( 1881)
CROWELL HOUSE (1880's).
CLEF HOUSE (OLD POST OFFICE- BAKERY) (18801s)
CLOUD -SMITH & HUTCHINSON BUILDINGS (18801s)
WARREN- STERN- ANDRESS HOME (18801s)
CARSON CUNNINGHAM HOUSE (18801s)
E.M. CUNNINGHAM HOUSE (18801s)
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH PARSONAGE (1886)
FOSTER HOUSE (1890's)
SOROSIS RANCH— SOCIAL HALL (18901s)
PETTIS LIVERY STABLE (1896)
METHODIST— EPISCOPAL'CHURCH (1895)
KOCHER BUILDING (18901s)
PAUL MASSON MOUNTAIN WINERY (1896 -1906)
MISSIONARY SETTLEMENT HOUSE (pre 1900)
page 2 HISTOR• STRUCTURES LIST
D.C. BELL HOUSE (1910)
KERR —HOGG BUILDING (1910)
G.A. WOOD HOUSE (1911 -12)
I.O.O.F. HOME (1912)
VILLA MONTALVO (1912)
SARATOGA STATE BANK (1913)
SARATOGA FOOTHILL CLUBHOUSE (1915) JULIA MORGAN DESIGN
RANCHO BELLA VISTA (1917) WILLIS POLK DESIGN
HAKONE (1918)
SUTRO —MC CORMICK HOUSE (1920's ?)
GOODRICH — DURHAM— LAYMAN HOUSE (1920's ?) JULIA MORGAN DESIGN
HALE ESTATE (19301s)
PIKE ESTATE (1930's)
JOHN KAEL RESIDENCE (1930's) JULIA MORGAN DESIGN
PAINLESS PARKER RANCH (19301s)
FREMONT OLDER RANCH (SARATOGA'S SPHERE OF INFLUENCE ? ) (1930's)
DE HAVILLAND— FONTAINE —HEID RESIDENCE (1930's)
NOTE: IDEALLY AN INVENTORY SHOULD BE COMPLETED RIGHT UP TO
THE PRESENT. WE ALL CAN THINK OF OMISSIONS THAT WE
WOULD LIKE TO SEE STUDIED AND RECORDED FOR FUTURE
USE. THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
February 21, 1975
CITY OF SARATOGA
To: Mayor and City Council Members
From: Citizen's Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation
Subject: Proposed Formation of Saratoga,Historic Landmarks Commission and
Amendments to Zoning Ordinance
The Citizen's Advisory Committee has met seven times since our communication
with you on September 25, 1974, announcing our formation to study and prepare
a "plan for preservation" of historic sites and structures in the City of
Saratoga. During our work sessions, we reviewed specific ordinances, amend-
ments and policies from a number of California cities and counties. In
conclusion, we are proposing the establishment of an Historic Landmarks
Commission and Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow qualifying
landmarks to be covered by an "Historical" Zone, supplemental to existing
zoning. We would like to have our attached pages of proposed "Concepts
`studied by the "Committee Of The Whole" at its earliest convenience.
The "General Plan" for Saratoga states that one of the Community Planning
objectives should be to "protect historical and archaeological values and
significant geographic landmarks from destruction by developers whenever
possible" and that "historical (and unique, if not historical) landmarks in
the Village should be preserved, and wherever possible, continued in some
use." However, unless a specific plan is submitted, applying to and iden-
tifying individual landmarks, there will be no way to prevent demolition or
deterioration of existing "historical" structures that relate to our City's
early history. We have only to think back over what we have lost in twenty
years time, by trusting others to care for OUR HERITAGE, to realize why our
action is needed now.
We further believe that for a community to focus only on its past would be a
mistake because our "present" is the "past" to future generations. Therefore
a specific Commission is needed to oversee and regulate a "plan for preser-
vation" of the "past" and the "present" with a focus to the "future" needs of
the community. An objective evaluation of existing structures would be an
important part of this plan because, for example, "age" alone does not
determine the value of a structure, although it may be a factor.
In order not to overtax existing Departments and Commissions and to efficiently
implement the specific objectives of a "preservation plan," we propose the
immediate formation of the Historic Landmarks Commission: to directly advise
•
the City Council; to designate "landmarks;" to recommend to the Planning
Commission that those "landmarks" be included in a special "Historical" Zone
that would supplement existing zoning; and to hold public hearings regarding
work permits, demolition and other pertinent matters.
It should be noted that this Advisory Committee is made up of citizens repre-
senting broad interests in the Community. All have contributed in some way
to the historic interests in Saratoga, but in addition: Warren Heid repre-
sents current feeling on construction and architectural interests; Miles
Rankin represents the real estate broker's viewpoint and the local business
community, as President of the Chamber of Commerce; Willys Peck represents
the Saratoga Historical Foundation and the Santa Clara County Historical
Heritage Commission; Kevil Smith organized a specific restoration project,
(i.e. the McWilliams house), and understands the problems inherent in
successful preservation; and Danny Swanson (Mrs. Robert) worked through
Junior League of San Jose to inventory county historic resources, (as did
Kevil), was a member of the sub - committee that proposed formation of the
County Commission, (as was Willys), and is a founder of the El Camino Trust
for Historic Preservation, a county -wide private non - profit foundation.
The "concepts" listed on the following pages represent many hours of work
by this committee. We look forward to presenting our ideas to you at a
work -study session of the "Committee Of The Whole," as soon as possible.
We will await notification of a scheduled time.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Robert /Swanson
Chairman, Advisory Committee
19616 Farwell Avenue
Saratoga, California 95070
Tel: 867 -3254
•
CONCEPT FOR CREATION OF THE SARATOGA HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION
PURPOSE: The Saratoga Historic Landmarks Commission should be established to
protect, preserve and promote the Historical and cultural heritage of our
City so that this and future generations may know and appreciate the signifi-
cant historical places, people and events that have been a part of this area
of our state and nation.
MEMBERSHIP: The Commission should consist of five (5) members, appointed by
the City Council. All appointments should be of persons whose activity and
interest in matters pertaining to the history and heritage of Saratoga shall
have previously been demonstrated.
DUTIES: The Commission should hold public meetings monthly, when called by
the Chairman or Landmarks Administrator, and should be an independent body,
advisory to the City Council. It should investigate, study and make recom-
mendations to the City Council and appropriate City Departments, such as the
Planning Commission, Planning Department, Building Department and Public Works,
in the following areas:
a. On all matters pertaining to the recognition, inventorying,
acquisition and preservation of sites, buildings, events,
documents and artifacts pertaining to the historical and
cultural heritage of Saratoga.
b. On nominations to the County Board of Supervisors for state
points of historic interest and the nomination for inclusion
in the National Register of Historic Places.
c. On all matters included in the accompanying Amendments to
the Zoning Ordinance, including holding public hearings where
stipulated.
d. On such other matters as are referred to it by the City
Council.
The Commission should have access to and use of City facilities and services
necessary for the performance of its tasks.
CONCEPT FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE
The Zoning Ordinance should be amended to establish an Historical Zone,
supplemental to existing zoning. This "Historical" designation should be
given: (a) to individual structures, or portion thereof, or an integrated
group of structures on a single lot; (b) a site; (c) an area; (d) a district;
or a combination thereof having a special historical, cultural, architectural,
archaeological, aesthetic or geographic interest.
PURPOSE: Since one of the elements of a true sense of community is an
appreciation of those persons and events that have contributed to that
community's identity, and since certain physical landmarks, sites and arti-
facts constitute the only tangible, remaining links with such persons and
events, it is found that the public health, safety and welfare require the
prevention of the needless destructions of such landmarks, sites and artifacts
as have a demonstrated importance in preserving these reminders of the
community's development.
In making such finding, recognition is given to the fact that the first settle-
ment of the community that became Saratoga predated the discovery of gold in
California; that during its development over a period of more than 125 years,
the community has achieved prominence in the fields of manufacturing, agri-
culture, resort development and the arts, and that it has been the home of
men and women who have achieved statewide, national and world fame in many
fields; that unless the processes of government are invoked to assist in
their preservation, irreplaceable momentos of these elements that helped
shape this community will be forever lost.
It is therefore the purpose of this article to promote the health, welfare
and safety of the public through:
1. The protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of structures,
sites, and areas that are reminders of past eras, events, and
persons important to local, state, or national history which provide
significant example of architectural styles of the past or are
unique or irreplacable assets to the city.
2. The development and maintenance of appropriate settings and
environment for such structures and areas.
3. The enrichment of community identity in its educational and
cultural dimensions by serving aesthetic as well as material
needs of the community while fostering knowledge of the city's
past heritage.
4. The enhancement of property values and the promotion and encourage-
ment of continued private ownership and utilization of such
structures now so owned and used, to the extent that the objectives
listed above can be attained under such policy.
Page 1 of 3
r Page 2 of 3 •
•
5. To permit owners of such historical buildings to incur an economic
benefit through tax reductions under state laws.
6. To allow benefits to owners of historical buildings through a
relaxing of both zoning requirements of the City Zoning Ordinance,
such as setbacks, parking, and other similar elements, and
relaxing of the Uniform Building Code as administered by the
City Building Inspector.
INITIATION: Initiation of "landmark" designation should be by the Landmarks
Commission, the City Council, the Planning Commission, the Landmarks Admin-
istrator or any interested person and should be accompanied by all data
necessary for that designation. The Landmarks Commission should then review that
application and refer the recommended matter to the Planning Commission, who
would in turn refer it to the City Council. (It should be noted that if
there is a possibility of legally avoiding the middle step, which is referral
to the Planning Commission, we would be happy to recommend that it be
eliminated!) The City Council should also retain the right to rescind such
designations.
DESIGNATION: The designation "H" Zone to a landmark should only be considered
when the following information is in hand:
a. A description of the characteristics and category of the
landmark which justifies its designation.
b. A description of any particular features of the landmark to be
preserved if the whole of such landmark is not to be preserved.
C. A specific description of the location and boundaries of the
landmark.
d. Any other criteria which the Landmarks Commission may deem necessary
to supplement the above.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: Public Hearings, with specific time limits for action, should
be held beginning on the Landmarks Commission level and continuing through
Planning Commission and City Council levels, for designation of a "landmark."
PERMITS: The consideration of work application permits, as pertains to
designated "landmarks" should be the business of the Landmarks Commission and
should require public hearings and be subject to time limits for its action.
Permits should not be required when: the application is for interior work not
affecting the exterior; or when 'ordinary maintenance and repair," such as,
painting or other necessities to prevent deterioration, decay or damage.
SUSPEND ACTION: The Landmarks Commission should also have the power to "suspend
action" when work applications are requested to permit construction, alteration
or demolition or removal, to allow time for necessary action to preserve the
structure or site concerned. We recommend a period of 180 days, with allow-
ances for extension by the City Council.
!� •Page 3 of 3
HARDSHIP: The Landmarks Commission should be able to set aside the standards
if the owner of a designated "landmark" can show that failure to grant a
permit for alteration, demolition or construction would present a particular
hardship, or if the Building Inspector can show that unsafe or dangerous
conditions exist. In the event of natural calamity (e.g. fire, flood, earth-
quake), where destruction is such that repair is unreasonable, an owner
should not be required to rebuild.
OWNERS DUTIES AND ENFORCEMENTS: A designated "landmark" should be protected
by a "Duty to Keep in Good Repair" clause and this, as well as other pro-
visions of this Amendment, should be enforced by the Landmarks Administrator,
with assistance from the Building Inspector, if necessary. These officials
should also have reasonable inspection rights.