HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-09 Historic Resources Board Agenda Packet_______________________
1.Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2.The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3.The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
Historic Resources Board
Regular Meeting Agenda: December 9, 2021
Virtual Meeting
8:30 AM
****BY VIRTUAL TELECONFERENCE ONLY***
https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 968 0019 7512 Phone number: 1 669 900 6833
To prevent the spread of Covid-19, this meeting will be held by virtual
teleconference only, with no physical location. The meeting will be broadcast live
on Cable TV and through Channel 26 of the Midpen Media Center at
bit.ly/MidPenwatchnow.
Members of the public may comment by sending an email to
hrb@cityofpaloalto.org or by attending the Zoom virtual meeting to give live
comments. Instructions for the Zoom meeting can be found on the last page of
this agenda. Visit bit.ly/PApendingprojects to view project plans and details.
Call to Order / Roll Call
Oral Communications
The public may speak to any item not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,2
1.Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing for Historic Resources
Board During Covid-19 State of Emergency
Agenda Changes, Additions, and Deletions
The Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
City Official Reports
2.Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meeting and Assignments
Action Items
Public Comment Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Ten (10) minutes, plus ten (10) minutes rebuttal. All
others: Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,3
3.Update on SB9 Urgency Ordinance and Discussion of Topics for 2022 Historic
Resources Board Retreat
_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
Board Member Questions, Comments or Announcements
Adjournment
_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
Palo Alto Historic Resources Board
Boardmember Biographies, Present and Archived Agendas and Reports are available online:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/architectural/default.asp. The HRB Boardmembers
are:
Chair Caroline Willis
Vice Chair Christian Pease
Boardmember David Bower
Boardmember Gogo Heinrich
Boardmember Michael Makinen
Boardmember Margaret Wimmer
Get Informed and Be Engaged!
View online: http://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city-of-palo-alto/ or on Channel
26.
Public comment is encouraged. Email the HRB at: hrb@cityofpaloalto.org. Material related to
an item on this agenda submitted to the HRB after distribution of the agenda packet is available
for public inspection at the address above.
Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a
manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an
appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs,
or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing
ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least
24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.
_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
Public Comment Instructions
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to hrb@CityofPaloAlto.org
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Board, click on the link below. Please read the
following instructions carefully.
• You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in-browser. If
using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser.
• You will be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify
you that it is your turn to speak.
• When you wish to speak on an agenda item, click on “raise hand”. The
moderator will activate and unmute attendees in turn. Speakers will be notified
shortly before they are called to speak. The Zoom application will prompt you to
unmute your microphone when it is your turn to speak.
• When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
• A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
https://zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 968 0019 7512
Phone number: 1 669 900 6833
(you may need to exclude the initial “1” depending on your phone service)
Historic Resources Board
Staff Report (ID # 13749)
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 12/9/2021
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing for Historic
Resources Board
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing
for Historic Resources Board During Covid-19 State of
Emergency
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) authorizing the use of teleconferencing under Government
Code Section 54953(e) for meetings of the Historic Resources Board and its committees due to
the Covid-19 declared state of emergency.
Background
In February and March 2020, the state and the County declared a state of emergency due to
the Covid-19 pandemic. Both emergency declarations remain in effect.
On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act,
effective October 1, 2021, to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by
teleconferencing during a state of emergency without complying with restrictions in State
law that would otherwise apply, provided that the policy bodies make certain findings at
least once every 30 days.
AB 361, codified at California Government Code Section 54953(e), empowers local policy
bodies to convene by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency
under the State Emergency Services Act in any of the following circumstances:
(A) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency, and
state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social
distancing.
(B) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency for
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City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services Department Page 2
the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the
emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or
safety of attendees.
(C) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency and
has determined, by majority vote, pursuant to subparagraph (B) (B), that, as a
result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the
health or safety of attendees. (Gov. Code § 54953(e)(1).)
In addition, Section 54953(e)(3) requires that policy bodies using teleconferencing reconsider
the state of emergency within 30 days of the first teleconferenced meeting after October 1,
2021, and at least every 30 days thereafter, and find that one of the following circumstances
exists:
1. The state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the
members to meet safely in person.
2. State or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to
promote social distancing.
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City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services Department Page 3
Discussion
At this time, the circumstances in Section 54953(e)( 1)(A) exist. The Santa Clara County Health
Officer continues to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and
other social distancing measures, such as masking, in certain contexts. (See August 2, 2021
Order.) In addition, the California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational
Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of
Regulations, which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and
instruct employees about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including
physical distancing and other social distancing measures.
Accordingly, Section 54953(e)(1)(A) authorizes the City to continue using teleconferencing for
public meetings of its policy bodies, provided that any and all members of the public who wish
to address the body or its committees have an opportunity to do so, and that the statutory and
constitutional rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting via
teleconferencing are protected.
To comply with public health directives and promote public safety, Palo Alto policy bodies
have been meeting via teleconference since March 2020. On September 27, 2021, the City
Council considered the format for future Council, committee, and Board and Commission
meetings. Council determined that beginning November 1, 2021, Council meetings would be
conducted using a hybrid format that allows Council Members and the public to decide
whether to attend in person, following masking and distancing protocols, or participate via
teleconference. Council directed that Council standing and ad-hoc committees and Boards
and Commissions would continue meeting via teleconference until mid-January 2022.
Adoption of the Resolution at Attachment A will make the findings required by Section
54953(e)(3) to allow the continued use of teleconferencing for meetings of the Historic
Resources Board and its committees.
Report Author & Contact Information HRB1 Liaison & Contact Information
Amy French, AICP, Chief Planning Official Amy French, AICP, Chief Planning Official
(650) 329-2336 (650) 329-2336
amy.french@cityofpaloalto.org amy.french@cityofpaloalto.org
Attachments:
• Attachment A: HRB resolution December 9 2021 (DOCX)
1 Emails may be sent directly to the HRB using the following address: hrb@cityofpaloalto.org
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NOT YET APPROVED
Resolution No. ____
Resolution Making Findings to Allow Teleconferenced Meetings Under California Government
Code Section 54953(e)
R E C I T A L S
A. California Government Code Section 54953(e) empowers local policy bodies to convene
by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency under the State Emergency
Services Act so long as certain conditions are met; and
B. In March 2020, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a state of emergency
in California in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic, and that state
of emergency remains in effect; and
C. In February 2020, the Santa Clara County Director of Emergency Services and the
Santa Clara County Health Officer declared a local emergency, which declarations were
subsequently ratified and extended by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and
those declarations also remain in effect; and
D. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act
to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a state of emergency
without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the
policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days; and
E. While federal, State, and local health officials emphasize the critical importance of
vaccination and consistent mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Santa Clara County
Health Officer has issued at least one order, on August 2, 2021 (available online at here), that continues
to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and other social distancing
measures, such as masking, in certain contexts; and
F. The California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (“Cal/OSHA”) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations,
which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and instruct employees
about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing and other
social distancing measures; and
G. The Historic Resources Board has met remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and can
continue to do so in a manner that allows public participation and transparency while minimizing
health risks to members, staff, and the public that would be present with in-person meetings while
this emergency continues; now, therefore,
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NOT YET APPROVED
The Historic Resources Board RESOLVES as follows:
1. As described above, the State of California remains in a state of emergency due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. At this meeting, the Historic Resources Board has considered the
circumstances of the state of emergency.
2. As described above, State and County officials continue to recommend measures
to promote physical distancing and other social distancing measures, in some
settings.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That for at least the next 30 days, meetings of the Historic Resources
Board and its committees will occur using teleconferencing technology. Such meetings of the
Historic Resources Board and its committees that occur using teleconferencing technology will
provide an opportunity for any and all members of the public who wish to address the body and its
committees and will otherwise occur in a manner that protects the statutory and constitutional
rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting via teleconferencing; and, be
it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Historic Resources Board staff liaison is directed to place a resolution
substantially similar to this resolution on the agenda of a future meeting of the Historic Resources
Board within the next 30 days. If the Historic Resources Board does not meet within the next 30 days,
the staff liaison is directed to place a such resolution on the agenda of the immediately following
meeting of the Historic Resources Board.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
Staff Liaison Chair of Historic Resources Board
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
City Attorney Department Head
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Historic Resources Board
Staff Report (ID # 13854)
Report Type: City Official Reports Meeting Date: 12/9/2021
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: HRB Schedule of Meeting & Assignments
Title: Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meeting and
Assignments
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Historic Resources Board (HRB) review and comment as appropriate.
Background
Attached is the HRB meeting schedule and attendance record for the calendar year. This is
provided for informational purposes. If individual Boardmembers anticipate being absent from
a future meeting, it is requested that be brought to staff’s attention when considering this item.
No action is required by the HRB for this item.
Attachments:
• 2021 HRB Meeting Schedule Assignments (DOCX)
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Historic Resources Board
Meeting Schedule & Assignments
2021 Schedule
Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences
1/14/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
1/28/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
2/11/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
2/25/2021 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
3/11/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
3/25/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
4/8/2021 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
4/22/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
5/13/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
5/27/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
6/10/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
6/24/2021 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
7/8/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
7/22/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
8/12/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
8/26/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
9/9/2021 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
9/23/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
10/14/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
10/28/2021 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
11/11/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled Veteran’s Day
11/25/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled Thanksgiving
12/9/2021 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
12/23/2021 8:30 AM Cancelled Cancelled
2021 Subcommittee Assignments
January February March April May June
July August September October November December
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Historic Resources Board
Staff Report (ID # 13425)
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 12/9/2021
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: Update on SB9 Urgency Ordinance and HRB Retreat Topics
Discussion
Title: Update on SB9 Urgency Ordinance and Discussion of Topics for
2022 Historic Resources Board Retreat
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Historic Resources Board (HRB) take the following action(s):
1. Receive staff’s update regarding the December 6, 2021 Council agenda item regarding
an urgency/interim ordinance implementing 2021 State legislation (SB9 and SB478) and
provide comments
2. Discuss topics for the upcoming January 2022 retreat and finalize the agenda
Background
On October 28, 2021, staff updated the HRB regarding the ongoing Housing Working Group
process and recently passed State housing legislation as related to historic resources. The
September 9, 2021 HRB report contained the potential retreat topics for discussion.
HEWG Progress
The December 2, the Housing Element Working Group (HEWG) meeting had these goals:
a. Revise the ‘Pipeline’ yield from 405 units to 515 units
b. Revise the ‘Accessory Dwelling Unit yield’ from 400 units to 512 unit.
c. Approve the 127 units from the staff suggested sites
d. Approve inclusion of 6,953 units in the housing inventory list, as outlined in the Proposed
Working Group 12/2/21 list, to meet the City’s RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation)
e. Place 2,052 units into the Reserve list, as outlined in the Proposed Reserve List 12/2/21
f. Recommend the Planning and Transportation Commission recommend approval of the
site selection strategies and unit yields.
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City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services Department Page 2
The City’s Housing Element 2023-2031 webpage link is here:
https://paloaltohousingelement.com/. Links to the December 2 staff report1, which contains
the ‘Housing Inventory List’ of addresses (that could yield 6,953 units), the Housing Element
2021-2031 Potential Sites Map2 and the Proposed Reserve List3 (of 2,052 potential units) are
provided below. Note the Proposed Reserve List of sites contains potentially eligible historic
resources, but these will NOT be included in the Housing Element.
State Housing Legislation Urgency Ordinance
The December 6, 2021 City Council meeting agenda included consideration and adoption of an
Interim Urgency Ordinance implementing State housing legislation (SB9 and SB478) that goes
into effect January 2022. Discussion of the SB9 item begins on page 198 of the Council packet,
viewable at this link: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/city-council-agendas-minutes/2021/12-
december/20211206/20211206pccsm-final.pdf#page=198. The December 6th report notes that
robust public engagement has not occurred due to the short time between adoption and
implementation. Staff anticipates “robust public engagement efforts by hosting study sessions,
workshops, and hearings while considering permanent ordinances for SB 9, SB 478, and
strengthening local no-net loss provisions.” The two new ministerial processes that SB9
mandates are for ‘two-unit development’ and ‘urban lot split’ in the R1 and RE zones. To qualify
for the SB9 processes, among other criteria, “The project cannot be on a site designated as a
local or state historic landmark or within a local or state historic district.” The report provides a
summary of the “before” and “after” SB9 implementation, for Listed Historic Resources in Palo
Alto. The terms shown as ‘The Way it is Now’ and ‘The Way it Will Be’ are use in the below table
that excerpts the portion of the December 6th staff report.
The Way it is Now The Way it Will Be
Proposals to demolish an existing home and build a one-story home are not
discretionary. Historic resources are not protected and do not require discretionary
approval.
By limiting and in some
cases prohibiting the IR
process and/or
discretionary approval, the
City will have fewer
opportunities to identify
eligible historic resources.
Homes may be demolished
without evaluations.
This issue will be revisited
The proposed demolition of a listed category 1 or 2 resource or a listed category 1 -
4 property in Professorville and Downtown to be replaced by a two-story home,
requires discretionary approval and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
review.
The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan states a proposal to demolish a home must be
preceded by a historic resource evaluation to determine eligibility for the California
Register of Historical Resources (CRHR).
If a home is eligible to be listed—but not listed—and a two-story home or other
discretionary approval is requested, then CEQA review may apply.
1 Housing Element Working Group report 12-2-21 link: https://paloaltohousingelement.com/wp-
content/uploads/2021/11/Dec-2nd-Memo_Site-Selection-with-Attachment-A.pdf
2 Potential Housing Sites Map link: https://paloaltohousingelement.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Housing-
Element-2023-2031_Potential-Sites__DRAFT-_11242021.pdf
3 Reserve list link: https://paloaltohousingelement.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Attachment-A-Reserve-List-
Palo-Alto-Full-Sites-Inventory-12.02-version-1.pdf
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City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services Department Page 3
Through the performance of historic resource evaluations, the City identifies more
eligible historic resources. The list of eligible resources is sent yearly to the State of
California.
and further researched
during development of a
permanent ordinance.
Potential Retreat Topics
In the September 9, 2021 HRB report, the following potential retreat topics were listed:
1. Introductions: Members convey interest in Preservation/HRB, background
2. Goals for the year: Members note two to three goals, large or small, they would like to see
the HRB accomplish in the upcoming year
3. Mills Act: Review history of Mills Act in Palo Alto, decide how best to proceed
4. Virtual Preservation (HABS): Discuss the Secretary of the Interior’s American Buildings Survey
Standard (HABS) and how we might modify it to establish a digital archive of our historic
properties (See page 3 of Vice Chair Pease’s document, Attachment E)
5. 1998-2000 Survey Update: Review status, access, relationship to Inventory2
6. HRB Outreach: Blogs, Workshops, and how best to encourage preservation in Palo Alto
On September 9th the HRB reviewed the retreat topics and seemed to be interested in adding
another topic (the Comprehensive Plan). The minutes are viewable here:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/historic-resources-board/2021/hrb-10.28-sept-9-minutes.pdf
The HRB retreat date was postponed from October 2021 to January 2022, given the City’s need
to prepare protocols for hybrid meetings and follow Council direction for boards and
commissions to wait until January to meet in person (or continue to adopt resolutions to meet
remotely due to public health concerns).
Discussion
HRB Work Plan
Staff previously suggested an HRB discussion regarding potential for amendments to the
Historic Resources Board Work Plan. The HRB may wish to discuss whether or not to amend the
HRB work plan for 2022 to add Vice Chair Pease’s project on documentation and Board member
Makinen’s poster project. As well, a discussion would be timely – given SB9 implementation via
urgency ordinance - to begin the process to update the local inventory and participate in
outreach related to development of a permanent implementation ordinance.
Potential Survey/Inventory Update
The October 28, 2021 HRB report transmitted the plan and background documents regarding
eligible historic resources, for the HRB’s consideration. The report also contained the historic
preservation ordinance section regarding nominations to the City’s local historic inventory.
Since October 28, staff reached out to the City’s on-call consultant, who has provided staff with
steps to an inventory update. This depends upon obtaining City Council direction to staff to
proceed with Comprehensive Plan Policy 7.1.1 to update the Palo Alto Local Inventory with the
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City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services Department Page 4
properties determined eligible for the California and National Registers. A survey would include
a review of the eligible properties for integrity, proper documentation regarding eligible
properties, outreach to property owners, notices to neighbors, and hearings with the HRB and
Council.
HRB Retreat
The HRB may wish to finalize the potential topics for the January retreat agenda.
Ad Hoc Committee Updates
The HRB Chair seeks to have status updates from the three Ad Hoc Committees (Mapping,
Inventory and Mills Act) on their progress and next steps, with 15 to 20 minutes per topic with
presentation and discussion. Given the State housing legislation implementation timeline, staff
would suggest the HRB prioritize the work of the Mapping and Inventory committees.
Report Author & Contact Information HRB4 Liaison & Contact Information
Amy French, AICP, Chief Planning Official Amy French, AICP, Chief Planning Official
(650) 329-2336 (650) 329-2336
amy.french@cityofpaloalto.org amy.french@cityofpaloalto.org
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Potential HRB Processes and Work Plan Initiatives (PDF)
4 Emails may be sent directly to the HRB using the following address: hrb@cityofpaloalto.org
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Potential HRB Processes and Work Plan Initiatives
FOR DISCUSSION ONLY
Christian Pease, Vice Chair
Prepared at the request of Caroline Willis, Chair
City of Palo Alto Historic Resources Board (HRB)
Purpose –
The intent of this document is to facilitate board discussion pursuant to the completion of a Work
Plan, as mandated by the City Council for its consideration and approval.
Initial Assumptions –
1) City staff resources assist the HRB with new initiatives will tightly constrained for the
foreseeable future.
2) Little of no budget (beyond staff hours) will be available to fund HRB initiatives generally.
HRB Outreach –
There appears to be consensus that the goal of establishing an on-going, effective, and
sustainable HRB outreach program is important to continued relevance of the HRB and
appropriate preservation of Palo Alto’s historic resources over time..
Preservation Constituencies –
The public worth and purpose of any civic organization or entity is by nature commonly defined
and measured by the value it provides or creates for its constituents.
Identifying and honing in on specific segments within the more expansive definition of
“community” (residents, businesses, stakeholders, etc.) is typically considered a best practice for
maximizing benefits in for the cost and time invested in doing so.
With respect to historic preservation, constituent segments might include:
1) Owners who believe their property has historic merit and are interested in obtaining a historic
designation, but first need to understand the costs and advantages of doing so – what the
process entails and to what end.
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2) Professional investors, real estate developers, and builders who need a clear understanding
what may, or may not constitute a historic site or structure, what the associated financial
implications might be for their project, as well as how to proceed efficiently to resolve open
questions in order to make informed decisions.
3) Enthusiasts, volunteers with avocational knowledge, professionally skilled and expert
retirees, and youth motivated to engage community service projects in support of their
college and university admissions goals – are all part of Palo Alto’s rich pool of talent. This
abundance talent present opportunities to source contributions in support preserving historic
assets that might not otherwise not be done.
Example HRB initiatives per its required work plan –
For property owners: Adoption of the Mills Act – State of California – an economic
incentive program for the restoration and preservation of qualified historic buildings by
private property owners.
Apparently, quite a bit of work has already been done to compile and shape the information
and data needed for the City Council to consider adoption of the Mills Act. But this work has
laid fallow since the only fulltime historic preservation city staff position was eliminated
some years ago.
Nonetheless, this presents an opportunity for the HRB to revisit this work in progress and
potentially build upon it.
For example:
Pursuant to motivating City Council consideration and adoption of the Mills Act, what
existing documentation/work-in-progress materials are extant? And what is required to gain
access to them for review and evaluation?
How might the HRB develop a task plan to identify and scope the effort needed to prepare
those materials for submission?
And what new research and analysis might be needed to fit them current conditions and
realities?
For example, what have other nearby and in-region cities done with respect to adopting the
Mills Act – including understanding municipal revenue impacts – so Palo Alto can take
advantage of what they have learned and done?
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For developers and builders: Creation of local digital preservation standard – to
capture content and create records of historic Palo Alto structures that are slated to be
demolished or significantly altered.
Premise: Adequate virtual preservation is better than no preservation at all!
For me, the demolition of the Campos building on El Camino Real trigged this idea.
That structure was deemed unqualified preservation and it was torn down without
documenting any of its salient features.
What is interesting is that in a time that emphasizes inclusion of people of color and other
marginalized communities that have long been left out much of the historical record, the
imperative to do so had to be balanced with the need for new, additional housing.
And there is also a precedent for this virtual approach: The Secretary of Interior Historic
American Buildings Survey Standard (HABS).
HABS is slowly evolving from its analogue roots, however it remains too complex, resource
intensive, and costly to provide a reasonable way to routinely capture content associated with
historic buildings, that for whatever reason, are going to be demolished.
The goal would be to create a local standard that streamlines digital capture, workflow, and
archiving of virtual historic preservation content, including best practices that make it easy
for practitioners to learn and implement.
Again, there is a lot of civic minded talent in our city. Just one example is the Palo Alto
Camera Club, whose membership includes many talented, award winning, and technically
skilled shooters. The club is often approached to cover local events on a volunteer, or small
stipend basis.
Gaining support for this preservation technique suggests many possibilities:
• Surveying and analyzing same or similar, or otherwise relevant digital preservation
efforts or programs used in other California municipalities..
• Scoping and validating cost parameters: Front-end, one-time costs for content
capture, organization, and quality assurance; back-end and ongoing costs for
repository and access infrastructure and operations.
• Identify advantages that this approach might covey to key constituencies and
stakeholders such as property owners and developers, as well as generating historical,
educational, accessibility benefits to our community as whole.
3.a
Packet Pg. 18