60D - RECEIVE AND FILE HISTORIC RESOURCES POLICIES

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HRC Recommendation(s): 1. Direct planning staff to explore the designation of "Historically Sensitive Areas (HSA)" through the implementation of general plan policies within the new Historical Cultural Element considered as part of general plan update; and/or 2. Direct planning staff to engage in efforts to establish an HSA program that includes the following: a. Establish criteria for selecting critical neighborhoods within the City with a high concentration of historic resources; b. Identify critical neighborhoods to be designated an HSA and establish boundaries; c. Develop guidelines and standards for the newly created HSA that establish the following: i. Set criteria for review of non -designated structures within HSA that includes a heightened level of review for modifications and alterations; ii. Set design standards for new infill-development projects or additions within the HSA that are consistent with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation and the City of Santa Ana Design Guidelines, and which are mindful of community context and architectural sensitivity. Required Tasks, Approvals, and Resources: In order to establish historically sensitive areas, the City Council would be required to direct staff to analyze the implementation of one of the two above -mentioned options. In addition, the City Council would be required to direct staff to make a recommendation as to what option would be most feasible and cost-effective. Establishing an HSA program would require staff time and resources in order to establish the necessary criteria for selecting neighborhoods with high concentration of historic resources for inclusion into the HSA. In addition, impact analysis would be required to analyze the short- term and long-term implications of establishing HSAs in order to preserve properties not currently designated as historic. Lastly, property owners located within HSAs would be required to be notified of potential property improvement limitations. PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC TREES Issue 6: The HRC has expressed concerns that there is no current ordinance in place for the protection and preservation of private property trees such as oaks, sycamores and/or mature trees. They've expressed that such trees could be significant aesthetic and ecological resources that would help enhance the aesthetic and scenic beauty of the neighborhoods, protect property values, and protect heritage tree resources. The recommendations outlined below are intended to establish a process for the preservation and enhancement of property values through conserving and enhancing the distinctive and unique aesthetic character that specific trees species provide in many areas in the City. S �. 1