Item 12 - Approval of Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HPPA No. 2020-18 - Ayers House March 25, 2021 Page 2 form of a property tax reduction in exchange for the owner's voluntary commitment to maintain the property in a good state of repair as necessary to maintain its character and appearance. Once recorded, the agreement generates a different valuation method in determining the property's assessed value, resulting in tax savings for the owner. Aside from the tax savings, the benefits include: • Long term preservation of the property and visual improvement to the neighborhood • Allows for a mechanism to provide for property rehabilitation • Provides additional incentive for potential buyers to purchase historic structures • Discourages inappropriate alterations to the property In 2002, the Historic Resources Commission placed the Ayers House on the historical register and within the "contributive" category because it "contributes to the overall character and history" of the French Park neighborhood through its style and type, is a "good example" of the Bungalow/Craftsman style and "has not been substantially altered." In addition, the Ayers House was deemed architecturally significant as a representative example of a small Craftsman bungalow from the first decade of the twentieth century and as an important contributor to the French Park Historic District. Character -defining features of the Ayers House determined architecturally significant include, but are not limited to: gabled roof with rafter tails and broad eaves, attached porch with battered posts, and massing; materials (wood) and finishes (siding); roof configuration; massing; porch; windows and window surrounds; and architectural details. Since its listing on the Historic Register in 2002, the property owner has replaced the roof; changed out of one window and one man -door; remodeled the existing bathroom and kitchen; repaired siding on the residence and garage; and installed solar panels. The property has no identified unauthorized modifications. Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is exempt from further review pursuant to Section 15331 of the CEQA Guidelines (Class 31 — Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) as these actions are designed to preserve historic resources. Based on this analysis, a Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 2021-05 will be filed for this project. FISCAL IMPACT The Historic Property Preservation Agreement will reduce the Property Tax revenue account 01102002-50011 to the City by an estimated $394.94 annually, for a period of not less than ten years.