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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-12-18 Heritage Preservation Commission Agenda PacketPage 1 of 2 SARATOGA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING June 12, 2018 8:30 AM REGULAR MEETING Linda Callon Conference Room, City Hall | 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 1. Site Visit(s): a. None 2. Roll Call-Annette Stransky, Marilyn Marchetti, Paula Cappello, Alexandra Nugent, Dr. Jo Rodgers, and Rina Shah 3. Oral Communications Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. 4. Approval of May 8, 2018 minutes 5. New Business: a. Reserve library and find a speaker for 2019 National Heritage Preservation Month 6. Staff Comments: a. HPC meeting time b. HPC Commissioner binders c. HPC Training-CA Modern Architecture d. Saratoga Avenue/Heritage Lane update 7. Old Business: a. Project status provided by Commissioners b. Events/Calendar: Blossom Festival (June 23) 8. Adjournment In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability- related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (408) Page 2 of 2 868-1294 or npimentel@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Any recommendation made by the Heritage Preservation Commission may be appealed to the Planning Commission within ten (10) days of the date of the decisio n. The appeal shall be taken by filing with the Secretary of the Heritage Preservation Commission a written notice and filing fee within ten (10) days of the date of the decision. In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Heritage Preservation Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the Community Development Department Director at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of the Director at the time they are distributed to the Heritage Preservation Commission. CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF AGENDA I, Janet Costa, Administrative Assistant, for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission was posted and available for public review on June 7, 2018 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us. City of Saratoga H ERITAG E P RESERVATION C OMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES Page 1 of 3 Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2018/ 8:30 A.M. Type: Regular Meeting Place: City Hall /Administrative Conference Room - 13777 Fruitvale Avenue 1. Site Visit: a. None 2. Roll Call: Present: Stransky, Marchetti, Rodgers, Nugent, Cappello, Shah Absent: None Staff: Nicole Johnson, Sandy Baily 3. Oral Communications: None 4. Approval of minutes from April 10, 2018 meetings. Shah/Cappello moved to approve with the correction regarding the Commissioners who voted no on the project at 20640 Third Street. Motion passed. Ayes: Marchetti, Stransky, Nugent, and Rodgers. Noes: None. Absent: None Abstain: None 5. New Business: a. None 6. Staff Comments: a. Commissioner Packets Johnson discussed the distribution of the agenda packet by digital or hard copy. The majority of the Commission stated that they would like to pick up a hard copy of the packet prior to the meeting. The packet would be available the Thursday prior to the meeting. A digital copy would be available to view on the City’s website. Page 2 of 3 b. Council Actions Update Baily updated the staff on the following three events: Council approved the application to add six heritage Palm trees to the inventory, the two point of interest markers were unveiled after the Arbor Day celebration and that the Council issued for a proclamation for National Preservation Month in May. c. HPC Meeting Time Johnson and Baily discussed the potential change of meeting time which was raised by a Commissioner in hopes of promoting persons to apply for the vacant Commissioner position. Staff noted that the Commission originally met in the afternoon but the time was changed to the morning since the members at that time had difficulty meeting in the afternoon. Staff also noted that a change in meeting time would require a resolution by the City Council. It was further noted that Tues and Wednesday afternoons would be challenging for staff due to current schedules of the Planning Commission and City Council site inspections and meetings. The Commission discussed the benefits and challenges of changing the time. Staff was directed to report back at the next meeting if Thursday afternoon/evening was an option that would not conflict with other meetings of the City. 7. Old Business: a. DPR Staff update and research status by Commission and other tasks (Workplan). Baily expanded and clarified the discussion from the last meeting regarding forms that can be used for potential Heritage Inventory Resources. Staff noted that the Commission can use either the DPR or the City’s application form. The Commis sion is still strongly encouraged to only pursue placing a resource on the inventory if they have the property owner’s consent, no matter what format is used to document a heritage resource for the Inventory. If the Commission chose to proceed without a property owner’s consent, the preparation of a DPR for the site would provide better justification of the historic significance of the site as opposed to the historic information provided in the application. Rodgers raised the concern that there was no difference in the review process for inventory properties vs landmark properties and she felt that may not be clear to property owners. The Commission discussed the wording in the letters sent to property owners and the 55 day comment period. Stransky provided updates to the work plan spreadsheet. The Commission commented that the revised format of the work plan spreadsheet was easier to understand. b. Events/Calendar: Preservation Month (May), Funding. (Stransky), Blossom Festival (June 23). Annette informed the Commission that Preservation Month has been launched. She encouraged the Commission to see their display in the study room of the library. The presentation by Craig Awbry was well received and 35 people attended. Page 3 of 3 c. Guidelines for projects along Heritage Lanes Baily informed the Commission that staff will work on a draft ordinance amendment which will be presented at the next meeting. 8. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned. Commission Meeting days Meeting Times Finance Committee Monthly, or an as-needed basis - HPC 2nd Tuesday of every month 8:30 AM Library Commission 4th Tuesday of every other month 7:00 PM P&R Commission 2nd Tuesday of every other month 6:30-8:30 PM Planning Commission 2nd Wednesday of every month 7:00 PM Public Art Committee on an as-need basis - Public Safety Task Force 4th Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM Traffic Safety Commission 2nd Thursday of every other month 6:30-9:30 PM Youth Commission 2nd Tuesday of every month 7:00 PM Trails Advisory Committee 3rd Tuesday of the first month of every quarter 4:00 PM Disaster Council on an as-need basis - Saratoga Commissions and Committees Meetings 5/29/2018 Preservation Professionals Directory - California Preservation Foundation https://californiapreservation.z2systems.com/np/clients/californiapreservation/product.jsp?product=53 2/3 1 Add to Cart Previous Powered by NeonCRM (http://www.neoncrm.com) Description California Modern Architecture Many modern resources are finally beginning to hit the critical 50-year mark, sparking a growing interest in protecting these quickly disappearing landmarks. California is seen as a hotbed of activity for nationally recognized modernists from Joseph Eichler, to Charles Eames, Richard Neutra, and landscape architect, Garrett Eckbo. This 90-minute session will examine representative works of modernism, their styles and period, and the common characteristics of significant modern landmarks in California. Speakers Alan Hess , Architect and Historian, Architecture Critic for the San Jose Mercury News, Author of nineteen books on Modern architecture and urbanism in the mid- twentieth century. Documents and Downloads California Modernism Slide Set (http://news.californiapreservation.org/wp- content/uploads/2014/04/Hess-CaliforniaModernism.pdf) (http://www.z2systems.com/neoncrm/thawte-site-seal) 0   Page 1 of 2 Community Development Department City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, California 95070 M E M O R A N D U M DATE: June 12, 2018 TO: Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) FROM: Sandy L. Baily, Special Projects Manager SUBJECT: HPC’s Role Regarding Heritage Lanes Background Due to the confusion and interpretation inconsistencies by City staff and the HPC regarding HPC’s role in reviewing work along the heritage lane portion of Saratoga Avenue, the HPC requested that staff research the matter and draft HPC policies or a City Code amendment to clarify. Following is the background information regarding the matter. In 1981, Saratoga City Council adopted an ordinance creating a heritage preservation commission and establishing procedures for the designation, conservation and control of heritage resources within Saratoga. This ordinance included the concept of heritage lanes. Prior to the adoption of the ordinance, there was concern by some council members regarding the scope of the proposed ordinance in respect to heritage lanes. Based on archived documentation, in 1981 the perceived community motives in advocating heritage lanes were as follows (Attachment 1):  Preserve the width and appearance of roads associated with Saratoga’s earlier development.  Prevent widening and improvement to current city standards of certain roads, as currently required in conjunction with new development and infill projects.  Discourage increased traffic on certain roads. In 1991, the portion of Saratoga Avenue from Fruitvale Avenue to 14301 Saratoga Avenue was designated by Ordinance as a Heritage Lane to help protect the street from being widened, which would have resulted in the loss of the mature street trees (Attachment 2). The protection would also regulate the construction of sound walls and fencing within the public right-of-way. Discussion In order to understand the role of the HPC in regards to heritage lanes, City staff fully analyzed various sections of the City Code. Following are excerpts from the Heritage Preservation Ordinance of the City Code regarding the regulations pertaining to heritage lanes. Section 13- 05.020(b) of the City Code defines a designated heritage lane as follows: Designated heritage lane means a street, road, avenue, boulevard, pathway or trail designated as a heritage resource pursuant to this Chapter. Page 2 of 2 Section 13-10.040(e) of the City Code states that the powers and duties of the HPC is to review and comment on work to be performed upon or within a heritage lane. Section 13 -20.010 of the City Code states that a HPC permit is required for specified work within a designated heritage lane. These three sections of the City Code do not discuss boundaries outside the limits of the public right-of-way of a heritage lane. The only section of the City Code that regulates review outside the boundaries of the public right-of-way of heritage lanes is 15-29.070 of the Zoning Ordinance (Attachment 3). This section states that the HPC has purview to review fences which exceed three feet in height which are within 50 feet of a right of way from a designated heritage lane (unless exempted specifically by Ordinance). Conclusion Based on the information provided above, except for certain fencing, staff has determined that the City Code regulates HPC review for work done only within the public right-of-way of a heritage lane, not beyond the limits of the right-of-way. To ensure staff’s conclusion met the intent of past Council’s expectation, staff contacted a former Council member who was on the Council at the time of the creation of a portion of Saratoga Avenue as a heritage lane. The former Council member confirmed that the goal was to protect the street width and the trees within the public right-of-way. There was no expectation to review work beyond the limits of the public right-of-way unless the property is already included in the City’s Heritage Resource Inventory. Attachments 1. 1981 Community motive notes regarding heritage lanes 2. Excerpts of City Council minutes for the meetings of October 21, and November 4, 1981 3. City Code Section 15-29.070 – Fences adjacent to heritage lanes Attachment 1 Attachment 2 EXCERPT FROM CITY CODE 15-29.070 - Fences adjacent to heritage lanes. In addition to the regulations set forth in Section 15-29.010 of this Article, fences adjacent to a designated heritage lane shall comply with the following requirements: (a) Fence permit. No person shall construct any fence which faces and is located within fifty feet from the right-of-way of a designated heritage lane, and which exceeds three feet in height, without first obtaining a fence permit from the Community Development Director. Application for such permit shall be submitted and processed in the manner provided in Article 13-20 of the City Code. If the Heritage Commission recommends issuance, the Community Development Director shall issue the permit in accordance with those recommendations and any condition related but not limited to the design standards set forth in subsections (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this Section and pursuant to the process prescribed in Article 13-20. (b) Supporting data. The level of detail of the supporting data required by Section 13- 20.030 shall be determined by the Community Development Director to allow adequate review of the proposed fence. (c) Setback. No fence which exceeds three feet in height shall b e constructed within the required setback area fronting a heritage lane. This minimum setback may be required to be increased to a maximum of fifty feet upon the finding that such increased setback is necessary to preserve the historic qualities of the heritage lane. (d) Color, material and design. Fences adjacent to a heritage lane may be constructed of wood, stone, masonry, wrought iron or similar material. The design, color and materials of the fence shall be approved based upon a finding that the fence will not adversely affect the historic qualities of the lane and will be compatible with the design and materials of existing buildings on the site and structures on adjacent properties. (e) Height. The height of any fence adjacent to a heritage lane sha ll comply with the regulations set forth in Section 15-29.010 of the City Code. (f) Landscaping. The applicant shall landscape and maintain an area within the right -of- way, parallel to and along the entire length of the exterior side of a fence in excess of three feet in height and facing the heritage lane, in accordance with a landscape plan approved by the Community Development Director. Such landscape plan shall provide for the planting of trees and vegetation that are native to the area and require little or no maintenance. The landscape plan may be approved by the Community Development Director upon the finding that the proposed landscaping will effectively blend the fence with its environment and enhance the visual appearance of the lane. Attachment 3 Project Status Worksheet Page 1 of 3 5/29/2018 Staff/Commissioner Assigned Status Heritage Resource Inventory Candidates Structures 14625 Big Basin Way Stransky 14285 Saratoga Av Rodgers 18495 Montpere Way Marchetti Anticipates DPR completion in June 13650 Saratoga Av (Library)Stransky Hold 13601 Saratoga Av St Andrew's Cappello Staff reviewing DPR/Can be modified to application form 13716 Saratoga Av Sacred Heart Rodgers 19246 DeHavilland Nugent 19222 DeHavilland Nugent 19223 DeHavilland Nugent 20520 Marion Rd Shah 20602 Marion Rd Shah 20996-21398 Congress Springs Rd (Quarry)Nugent 18530 Montpere Way Marchetti Anticipates DPR completion in June 14301 Saratoga Av Rodgers 14321 Lutheria Way Stransky 20290 Orchard Stransky 20328 Orchard Stransky 20350 Orchard Stransky 14220 Elva Ave - Russian Church Stransky 14104 Oak St Stransky 14791 Oak 20318 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road Stransky 14404 Quito Rd Stransky Other Saratoga Federated Church Bell Nugent Lutheria Way Entrance Posts 14200 & 14222 Lutheria Way Nugent Letters sent to property owners. 45 days up July 1st Eichler Entrance Feature (four) - Cox Ave Nugent Letters sent to property owners. 45 days up July 1st Markers (Point of Interest) Ohlone Indians Stranksy Saloon Stranksy Urban Railroad IN PROGRESS ITEMS Project Status Worksheet Page 2 of 3 5/29/2018 Staff/Commissioner Assigned Status Paper Mill Paste Board Mill Village Design Guidelines Johnson Council authorized consultant contract to develop guidelines Heritage Plaques/Signage Memorial Park Madronia Cemetary Heritage Orchard Training Events Blossom Festival 2018 State of the City 2019 Arbor Day 2019 Preservation Month 2019 Allocation for FY 17-18 (For POI Markers & Training) Approved 10,000.00 Balance 5,870.00 (does not include pending POI installation costs) Other Connect with Realty Firms Year Notes Added 18500 Montpere Way 2015 19277 Shubert Dr 2017 Discontinued 19365 Allendale 2017 Owner did not want house on Inventory Heritage Tree Inventory Added 2018 Point of Interest Markers Installed Blossom Fesitival 2018 Saratoga Inn/Theater in the Glade 2018 Publications Heritage Tree Guidebook 2017 FAQ's Historic Preservation 2017 FAQ's Heritage Trees 2017 FAQ's Mills Act 2018 FAQ's Landmarks 2018 Completed/Discontinued Heritage Resource Inventory Palm Trees - Yerba Santa Court