Item 34 - Public Hearing - Appeal Application No. 2024-01 for Construction of a 23’-4” Tall Accessory Building (2221 N Heliotrope Drive)

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Appeal Application No. 2024-01 for Construction of a 23'-4" Tall Accessory Building (2221 N Heliotrope Drive) November 19, 2024 Page 6 Park as a National Historic District. Moreover, the appellant provides further questions about whether the owners will be held accountable for obtaining retroactive building permits for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), as well as maintenance/upkeep of the "historically important home," and how the City will monitor the site to ensure it is not being used as a cultural center. Staff notes that the appellant does not provide any evidence to substantiate that the proposed project would adversely impact the community, pursuant to Section 41-638 of the SAMC. Specifically, the appellant does not provide evidence that the project will be a detriment to the general wellbeing of the neighborhood or the community; detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity; would adversely affect the present economic stability or future economic development of property in the surrounding area; does not comply with the regulations and conditions specified in this chapter for such use; and would adversely affect the general plan of the city or any specific plan applicable to the area of the proposed use. Nevertheless, a comprehensive response on the appeal items previously outlined has been prepared and can be found in Exhibit 6. Site and Project Background The site contains a historical structure known as the Maharajah House, which was constructed in 1938 and was placed in the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties ("Register") and categorized as "Landmark" in 2003. The property qualifies for listing in the Santa Ana Register under Criterion 1 for its exemplification of the Art Moderne variant of the Moderne style and under Criterion 4b, for its association with a foreign ruling family, the Holkars of Indore, India. Moreover, the property satisfied two criteria for landmark categorization: "unique architectural significance" as an example of the Art Moderne style in Santa Ana and "historic/cultural significance" as the residence of a sitting ruler of Indore. The Maharajah House is also listed as contributor to the Floral Park National Historic District. Lastly, the City of Santa Ana entered into a Mills Act Agreement with the property owners in 2014. For reference, additional historic information on the property can be found in Exhibit 3. The subject site was previously improved with a freestanding one-story garden house with a porch, built in 2004. Similar to the proposed pavilion, the garden house was dismantled, shipped from Vietnam, and reconstructed on the property. The garden house was built in Vietnam circa 1847 and was brought over piece by piece to Santa Ana. At the time, the property owners also imported a bell tower with three 18th- and 19th-century bells, marble sculptures, a collection of 11th-century foo dogs, and a water feature. The building permits for the garden house were reviewed and processed administratively by City staff. Pursuant to Chapter 30 of the SAMC, on -site accessory structures can be reviewed and approved administratively by staff. Therefore, the structure did not require discretionary review due to the fact that it is considered an