25A - AGMTS - HISTORIC PROPERTY PRES

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HRCA No. 2014- 23 /HRC No. 2014 -24 HPPA No. 2014 -37 November 20, 2014 Page 2 architecture of the city in accordance with the criteria set forth in Section 30 -2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC). This project entails applying the selection criteria established in Chapter 30 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (Places of Historical and Architectural Significance) to determine if this structure is eligible for historic designation to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. The first criterion for selection requires that the structures be 50 or more years old. The structure identified meets the minimum selection criteria for inclusion on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties pursuant to criteria contained in Section 30 -2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code. Staff analysis indicates the property meets eligible criteria for consideration of a historic designation. No known code violations exist on record for this property. The property, also recognized as the Steele House, has distinctive architectural features of the French Eclectic style, and was built in 1924 for James and Effie Hermon. Mr. Hermon was vice - president and manager of the Pacific Southwest Trust and Savings Bank. Character defining features of the Steele House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to, materials and finishes (brick, stucco); roof configuration, materials, and treatment; massing and composition; entry; doors and windows; and architectural detailing (soffits, window and door surrounds) (Exhibit 2). It is recommended to be designated to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties and categorized as "Key' as it is a good example of period architecture and it "has a distinctive architectural quality and style" in its presentation of the French Eclectic style. Mills Act Agreement Ordinance No. NS -2382 authorized the Historic Resources Commission to execute Historic Property Preservation Agreements (HPPA), commonly known as Mills Act agreements for eligible properties (Exhibit 3). To be eligible for the Mills Act, the property must be listed on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. The Historic Resources Commission Application and Historic Register Categorization actions proposed for this site authorize the listing of the property on the local register. The agreement provides monetary incentive to the property owner in the 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 alternations to the property Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement. 25A -312