75B - PH - EIR 1584 SANTA CLARA - Laserfiche WebLink

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Final EIR No. 2011 -01, VA No. 2012 -04 & VTTM No. 2012 -02 February 10, 2014 Page 7 Selection of Environmentally Preferred Alternative As previously mentioned the Historic Preservation Alternative is similar to the originally proposed project except that it would preserve in place the existing Sexlinger Farmhouse and detached garage on a 10,044 square foot parcel at the northwest corner of the five -acre site. The exterior of the structure and garage would be rehabilitated to Secretary of Interior historic preservation standards, and the house and garage would be returned to a single - family residential use and sold as one of the project units. Additionally, existing orange trees on this portion of the property would remain, with new trees planted to replace any dead or missing trees. A total of 22 new single family residences would be constructed on the remainder of the property. The impacts associated with this alternative have been found to be similar to the originally proposed 24 -unit project. For example, impacts related to air quality, noise, population and housing, recreation, transportation and traffic, and utilities would be similar to or less than the original project as one fewer unit is proposed. However, impacts to Cultural Resources would be significantly different as this alternative will prevent the demolition of the residence and garage and preserve them in place. This alternative will result in the rehabilitation of the Sexlinger Farmhouse and garage in its current location and the preservation of orange trees on a new 10,044 square foot lot. The five -acre project site would be changed from an unused residence and agricultural lot into a suburban development with a small orchard and 22 new single - family residences. The property would retain many of its major elements and convey the significance of a property type that was once common but now rare in the City. Through its rehabilitation, the property would receive a compatible new use that would protect and retain the property's character defining features, historic integrity and primary building and accessory structure. Surrounding the Sexlinger residence and garage with historic and in -kind replaced trees would also contribute to the property's ability to convey a specific period, time and agricultural past important to the community. Further, this alternative is the environmentally preferred alternative as it will result in the preservation and rehabilitation of a historically designated structure and a portion of the orchard and will reduce the impacts to a cultural resource to a less than significant impact to the historic resource. As a result, staff is recommending the Historic Preservation Alternative as the preferred project. Variances Variance requests are governed by Section 41 -638 of the SAMC. Variance requests may be granted when it can be shown that the following can be established: That there exists a special circumstance related to the property, such as size, shape, topography, location or surroundings. That the granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights. 75B -9