25A - AGMT - HISTORIC PROPERTIES

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HRCA No. 2015 -02 HRC No, 2015 -01 HPPA No. 2015 -04 April 2, 2015 Page 2 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 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. The first criterion for selection requires that structures be 50 or more years old. As detailed in the following property description, the structure proposed for placement on the Register meets the minimum age criterion. The analysis further indicates the criteria the property meets for consideration of historic designation. No known code violations exist at this property. The structure, known as the Gregory House, is a good example of period architecture and was built in 1930. It is designed in an English Tudor Revival style and is in excellent condition. The first owners were Isaac Merrit Gregory and his wife Gladys. Mr. Gregory was an oil salesman and served in WWI. Character defining features of the Gregory House that should be preserved include, but may not be limited to, exterior materials such as brick window surrounds and fagade decorations, original wood windows, chimney, and roof configuration. It is recommended to be designated to the Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties and categorized as "Contributive" as it is a good example of period architecture (Exhibit 2). 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 alterations to the property Upon consideration of the application, it is recommended that the City enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement. 25A -46