25A - AGMT - HISTORIC PROPERTIES

Home Browse Search

HRCA No. 2017-52, HRC No. 2017-51 HPPA No. 2017-56 May 24, 2018 Page 2 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 as the property is 67 years old. No known code violations exist on record for this property. The property, recognized as the Boyle House, has distinctive architectural features of the Ranch style, and was built in 1951 by J. H. Russell. Character defining features of the Boyle House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to: materials and finishes (stucco, brick, and wood cladding); roof configuration and eave detailing; massing (single -story); fenestration (multi -light wood windows); porch; and architectural details. It is recommended that the house be designated to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties for its exemplification of the distinguishing characteristics of the Ranch style. Additionally, it is recommended that the house be categorized as "Contributive" because it "contributes to the overall character and history" of the Washington Square neighborhood, and, as an intact example of Ranch style in the Washington Square neighborhood, "is a good example of period archtecture" (Exhibit 3). 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 alterations to the property Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement. Public Notification The subject site is located within the Washington Square Neighborhood and the president of this neighborhood association was notified by mail 10 days prior to this public hearing. In addition, the 25A-28