Item 23 - Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HRCA No. 2024-06, HRC No. 2024-04, HPPA No. 2024-09 — Smith House (2539 French Street) September 5, 2024 Page 4 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 • A mechanism to provide for property rehabilitation • Incentives for potential buyers to purchase historic structures • Discouraging inappropriate alterations to the property 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 subject to a completion of future improvements as described in an attached Work Plan. Overall, future improvements (Work Plan) proposed by the homeowner during the initial ten years of the Mills Act Agreement include the following: repair trim as needed. Staff also proposes the following improvements: continued repair and repainting of roof overhang, repainting of the residence and garage, replacement of the non -compatible south -facing rear door with a more appropriate alternative, and trimming and continued maintenance of front yard shrubs and other landscaping to ensure a clear view of the residence's primary (west) fagade from the public right-of-way. Staff will ensure that the proposed work will be done sensitively and will maintain the property's character -defining features as part of the Mills Act Agreement for this property. As part of the Mills Act approval process, staff will work with the applicant to ensure that a bronze plaque is installed honoring and recognizing the structure. The plaque will include the historic name, address, year built, and local historic register designation. Lastly, the site will be subject to general maintenance and upkeep requirements including, but not limited to, replacement or restoration of damaged character -defining features, landscaping upkeep, painting, etc. Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement to enable the Mills Act. Public Notification The subject site is located within the Park Santiago Neighborhood Association. The president of this Neighborhood Association was notified by mail 10 days prior to this public hearing. In addition, the project site was posted with a notice advertising this public hearing, a notice was published in the Orange County Reporter and mailed notices were sent to all property owners within 500 feet of the project site. At the time of this printing, no correspondence, either written or electronic, has been received from any members of the public.