HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-21 City Council (10)City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE:November 21, 1996 CMR:477:96
SUBJECT:Juana Briones de Miranda House, 4155 Old Adobe Road
REQUEST
This is an informational report summarizing the current status of the Juana Briones house. No
Council action is required.
RECOMMENDATIONS
No recommendations are presented in this report.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Policy implications associated with this historic structure will be discussed in a subsequent staff
report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On January 11, 1996, an inspection of this building was conducted to more thoroughly
investigate the extent of structural damage caused by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. This
damage had been noticed during an earlier inspection to verify the existence of unpermitted
alterations and remodeling. The structural inspection revealed significant damage to the adobe
portion of the house, and the building was deemed to be a "dangerous building" as defined in
Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.40. The owner was then notified to vacate the adobe
portion of the house but was allowed to continue occupancy of the newer wood frame portions,
as long as the structural conditions did not worsen.
This arrangement continued until October 18, 1996, when the owner advised staff that he and
his family had completely vacated the house due to further deterioration of one of the damaged
areas. At that time he also inquired about the possibility of obtaining a demolition permit. He
was advised of the restrictions for issuance of permits to demolish a category one historical
structure and of the current moratorium on the demolition ofpre-1940 homes. As of this time,
a demolition permit application has no_At been submitted. It is staffs understanding that the
CMR:477:96 Page 1 of 2
property is now for sale and a few potential buyers have contacted Planning and Building staff
regarding both the restoration and the demolition options.
Bt~ding inspection staffreinspected the house on November 19, 1996. There is a perceptible
increase in the deflection, or bowing, of one of the damaged exterior walls. From a safety point
of view, no immediate action is required. The building is not occupied; the adobe walls are
shored; and its remote location, on a large lot, eliminates any potential hazard to the general
public.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
There is no environmental assessment required with this report.
ATTACHMENTS
None
PREPARED BY: Mike Baird, Supervisor, Building Inspection
DEPARTMENT HEAD REVIEW:
KENNETH R. SCHREIBER
Director of Planning and Community
Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
C~
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