Item 33 - Historic Property Preservation Agreements

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HRCA No. 2023-17, HRC 2023-3, HPPA No. 2023-9 — Geddes -Charlton House (1908 N. Greenleaf Street) September 7, 2023 Page 4 window sill and wood shutters throughout; a single metal vent under the projecting front gable and two round vents under the primary front gable; a metal mail slot adjacent to the primary entrance; Hollywood driveway; and front yard lawn with landscaping including mature trees and shrubs. Because the detached garage is not original, it is considered compatible to the historic site but is not a character -defining feature. The Geddes -Charlton House qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties under Criterion 1 as an intact example of a Tudor Revival style home in Santa Ana. The recommended categorization is "Key" because it has a distinctive architectural style and quality reflective of the Tudor Revival style. This category is reserved for structures exemplifying greater architectural significance than the "Contributive" category, in addition to contributing to the overall neighborhood or district within the City of Santa Ana. The property is worthy of "Key" status due to the building's Tudor Revival style and quality craftsmanship which features a steeply -pitched multi -gable roof; half-timbering; and multi -light wood windows that are both fixed and casement style, among other original features. 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 The property has no identified unauthorized modifications. Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement. Overall, future improvements proposed by the homeowner during the initial ten years of the Mills Act Agreement include replace two non -original vinyl windows at rear to wood Historic Resources Commission 1-4 9/7/2023