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HRC Recommendation(s): Reduce the historic application fees for (1) placing properties on <br />the register of historical properties (i.e., self -nomination); and (2) processing historic property <br />preservation agreements (i.e., mills act). The HRC recommends that the fees should be from <br />$200-$500 for self -nominations to the historic register and no more than $2,000 for a Mills Act <br />application. In addition, the HRC discussed the following alternatives be implemented to <br />determining appropriate fees: <br />a. Establishing historic fees that are less for self -nomination than for mills act; and <br />b. Introducing a sliding scale for historic application fees (e.g., location of <br />structures within the City). <br />Required Tasks, Approvals, and Resources: <br />The proposed recommendations to permanently reduce the historic application fees for the <br />mills act and historic registration would require review and approval by the City Council of a <br />resolution amending the City's miscellaneous fee schedule. A process would have to be <br />established in order to determine the metrics to be used for the recommended sliding scale. In <br />addition, an impact analysis would be needed to determine the short- and long-term effects of <br />the reducing the fees. <br />Additional analysis may provide insight as to the impact on revenue to the City. For example, <br />while the exact savings is dependent on a number of factors, many property owners realize as <br />much as a 50% savings on their property tax bill through the mills act application. As a result, <br />the City sees a loss of property tax dollars annually. The analysis may take into account local <br />economic growth through invigorated historic preservation efforts, and cultural and aesthetic <br />benefits that may have a positive impact on property values, both in residential and <br />commercial. <br />HISTORICALLY SENSITIVE AREAS AND HISTORIC RESOURCES PROTECTION <br />AND ENFORCEMENT <br />Issue 5: The HRC has expressed the concern for demolition or alteration of structures that <br />have not been designated historic or surveyed, but that are located within neighborhoods of <br />potential historical significance. These neighborhoods have been informally referred to as <br />Historically Sensitive Areas (HSA) and include Pacific Park, Floral Park, West Floral Park, <br />Jack Fisher Park, Wilshire Square, Park Santiago, Morrison Park, Washington Square and <br />Heninger Park. Historically, there's been an increased sensitivity regarding additions and <br />exterior alterations to properties within these neighborhoods due to their potential significance. <br />The process of reviewing projects (e.g., new additions, exterior alterations, construction <br />alterations, etc.) for historic appropriateness and context within these areas has been largely <br />informal in nature as none of the areas have been formally designated as historic districts either <br />at the local, state or federal level, nor has a policy been adopted by the City Council to <br />officially recognize the term Historically Sensitive Area. Therefore, the HRC is making the <br />recommendations outlined below in an effort to establish a Historically Sensitive Area program <br />that protects structures within certain neighborhoods by retaining and preserving the historic <br />character, regardless of designation and/or eligibility. <br />rd <br />65B-10 <br />