HRC Update Memo-1002 W Washington Ave 1-11-18

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S:\Historic Applications\1002 W Washington Ave\Update Memo - 1-9-18.doc MEMORANDUM To: Historic Resources Commission Date: January 11, 2018 Verny Carvajal, AICP, Principal Planner From: Ricardo Soto, Associate Planner Subject: 1002 West Washington Avenue – Reconstruction of Demolished Single-Family Residence SUMMARY The Files House was a two-story residence on the southwest corner of Washington Avenue and Olive Street in the Washington Square neighborhood listed as “Key” on the Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties. The structure was significantly fire damaged and subsequently razed. The property owner is currently pursuing an application to rebuild the residence. HISTORIC CATEGORIZATION Section 30-7(c) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) states that if the building official determines that a historic property is a dangerous building, the requirements of Chapter 30 can be waived to protect human life safety. Due to the extensive damage, the property owner hired an engineering firm to conduct a site visit and structural investigation to provide a structural assessment on the condition of the residence resulting from the fire. The report concluded that structural members of the house were substantially damaged, resulting in the structure posing a life safety concern, and recommended the structure be demolished and rebuilt. Based on this information, the Building Official declared the structure a dangerous building and allowed the issuance of a demolition permit. Since the building was determined to be a dangerous structure, Historic Resource Commission review and the required review period for demolition of a historic property was waived. Since the File House was completely demolished, the historic resource no longer exists nor does the property meet the criteria for placement on the Register. Moreover, any new construction at the site is not required to meet the criteria found in Section 30-2 of the SAMC to be deemed eligible for placement on the Register. As a result, staff has begun the process to remove the site from the Register administratively, with any new improvements not required to meet Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. APPLICATION STATUS The property owner submitted a proposal to construct a new single-family residence at the site for Planning Division review December of 2017. The proposed structure is similar to the previously existing—same footprint, architecture, scale, massing, and materials. The proposal will be required to meet all development standards of the zoning district as well as Citywide Design Guidelines to ensure compatibility with the Washington Square neighborhood fabric. The application has been reviewed and corrections have been provided to the applicant. Planning staff expects to complete Planning Division review within two days of submittal of the revised plans. www.santa-ana.org