25A - AGMTS - HISTORIC PROPERTY PRES

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HRCA No. 2014- 10 /HRC No. 2014 -11 HPPA No. 2014 -04 November 20, 2014 Page 2 architecture of the city in accordance with the criteria set forth in Section 30 -2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC). This project entails applying the selection criteria established in Chapter 30 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (Places of Historical and Architectural Significance) to determine if this structure is eligible for historic designation to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties. The first criterion for selection requires that the structures be 50 or more years old. The structure identified meets the minimum selection criteria for inclusion on the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties pursuant to criteria contained in Section 30 -2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code. Staff analysis indicates the property meets eligible criteria for consideration of a historic designation. No known code violations exist on record for this property. The property, also recognized as the Neiman House, has distinctive architectural features of a unique Storybook design, a variant of the English Revival style, and was built in 1931 for Mr. and Mrs. Jacob and Jennie Neiman. Mr. Neiman came to Santa Ana circa 1920 and became a rancher. He was also a past trustee of the Santa Ana Elks Lodge. Character defining features of the Neiman House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to, materials and finishes (stucco, brick); roof configuration, materials, and treatment; massing and composition; entry porch; doors and windows; architectural detailing (roofing pattern, recessed window placement, attic vents); chimney; and garage (Exhibit 2). It is recommended to be designated to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties and categorized as "Landmark" because the residence has been determined to be eligible for the National Register, is listed in the California Register, has "unique architectural significance" as a highly intact example of the Storybook Variant of the English Revival style, and contributes to a district that has "historical /cultural significance to the City" as an example of the City Beautiful planning movement. 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 3). 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 incentive 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: • Longterm 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 alternations to the property i► f: