Item 16 - Approval of Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HRCA No. 2022-12, HRC 2022-8, HPPA No. 2022-11 – Dr. Mabel A. Geddes House July 7, 2022 Page 3 2 7 4 5 each flanked by a single wood shutter. Along the north, south, and west elevations, the building incorporates a series of double-hung wood windows and multi-light casement windows. The west (rear) elevation features a second story balcony while an exterior brick chimney is attached to the side (north) elevation and rises above the roof ridgeline. The property is landscaped with a mature tree, a lawn, and low vegetation at the front setback. The driveway leads to a one-story, stucco-clad, one-car garage, built at the same time as the residence. The house appears intact and has been maintained in good condition. Character defining features of the Dr. Mabel A. Geddes House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to, massing and composition, consisting of a hipped roof body with a hipped roof wing projecting in the north third of the (east) facade; partial width balcony cantilevered beneath the shelter of the main roof on extended beams from the south two-thirds of the façade; wood posts and wrought iron railing enclosing the balcony; open veranda below the balcony; combination of brick and stucco exterior siding; flat-headed entry topped by three-light transom; and casement windows and French doors. The Dr. Mabel A. Geddes House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1 as an example of the Monterey Revival style in Santa Ana. Additionally, the house has been categorized as “Contributive” because it contributes to the overall character and history of Floral Park and is a representative example of Monterey Revival architecture. 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 2). 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 incentives 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